
Embracing Bad Facts in the Unwinnable Case, with Teny Geragos
"Bad facts don't get better. Don't make them better." Criminal defense attorney Teny Geragos , a founding partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP in New York City, grew up with those words from her father written on a chalkboard in her parents' pantry. That lesson has guided her defense of some of the most unpopular clients imaginable, from Martin Shkreli to Harvey Weinstein and Sean Combs. In this conversation with host Amber Nimocks , Teny explains how she turns intense media attention into a defense strategy and how she picks jurors who can see past the headlines. Tune in for insights on how to show jurors a client's humanity and why a fair trial can overcome public opinion. 🎙️ Featured Guest 🎙️ Name: Teny Geragos Connect: LinkedIn 💡 Episode Highlights 💡 [02:47] Standing Up to the Government : Teny says she rarely seeks out clients; they come to her when they have something to say about the government's allegations or actions against them. [04:48] Advocacy and Feminism : Teny describes being raised by her grandmothers to speak her mind, an upbringing that shaped her personal definition of feminism and how a woman rises to the top in a field full of men. [08:16] Owning the Worst Fact : Teny explains why she admitted Sean Combs' domestic violence in her opening statement and how that moment shifted the courtroom. [11:57] The Attorney as an Extension of the Client : Teny shares why jurors must like the defense attorney first and how she showed the jury who Combs really was. [14:20] Picking a Jury Under a Spotlight : Teny reveals what she looks for in potential jurors who have already seen the headlines and why mock juries shaped her arguments. [17:35] The Pharma Bro Lesson : Teny's first federal trial as a new lawyer defended Martin Shkreli, then known as the most hated man in America, and taught her that jurors in a fair trial can look past the media. [19:50] Born Into the Courtroom : Growing up around her father's high-profile cases, including his representation of Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson, Teny briefly considered a media career before landing where she says she was always supposed to be. Connect with North Carolina Advocates for Justice ☑️ Follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . ☑️ Subscribe to Voices of NCAJ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Voices of NCAJ features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice talking about what it means to be a trial lawyer, what it takes to be great at the practice of law and how being a part of NCAJ enriches their lives and their careers. Members of NCAJ belong to a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of legal professionals dedicated to empowering a strong community of trial lawyers to protect people, prevent injustice and promote fairness. Membership affords many benefits and we’re proud to offer discounts and opportunities thanks to our tremendous community of sponsors and partners. Join today!

