In this Legend Series episode of The Practice Podcast, Aaron Podhurst shares the defining moments behind a 60+ year career at the highest levels of trial practice.
From the Catskills to the Courtroom
The first in his family to attend college, Aaron earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Michigan and later attended Columbia Law School. He chose law because he loved advocacy, persuasion, and the human side of problem-solving. That instinct became the foundation of a nationally respected trial career.
The Case That Meant the Most
Despite decades of landmark aviation and complex litigation, the most gratifying case of his career was pro bono — helping adoptive parents keep their child after a multi-year legal battle.
His takeaway:
The cases that stay with you are the ones where you truly change someone’s life.
Building a National Aviation Practice
A turning point came after the 1972 Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crash in the Everglades. As a young lawyer, Aaron asked for a leadership role in the multidistrict litigation. He was appointed chair — a moment that launched a premier aviation practice.
Preparation met opportunity.
On Litigation and Stress
Aaron is candid: trial work is not easy.
- Jurors decide.
- Judges rule.
- Outcomes are public.
- Clients’ futures are on the line.
If you are not feeling stress, you may not care enough. Litigation demands resilience, but for those wired for it, the rewards are unmatched.
Why Pro Bono Matters
He believes pro bono work:
- Makes you a complete lawyer
- Strengthens your reputation
- Earns judicial respect
- Gives young lawyers real courtroom experience
And most importantly, it feels right.
The Secret to Firm Longevity
Podhurst Orsek’s success rests on three pillars:
- Stay independent.
- Be excellent at a defined specialty.
- Protect your reputation.
Skill matters. So does character.
Final Word
Aaron’s message to young lawyers:
- Do work you believe in.
- Take calculated risks.
- Choose your partners wisely, at work and at home.
- Build a reputation that lasts longer than any single case.
This episode is a reminder that longevity in the law is not accidental. It is earned.
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