The Velvet Hammer: Recent Episodes
The Velvet Hammer
Trial lawyers can be real people, too – even when hosting a podcast. Oh sure we act like we have everything under control all the time. But of course we don’t. Take this photo – can you tell that I forgot to take out my invisalign braces and that my dress is accidentally on backwards…Certain adversaries have accused me of being overly dramatic, calculating, even a sensationalist. In one recent case some referred to me as: Queen Karen. But from my standpoint, I’m just your typical well-prepared, aggressive, dominating trial lawyer wrapped up in a sweet little mommy/grandma package. This podcast is an inside look at what makes trial lawyers tick. It is in real time. Is not pre-scripted or rehearsed. And most importantly – is fun.
Your mind hits rewind and suddenly you’re back in a meeting from last week, a mistake from ten years ago, or a conversation you wish you could redo. We dig into why rumination feels so convincing, how it differs from real reflection, and what it costs when the replay becomes a nonstop soundtrack of regret, second-guessing, and anxiety.
We talk through two very different coping styles. One of us can process hard events intensely for a short stretch and then “put it on a shelf,” which sounds simple until you realize it can be a trauma response and not a one-size-fits-all fix. Another one of us leans into rumination as a memory bank: a way to store emotional nuance, learn patterns, and predict what’s likely to happen next in people and situations. That can be useful in high-stress work and decision making, but it can also turn everything into threat scanning.
Along the way, we get real about mental health, ADHD-like fast thinking, and why rumination becomes unhealthy when it shows up as exhaustion, physical stress, or lost sleep. We also land on a surprisingly hopeful takeaway: different brains bring different strengths, and teams work better when we stop expecting one person to do every kind of thinking.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this processing or is this obsession?” you’ll feel seen here. Subscribe for more honest conversations, share this with someone who lives in their head, and leave a review with the one thought-loop you’re ready to break.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
You can feel it before the first question is even finished: the witness is about to lie. The problem is not whether you can prove it. The problem is when you should prove it. We talk through real deposition strategy and trial lawyer decision-making for dealing with false statements in sworn testimony, including the risk of confronting a lie too early and watching it get “fixed” the moment opposing counsel calls a break.
From police reports signed under penalty of perjury to high-stakes civil cases where self-preservation is the motive, we explain how we build a clean foundation, lock in testimony, and then decide whether the best impeachment moment belongs at trial in front of a jury. We also get into the mechanics of questioning liars without getting hypnotized by theater: drilling into time, place, sensory details, and sequence, and recognizing how made-up stories often lack the texture of real memory.
We shift to expert witnesses and the credibility landmines that come with them, from exaggerated credentials to omissions that can blow up an entire opinion. And we tackle a classic modern fact pattern: traffic camera footage contradicting a “green light” story, plus how false memory can be used to soften what still functions like a lie. We close with a blunt truth from our own practice: plaintiffs have to be honest with us, or the case is over. If this helped you think differently about deposition prep, cross-examination, and witness credibility, subscribe, share the episode with a lawyer friend, and leave a review. What’s your rule for when to confront a lie?
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
A single celebrity at courtside can flip a playoff game into a culture argument. We start with Taylor Swift, loop back to Madonna as a blueprint for modern pop fame, and then follow the real thread: why people get so defensive about who “belongs” in sports arenas and why cameras keep choosing celebrities over the action.
From Dave Portnoy’s complaints about fair-weather fans to the very real pull of seeing famous faces in the crowd, we talk about the power of celebrity culture and the attention economy. That turns into a blunt look at influencer marketing, social media performance, and the uncomfortable feeling that the feed is one long advertisement. We also admit the contradiction: we use podcasts and online visibility too, because in a crowded world even professionals need trust, content, and discoverability.
Then we go deeper into what’s changing right now with SEO and Google as AI reshapes search, and what that means for anyone trying to be found online. We also touch the darker side of chasing attention, including the pressure on younger influencers and the mental health toll that comes with living on feedback loops.
If any of this hits home, listen through and tell us where you land: are celebrities ruining sports, or just revealing what sports has already become? Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find us.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
People love to say they’re fine with aging right up until an older woman refuses to disappear. We start with Madonna, her decades-long career, and the noise surrounding her new music, then we get honest about what the backlash is really signaling: ageism, sexism, and a deep discomfort with women who stay powerful past the age society “assigns” them. If you’ve ever heard someone judged for how they look instead of what they built, you’ll recognize the pattern immediately.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
iew with your take: where have you seen age shape who gets listened to?
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, choosing the right attorney can be one of the most important decisions they'll ever make. But how do you know who to trust?
In this episode of Velvet Hammer, Senior Managing Partner Karen Koehler and Senior Partner Mo Hamoudi join Mike Todd to walk through a realistic personal injury scenario—from the moments after a serious collision to hiring a lawyer, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding contingency fees. Along the way, they pull back the curtain on how plaintiff's firms operate, what separates trial lawyers from high-volume settlement firms, and why insurance companies pay close attention to the attorney representing an injured client.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Karen and Mo vent about the special breed of defense lawyer who turns routine litigation into a personal drama, then acts shocked when we push back. Along the way, we break down how bad briefing and petty attacks destroy credibility, and why making a clean record can save a case.
• a defense filing that drags in a nickname instead of law and facts
• why bully defense lawyers often act thin-skinned
• how poor writing and incoherent arguments signal weakness
• the value of recording Zoom meet and confer conferences
• whether our approach creates tension or exposes existing tactics
• a late motion in limine built on a stop sign technicality
• the difference between nonsense arguments and factual falsehoods
• the trial skill that pays off most: conceding what you cannot win
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
"Mom, I need a break", Karen's daughter and personal assistant lets Karen know she needs a break. Karen talks about how driven she is and how it affects her life away from the office.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Karen and Mo discuss the trial and the challenges of taking on a case this old.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 22
The Verdict Part 2
Can expert witness testimony overcome decades-old missing records?
In Part 2 of this trial breakdown, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi discuss the expert witnesses, courtroom strategy, and pivotal testimony that helped establish liability in a childhood sexual abuse case involving institutional failures and destroyed records. From former child welfare professionals to a trauma psychologist whose testimony stopped the courtroom cold, they explain how expert testimony helped the jury understand what happened, what should have happened, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
The verdict is in. Karen and Mo talk about the case and how they feel after the jury has made its decision.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
The trial ends, the courtroom empties, and then comes the part nobody romanticizes: waiting for the verdict. After weeks of jury selection, motions, testimony, and closing arguments, we’re left staring at the one thing we can’t influence anymore. The jury takes a Memorial Day weekend pause, and that small delay turns into a magnifying glass on stress, control, and the way trial work gets under your skin.
Karen and Mo describe their feelings as they wait.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Karen asks Mo and Mike about professional and personal commitments and how they affect our lives. Do you find you overcommit in your life? Listen to our conclusions.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 18: The start of a trial
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd talk about Karen and Mo starting a new trial. What goes through their heads as they prepare and as the trial begins.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 17: Lawyer Burnout and How It Can Affect Clients
This is Part 3 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd have an honest conversation about lawyer burnout, mental health, substance abuse culture in the legal profession, and the dangerous reality of the “just keep going” mentality. Karen reflects on years of pushing through exhaustion while leading a law firm during the pandemic. Mo describes burnout as becoming untethered from yourself, losing meaning, and operating without purpose. Mike explains how burnout disconnects people from the things they once loved and how quickly that spiral can affect judgment, work, and relationships.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 16: Mental Health and Burnout in Trial Law
This is Part 2 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.Trial lawyers are trained to push through. Keep going. Don’t show weakness. So what happens when the pressure starts to build?
In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd take on something most lawyers avoid discussing: burnout is real, and pretending it isn’t can cost you more than your case.
Mo shares how close he’s come to burning out and why he stopped hiding it, even when it’s been used against him. Karen pushes back on the culture of law itself, calling it egotistical, performative, and disconnected from being human.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review telling us how you manage stress when the pressure doesn’t let up.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 15: The need to take care of yourself in the practice of law
This is Part 1 of a three-part series on mental and physical health for trial lawyers.
Karen, Mo, and Mike discuss the need for mental and physical health and how to manage it in your practice.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 14
Karen, Mo and Mike discuss the Afroman trial.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Karen, Mo and Mike discuss the urge to use the internet instead of using a lawyer and the pitfalls that can arise.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Recorded Live on March 24, 2026
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi bring their Velvet Hammer Podcast style to another important CLE. Learn why you should not take Amazon’s word for how much insurance is available in a delivery crash case. And why Amazon cannot insulate itself from liability by claiming its drivers are independent contractors.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 11: When Clients Google Their Lawsuit and It Backfires
Your first instinct after a diagnosis or a sudden injury is to open Google or an AI tool and start researching. It feels responsible. It feels like control.
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd take on what that instinct can mean inside a personal injury lawsuit. What happens when defense attorneys ask for a plaintiff’s Google search history?
As more people turn to AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to understand their situation and ask what their case is worth, a bigger question follows. If those interactions exist, who gets access to those chat logs? How might courts handle attempts to subpoena or even “depose” an AI assistant?
If you’ve ever Googled your situation while a case is pending, this one will make you think twice.
Follow the show, share it with someone who always Googles first, and leave a review with your take.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 10: To Take or Not to Take A Case
How do lawyers decide which cases to take and which ones they have to turn away?
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi discuss case selection inside a plaintiff law firm. Every week, people call after catastrophic injuries, medical mistakes, or the loss of a loved one. Most believe they have a case. The difficult reality is that many cannot be pursued.
Karen explains the economics of contingency litigation and why complex cases can require hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars to investigate and try. Mo walks through how lawyers evaluate credibility, evidence, and whether a claim can actually be proven in court.
And then there is the hardest part of the job. Saying no.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone interested in how these decisions are made, and leave a review telling us what surprised you most.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 9: Sanctions, Sexism, and Gender Bias in the Courtroom
A judge issued a sanctions order against a plaintiff attorney. But this was not about missed deadlines or discovery disputes. It was about gender bias, professionalism, and what happens when misogyny shows up in a courtroom.
In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd break down the order, including allegations that a female defense attorney was told she lacked empathy because she did not have children and was treated drastically differently than her male counterpart during depositions. The court found the conduct inappropriate. The bigger question is why we are still talking about this in 2026.
Karen sits in the discomfort. She talks about the shock of being pulled out of what you thought was a professional exchange, what it means to “stuff it” when your primary job is protecting your client, and why silence only feeds shame. Mo reflects on bullying, allyship, and whether redemption requires acknowledgment. Mike pushes on accountability and consequences.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone navigating bias in their profession.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 8: What Legal Dramas Get Wrong About Real Trials
What do legal dramas get completely wrong about the courtroom?
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd take on Law and Order, The Wire, John Grisham movies, My Cousin Vinny, and even Drop Dead Diva to break down what Hollywood gets wildly wrong about real trials.
From surprise evidence waved in the air mid-cross to rogue police officers kicking down doors, they explain why real courtrooms are slower, more procedural, and far less dramatic than TV would have you believe.
At the same time, they also admit that Hollywood gets one thing very right.
Trials are about story.
Karen shares how watching courtroom dramas shaped her trial style, including a five-minute cross-examination using a paper cup and water to explain a spinal injury. Mo reflects on the moment a juror pulled him aside after a murder trial and said, “Your story made sense to me.” They talk about monotone lawyers, long-winded closings, and why reading PowerPoints to a jury is a fast way to lose.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who lives for courtroom scenes, and leave a review telling us your favorite legal drama.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 7: Renée Good ICE Shooting and Independent Autopsy Developments
In this episode, we return to the case of Renée Good, who was fatally shot by ICE in Minnesota, a case we originally broke down in Episode 2: Legal Breakdown of the ICE Minnesota Shooting on January 14.
Renée Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7. Since that initial breakdown, her family has released results from an independent autopsy commissioned by Romanucci & Blandin, showing three gunshot wounds, and fueling intense debate about the force used.
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd unpack what those autopsy findings mean legally, how federal narratives diverge from on-the-ground evidence, and why this case resonates far beyond Minneapolis.
If you haven't listened to Episode 2: Legal Breakdown of the ICE Minnesota Shooting from January 14, it’s worth starting there for foundational legal context before diving into this update.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd unpack a real case in which a Somali client and a paralegal were followed after a defense medical exam on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. What initially looked like routine surveillance quickly escalated into fear, confusion, and a confrontation that exposed deeper issues around power, racial profiling, and defense strategy.
Karen shares trial stories where surveillance backfired spectacularly in front of juries. Mo explains why the situation immediately raised red flags, especially given the timing and the people involved. Together, they break down how CR-35 exams work, why defense teams use private investigators, and when those tactics cross ethical and human lines.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 5: The ACLU Lawsuit Challenging ICE’s Operation Metro Surge
A young Somali American U.S. citizen is tackled and detained by ICE in Minnesota, then later pepper-sprayed while filming a protest. That moment becomes the flashpoint for a federal class action brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, challenging ICE’s Operation Metro Surge.
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd unpack how visual cues, surnames, and assumptions turn into a pretext for stops, and how fast “show me your papers” spirals when most citizens don’t carry proof of citizenship.
They walk through the lawsuit’s core claims, including Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful seizures and equal protection challenges to racially targeted enforcement, and clarify what ICE can and cannot do under federal law.
The conversation widens to lived experience, family histories shaped by Nazi Germany and Jim Crow, and the unease that sets in when communities start bracing for enforcement instead of living freely.
From Seattle school alerts to what happens next in court, this episode stays focused on the real question. Where does federal authority stop, and who draws the line?
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 4: The Reality of Work-Life Balance for Trial Lawyers
What does “work-life balance” actually look like for trial lawyers? In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd get honest about what life looks like in the weeks leading up to trial and in the middle of it.
Karen walks through how she keeps relationships, movement, and creativity in her life even during trial, and why she deliberately cuts out everything else.
Mo talks about being a grinder, integrating work into life instead of trying to escape it, and why physical movement and creative outlets keep him sharp.
Mike pushes the conversation toward creativity, compartmentalization, and the mental reset that makes trial work sustainable.
They talk about guilt, especially for women in the law, sacrifice, aging, creativity, and why there is no magic formula. Trial work narrows life. It doesn’t stop it. And the art of law is part of what keeps them going.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 3: Power: Who Holds It And Who Doesn’t
In this episode, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi go head-to-head on whether power is real or an illusion, and why that question matters when your client has none. From courtroom dynamics and judicial authority to insurance companies, employers, and institutions that quietly run the show, this conversation pulls apart how power actually works when the stakes are real.
Karen brings decades of trial experience and zero patience for theoretical thinking that ignores reality. Mo pushes back with a survivor’s mindset shaped by resistance, meaning, and refusal to submit. Mike Todd jumps in to ground the debate in everyday life, systems, and consequences.
If this conversation resonates, follow The Velvet Hammer™, share it with someone who fights uphill battles, and leave a review telling us how you deal with power when it shows up in your life.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Season 6, Episode 2: Legal Breakdown of the ICE Minnesota Shooting
In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd examine the January 7, 2026, fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota that resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good. They discuss what is visible on video, the sequence of events, and the legal standards that apply when deadly force is used.
The conversation focuses on Fourth Amendment law, qualified immunity, and the divide between criminal prosecution and civil accountability. They also address why criminal charges are often unlikely in cases involving law enforcement shootings, and why civil litigation may be the only remaining path for a family seeking answers
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 1: Preparing for Trial
Season six opens with Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd discussing the emotional and physical shift that happens when a trial is coming. The sleep changes. The aggression sharpens. The energy spikes.
Karen talks candidly about how her body knows a trial is coming before her brain catches up, why she sleeps less, gets spicier, and becomes laser-focused weeks in advance. Mo breaks down how he prepares without overpreparing, why living inside the story matters more than scripts, and how artistic instincts shape trial work. Mike brings the jury perspective, including how lawyer dynamics and confidence land in the room.
They dig into overpreparing versus trusting your instincts, why some lawyers isolate, and others stay fully engaged in life, how antagonistic defense counsel can fuel preparation, and why juries need time to earn the fight.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 49: Decoding Voir Dire Part 5 | The Jury Selection Series
The final installment of our five-part Voir Dire series. Karen Koehler explains how to respectfully invite jurors to excuse themselves by honoring their moral convictions rather than attacking them. Mo Hamoudi explains why judges focus on what jurors say, not what lawyers argue, and how letting jurors talk themselves into a cause challenge is often the winning move. Mike Todd offers insight into what actually happens in deliberations and why silence, leadership, and thinking style matter more than most lawyers expect.
They also address Zoom voir dire pitfalls, the risk of silent jurors, and why there is no such thing as a perfect jury. Only the best one you can build in the time you are given.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share, and leave a review telling us which voir dire lesson took you the longest to learn.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 48: Decoding Voir Dire Part 4 | The Jury Selection Series
Peremptory strikes look simple on paper. In practice, they are among the most strategic and controversial aspects of jury selection.
In Part 4 of the Decoding Voir Dire series, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down how peremptories actually work, why Batson challenges matter, and how bias, intuition, math, and psychology collide in real time. They talk through when peremptories protect access to fair juries, when they cross the line, and why stereotypes are both unavoidable and dangerous if you rely on them too much.
This episode digs into tactical counting, protected classes, juror psychology, and the uncomfortable truth that jurors often surprise you for better or worse. If you have ever thought jury selection was mechanical, this conversation quickly disabuses you of that idea.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 47: Decoding Voir Dire Part 3 | The Jury Selection Series
In Part 3 of our voir dire series, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down what happens when a politically charged case collides with real human bias, and why jury selection can quietly decide the outcome before opening statements ever begin.
Karen walks through her damage model and the Starbucks bike scenario that exposes how jurors really think about pain, loss, and responsibility. Mo reflects on trial partner chemistry, Zoom voir dire, and the moment you realize your best juror is now an alternate.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 46: Decoding Voir Dire Part 2 | The Jury Selection Series
In Part 2 of our five-part jury selection series, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down what really happens when you get 20 minutes to talk to 50 to 60 jurors (and somehow remember who said what). Karen walks through the struck method, why “deselection” used to be the whole game, and how she color-codes jurors fast without a consultant. Mo shares why he learned about voir dire through bartending and why vulnerability is the fastest way to elicit honesty from a room full of strangers. They also get into the quiet power move most lawyers miss: actually responding like a human when a juror shares something devastating.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 45: Decoding Voir Dire Part 1 | The Jury Selection Series
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi kick off a five-part deep dive into voir dire with the question everyone secretly has. What are trial lawyers actually doing when they stand in front of a room full of strangers and start asking personal questions? From calling out bias to reading body language to deciding who stays and who goes, they break down the strategy and the chaos that shape a jury long before opening statements.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode: Live Podcast - The Velvet Hammers’ Journey through Bias, Marginalization, and Systemic Inequities
Recorded Live on December 2, 2025
1 Ethics Equity Credit - Please visit stritmatter.com/cle for Activity ID.
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi bring their Velvet Hammer Podcast style to an important CLE. This program examines how bias, marginalization, and systemic inequities affect trial lawyers who are BIPOC in Washington State courts. Drawing on first-hand accounts, qualitative data, and professional experiences, Karen and Mo will explore how their lived experiences reflect broader structural and cultural barriers in legal communities and systems.
From courtroom dynamics to professional advancement, adversarial interactions to peer relationships, this seminar will illustrate how both explicit and implicit biases can shape reputations, work environment and outcomes. Highlighting RPC 8.4(g) (related to professional misconduct) and a lawyer’s ethical duty to promote fairness and integrity in the justice system.
Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff's personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Featuring Mike Todd, producer, audio engineer, and the Disembodied Voice of Wisdom & Reason.
Produced by Mike Todd and Kassie Slugić.
New episodes every Wednesday.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast is where trial law meets real life. Trial stories, hard lessons, unexpected laughs, and honest conversations about life inside and outside the courtroom.
Podcast Hub:
https://thevelvethammer.buzzsprout.com
Karen Koehler
https://karenkoehler.com
https://www.instagram.com/k3thevelvethammer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-koehler-thevelvethammer/
Mo Hamoudi
https://www.instagram.com/mo.hamoudi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-hamoudi-77a38733/
Stritmatter Law
https://www.stritmatter.com
Episode 44: The Privilege of Sacrifice as a Trial Lawyer
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, the group sits down with a simple question: Does being great at your work always require sacrifice?
Karen Koehler opens up about a career shaped by long hours, missed moments, and the constant pressure of leading high-stakes cases. She also names what often goes unsaid: the privilege of choosing sacrifice when so many workers never get that choice. Mo Hamoudi shares how sacrifice shaped him long before he ever stepped into a courtroom, and why he still wakes up before dawn to touch every case.
Together, they dig into burnout, identity, pace, and what happens when your drive becomes part of your wiring. They also admit a truth most people whisper about; at best, some lawyers can only function around others who work the same way.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and tell us your take. What sacrifice feels worth it to you, and which one will you never give up?
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 42: Mansplaining, Mo-Splaining, and the Space Between Talking and Listening
A heated phone call about “mansplaining” turns into a sharp, funny, and honest look at listening, ego, and the thin line between protecting and dominating.
Karen calls Mo out. Mo defends himself. Mike plays referee. Together they retrace the argument, name the habit (hello, “Mo-splaining”), and unpack why good intentions can still sound like lectures when you fill every silence with solutions. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t to fix—it’s to listen.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 41: Anticipating the Loss - When Trial Lawyers Feel It Coming
When you’ve been in the courtroom long enough, you know the feeling. The slow, heavy dread of a case slipping away. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd talk about what it’s like to sense a loss before it happens, both in trial and in life.
Karen revisits her 2022 trial against Seattle Children’s Hospital, where every ruling felt stacked against her. Mo shares lessons from his years as a death penalty defense lawyer and how shutting off emotion became a survival tactic. Karen challenges that mindset, arguing that emotion is part of what makes her human in court. Mike opens up about facing his own mortality during open-heart surgery and what it means to surrender control.
If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs steadiness under pressure, and leave a review telling us how you manage moments when the odds lean against you. Your story might help someone else keep going.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 40: Misogyny, Patriarchy, and the Pain of “Mean Girls”
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Mo asks the question most men avoid: “What is misogyny?” Karen, Mo, and Mike take it further, unpacking how patriarchy shapes the legal world and how internalized misogyny plays out between women. They talk about the quiet digs, the “sweetie” moments in court, and why women still send big cases to men they see as the “better trial lawyers.”
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi debate the viral “Let Them” theory by Mel Robbins and whether it works in the real world of trial law. From self-help culture and quick-fix thinking to emotional intelligence, religion, and moral accountability, this episode breaks down what happens when “letting go” meets the practice of law.
Mo questions if “let them” is wisdom or avoidance, while Karen tests the idea against real courtroom dynamics, including what would happen if a lawyer actually “let them” in trial. Mike Todd joins to explore the line between healthy boundaries and abandoning responsibility, leading to one conclusion: trial lawyers don’t let them.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 38: When Zoom Replaces Rooms – Navigating the Post-Pandemic Legal Practice
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd tackle one of the most significant shifts in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: the rise of remote everything. From depositions to jury selection to everyday office life, they unpack how the legal world changed when the world shut down.
Mo misses the energy of a bustling office, the conversations, the connection, and the shared purpose that only happen in person. Karen values the flexibility and efficiency of remote work, especially for routine legal tasks like depositions. Together, they explore how this shift reshaped trials, teams, office culture, and leadership, and what it means for the human side of law. Their verdict? The jury’s still out.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
How do you respond when someone insults you? In this episode, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd explore how their childhood experiences with insults shape their adult mechanisms.
Karen reflects on her mother’s “eye for an eye” parenting style, which shaped her fighter mentality. She shares how that mindset evolved into a professional strength, turning insults into strategy and sometimes using others’ underestimations to her advantage in the courtroom.
Mike's story takes a darker turn as he recounts a traumatic childhood incident where his father encouraged him to fight older bullies but then stood by watching as he was overwhelmed and beaten. This formative experience instilled both a protective instinct and a readiness to project strength when challenged.
As an immigrant child facing racial and cultural taunts, Mo developed yet another approach. Rather than immediate retaliation, he adopted a philosophy of patience: "Time is my vengeance." His chilling anecdote about confronting someone who had wronged a friend demonstrates how calm, measured responses can sometimes be more impactful than heated reactions.
It all raises the question: maybe “sticks and stones” got it wrong. Bones heal, but words seem to leave a mark that lasts.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
In this episode, Karen Koehler starts with a client who was permanently disfigured and how fast the defense tried to dig through every corner of her life. From medical records to private history, nothing feels off-limits in discovery. Karen and Mo Hamoudi talk about how invasive that process can be, why lawyers need to know everything (even the parts that hurt to say out loud), and how to build trust with a total stranger when the stakes are personal.
They get into what it means to “cross the moat,” how lawyers can earn their way inside a client’s world without crossing boundaries, and why most of what defense lawyers dig up never even makes it to trial. Karen brings her Spock-level “mind-meld,” Mo brings bartender-level empathy, and Mike Todd reminds everyone that giving up control is what makes trust so hard in the first place.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 35: Unbound: A Woman’s Guide to Power Book Review
Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd review Unbound: A Woman’s Guide to Power by Kasia Urbaniak. They delve into the meanings of dominance, submission, and influence.
Karen Koehler shares her “I’m the boss” fridge purge, Mo Hamoudi explains how walking away from incongruence gave him agency, and Mike Todd reframes power as influence instead of control. Together, they demonstrate that power is about presence, effective communication, and recognizing your desires in work, life, and the courtroom.
This book may be written for women, but the insights apply to everyone.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 34: Keeping Up with Karen
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi debate the power of thinking on your feet versus slowing down to choose your words. Karen owns her “borderline manic” speed and explains how fast processing helps her pivot in court and keep juries engaged. Mo pushes back with the benefits of pausing for clarity. Mike Todd weighs in on how different brains process input during live questioning and why both styles can win with a jury.
This one is fast, short, and sweet.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 33: The Rise of AI: Adapt or Die
Karen, Mo, and Mike dive into the question every lawyer and law firm is facing: what do we do with AI? Karen breaks down how the firm is already using it, from med-mal intake summaries that used to take months to Westlaw AI, Adobe, Teams, and Smokeball’s Archie. Mo isn’t sold, warning about what we lose when we hand over thinking and human connection to machines. Mike weighs in from the trenches of audio, video, and music licensing, where AI is already rewriting the rules.
Let us know - have you started using AI in your practice, and if so, how?
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 32: How to Interview Clients and Win Juries
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and Mike Todd dig into one of the most overlooked skills as a trial lawyer: the client interview. This is not just about filling out intake forms. Karen shares why she spends hours with clients before even asking about the incident and how those conversations create the foundation for damages storytelling.
They explore how to go beyond surface-level questions and reach a place where clients feel seen and understood. Karen explains why juries distrust “perfect” people, how to get ahead of biases, and why embracing flaws and adversity makes for stronger narratives.
This episode is a blueprint for any lawyer who wants to connect deeply with clients and craft stories that resonate with juries.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 31: Protesting in America: Your Legal Rights Explained
Seattle recently saw 70,000 people take to the streets during the No Kings March, and Karen, Mo, and Mike are here to talk about what it means to exercise your right to protest. From Westlake Mall to Capitol Hill, they break down where you can legally assemble, what happens when protests cross into civil disobedience, and how politics shape whether rules get enforced at all.
Mo steps into the “public defender” role, laying out the constitutional protections for peaceful assembly, while Karen pushes back on law and order interpretations and calls out the messy reality of protest policing. They dig into Black Lives Matter, counter protests, government double standards, and the fine line between peaceful and non-peaceful action.
They do not shy away from the uncomfortable questions. Do anger and disruption drive change more than civility? Why do some movements get embraced while others get shut down fast? And what risks are you willing to take for a cause you believe in?
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 30: Placing a Monetary Value on the Loss of a "Good Life"
What constitutes a “good life,” and what happens when catastrophic events forever change its course? Karen Koehler reads an essay she wrote at 17 about what makes a good life and reflects on how her definition has evolved.
Mo Hamoudi shares a deeply personal story from his senior year of high school about basketball, a mother battling cancer, and an abusive stepfather. His account shows how early life experiences shape our understanding of others' suffering and the meaning of resilience.
Joined by Mike Todd, they explore how life's highs and lows influence what we value and how trial lawyers translate that into damages for clients whose lives have been permanently altered.
The discussion becomes a masterclass in advocacy, with Karen demonstrating how to channel a client's humanity in front of a jury and build a narrative arc that resonates on emotional, moral, and human levels. They unpack the role of life care plans, general damages, and authentic storytelling, and examine the balance between honoring resilience and acknowledging profound loss.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 29 - The Penis Restraining Order - This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and explicit anatomical references. It contains mature content that may not be appropriate for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
Karen Koehler walks us through one of the most outrageous, unforgettable, and legally strategic motions she has ever filed: a request to restrain rapper Nelly’s penis. Yes, you read that right.
This episode is a wild ride, from the Kent courthouse to the press frenzy that followed, as Karen breaks down why she believed the request was legitimate, how the defense team reacted, and what it was like to stand before a judge and argue a motion no one saw coming. Mo Hamoudi and Mike Todd react in real time, going from disbelief to total admiration.
But behind the laughs is a serious point. How do you make sure the justice system addresses the harm of sexual violence when standard procedures feel inadequate? Karen flips the script by putting the alleged assailant’s body on notice and forces the defense to talk about it.
In the Press:
- ‘Enough was enough’: University of Washington student sues rapper Nelly over alleged rape in Auburn | The Seattle Times
- Nelly Rape Accuser Asks Judge To Issue Injunction Against Nelly's Penis | Law & Crime
- Lawyer seeks injunction against rapper's anatomy - KIRO 7 News Seattle
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 28: DEI, WAMs, and Legal Power Plays |
Karen Koehler shares the 2008 letter that shook up the American Association for Justice (AAJ), calling out its failure to address diversity in any meaningful way. The fallout was instant. She lost friends, made enemies, and set off a chain reaction that eventually pushed the organization to adopt a formal diversity plan.
Joined by Mo Hamoudi and Mike Todd, the trio breaks down what it takes to call out power from within. Karen confronts the reality of being a woman in a white male-dominated legal association, while Mo shares his own story of challenging performative DEI during his time at the Federal Public Defender. Mike weighs in on the backroom politics of change and how real reform often depends on who is even allowed to write a letter (and have it taken seriously) in the first place.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 27: Mo Tais in Maui – Hosting the 2025 WTLA Reception
What happens when Karen offers up her Hawaiian home for a trial lawyer party... and forgets she did it? In this episode, Karen and Mo break down the chaos, comedy, and creativity behind hosting 80 trial attorneys in her backyard during the Western Trial Lawyers Association Conference.
From last-minute Costco runs and signature cocktail prep (yes, Mo bartended) to windstorms knocking over tables and the President of WSAJ stepping in as the official Jell-O shot girl, this episode is sure to make you laugh.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 26: Mastering the Art of Direct Examination
What separates a good trial lawyer from a great one? Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi unpack what makes a direct examination persuasive, from reading the jury’s body language to deciding when to provoke or disarm a hostile witness. They share real trial stories, including moments where everything went off-script and the only way to save the case was by adapting on the fly.
Forget rigid outlines and rehearsed testimony. Karen explains why she now preps plaintiffs like an Oprah interview instead of a legal exam, and why keeping their testimony short often works better. Mo brings in his acting background to show how body language and proximity can build trust. They also dive into the gender dynamics of trial, and why female attorneys face a different standard when navigating authority and emotion in the courtroom.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 25: Amazon's Dirty Discovery Tactics
Amazon dropped a steaming pile of objections to discovery responses and Karen and Mo are not having it. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, they unpack Amazon’s absurd responses to basic discovery requests, like refusing to identify their experts or disclose insurance. Karen compares it to getting “pooped on from the sky,” and Mo brings out his alter ego, Ruthless Mo, to call out the obstruction for what it is: a total waste of time and a deliberate attempt to bury the truth.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 24: Sean Combs on Trial: Jury Out For Deliberation
As the jury deliberates in the explosive federal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, attorneys Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down the charges, evidence, and legal strategies that make this trial a pivotal moment in shaping our understanding of consent, power, and accountability.
Behind the glamorous facade of celebrity parties lies something much more sinister. The defense characterizes it as a swinger lifestyle. Prosecutors describe it as systematic exploitation. Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The evidence is damning. Surveillance footage shows violent abuse. Witnesses describe drug-fueled “freak-offs” lasting for days. Federal raids uncovered weapons, drugs, and thousands of bottles of lubricant.
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi explore the concept of psychological coercion and how power dynamics can erase any real possibility of consent. When someone controls access to fame, money, and opportunity, even an invitation can feel like a threat. Add blackmail, physical abuse, and drugging to the mix, and the defense’s narrative of consensual activity falls apart.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 23: Confronting the Money Taboo in Plaintiff Work
What happens when you’ve spent your whole life avoiding money, and now your entire job is to ask for it in the name of justice?
In this episode, Mo Hamoudi opens up about how childhood poverty and betrayal shaped a deep discomfort with money. He was taken advantage of by people who claimed to care about him. He learned early on that money could be a weapon. And then he became a plaintiff lawyer.
Karen challenges him: “Money is not a dirty word. If you're embarrassed about it, the jury will feel it. The defense will see it. And your client will lose.”
Together, they unpack how the civil justice system forces us to put a price on the unthinkable, like the loss of a child. “When you say a child’s loss is worth nothing, you destroy the very idea of what it means to love unconditionally.”
They also delve into the power dynamics within the plaintiff bar. The more money you have, the harder you are to wear down. And the more seriously you’re taken.
Mo’s working to reframe his relationship with money. Not as betrayal. But as fuel for justice. Karen thinks he’s about 20 percent there. And that’s better than zero.
🎧 Listen to Episode 23: “Confronting the Money Taboo in Plaintiff Work”
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 22: Post-Settlement Syndrome
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen and Mo talk about the emotional crash that hits when you’re “all dressed up and nowhere to party.” Karen calls it post-settlement syndrome. The adrenaline is still pumping, but there’s no fight. They unpack what it feels like when justice is close enough to taste, but the public reckoning never happens. Mike compares it to being robbed of your moment in the ring.
The frustration is real. They reveal how even a great result for a client can feel hollow when it stops short of holding the other side publicly accountable.
They revisit the landmark $10 million Black Lives Matter settlement and explore why some lawyers would rather go to trial than accept the win. For Karen and Mo, the trial isn’t just about the outcome. It’s about the strategy, the confrontation, and the moral clarity that only comes in open court. When that energy has nowhere to go, it often manifests as spicy interactions between colleagues.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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Episode 21: The Archetypes That Drive Us in Life and Law
Have you ever noticed how you show up differently depending on the room you're in? In this episode, Karen, Mo, and Mike explore the inner archetypes that shape our thoughts, work, and connections, particularly in the world of trial law.
Karen reflects on her transformation from Disco Karen to Martha Stewart Karen to Trial Karen, each persona tied to survival, tradition, love, and strength. Mo breaks down the different aspects of himself, from Little Mo to Ruthless Mo to Wise Mo, explaining how trauma has shaped these versions and how naming them has given him clarity and control. Mike shares how making music helps him access his most authentic self, the version where everything else falls away.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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Episode 20: Karen Koehler on Leadership Challenges in Managing a Law Firm
Can being too humble hold you back?
Karen opens up about her leadership style, one that prioritizes team praise over personal recognition, and the unintended downside of deflecting credit. Mo and Mike delve into how humility, when taken to an extreme, can blur the lines between authority and respect.
Together, they explore the tension between wanting respect but rejecting praise, how gender shapes perceptions of leadership, and why decisiveness is often mistaken for arrogance.
Mo shares a powerful take on Karen’s legal mastery, especially her ability to pace a case like a symphony, and reminds us why great leaders must sometimes own their power.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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🎙️ Episode 19: The Punk Move: When Abusers Use SLAPP suits to Silence Survivors
What happens when the accused turns around and sues the person making the accusation? Karen and Mo dive into the disturbing rise of SLAPP suits — lawsuits filed by powerful defendants to intimidate, drain, and silence sexual abuse survivors.
These lawsuits are calculated moves designed to scare survivors into silence by weaponizing the legal system. This episode explores how money, status, and power are leveraged to silence those who speak out.
Karen calls it a punk move. Mo breaks down the strategy behind it. Together, they explore why this tactic is so common in sex abuse cases and how it discourages survivors from coming forward.
SLAPPSuit #TheVelvetHammer #KarenKoehler #MoHamoudi #LegalPodcast
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 18: The Art of Driving Defense Lawyers Crazy
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ podcast, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi break down the tactics that send defense lawyers into a spiral and explain why that’s not only strategic but also necessary.
Welcome to the “Flim Flam Sauce”, the unapologetic art of getting under opposing counsel’s skin without ever crossing a line. From the perfectly executed “head fake” (where you let your opponent walk into their own trap) to exposing moral hypocrisy in open court, Karen and Mo show how controlled provocation can shift power, pressure the truth, and tilt the playing field back toward justice.
They also confront the legal profession’s obsession with “civility.” Because when your client’s case is on the line, making the other side comfortable should never be the priority.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 17: Goal Setting, Dreams, and the People Who Shape Them
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ podcast, Karen, Mo, and Mike dive into the raw, reflective, and often uncomfortable goal-setting process. What is the real difference between a dream and a goal, and what happens when your deepest values get in the way of both? Karen shares the personal letter she wrote ahead of the firm’s attorney retreat, sparking a conversation about how our ambitions evolve with time, experience, and the people we choose to keep close.
They unpack what makes a goal realistic, why fairness and respect are non-negotiables, and how the company you keep can either derail your path or help you rise.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 16: In Defense of Flip-Flopping: Why Adaptability Matters in Law
Karen Koehler opens up about her so-called "flip-flopping," her tendency to change her mind, and reframes it as one of her greatest strengths. From trial tactics to law firm management, she explains how adaptability and quick pivots are crucial in high-stakes litigation.
Mo Hamoudi and podcast producer Mike Todd, jump in to discuss what it’s like working with someone who never sticks to the same plan for long and why that unpredictability actually works.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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Episode 15: Why We Suck at Celebrating Wins
It’s been a week of big wins. Sanctions against Amazon. Settlements in multiple cases. Momentum heading into trial. And yet, instead of celebrating, Karen and Mo are back in the office...working?
In this episode, Karen and Mo (and Mike) talk honestly about the emotional highs and nonstop pressure of doing plaintiff work at the highest level. From courtroom takedowns to the rush of controlling a trial, they share what actually makes this work feel good and why they rarely pause to enjoy it.
They also reflect on how the firm used to celebrate as a team, and how that tradition quietly faded. This conversation becomes a reminder that when the entire firm helps secure a win, the entire firm deserves to feel it. Not just the lawyers. Everyone.
If you’ve ever struggled to slow down or feel like you need permission to celebrate, this one is for you.
🎧 Listen to Episode 15 of The Velvet Hammer™: “Why We Suck at Celebrating Wins” Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 14: Why Trial Lawyers Must Talk About Money (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
Is money the most uncomfortable topic in the courtroom? For many trial lawyers, yes. But when it comes to representing injured clients, avoiding money talk is not an option.
In this candid episode, Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi talk about what it really means to ask for money in court. They explore why trial lawyers often feel shame or awkwardness around damages, how verdicts are tied to human value, and why getting comfortable with money is non-negotiable for plaintiff attorneys.
Karen shares how she overcame years of discomfort to connect with juries on the topic of loss. Mo opens up about growing up poor and how his relationship with money is evolving now that he represents plaintiffs. They also discuss the $10 million Black Lives Matter settlement and how it gave a voice to protesters who were ignored for years.
This is a must-listen for any lawyer who has ever struggled with the ask.
👉 If this episode challenged your thinking, leave us a review, share it with a fellow lawyer, or drop a comment.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 13: Karen’s Journal Entry at 19: Crisis is Perpetual
At 19, Karen wrote a stream of consciousness that no one had ever read. Until now. In this episode, she shares that handwritten journal entry and opens up a conversation with Mo about identity, ambition, burnout, and what it means to be a lawyer who feels deeply.
They talk about the pressure to conform, the toll of suppressing emotion in the legal world, and how writing has always been Karen’s way of pushing back against the mold. What starts as a reading of teenage chaos turns into a powerful reflection on staying human in a profession that doesn’t always reward it.
This is for anyone who’s ever wanted to run away and, instead, chose to write their way through.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 12: What Compels Us to Become Lawyers
Content note: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, trauma, and mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation. Please take care while watching.
Karen reads a college essay she wrote at 18, predicting her future as a civil rights lawyer. Mo shares his contrasting journey through trauma, poverty, and survival. Together they explore what drives someone to pursue law, how early life shapes purpose, and why two people with such different paths ended up in the same courtroom.
Subscribe for more raw conversations from the legal world.
Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro
00:01:30 Karen reads her college essay from 1979
00:09:20 Mo shares his childhood and trauma
00:20:21 The lesson that saved Mo’s life
00:26:42 The power of presence in law and life
00:34:01 You’re not alone
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 11: The Unlikeable Client
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, including descriptions of abuse. Please listen with care.
What happens when your client isn’t someone a jury might naturally root for? In this episode, Karen and Mo dive into one of the hardest parts of plaintiff law: working with clients who the public might not find sympathetic. From pulling a client out of a drug house before a deposition to representing someone with a complicated criminal past, they get real about the emotional, ethical, and strategic decisions behind client management.
Karen shares the story of her very first employment case against Boeing in the ‘90s, her trial against the City of Redmond involving a riotous plaintiff and a cow named Molly, and how her upbringing shaped her no-nonsense boundaries. Mo opens up about how his own history led him to seek understanding and redemption, even for clients whose stories mirror deeply personal pain.
Together, they unpack the moral calculus behind representing difficult people and what it means to believe that justice belongs to everyone, not just the likable.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Episode 12: Sanctions, Sanctions, Sanctions – Read All About It
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen and Mo dive into the wild world of sanctions. What they are, why they matter, and how defense firms push the limits. Karen starts with her first sanctions victory in the 90s, then they walk through three recent cases.
They also break down how power structures inside law firms impact who takes the fall and why some judges are finally doing something about it.
If you’ve ever wondered how discovery violations actually play out, or what it looks like when a judge says enough, this episode lays it all out.
Subscribe to The Velvet Hammer™ for more behind-the-scenes insight from the plaintiff side.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 9: Responding to Listener Feedback That Took Us by Surprise
Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi planned to revisit their worst courtroom arguments, but listener feedback completely changed the conversation. Some reactions were protective, some were critical, and all were thought-provoking.
Was it a power move? Was Mo being shut down? Karen and Mo unpack the unexpected responses, challenge assumptions, and dive into the deeper dynamics of presence, persuasion, and perception. From personal reflections to the realities of being a trial lawyer, this episode is an unfiltered look at power, confidence, and the ways we take up space.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Why Listener Feedback Matters
04:27 – Young Muhammad & Navigating Personal Space
12:27 – Gender, Power & Perception in the Courtroom
20:56 – How Karen Changed the Office Culture
30:32 – "You’re Not Here to Make Friends" – A Defining Career Moment
34:35 – Wrapping Up & What’s Next for the Podcast
💬 What do you think? Were you surprised by this feedback? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 8: The Worst Arguments We’ve Ever Made (And What We Learned) - Part 1
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler & Mo Hamoudi dive into some of the worst courtroom arguments they've ever made and the tough lessons that came with them.
From being thrown to the wolves in court as a young attorney to completely missing a hearing due to a calendar mishap, they break down the moments that shaped them as trial lawyers. Along the way, they explore how legal practice has changed with technology, the evolving mindset of juries post-pandemic, and why critical thinking is more important than ever in law.
The conversation takes a few detours, but that’s just how they roll—so buckle up for a mix of humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom.
🎧 Timestamps:
0:00 - The Struggle of Cold Weather & Commuting
3:45 - Our Most Embarrassing Courtroom Moments
12:30 - The Case of Garlic as a “Drug”
20:15 - Missing a Court Hearing & Learning the Hard Way
25:00 - How Technology Has Changed Legal Practice
30:00 - Wrapping Up (And Planning Part 2!)
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
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Episode 7: The "Prototype Lawyer" and Losing Identity in Law | Part 2
In Part 2 of The Prototype Lawyer series, Karen and Mo break down what it really means to step outside the mold of a traditional lawyer. Karen shares a candid story about her first trial, where mistakes, authenticity, and a jury connection shaped her approach to law.
They explore how law school conditions lawyers to imitate rather than innovate, why breaking the "prototype lawyer" mold leads to better advocacy, and how unpredictability can be a powerful tool in the courtroom.
From courtroom poetry to Muppet Chef humor, this episode challenges the rigid expectations of the legal world.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 6: The "Prototype Lawyer" and Losing Identity in Law | Part 1
Does becoming a lawyer mean losing yourself? Karen and Mo explore how individuality gets replaced by the expectations of being a “prototype lawyer.” From youthful idealism to fitting the corporate mold, they share how they changed to be taken seriously in the legal world.
Why do lawyers feel pressured to conform? Is success possible without losing your identity? How does the profession reinforce this culture?
They discuss the emotional toll of adapting to a system built on rigid norms, from early struggles to the moment they realized they were "selling out."
Join us for Part 1 of this deep dive into legal culture, identity, and what it really means to “make it” in law.
Let’s get into it.
TheVelvetHammer #LawyerLife #LegalCulture #IdentityCrisis #LawSchool #BecomingALawyer #Podcast
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 5: When Defense Lawyers Weaponize Discovery Requests
How far will defense lawyers go to harass and intimidate plaintiffs? In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, Karen Koehler, Mo Hamoudi, and special guest behind the microphone, Mike Todd, expose the most absurd, offensive, and downright unethical discovery requests they've ever seen.
From Amazon’s lawyers demanding irrelevant personal details to Ride the Ducks attorneys asking grieving families about their sex lives, this episode exposes the legal bullying tactics defense teams use to break plaintiffs down.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 4: Sexism In the Legal Field
Have you ever walked into a room and been completely dismissed based on how you look? Karen has—too many times to count.
In this episode, Karen and Mo get real about sexism in the legal field, the constant battle for credibility, and the emotional toll of being underestimated. From being mistaken for a court reporter well into her 50s to a judge mid-trial asking if she was actually a lawyer, Karen shares her firsthand experiences of sexism in law. Mo brings his perspective as an immigrant navigating a world that often made him feel like an outsider.
This conversation isn’t just about legal professionals; it’s about what it means to be seen and respected and to fight for your place at the table.
🎙️ Listen now and join the discussion.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 2: Finding Humor in the Hardest Cases
How do you carry the weight of the world without letting it crush you?
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer™, Karen and Mo explore the essential role of humor in a profession filled with tragedy. From life-or-death cases to life-altering civil battles, trial law can be overwhelming, so why is laughter so important?
Karen shares how she compartmentalizes high-stakes cases, while Mo admits he absorbs everything like a sponge. They explore the different ways lawyers cope with the emotional toll of their work, and of course, swap some truly unforgettable stories.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 3: Misconceptions, Control, and Breaking the Mold
In this episode, Karen and Mo dive into misconceptions about trial lawyers, the myth of control, and the challenges of breaking from the legal establishment. They discuss:
🔹 Why Karen became a lawyer—and the early lessons in standing up to bullies
🔹 The biggest misconceptions about Karen, including whether she’s a control freak (spoiler: it’s complicated)
🔹 Mo’s doubts before joining The Stritmatter Firm—and what he heard from the legal community
🔹 Why being unconventional in law matters—and how they challenge traditional legal culture
🔹 The power of eye contact and authenticity—how trial lawyers connect with juries and clients
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
Watch full episodes on YouTube
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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Episode 1: Introducing Mo – From Public Defender to Stritmatter Lawyer
Welcome to Season 5 of The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast, where Karen Koehler teams up with attorney Mo Hamoudi for honest conversations on law, life, and everything in between.
In our first episode, we dive into Mo’s remarkable journey from being a federal public defender to joining The Stritmatter Firm, taking on powerful adversaries and fighting for justice. Along the way, we explore:
🔹 Mo’s fascinating past—from owning a clothing store in NYC to making pizzas and bartending
🔹 His unexpected cameo as an extra on Sex and the City
🔹 Real talk on racism, sexism, and the slow pace of change in the legal system
🔹 What to expect from The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast—unfiltered, authentic, and impactful conversations
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
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112 - In this episode, The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler, takes us inside the rarest of occurrences—having free time. As someone who thrives on the chaos of running a law firm and being a trial lawyer, Karen shares the weird feeling of clearing her inbox and having no immediate fires to put out. But instead of relaxing, she wrestles with how to slow down when her instinct is always to keep going. Listen in as Karen humorously reflects on trying to unwind and figuring out what to do with all that extra time.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler opens up about the emotional weight that follows the end of a trial. From the anxiety of waiting for a jury verdict to the personal sacrifices made during trial, Karen shares the challenges of balancing her role as a trial attorney and a mother. Tune in for an intimate look at what it’s like to wait for justice.
🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
Produced by Mike Todd, Audio & Video Engineer, and Kassie Slugić, Executive Producer.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
Join us as Karen Koehler explores the power of defying expectations, the courage to disrupt, and the journey of being unapologetically yourself. Discover how she handles being talked about behind her back and the strength it takes to stay true to her convictions.
Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler sits down to record before she begins another trial in Seattle. She discusses her love for the courtroom, leading an all-female legal team, and why retirement isn't on her radar. Kohler addresses the unique questions and challenges female trial lawyers face, offering insights into gender dynamics within the legal profession.
Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Join Karen Koehler in this episode of The Velvet Hammer as she shares how her team's adept maneuvering around the City of Seattle's media embargo was crucial in honoring and protecting their clients during the George Floyd BLM peaceful protesters lawsuit. By skillfully getting their message out despite the media embargo, they ensured their clients' stories were heard, playing a key role in ensuring comprehensive justice along with the $10 million settlement.
To learn more about the lawsuit, please visit: Black Lives Matter Injured Protesters Lawsuit - Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore
Thank you for listening! Follow Karen Koehler on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In this candid episode of "The Velvet Hammer," seasoned trial lawyer Karen Kohler takes listeners behind the scenes of her intense and demanding career, revealing the struggles and triumphs that come with fighting high-stakes legal battles. After decades in the field, Karen reflects on her journey from being one of the youngest members in the exclusive ABOTA trial bar to managing a bustling law firm, all while navigating the personal and professional challenges that come with it. She shares her internal conflict about dedicating time to legal organizations versus her moral missions and personal life. Karen openly discusses her relentless work ethic, the adrenaline of winning cases, and the perpetual quest for justice that keeps her going, even amidst the burnout that many lawyers face. Despite her packed schedule and the constant pull between career, causes, and personal life, Karen remains unapologetically passionate about her work, while also acknowledging the importance of family and close friends. Tune in to explore the intricate balance of a life fully lived in the pursuit of justice, and the contemplation of what truly matters when the gavel finally rests.
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This episode of The Velvet Hammer provides listeners with an eye-opening glimpse into the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. Karen delves into uncomfortable encounters she's experienced over the years in her legal career, exploring how these actions were a form of microaggression and a display of power dynamics. She examines the reasons why women, including herself, often ignore or downplay such situations, aiming to be seen as equal professionals rather than being defined by their gender or appearance.
Tune in to hear why she let sexual microaggressions slide – and wish she hadn’t.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses her recent coaching sessions. Lesson #1 - Acknowledgment.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen addresses the bud bad defense lawyers.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the devastating consequences of drunk driving, her frustration with the delayed legal processes, and the need for stricter accountability for drunk drivers.
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In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses lame late tactical apologies.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the quality of being aggressive as an attorney.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler describes the grief of losing a trial.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the toll of being in trial a lot.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler reflects on the nasty defense lawyer from her latest trial.
Read about the trial here.
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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler is mad at a judge.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her thoughts on the differences between good and bad mediators.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses her cases involving death by shooting. In an autopsy, the medical examiner takes dozens of photos of the body. Karen describes how she determines what autopsy photos of her clients killed by bullets should be used in trial, the other side's argument to withhold the images from the jury, and the importance of designating the autopsy photos as evidence in trial.
Warning - this episode includes detailed descriptions of death by shooting and autopsies. Please exercise discretion in listening.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses the Depp v Heard trial as a trial lawyer who did not watch the tumultuous six-week trial.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses attorney awards.
Read the Wall Street Journal article she references here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with her law clerk (and daughter) Alysha to discuss burnout.
Connect with Alysha here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani for part two of their discussion of the McNamara civil murder trial.
Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani who assisted her in the three-week civil murder trial that took place in Grant County, Washington from March 7th to March 25th.
Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl here.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses lessons learned from making mistakes.
karenkoehler.com
stritmatter.com
February 8, 2022
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S3 Episode 3: Am I too busy? Yes, and I like it.
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her busy schedule, work-life balance (or lack thereof).
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
January 19, 2022
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S3 Episode 2: Why I Like to Sue: Case Studies
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses why she likes to take on a case because it's a righteous cause.
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
January 6, 2022
The Velvet Hammer
S3 Episode 1: The importance of being ruthless: lessons from the defense
In the first episode of Season Three of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the importance of being ruthless.
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
December 29, 2021
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S2 Episode 34: The trial lawyer who got COVID.
In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses how a trial lawyer gets COVID.
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
November 18, 2021
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S2 Episode 33: Have you had an affair - furious thoughts about “civility”
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the concept of "civility".
To learn more about Karen:
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
November 5, 2021
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S2 Episode 32: Master No More: on re-examining our language
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler takes a stand against the word "master" and joins the movement to "un-master" our language.
"It's not conscientious to just rely upon history of usage and complacency".
To learn more about Karen:
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
October 22, 2021
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S2 Episode 31: Dear Judge Make Her Stop - Stories of Defense Lawyers Trying to Shut Down Plaintiff Counsel
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses stories of defense lawyers trying to shut down plaintiff counsel. She addresses how perseverance is everything in the life of a trial lawyer.
To learn more about Karen:
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
September 28, 2021
The Velvet Hammer with Karen Koehler
S2 Episode 30: Standing Up To Bullying - My Ongoing Fight with JHB
In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her ongoing fight with criminal defense lawyer JHB and the importance of standing up for herself.
"See, there's part hammer in me. I'm not always just Velvet. Over and out".
Read the blog post mentioned at 00:38 here.
- Follow Karen here.
- Read more about Karen's work at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore here.
On breakups and grieving as a trial lawyer: thoughts on how to not fall apart at work and life
My law school was held in an old department store: thoughts on the elitism of the institution.
Thank you mom for causing us so much embarrassment: a trial lawyer’s journey from shame to resilience
How to prepare a treating doctor for deposition and trial: don’t waste their time and other tips
Justice Faith Ireland, Ret. an original glass ceiling breaker – from being one of two females in her law school class to Washington State Supreme Court Justice. Part 1 – early years.
Justice Faith Ireland, Ret. an original glass ceiling breaker – from being one of two females in her law school class to Washington State Supreme Court Justice. Part 2 – reaching the top.
A podcast takeover - Karen's daughters Cristina, Alysha and Noelle secretly record their conversation about their mother and her upcoming birthday. From embarrassing stories to their tender odes of affection, there is no doubt that she is worthy of celebration.
Forgive us for the poor audio - recording podcasts via zoom call from across the country isn't the most effective.
Self Proclaimed "Dumb White Person" blows it in Bar Association Board meeting - when spewing prejudice based nonsense against minority groups is a total embarrassment for us all.
Time to Rant: from insurers taking advantage of covid to further harm plaintiffs, closed courthouses, and racist acts caught on cellphones.
The meaningless inconvenience of Nala's vomit - when compared to the story of Auntie Helen's death
Thoughts about the lack of progress in diversifying our bar associations and law firms.
The importance of breaking barriers that prevent us from humanly connecting to our clients and witnesses
Alysha Koehler talks frankly about lack of work/life boundaries, bad cooking, and growing up as a trial lawyer’s daughter.
Fred the former banker asks if there is a formula he can follow to become a great trial lawyer.
Paul “The Lion Heart” Stritmatter Part 1 – stories about the love of being a plaintiff trial lawyer for 50 years.
If I’m forceful does that make me histrionic. If I was a man would they use this language to describe me.
Bloopers: From trial in flip flops to showing up after the hearing, Karen and Andrew recall courthouse boo boos.
National Emmy Award winning investigative reporter Susannah Frame of King5 TV news is asked how reporters avoid crying during heart wrenching interviews and other scintillating questions.
Karen and Andrew process really mean things that have been said to their faces and behind their backs.
What exactly goes on in the mind of our law firm’s tech guy. And why do his sentences need to be deciphered. Karen and Andrew ask these burning questions and more of resident tech wizard Ryan Monahan.
What would drive Elise Sanguinetti to climb the ladder so she could preside over the nation’s largest trial lawyer association. And how on earth has she stayed so happily married for so long.
Karen hasn’t been on a vacation of a week or longer for three years. Her children have ordered her to leave town. You’d think she’d be excited. But oh no.
Law school does not burp out fully formed lawyers. There is no residency training program. Just school, a test, then real life. Karen and Andrew explore the uncertainties of being a young lawyer and the importance of good mentoring.
Law school does not burp out fully formed lawyers. There is no residency training program. Just school, a test, then real life. Karen and Andrew explore the uncertainties of being a young lawyer and the importance of good mentoring.