John G. Simon

John G. Simon

Host of The Jury is Out

John G. Simon’s work as Managing Partner at the firm has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars for past clients. Well-respected in his field, John’s career includes several published works, frequent community involvement, and the role of adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law

Host of
Recent Episodes
March 22, 2023

EP419 – Selecting Experts Part Two

Your trial team determines you need an expert to explain a vehicle’s structural defects. Do you need a metallurgist, a mechanical engineer, or both? How do you know and where do you...

March 15, 2023

EP418 – Selecting Experts Part One

Don’t assume that an impressive CV from a prestigious university means you’ve found the perfect expert for your case. We think someone with down-to-earth communication skills and real-life experience may be a...

March 8, 2023

EP417 – Sunshine Laws Part Four: Settlements

Getting the documents your client requests is the primary reward of Sunshine Law litigation, but can you also be reimbursed for your time? In our final episode on Sunshine Laws, we discuss...

March 1, 2023

EP416 – Sunshine Laws Part Three: Violations

You’ve made a timely request for public governmental records but all you get are excuses. Under the law, you have to prove the delay is knowing and purposeful. How do you prove it...

February 22, 2023

EP415 – Sunshine Laws Part Two: Meetings

Do you know when and why a public governmental meeting can close its doors to you? What recourse do you have to find out what they are discussing out of the public...

February 15, 2023

EP414 – Sunshine Laws Part One: Documents

It’s one thing both sides can agree upon…government transparency is a good thing.  But getting access to government information isn’t easy. In Part One of our in-depth discussion on Sunshine Laws, Attorneys...

February 8, 2023

Encore Presentation: EP111 – Preparing Your Client for Trial

You know depos and trial testimony will be different experiences, but does your client? Are they expecting something straight out of a legal drama TV series when they take the stand? Today’s...

February 1, 2023

Encore Presentation: EP105 – Improving Client Intake

The best way to increase your odds of winning is to turn down cases you will probably lose.  What information should signal whether to lean in or walk away? And if you...

January 25, 2023

EP413 – For the Defense with Steve Strum

At a crossroads in your career, or just starting out, and wondering if you should choose plaintiff or defense work? Your level of risk aversion and emotional sensitivity may be key indicators...

January 18, 2023

EP412 – Nursing Home Litigation with Steve Strum

Did you know nursing homes and nuclear power plants are the two most regulated industries in America? Defense attorney Steve Strum is well versed in this complex practice area, having handled nearly...

December 28, 2022

SPECIAL EPISODE – Trial Tested: Do What’s Right with Cyrus Vance Jr.

District Attorney of Manhattan Cyrus Vance Jr. views every case through the lens of two basic principles; does it make us safer and is it fair? We’d like to share Simon Law...

December 21, 2022

EP411 – Pretrial Motions Part Two

You win some, you lose some. But if you lose an important motion, how can you convince the judge to reconsider without risking her wrath? And when should you just let it...

December 14, 2022

EP410 – Pretrial Motions Part One

Filing dozens of pretrial motions shows the judge you are well-versed in the law and is sure to impress the court, right? Wrong. You earn credibility with the judge by carefully choosing...

December 7, 2022

EP409 – Presenting Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

What price should we put on a life lost? Whether it’s a father, mother, or child, jurors need guidance, context, and motivation when deciding damages. John Simon and Tim Cronin offer several...

November 30, 2022

EP408 – Quantifying Emotional Harm in Closing Arguments

Significant physical injuries may be visible to the jury, but emotional harms are not. Are you doing everything you can to help the jury understand and compensate your client’s emotional damages? This...

November 23, 2022

EP407 – Presenting Damages in Closing Arguments

When you ask for damages, you expect jurors to put a tangible number on an intangible loss.  How can you help them decide upon a full and fair amount? In our continuing...

November 16, 2022

EP406 – 49 Tips for Closing Arguments Part Two

Part Two of John Simon and Tim Cronin’s 49 Tips for Closing Arguments examines a range of issues including whether your close should suggest a range for damages vs asking for a...

November 9, 2022

EP405 – 49 Tips for Closing Arguments Part One

The Simon Law Firm has earned over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements since the firm’s founding in 2000, so these attorneys obviously know how to close. John Simon and Tim Cronin...

November 2, 2022

EP404 – Three Keys to a Winning Closing Argument

Tune in and turn your next close into a persuasive legal education that helps jurors better understand their role when deciding your case.

October 19, 2022

EP402 – Old School Cool with George Fitzsimmons Part Two

If you’re looking for wise words from a respected mentor, this episode is for you. Through 33 years of trial experience and years as a mediator, George Fitzsimmons has distilled his cases...

October 12, 2022

EP401 – Old School Cool with George Fitzsimmons Part One

George Fitzsimmons has tried more than 250 jury cases on both sides and handled more than 500 mediations. His experience spans decades and his wisdom has schooled dozens of prominent attorneys, including...

October 5, 2022

EP336 – Setting The Rules with Tom Keefe Part Two

In Part Two of our unfiltered discussion with legendary plaintiff attorney Tom Keefe, you’ll learn Tom’s strategy to “housebreak” a witness and how to handle a highly-coached expert. You’ll also hear Tom’s most...

September 28, 2022

EP335 – Setting The Rules with Tom Keefe Part One

Are you blindly following the “rules” of building a case without examining whether or not they are the best strategy for your client or your practice? Renowned plaintiff attorney Tom Keefe shares...

September 21, 2022

EP334 – Civil Rights Law with Bevis Schock

Considering a civil rights practice? Be prepared for clients that are not always truthful and juries that are probably against you before you say your first word. But you can also make huge...

September 14, 2022

EP333 – Tips for Solo Practitioners with Bevis Schock

Solo practitioners need to be nimble at technology, marketing, and much more. Attorney Bevis Schock shares his tips for solo practitioners on how to get new clients, ways to keep more productive...

September 7, 2022

EP332 – Case Study: The Issue of Agency Part Three

As the trial unfolds, the issue of agency expands into an examination of First Amendment rights. How did Tim and John prepare for this line of attack? We conclude this fascinating in-depth...

August 31, 2022

EP331 – Case Study: The Issue of Agency Part Two

Unraveling the responsibilities and liabilities of an international church entity is a sensitive discussion, especially when you have to admit the defendant was not an employee. Diligent research and the discovery of...

August 24, 2022

EP330 – Case Study: The Issue of Agency Part One

Formulating Precedent-setting Arguments. In a complex case involving a multi-tiered church entity and severe injuries to young children from a faith demonstration that went horribly wrong, The Simon Law Firm focused its...

August 17, 2022

EP329 – Nothing in Particular

Have you ever been forced to wear a tuxedo to court? Have a client kidnapped and tortured on a roof in China? Or watch your co-counsel perform life-saving treatment on a juror?...

August 10, 2022

EP328 – Persuasion Science for Trial Lawyers with John P. Blumberg

How Persuasion Science can lead to Successful Jury Verdicts. Ever wonder why the facts and conclusions of your case seem so obvious to you, but the jury rules the other way? Perhaps...

August 3, 2022

EP327 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part Three

Brad Winters started writing down insights, tips, and life tricks when he was a young man and continued making “notes to self” for decades. Now, as a respected attorney and mediator with...

July 27, 2022

EP326 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part Two

As a mediator for more than 600 civil cases, Brad Winters is an expert on the skill and science of mediation. Surprisingly, his goal is not to settle the case but to...

July 20, 2022

EP325 – The Authentic Lawyer with Brad Winters Part One

Authenticity matters in the legal profession

July 13, 2022

EP324 – Cognitive Science with Dan Holloway Part Two

Honesty and authenticity. Competence and trust. Cognitive science provides a research-based road map on how to project these positive points of connection toward judge and jury. Part Two of our conversation with...

July 6, 2022

EP323 – Cognitive Science with Dan Holloway Part One

Do you structure your case strategy based on the idea that our brains are designed for truth? You might be very wrong. In his book, Lawyers, Judges and Semi-Rational Beasts, Dan Holloway shares...

June 29, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP134 – Settlements Part Two

Strategies for Effective Settlement Negotiations

June 22, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP133 – Settlements Part One

Are you settling your good cases and trying your bad ones? Is sending a demand letter early in the case effective? And should you work up a case differently if you plan...

June 15, 2022

EP322 – Focus Groups

Uses of Focus Groups in Litigation Research - A Valuable Tool in Trial Law

June 8, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP102 – Opening Statements

Opening Statements are one of the most important components of any trial

June 1, 2022

EP321 – Whistleblower Cases with Tony Simon

A potential client believes their company or institution is defrauding the federal government. What should you know before you take the case? Business litigation attorney Tony Simon offers strategic insight into whistleblower cases...

May 25, 2022

EP320 – Tips for Depositions Part Three

Depositions play a key role in the litigation process. It is important for attorneys not to underestimate the power of good investigation, preparation and strategy.

May 18, 2022

EP319 – Tips for Depositions Part Two

15 Tips for a Successful Deposition - Planning, Preparation and Strategy

May 11, 2022

EP318 – Tips for Depositions Part One

Deposition Preparation and Planning for Attorneys. Tips to save time, better prepare your deponent, and clarify your argument for the jury.

May 4, 2022

EP317 – Things They Don’t Teach You In Law School Part Two

Things They Don't Teach in Law School—But Should

April 27, 2022

EP316 – Things They Don’t Teach You In Law School Part One

Law School doesn't teach you much about what it means to be an actual Attorney. So how can you better ready yourself to be a lawyer?

April 20, 2022

EP315 – Improvisational Skills Can Help Improve Your Practice

3 Rules Lawyers should follow when it comes to constructive Cross-examination and Improv Techniques

April 13, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP213 – Losing Sucks

Lessons from Losing: How to handle loss in a court case - because it’s not win or lose. It’s win or learn. 

April 6, 2022

EP314 – Theater in the Courtroom Part Two

Consider the courtroom as a live drama unfolding before you. How can you direct the characters to tell their most authentic story and utilize breathing, dramatic structure, voice control, and more to...

March 30, 2022

EP313 – Theater in the Courtroom Part One

What can Lawyers Learn from Actors? And the Best Techniques to Prepare your Clients for the Courtroom.

March 16, 2022

Encore Presentation: EP212 – Framing Your Case with Charla Aldous

If it’s a cause worth fighting for, Texas trial attorney Charla Aldous is ready. Ranked as one of the top attorneys in America for over two decades, Charla’s authentic, no-nonsense strategy for...