In this episode of Face the Jury, we’re joined by legendary trial lawyer Randy Kinnard, a decorated Vietnam veteran and one of Tennessee’s most respected legal professionals. With over 40 years of courtroom experience and record-setting verdicts, Randy shares his journey from the battlefield to the front lines of justice.
A Career Built on Fighting for Justice
Randy’s path to law was unconventional, to say the least. A West Point graduate and combat officer in Vietnam, he initially planned for a lifelong military career. However, upon returning from war, he sought a new challenge and found his place in the courtroom. Randy’s military history, particularly his experience of being in an environment with conflict, adversity, and a need for hyper-focus, closely replicated in the courtroom.
“My experience in the military taught me discipline, courage, and the importance of preparation—all qualities that serve me in the courtroom,” he shares. Randy draws parallels between combat and trial law, both of which require the ability to anticipate the opponent’s moves and the necessity of making snap decisions.
Keeping Composure Under Pressure
One of Randy’s defining traits is his ability to remain composed, even when the odds are stacked against him. For instance, he recalls a judge once telling him that, no matter how bad things got, he always appeared unshaken. This kind of attitude, he explains, is critical in trials where emotions can run high and unexpected challenges arise.
Preparation and strategy are helpful tactics to keep your emotions in check so your “enemy” or opposing council can never surprise you. Success in trial law is rooted in preparation. Randy believes every case, no matter how big or small, deserves extensive research and strategic planning. “There are no shortcuts,” he says. “If you walk into a courtroom unprepared, you’ve already lost.”
He describes his process, which includes reviewing every case detail, anticipating the opposing counsel’s arguments, and crafting a narrative that will resonate with jurors. Preparation allows the opportunity to confidently present cases and adapt when unexpected challenges arise.
The Power of Respect
One of Randy’s strongest beliefs is that professionalism and respect can significantly impact case outcomes. He emphasizes that maintaining civility—both inside and outside the courtroom—builds credibility with judges and juries alike. Some people often mistake or think respect may make them look weak, but it actually requires a lot of strength.
“You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be the most effective,” Randy states. “Jurors respect attorneys who treat everyone, including opposing counsel, with professionalism.”
He shares that juries notice how attorneys conduct themselves, and an attorney who shows respect, humility, and fairness can gain their trust. This trust often translates into more favorable verdicts, as jurors are more likely to believe and side with an attorney who demonstrates integrity. Once you adopt this level of thinking, you’ll find that the verdicts for your clients are bigger than they would have been based on how attorneys handle themselves in trial.
Erin Andrews Case Impactful Case
Randy played a key role as one of the lead attorneys in the high-profile Erin Andrews case, in which a stalker secretly filmed the sportscaster in her hotel room. The case resulted in a $55 million verdict, leading to sweeping changes in hotel security policies nationwide. “This case wasn’t just about Erin—it was about privacy, safety, and holding corporations accountable,” Randy explains.
Because of the landmark ruling, the case brought national attention to the responsibilities of hotels in protecting guests’ privacy. As a result, hotels across the country implemented stricter policies regarding guestroom security and employee protocols to prevent similar invasions of privacy. The verdict sent a clear message that businesses must take security seriously or be held accountable at high levels of the law.
After many years in the courtroom, Randy’s advice to the new generation of lawyers is always to be respectful, have a burning desire to help people, and work hard, and you’ll be sure to find success. His insights serve as a masterclass for attorneys at every stage of their careers, and he hopes to deliver this message as he travels around the country.
Listen to Randy Kinnard’s episode here and stay tuned for the next episode with our host, Lloyd Bell. “Face the Jury” is a podcast dedicated to confronting the issues involving medical malpractice in America– what it is, how to spot it and how to protect you and your family from medical negligence.