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The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Trial lawyers can be real people, too—and this podcast proves it. The Velvet Hammer™ is back, and this time, Karen Koehler isn’t going it alone. Known for her fearless advocacy, bold storytelling, and, yes, even the occasional backwards dress moment, Karen is teaming up with Mo Hamoudi, a lawyer, poet, and storyteller whose empathy and resilience add a whole new dynamic to the show.
Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on trial law, diving into bold topics, heartfelt stories, and the messy, hilarious moments that make trial lawyers human. This is an unscripted, raw, and fun take on life inside—and outside—the courtroom.
The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
The "Prototype Lawyer" and Losing Identity in Law | Part 1
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.
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🎧 Stay Connected with The Velvet Hammer™ Podcast
Hosted by Karen Koehler and Mo Hamoudi, trial lawyers at Stritmatter Law, a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury and civil rights law firm based in Washington State.
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📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email us at thevelvethammerpodcast@stritmatter.com
🔥 New episodes every Wednesday
Subscribe for bold takes, heartfelt moments, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to live and lead as a trial lawyer at Stritmatter Law.
