Tarras Defense founder David Tarras was recently featured on The Litigator’s Path podcast for a conversation about federal trial practice, artificial intelligence, and what it takes to defend a complex criminal case under extraordinary pressure.

In the episode, Tarras discusses his experience trying a 9-week federal fraud case as solo trial counsel against a government prosecution team that included three federal prosecutors, agents, and support staff. During trial, Tarras used AI as a litigation support tool to help process large volumes of overnight Jencks material, organize witness inconsistencies, draft responsive motions, and prepare demonstratives while continuing to handle every strategic and courtroom decision himself.

The episode highlights a practical reality facing modern litigators: complex federal cases often move fast, discovery can be voluminous, and trial lawyers must be able to absorb information, identify issues, and respond in real time. For Tarras, AI served as a tool to increase speed and organization while preserving the judgment, advocacy, and strategic decision-making that define effective criminal defense.

“AI does not replace trial judgment,” said Tarras. “It can help a lawyer move faster, organize more effectively, and see patterns in the record, but the lawyer still has to know what matters, what to challenge, and how to use it in court.”

Tarras Defense represents individuals and companies in federal criminal defense matters, white collar investigations, healthcare fraud cases, cybercrime matters, and cases involving emerging technology. Tarras’ appearance on The Litigator’s Path reflects his continued focus on the intersection of criminal defense, federal enforcement, and the evolving role of technology in litigation.

Listen to the full episode here: https://legion.law/podcasts/david-tarras-he-went-solo-against-three-federal-prosecutors-with-ai-as-second-chair