How Two Married Lawyers Tried a Case Together, with Mike Laurenson & Mollie Burks
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode of Coopers’ Code, Miles Cooper continues with Mike Laurenson and Mollie Burks, of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, as the discussion moves from foundations to the courtroom. The episode centers on what happens when preparation meets pressure, and how experienced trial lawyers make decisions when the stakes are real.
If you missed Part 1, stream it here:
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/xhc1z9VnM3c
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blending-families-trial-law-the-inspiring-story-of/id1679622653?i=1000746714669
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6j4ObaaCjJb1rQhStbRnEd?si=67f4bf2ff68a4e27
Mike and Mollie break down what it was like to try a case together as spouses, including how they divided courtroom roles, handled emotional moments, and maintained professional boundaries under stress. They explore the mechanics of trial work, from jury selection and witness control to openings, closings, and the creative use of graphics and storytelling.
The conversation expands into high-stakes employment litigation, including wage and hour and PAGA cases, where exposure can threaten the survival of entire companies.
Mike reflects on landmark trial experiences, including the French Laundry pregnancy discrimination case, while both guests emphasize the importance of humility, judgment, and learning from losses.
Part 2 closes with reflections on longevity in trial practice, balancing ambition with family, and why sustained excellence in the courtroom depends as much on restraint and perspective as it does on skill.
More on Mollie Burks:
- Firm bio: https://www.grsm.com/lawyer/mollie-m-burks/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-burks-764ab449/
More on Michael Laurenson:
- Firm bio: https://www.grsm.com/lawyer/michael-a-laurenson/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-laurenson-283a97/
More about Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-and-rees-llp
***
We are now on video as well. You can watch the episodes on our Youtube channel!
Hosted by Miles Cooper
Produced by Mauro Serra | Kenji Productions
Recorded & Co-produced by Zach Morvant | www.zmorvant.com
Music by The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble
Rate/Leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Questions, comments, feedback and suggestion? Email us at: podcast@coopers.law
Read Coopers' Code & articles and publications
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In this episode of Coopers’ Code, Miles Cooper continues with Mike Laurenson and Mollie Burks, of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, as the discussion moves from foundations to the courtroom. The episode centers on what happens when preparation meets pressure, and how experienced trial lawyers make decisions when the stakes are real. If you missed Part 1, stream it here: - Youtube: https://youtu.be/xhc1z9VnM3c - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blending-families-trial-law-the-inspiring-story-of/id1679622653?i=1000746714669 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6j4ObaaCjJb1rQhStbRnEd?si=67f4bf2ff68a4e27 Mike and Mollie break down what it was like to try a case together as spouses, including how they divided courtroom roles, handled emotional moments, and maintained professional boundaries under stress. They explore the mechanics of trial work, from jury selection and witness control to openings, closings, and the creative use of graphics and storytelling. The conversation expands into high-stakes employment litigation, including wage and hour and PAGA cases, where exposure can threaten the survival of entire companies. Mike reflects on landmark trial experiences, including the French Laundry pregnancy discrimination case, while both guests emphasize the importance of humility, judgment, and learning from losses. Part 2 closes with reflections on longevity in trial practice, balancing ambition with family, and why sustained excellence in the courtroom depends as much on restraint and perspective as it does on skill. More on Mollie Burks: - Firm bio: https://www.grsm.com/lawyer/mollie-m-burks/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-burks-764ab449/ More on Michael Laurenson: - Firm bio: https://www.grsm.com/lawyer/michael-a-laurenson/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-laurenson-283a97/ More about Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-and-rees-llp *** We are now on video as well. You can watch the episodes on our Youtube channel! Hosted by Miles Cooper Produced by Mauro Serra | Kenji Productions Recorded & Co-produced by Zach Morvant | www.zmorvant.com Music by The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble Rate/Leave a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts Questions, comments, feedback and suggestion? Email us at: podcast@coopers.law Read Coopers' Code & articles and publications