Behind The Trial podcast: Mike McKool, McKool Smith

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

Behind The Trial podcast: Mike McKool, McKool Smith

Sponsored by

mckool.png
btt-newsletter.jpg

In association with McKool Smith, the Behind the Trial podcast series features in-depth discussions with the US's most iconic trial lawyers. Episode 10 features an interview with Mike McKool, chairman and a founder of McKool Smith

  

Behind The Trial · EP 10 - Mike McKool

Episode 10 of Behind the Trial features an interview with Mike McKool. 

As chairman and a founder of McKool Smith, Mike is largely responsible for creating what The Wall Street Journal describes as "one of the biggest law firm success stories of the past decade". 

Established in 1991, the firm has amassed 21 VerdictSearch "Top 100 Verdicts" – more than any other law firm. Mike's rigorous case preparation, formidable courtroom skills, and superlative record place him among the US’s most prominent trial lawyers. 

In his 45-year career, he has tried more than 100 jury trials and developed an enhanced understanding of the psychology that governs how juries decide cases. His clients have included a who's who list of innovators and industry leaders – American Airlines, Alcoa, Ericsson, and legendary music producer Quincy Jones, among many others.

For previous episodes of Behind The Trial, please visit Managing IP's partner site Benchmark Litigation, here.

 

Behind The Trial

Behind The Trial on Stitcher

How do the most celebrated trial lawyers of our generation convince 12 strangers? What are their secrets of persuasion and tricks of the trade? "Behind the Trial" will take you to the front lines and reveal how it all works when lives, fortunes, and reputations hang in the balance.

Presented by Benchmark Litigation, in association with McKool Smith, the Behind the Trial podcast series features in-depth discussions with the nation's most iconic trial lawyers.

Behind the Trial captures the unique voice and style of each trial star by covering their best practices for presenting to a jury or judge, pitfalls to avoid, and the art of persuasion.


more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Junior lawyers aren’t unwilling to work hard, as some seniors believe; rather, they are rejecting traditional career advancement models that have limited payoff
Rebekah Gay discusses overcoming self-doubt, supporting the next generation of women lawyers, and how changing client demands are reshaping IP practice
New filing data suggests Germany's grip on UPC litigation remains strong, while Bardehle Pagenberg, Arnold Ruess, Hogan Lovells and Carpmaels notch up notable cases
In 27 years, KASS has expanded to seven countries in southeast Asia and is now eyeing further growth opportunities. Its CEO shares her perspective
Mine Güner discusses bridging law and business, taking the initiative, and why Taylor Swift helped put copyright on the map
Cindy Goh discusses why she launched Cheang & Ariff's IP department, the improving litigation environment in Malaysia and what to consider when using AI
Increased focus on adding patent litigation depth to the firm’s Dallas office was behind the boutique’s most recent hires
IPH's Canadian acquisitions are paying off on paper, but a couple of strong years may not be enough to show that the group's strategy has truly won over the market
Examiner statistics could help patent prosecution practitioners tailor strategies, turning an area of high variability into a potential competitive advantage
The England and Wales High Court’s ruling in Accord v Novartis may not rewrite the law on plausibility, but it does signal a pragmatic approach that could provide greater certainty for life sciences innovators
Gift this article