In this episode of Sports ’N Torts, Josh sits down with Scott Campbell, partner at Shiver Hamilton Campbell and one of Atlanta’s premier trial lawyers. Scott shares his journey from defending major corporations in medical malpractice/device and product liability cases to building a plaintiff-side practice focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation.

Scott reflects on the mentors who shaped his early career, why he ultimately left a fast-track BigLaw trajectory to prioritize family and purpose, and how joining Jeff Shiver and Alan Hamilton reshaped his professional life. The two dive deep into trial preparation, the art of cross-examination, dealing with experts, adapting at trial in real-time, maintaining empathy for clients experiencing unimaginable hardship, and finding fulfillment in fighting for people during the hardest chapters of their lives.

On the sports side, Scott breaks down his love for Colorado football (with a daughter enrolled in Boulder), the Deion Sanders effect, and his thoughts on the Ryder Cup, including how to fix Team USA and why the pod system needs to come back. And of course, there’s plenty of golf talk, including scramble strategy, competitive nerves, and the YouTube-driven tinkering every amateur can relate to.

Authentic, thoughtful, and packed with insight on both the courtroom and the course, this episode blends strategy, heart, competition, and perspective — exactly what Sports ’N Torts is all about.

⚖️ Key Legal Topics

• Transition from defense to plaintiff work
• Early career mentorship and trial reps
• Balancing ambition with family and personal values
• Trial preparation frameworks & organization
• Listening as a superpower in trial
• Cross-exam techniques & the “Perry Mason moment”
• When to use experts — and when not to
• Handling wrongful-death cases with empathy and courage
• Client trust and the privilege of advocacy
• Why lawyers must stay adaptable, humble & prepared
• Marketing & referrals in a post-COVID trial world
• Giving back through CLEs and mentoring younger lawyers

🏈⛳ Sports Topics

• Colorado football, Coach Prime, and Boulder culture
• The Dion Sanders effect & program transformation
• Georgia Bulldogs fandom (and why Josh won’t let him talk enough Dawgs)
• Ryder Cup breakdown — why Team USA struggles in foursomes
• Case for returning to the pod system
• SEC pod idea for Ryder Cup team chemistry
• Golf competition vs. casual rounds
• Scramble strategy & opening-tee nerves
• YouTube golf addiction & tinkering swings

💡 Best Quotes

“Preparation gives you the freedom to listen in trial.”

“Winning isn't everything — standing up for people is.”

“You owe your client the courage to pivot when trial demands it.”

“Good results bring cases — but so does showing up with integrity.”

📚 Takeaways

• Trial excellence is built on preparation, listening, and authenticity
• A lawyer’s purpose goes beyond verdicts — it's about people
• Sports psychology mirrors trial work: pressure, poise, process
• Culture matters — in law firms and locker rooms
• The biggest moments often come from unexpected opportunities

🎧 Listen If You Like

• Real-world trial strategy
• Lessons from elite mentors
• Purpose-driven law practice
• Honest conversations about balancing career & family
• College football & golf strategy talk
• High-performance mindset discussions