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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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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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the devastating consequences of drunk driving, her frustration with the delayed legal processes, and the need for stricter accountability for drunk drivers. 

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In this episode of The Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses lame late tactical apologies. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the quality of being aggressive as an attorney. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler describes the grief of losing a trial. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses the toll of being in trial a lot. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler reflects on the nasty defense lawyer from her latest trial.

Read about the trial here. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler is mad at a judge. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses her thoughts on the differences between good and bad mediators. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen Koehler discusses her cases involving death by shooting. In an autopsy, the medical examiner takes dozens of photos of the body. Karen describes how she determines what autopsy photos of her clients killed by bullets should be used in trial, the other side's argument to withhold the images from the jury, and the importance of designating the autopsy photos as evidence in trial. 

Warning - this episode includes detailed descriptions of death by shooting and autopsies. Please exercise discretion in listening. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses the Depp v Heard trial as a trial lawyer who did not watch the tumultuous six-week trial. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen discusses attorney awards.

Read the Wall Street Journal article she references here. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with her law clerk (and daughter) Alysha to discuss burnout.

Connect with Alysha here. 

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani for part two of their discussion of the McNamara civil murder trial. 

Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl here.

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Karen sits down with Attorney Furhad Sultani who assisted her in the three-week civil murder trial that took place in Grant County, Washington from March 7th to March 25th. 

Read about the Estate of McNamara v. Nessl  here.

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In this episode of the Velvet Hammer, Seattle trial lawyer Karen Koehler discusses lessons learned from making mistakes.

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