Verdict on the Rocks

Verdict on the Rocks | Why the Gerry Spence Method Works with Alonzo Savala and Gabriel Sepulveda Sanchez

Sepulveda Sanchez Law

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In this episode of Verdict on the Rocks, trial lawyer Alonso Zavala-Soto joins the show to talk about the realities of being a public defender, the discipline he carried from the Marine Corps into trial work, and why authenticity rather than polish wins juries. From serious felony cases to wrongful death trials, Alonzo shares hard-earned lessons about jury selection, storytelling, and the emotional toll of standing alone in the first chair.

The conversation dives deep into the Gerry Spence Method and explores why vulnerability is a strength, how scene-setting can shift a courtroom, and why trial lawyers often learn more from losses than from wins. Alonzo also opens up about the loneliness, fear, and growth that come with trying cases and why some verdicts ultimately belong to the jury, no matter how well you prepare.

This is a raw and honest conversation for trial lawyers, public defenders, and anyone who wants to understand what it truly means to fight for someone in court.