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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!)

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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🔥 New episodes drop Wednesdays – don’t miss out

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. 

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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

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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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As the managing partner of The Stritmatter Firm, Karen's role extends beyond a trial lawyer. In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses her recent experiences with two Communication Coaches, one for firm-wide matters and another for personal development. 

Now, you might wonder why she's discussing coaching and counseling so openly with her listeners. Isn't that topic meant to be private? Absolutely! However, the legal profession rarely broaches this topic, which to Karen, in itself, calls for introspection. Tune in to hear more.  🎤 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler shares her experiences dealing with the big bad insurance defense lawyers.  From their pack mentality to the insufferable superiority complex, Karen is a street punk fighter ready to take on the challenge. 

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