In this episode of On The Docket, host Marie Napoli sits down with Bruce Plaxen, President of the American Association for Justice, for a thoughtful conversation on mentorship, leadership, and responsibility within personal injury law.

The discussion explores what draws attorneys into personal injury work, when the practice becomes purpose-driven, and how mentorship shapes both individual careers and profession. Marie and Bruce reflect on the role mentors play in developing young lawyers, as well as the common criticisms of personal injury law, distinguishing between fair critique and misconception, and reinforcing the idea that this area of law is ultimately about safety, accountability, and, most importantly, helping people.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and is not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Railroad companies move America, but when they cut corners, workers pay the price. In this episode, we sit down with Hunter Shkolnik and Chris Schnieders to break down what really happens when rail workers are injured and forced to take on powerful corporations. We unpack the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), why it’s not workers’ comp, and why proving negligence can make or break a case.

We also dive into a major moment of accountability: Napoli Shkolnik’s $21.8 million settlement for a Norfolk Southern worker. What did it mean for one family—and why do results like this matter far beyond a single case? From derailments to toxic exposure, we zoom out to show how rail safety isn’t just a workplace issue, but a community and environmental one affecting everyone living near the tracks.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only and is not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Every day, people rely on products they believe are safe: powders, medications, weed killers, hair relaxers, even medical devices. But for thousands of families, these household items have led to devastating injuries and diagnoses. In this episode, Chris LoPalo and Joelys Hernandez dig into the truth behind some of the country’s biggest product liability cases and why so many dangers slip through the cracks.

They explore the stories behind talcum powder and ovarian cancer, the litigation surrounding Roundup, the concerns raised about Zantac, chemical exposure in hair relaxers, and the failures that allowed faulty medical implants into the market. Chris and Joelys discuss why oversight isn’t always enough, how corporate influence can shape what consumers do or don’t know, and why people often assume everyday items are safer than they really are. The conversation also highlights how lawsuits uncover internal documents, hidden memos, and long-buried research — the pieces of truth that finally bring accountability. For many families, litigation becomes the only path to answers, change, and justice.

If you want more conversations on consumer safety, mass torts, and the legal stories shaping communities across the country, subscribe to the channel and stay tuned for upcoming episodes.