The employment defense world’s power couple

In a special two-part feature on Coopers’ Code, Miles Cooper sits down with the employment defense world’s ultimate “power couple”: Mike Laurenson and Mollie Burks. Partners at the national firm Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM for short), Mike and Mollie offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when two high-stakes trial attorneys blend their lives, their four children, and — on one notable occasion — a high-pressure courtroom.

Mike and Mollie in the studio.

Part 1: The inspiring story of a blended practice

In the first episode, the duo explores the human side of the law. Mollie shares her journey from a modest “working-class” upbringing in a tiny Gold Country town to becoming the co-managing partner of Gordon Rees’s Northern California region. Mike, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Persian Gulf War, discusses his transition from the bridge of a ship to the well of a courtroom.

Together, they discuss the crucible of re-establishing a practice after a move and the vital importance of being an accessible mentor to the next generation of lawyers. As Mollie puts it, “You have to ensure that these younger lawyers… know that it’s not an inconvenience for them to text you.”

Part 2: Trying a case with your spouse

The second episode dives into the mechanics of their most unique collaboration: trying a $200,000 employment case together in San Francisco. They reveal how they kept their marriage a secret from the jury and the judge, maintained a strict division of labor, and handled the emotional highs and lows of trial.

Listeners will also get a masterclass in trial strategy:

• The power of openings: Mollie explains why the opening statement is the “control freak’s” favorite part of trial.
• The creative closing: Mike breaks down his legendary “Red Herring” graphics and why he once used a clip from Glengarry Glen Ross to kick off a closing argument.
• The French Laundry win: Mike recounts his high-profile defense of Chef Thomas Keller in a pregnancy discrimination suit, proving that a “smoking gun” email isn’t always the end of the story.

Why you should listen

Whether you are interested in the high-stakes world of PAGA and wage-and-hour class actions or simply want to know how two people manage four kids and two massive books of business, this two-parter is packed with wisdom. It’s a testament to the fact that with the right partner, you can have a “100% successful practice and be a 100% successful parent.”

Watch now on YouTube:

Part 1: Blending Families & Trial Law
Part 2: How Two Married Lawyers Tried a Case Together