In this high-powered episode of The Dirty Verdict, the guys welcome legal heavyweight Kyle Farrar, two-time National Trial Lawyer of the Year and appellate ace, for an in-depth look at two of the most talked-about product liability verdicts in the country — including a $31 million Miami verdict and a nearly $1 billion seatbelt defect case against Mitsubishi.

From starting a boutique plaintiff’s firm with a loan and a tire case they swore they’d never take, to building a national litigation powerhouse, Kyle recounts his journey in candid, hilarious, and jaw-dropping detail. And yes — they even dive into lemur litigation.

Highlights from the Show:

• 🎯 $31 Million Miami Verdict: How a flying wheel assembly led to a tragic loss — and a high-stakes agency theory trial win.
• 🏛️ The Mitsubishi Seatbelt Case: A 1992 sports car, rip-stitch seatbelt defect, and a billion-dollar judgment that changed lives.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Trial Tactics & Jury Strategy: From unique jury selection in Florida to prepping witnesses with master consultants.
• 🔧 Auto Products & Tire Litigation: How Kyle’s firm came to dominate the nation’s tire defect docket — by accident.
• 🧠 Mentorship & Firm Building: Starting a firm on fumes, hiring their first lawyer the day Kyle’s son was born, and growing into a national presence.
• 🐒 The Lemur Case: A surprise detour into Texas’s most unforgettable monkey-mauling mailman lawsuit.
• 🙌 Faith, Mission Work & Client Humanity: Heartfelt moments from clients whose lives were changed — and how Kyle’s team helped them seek justice.
• 🗣️ Lawyering in Loud Courtrooms: Miami lawyers, Zoom deposition brawls, and what not to do when pro hac vice.
• 🎥 Alex Jones Trial Behind the Scenes: Kyle recalls the viral courtroom moment when Jones tried to confront him mid-trial.

Bonus:
Find out what happens when you tell opposing counsel to "shut your mouth" in a deposition — and why Wes Ball didn’t know he was trying the case until a week in.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
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🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok & Instagram for clips and updates

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In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court.

From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, this episode is a must-listen for understanding grassroots justice in action.

Episode Highlights:

• 🎙️ Meet Judge Steve Duble: From pro bono eviction work to the JP bench
• ⚖️ JP Court vs. Civil Court: Different rules, different world
• 🧾 Why traditional legal procedures don’t apply in JP Court—and what does
• 🏘️ Evictions 101: Why even multimillion-dollar cases start in JP court
• 🧠 Mental health dockets, traffic tickets, and dangerous dog cases—yes, really
• 💸 The debt docket: 6,000+ active cases and how Judge Duble handles them
• 📲 How technology (and Zoom court) is changing access to justice
• 📚 Creating a resource center: printed legal forms, free computer access, and more
• 🧑‍⚖️ Why lawyers don’t need to be lawyers to become a JP in Texas
• 💥 The most bizarre cases, including HOA drama, dog haircuts, and a sorority party gone wrong
• 🏛️ Access to Justice: Working with nonprofits, law schools, and the United Way to help those in need
• 🎓 Advice for young attorneys: Know the 500 Rules and stay flexible
• 🎯 Future plans: Grants, programs, and why Judge Duble has no desire to move up to a “court of record”

Bonus:
Find out why The Dirty Verdict still doesn’t have a live JP court stream, and why Kyle and Bill are considering a field trip to test the limits of hotel eviction law.

📍Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook—and yes, even LinkedIn. Stay tuned for upcoming guests and our next podcast road trip.

👉 Learn more about Judge Duble’s access to justice efforts: www.steveduble.com

Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to a family loss, Peter and Kyle explore the twists and turns of this 12-day trial, revealing how a small case became a big lesson in human psychology and legal maneuvering.

Episode Highlights:

• The Case Setup: A homeowner couple hired Kevin Spearman Design for a home renovation, leading to disputes over pricing and documentation that culminated in a 2024 jury trial in Houston’s 165th District Court.
• High Stakes, Low Outcome: The plaintiffs sought $5.598 million against Kevin Spearman Design and $3.86 million against Spearman personally, but the jury delivered a “take nothing” judgment, favoring the defense.
• The Unsigned Contract Controversy: A pivotal issue was the unsigned contract, which the plaintiffs disputed but the jury upheld, supported by the homeowners’ actions aligning with its terms.
• Emotional Undercurrents: Tensions flared over a note accusing Spearman of “shafting” the plaintiffs on arts and accessories, revealing a breakdown in trust that fueled the lawsuit.
• Courtroom Creativity: Matt Mussalli’s innovative use of a Clue board game in closing arguments and a plaintiff’s own book during cross-examination brought drama and wit to the trial.
• Jury Dynamics: The trial, extended from three to 12 days, saw jurors bond as the “KSD 12,” even creating a t-shirt for Judge Hall, reflecting their commitment and engagement.
• Lessons in Proportion: The episode explores how a $374,000 project ballooned into a $9.4 million claim, underscoring the pitfalls of letting emotion drive litigation.

Subscribe to The Dirty Verdict Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or wherever you get your podcasts for more gripping legal stories!