In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Peter, Kyle, and Bill welcome attorney Michelle Acosta to share her extraordinary journey. From advocating for others as a personal injury lawyer to becoming a plaintiff herself, Michelle’s story highlights resilience, the fight for justice, and navigating a legal system that sometimes falls short.

Michelle recounts her harrowing experiences, including a shocking courthouse incident involving another attorney, and the challenges she faced in holding him accountable. Her determination to stand up for herself—motivated by her role as a mother and attorney—led to a landmark civil trial that resulted in a $5 million jury award for mental anguish.

Join us as we delve into Michelle’s journey, the support she received from her legal team, and her message for other women in the legal profession. Michelle’s story is a testament to courage, persistence, and the power of using the civil justice system to demand accountability.

Show Notes

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introductions: Hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden kick off the episode.
• [03:20] Guest Introduction: Michelle Acosta, personal injury attorney and advocate from Houston, Texas.
• [10:15] Michelle’s background: From a diplomat’s daughter to a lawyer and mother of two.
• [25:40] The courthouse incident: Michelle’s shocking first experience as an attorney representing her brother.
• [42:50] Taking a stand: Reporting the incident and the legal challenges faced in the aftermath.
• [55:30] The civil trial: Facing defamation claims, discovery battles, and securing a jury award.
• [1:12:10] Lessons learned: Using personal experiences to connect with clients and advocate for justice.
• [1:25:00] Advice for others: Michelle shares insights for women in law and how to stand up against misconduct.

Key Takeaways:

• Michelle’s reflections on navigating the legal system as both an attorney and plaintiff.
• Insights into the challenges of addressing misconduct in the legal profession.
• The importance of support networks and allies in fighting for justice.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Michelle Acosta at Amaro Law Firm.
• Listen to more episodes of The Dirty Verdict Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
• Stay updated on Instagram @DirtyVerdictPodcast and Twitter @DirtyVerdict.