In this episode of Legal Latitudes, we sit down with Arya Tahmassebi — trial lawyer, law firm partner, and rising force in LA’s personal injury scene.

Arya shares what it was like starting out in one of the most competitive markets in the country, working his way from law student to partner at Mendez & Sanchez, one of the fastest-growing firms in Los Angeles.

We talk about what keeps trial lawyers hooked on the courtroom, how to scale a practice without burning out, and what it takes to lead — especially when your team is remote and working across borders. (Yes, Arya's team includes members based in Honduras.)

We also get into law firm systems, the role of AI, and how to keep your edge as a young lawyer navigating both business and litigation.

Whether you’re trying to build your own firm, love trial work, or just want to hear a sharp and humble perspective on making it in law — this one’s for you.

In this episode of Legal Latitudes – The Lathrop Law Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Havens, the 2025 President of Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and an absolute star in the courtroom. But before she was leading the justice charge, she was dominating the snowparks as a competitive snowboarder, throwing down rotations and pushing limits.

Sarah and I connect on a great level, especially when it comes to translating the drive and intensity of extreme sports into the legal world. We talk about her journey—from shredding mountains to taking on big cases, her early years as an attorney, and the legal conferences that shaped her career.

But this conversation gets personal. Sarah opens up about a pivotal part of her life: her decision to quit drinking and embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. It’s a raw and honest discussion about personal growth, balance, and how making tough choices can impact your career and well-being.

We also break down the evolving landscape of personal injury trial work, the overwhelming number of legal seminars out there, and what it really takes to be a top trial lawyer today.

🔥 If you're looking for an authentic, inspiring, and high-energy conversation about law, life, and pushing limits, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify! Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share—we’d love to hear your feedback! 🚀

🎙️ In this episode of Legal Latitudes, host Federico Lathrop welcomes two fun, dynamic, and interesting guests full of great insights for trial lawyers, Steve Hohman and Olivia Espinosa from Haus of Improv, are redefining trial preparation with techniques straight from the theater stage.

Steve and Olivia bring their extensive backgrounds in improv and acting to the legal world, sharing powerful tools that every trial lawyer can use to transform their courtroom presence. In this episode we dive deep into:

• The game-changing "Yes, And" mindset and how it can make cross-examinations more fluid and effective.
• Breaking free from rigid scripts and embracing spontaneity to connect with juries on a deeper level.
• The secrets of compelling storytelling that help trial lawyers create narratives that stick.
• Practical tips on mastering body language, non-verbal cues, and active listening in high-pressure situations.

Whether you’re a seasoned attorney looking to sharpen your skills or just curious about the intersection of law and theater, this episode offers actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Get ready to learn how improv can help you embrace the unexpected, connect authentically, and elevate your performance in the courtroom.

💡 Tune in now to discover the art of improvisation and how it can change the way you approach trial lawyering.