#245 - Mastering Trial Law and Life: Lessons from 400 Cases

Send us a text What does someone learn after 30 years as a trial attorney and 400 cases? Criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson reveals it"s not the victories that shape exceptional attorneys—it"s the losses and what comes after. Sitting down with the #ClockedIn podcast, Nelson shares his surprising practice of inviting jurors for coffee after trials to understand their perspectives. "You learn so much by spending time with the jury," he explains. "They tell you what they liked, what pissed them off, what they didn"t buy from the government." This feedback loop has transformed his approach to representation and cultivated relationships that span decades—including one with an astronaut-turned-senator who served on his jury. Beyond trial tactics, Nelson offers profound insights about balancing the intense demands of criminal and family law with personal wellbeing. Recognizing that poor client communication is the legal profession"s greatest weakness, he pioneered a dedicated Client Success Manager position to ensure clients feel supported through their darkest moments. "These are the worst times of their lives," Nelson reflects, "and we"re there to bridge that gap." The conversation expands into Nelson"s philosophy on handling stress, maintaining physical health as a 60-year-old father to a young daughter, and building meaningful community through service. His approach to independent thinking proves particularly compelling—approaching disagreements with genuine curiosity rather than defensiveness. "If I think X and you think Y, help me understand how you got there," he suggests, modeling how to bridge divides in an increasingly fractured world. Whether you"re facing legal challenges or simply navigating life"s complexities, Nelson"s wisdom transcends the courtroom. His "relentless" commitment to preparation, communication, and understanding offers a blueprint for approaching any high-stakes situation with confidence and humanity. Connect with Tad Nelson at TadLaw.com or across social media platforms to learn more about his approach to law and life. To Learn more about Tad:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tad-nelson-03492334 To Reach Jordan: Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review. Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-555/intro-call