The Millennial Lawyer Podcast with Mark Shirian

The Journey of a Trial Lawyer

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the *Millennial Lawyer Podcast*, trial lawyer Peter Thomas shares his inspiring journey into trial law, influenced by his father’s legacy as a judge. He discusses pivotal moments, including how mentor Sanford Rubenstein took a chance on him, leading to significant courtroom victories. Peter emphasizes the importance of jury selection and storytelling in winning cases, culminating in a recent landmark verdict against the New York City Transit Authority.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Early influences and journey into trial law
05:45 – Mentorship by Sanford Rubenstein
09:30 – Unique aspects of working with his twin brother
12:10 – Lessons learned from early experiences and mentors
15:40 – Impactful courtroom victories and career-defining cases
18:55 – Connecting with juries through storytelling and themes
21:30 – The significance of jury selection in trial practice
About the Show:
The *Millennial Lawyer Podcast* follows the journeys of legal professionals who embody courage and precision in the courtroom. Hosted by trial lawyer Mark Shirian, the series delves into the art of trial work and the impactful stories behind courtroom victories.

The Surveillance Trap: How Insurance Companies Use Private Investigators Against You

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, Attorney Mark Shirian reveals how insurance companies use private investigators to secretly monitor injury victims. From “Day in the Life” videos to social media surveillance, Mark explains what’s legal, what’s not, and how these tactics can affect your personal injury case. He also shares how to protect yourself, avoid being misrepresented on video, and why awareness is key to keeping your credibility intact.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to private investigator surveillance01:00 – Why insurers hire investigators in injury cases02:00 – What a “Day in the Life” video is and how it’s used03:00 – How surveillance can hurt or help your case04:00 – What’s legal when filming and recording sound05:00 – How AI can manipulate surveillance footage06:00 – Signs you might be under surveillance07:00 – How to protect yourself from being misrepresented08:00 – Using surveillance footage during litigation09:00 – When insurers typically conduct surveillance10:00 – Mark’s advice for clients: awareness and social media caution
About the Show:The Millennial Lawyer Podcast features Attorney Mark Shirian, a New York litigation attorney and founder of Mark David Shirian PC. Known for winning seven-figure results in personal injury, employment, and civil litigation, Mark breaks down real legal issues and offers practical advice for navigating complex cases.

The Broken Chain: When Defective Equipment Causes Construction Injuries

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, Attorney Mark Shirian explains how New York’s Labor Laws protect construction workers injured by defective tools, machinery, or unsafe work conditions. He breaks down the “Scaffold Law,” employer responsibilities, and what happens when manufacturers or contractors fail to ensure safety on the job. Mark also discusses OSHA’s role, the importance of evidence, and the first steps injured workers should take to build a strong claim.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to construction site accidents and defective tools01:00 – How Labor Law 240 (Scaffold Law) protects workers02:30 – Who can be held liable: owners, contractors, and subcontractors04:00 – When workers misuse equipment—does it affect their claim?05:00 – Product liability and suing manufacturers for defects06:30 – What evidence helps build a strong case07:30 – Common construction site injuries and causes09:00 – The role of OSHA reports and safety standards10:00 – Why witness statements and expert inspections matter11:00 – First steps after a construction injury
About the Show:The Millennial Lawyer Podcast features Attorney Mark Shirian, a New York litigation attorney known for winning seven-figure results in personal injury, employment, and civil cases. Each episode breaks down complex legal topics in simple, practical terms to help listeners understand their rights.

Bars, Bouncers, and Bottle Service: Injury Lawsuits from Nightlife Incidents

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, Attorney Mark Shirian discusses the legal consequences of injuries that occur in bars, nightclubs, and lounges. From bouncer violence to overserving alcohol and negligent security, Mark explains the key laws that protect victims in New York and when an establishment can be held responsible for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons. He also shares insights into dram shop laws, evidence challenges, and how insurance companies often try to shift blame in these cases.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: When a night out turns into a legal issue01:00 – Common injury cases from bars and nightclubs02:30 – Understanding New York’s dram shop laws04:00 – Overserving alcohol and serving minors05:00 – Bar defenses and proving intoxication06:00 – What negligent security means and how it applies07:30 – How much force bouncers can legally use09:00 – Are bars responsible once a drunk patron is removed?10:30 – Gathering evidence: witness statements and surveillance12:00 – How insurance companies handle bar injury claims13:30 – When victims lose protection under dram shop law15:00 – Suing individuals vs. insured establishments16:30 – Final advice: understanding your rights after a bar injury
About the Show:The Millennial Lawyer Podcast shares real stories and legal insights from Attorney Mark Shirian, a New York litigation attorney known for securing seven-figure results in personal injury, employment, and complex civil cases. Each episode breaks down key legal issues that affect everyday people in clear, practical language.

Falling Through the Cracks: Suing NYC for Injuries on Public Property

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, New York litigation attorney Mark Shirian explains what happens when the city itself is responsible for your injury. From filing a notice of claim to understanding who maintains sidewalks, roads, and public spaces, Mark breaks down the steps, timelines, and challenges of suing a municipality. He also shares insights on gathering evidence, dealing with the city’s defenses, and how time limits can affect your case.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to suing New York City for injuries01:10 – What makes lawsuits against the city different02:30 – What a “notice of claim” is and what it must include04:00 – Who’s responsible for sidewalks and public spaces05:10 – When the city is liable for structural defects or poor planning06:20 – Common types of city-related injury cases08:00 – How the city defends itself in injury claims09:30 – How attorneys prove the city’s prior notice or fault10:30 – Deadlines, hearings, and filing procedures for municipal claims12:00 – How surveillance footage and 311 reports support your case13:00 – Key steps to take immediately after an injury on public property
About the Show:
The Millennial Lawyer Podcast with Mark Shirian helps listeners understand the realities of personal injury law, employment disputes, and complex civil cases. Each episode offers legal insights and real-world advice to help clients and attorneys navigate the modern legal landscape.

Video Game Addiction and the Law

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Mark Shirian breaks down the rise of video game addiction lawsuits targeting major developers like Epic Games, Activision Blizzard, Sony, and Nintendo. He explains how game design features such as loot boxes, daily rewards, and time-limited events are being challenged in court for fostering compulsive play and harming teens. Mark also explores defenses raised by gaming companies, the role of the WHO’s classification of gaming disorder, and how these lawsuits could reshape the future of the gaming industry.
Key Timestamps:
00:01:20 – What video game addiction litigation means and why big companies are targeted00:03:45 – How courts evaluate causation and defenses from developers00:05:10 – Signs of addiction in teens and how they strengthen legal claims00:06:50 – WHO’s recognition of gaming disorder and its influence on lawsuits00:08:30 – Why MDL was denied and California’s coordinated proceeding explained00:09:40 – First Amendment defenses raised by gaming companies00:11:00 – Damages sought: microtransactions, therapy costs, and emotional distress00:12:20 – Potential industry changes and regulation if lawsuits succeed
About the Show
The Millennial Lawyer Podcast breaks down key legal issues that impact everyday life. Hosted by Mark Shirian, this podcast provides expert insights on personal injury law, corporate liability, and legal challenges affecting the modern world. Whether you’re navigating an insurance claim, dealing with a lawsuit, or just want to stay informed about your legal rights, this show is here to help.

Your Injury, Their Delay – Holding Insurance Companies Accountable for Bad Faith

Episode Summary
In Episode 23 of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, attorney Mark Shirian breaks down the critical issue of insurance company bad faith. From explaining what bad faith means in the context of personal injury and insurance claims, to outlining red flags policyholders should watch for, Mark provides a comprehensive guide to understanding how insurers sometimes put their own interests above their duty to policyholders.
He also explains the legal framework in New York, the types of damages that may be recovered, and strategies for proving bad faith when insurers use delay tactics, lowball offers, or improper denials. Whether dealing with auto, health, or disability insurance, this episode offers practical advice for anyone facing unfair insurance practices.
Key Timestamps
0:55 – What is insurance bad faith? Defining bad faith and how it differs from a simple claim denial.2:10 – Red flags of insurer misconduct. Common tactics insurers use to delay or deny valid claims.4:20 – Bad faith lawsuits in New York. When and how policyholders can sue insurers directly.6:00 – Types of damages recoverable. From consequential losses to emotional distress and punitive damages.7:30 – Proving intentional delay or denial. Evidence and investigative methods attorneys use to build a bad faith case.9:10 – Bad faith across different insurance types. Auto, health, and disability insurers and how each may act in bad faith.10:40 – Practical steps for policyholders. Documentation strategies, filing complaints, and consulting an attorney early.
About the Show
The Millennial Lawyer Podcast breaks down key legal issues that impact everyday life. Hosted by Mark Shirian, this podcast provides expert insights on personal injury law, corporate liability, and legal challenges affecting the modern world. Whether you’re navigating an insurance claim, dealing with a lawsuit, or just want to stay informed about your legal rights, this show is here to help.

Danger on Wheels: When E-Scooter and E-Bike Rides Go Wrong

Episode Summary
Attorney Mark Shirian examines the growing issue of e-scooter and e-bike accidents in New York, highlighting their distinct legal challenges compared to traditional vehicle crashes. The episode covers liability factors, insurance limitations, the critical role of GPS and app data, and practical steps for victims to secure compensation, offering essential guidance for navigating injury claims.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Legal Differences in E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
04:00 - Determining Liability in E-Scooter Crashes
07:00 - Insurance Coverage for E-Scooter Riders
10:00 - Impact of Helmet Use on Injury Claims
13:00 - Using GPS Data in E-Scooter Cases
16:00 - Common Misconceptions About E-Bike Crashes
19:00 - Steps for Victims of E-Scooter Accidents
22:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
The Millennial Lawyer Podcast breaks down key legal issues that impact everyday life. Hosted by Mark Shirian, this podcast provides expert insights on personal injury law, corporate liability, and legal challenges affecting the modern world. Whether you’re navigating an insurance claim, dealing with a lawsuit, or just want to stay informed about your legal rights, this show is here to help.

Bullied at Work: When Harassment Crosses the Legal Line

Episode Summary:In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, New York employment attorney Mark Shirian breaks down the critical differences between workplace bullying and unlawful harassment. Many employees struggle to understand where poor management ends and illegal discrimination begins. Mark explains what legally qualifies as a hostile work environment, how retaliation claims work, and the role of power dynamics between supervisors and employees. He also discusses the importance of documenting harassment, the surprising role of social media in evidence gathering, and shares real-world cases where victims successfully turned toxic workplace experiences into justice.
Whether you are facing workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, this episode provides essential insights into how to recognize your rights, protect yourself, and build a strong legal case.
Key Timestamps:
01:42 – The difference between bullying and unlawful harassment04:20 – What legally defines a hostile work environment07:15 – The best forms of evidence in harassment cases11:05 – Common myths employees believe about workplace rights14:22 – How retaliation claims often strengthen a case18:40 – Why power dynamics increase employer liability22:10 – Using social media as evidence in harassment cases25:55 – A pregnancy discrimination case with real change as the outcome30:12 – Steps to take immediately if you suspect harassment34:18 – Mark’s final advice: document everything
About the Show
The Millennial Lawyer Podcast breaks down key legal issues that impact everyday life. Hosted by Mark Shirian, this podcast provides expert insights on personal injury law, corporate liability, and legal challenges affecting the modern world. Whether you’re navigating an insurance claim, dealing with a lawsuit, or just want to stay informed about your legal rights, this show is here to help.

Hidden Hazards: Suing for Injuries in Short-Term Rentals

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Millennial Lawyer Podcast, New York litigation attorney Mark Shirian examines the rising legal risks associated with short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo. He breaks down how these cases differ from traditional premises liability claims, who may be held responsible, and what evidence is critical for success. From gaps in insurance coverage to the importance of documenting hazards, Mark offers valuable insights for renters, property owners, and anyone considering short-term rental arrangements.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how liability works in these cases, what steps to take after an injury, and how to protect themselves legally when using or managing short-term rentals.
Key Timestamps
0:45 – Why short-term rental injuries are legally different from hotel or residential claims3:10 – Who can be held liable: property owners, platforms, or third parties6:20 – How Airbnb shields itself through user agreements and Section 230 protections9:15 – Using property listings and guest reviews as evidence in legal claims12:05 – The importance of warnings for hazards and owner duties under New York law15:40 – Why documenting the scene with photos and video is critical for your case18:50 – Real-world case example of a staircase injury and hidden evidence21:15 – Insurance coverage gaps that often surprise plaintiffs24:00 – Essential steps to take immediately after being injured at a short-term rental
Episode Description
Short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo have transformed the travel industry—but they also come with hidden legal hazards. In this episode, New York litigation attorney Mark Shirian discusses the unique legal challenges these cases present, including who may be held liable, how insurance coverage often falls short, and why documenting the scene is critical after an injury.
Mark also explains how reviews, listing photos, and communication records can serve as powerful evidence, and what renters should do to protect their rights if an accident occurs. Whether you’re a guest, a property owner, or considering listing a rental, this episode provides essential insights into the growing world of short-term rental liability.