Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense

How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney: Insider Guidance from William Pernik | Counselor Podcast

Welcome to Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense with William Pernik, criminal defense attorney and advocate for holistic, client-centered legal representation. In this episode, William offers an insider’s perspective on one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make: how to choose the right criminal defense attorney.---00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:32 - Role of an Attorney in a Criminal Case00:01:50 - Different Types of Lawyers00:03:25 - Client Autonomy Model vs Guided Outcome Model00:07:16 - Transactional Approach vs Relational Approach00:11:27 - False Economy of Low Cost Representation00:14:12 - Guidance for Dealing with Clients with Substance Abuse or Mental Health Issues00:15:36 - Understanding Lawyer's Payment Structures00:16:38 - Ethical Dilemmas in Legal Practice00:17:21 - Rule 2.1: The Role of an Attorney as an Advisor00:18:24 - Promoting the Counselor Model in Legal Practice00:18:38 - Implications of the Counselor Model on Attorney Wellbeing00:19:44 - Conclusion and Contact Information---
 
*Why does your choice of attorney matter so much?*  Criminal law isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting your freedom, your family, your career, and sometimes your immigration status. The attorney you choose, their philosophy, and their level of commitment can shape the rest of your life.
*Are all criminal defense attorneys the same?*  Absolutely not. William explains why not all lawyers are equally qualified or aligned with your goals. Even among good attorneys, differences in philosophy can impact your experience and outcome.
*Attorney Philosophies: Autonomy vs. Counselor Model*  - Client Autonomy Model: The lawyer does exactly what the client asks, even if it’s not in the client’s best interest.  - Guided Outcome / Counselor Model: The lawyer acts as a trusted advisor, sometimes pushing back and helping clients make informed decisions—especially during times of crisis.
William champions the Counselor Model, where the attorney is a strategic partner focused on your long-term well-being.
*Transactional vs. Relational Representation*  Transactional lawyers handle single tasks; relational attorneys, like William, invest in understanding your life and goals, connecting you with resources beyond the courtroom—therapists, counselors, and more.
*The Pitfalls of Choosing Based on Price*  Many people believe “a lawyer is a lawyer” and hire the cheapest option. William warns against this “false economy,” where saving money upfront can lead to devastating long-term consequences—like poor plea deals, missed opportunities for treatment, and hidden immigration issues.
*The Dangerous Combo: Cheap, Transactional Lawyers & Quick Fixes*  Clients seeking fast, inexpensive results paired with lawyers who only follow instructions often end up with poor outcomes and unresolved personal challenges.
*What Does the Counselor Model Look Like?*  William goes beyond legal advice—he connects clients with support for mental health, addiction, and family issues, prioritizing healing and long-term solutions over expediency.
*Attorney Fees & Ethics: What You Need to Know*  Most defense attorneys work on flat fees, which can incentivize quick resolutions. William urges clients to ask about compensation structures and to choose lawyers committed to thorough, client-focused representation.
*The Ethical Foundation*  William highlights Rule 2.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct: lawyers must act as advisors, even when it means giving tough advice. This ethical rule is the backbone of the Counselor Model.
*Can this approach change the legal profession?*  William believes so. The Counselor Model leads to better outcomes, healthier clients, more satisfied lawyers, and greater trust in the justice system.
*Tune in to learn:*  - How to identify the right criminal defense attorney for your needs  - The difference between transactional and relational lawyering  - Why the Counselor Model leads to better outcomes  - What questions to ask before hiring a lawyer  - How holistic advocacy can change lives and communities
*Subscribe for more insights on holistic, client-centered criminal defense.

Guns, Depression, and the Law: What Jerry’s Case Reveals About Mental Health in Court | Counselor Podcast

Welcome to Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense with William Pernik, where we explore the intersection of psychology, law, and client-centered advocacy. In this episode, William dives into one of the most challenging—and misunderstood—areas of criminal law: firearm charges involving mental health.
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00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:35 - The Intersection of Firearms and Mental Health00:01:40 - The Counselor Model: A New Approach00:02:24 - Differences Between Counselor Model and Conventional Defense Strategies00:06:05 - Applying the Counselor Model: A Case Study00:09:26 - Handling Cases Involving Mental Illnesses00:09:35 - The Role of Comprehensive Interviews and Expert Opinions00:10:10 - Common Mental Health Conditions in Firearm Offenses00:13:28 - Depression and Firearm Offenses00:14:38 - Anxiety and Firearm Offenses00:15:06 - Understanding Anxiety and Firearm Offenses00:17:33 - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Firearm Offenses00:20:29 - Thought Disorders and Firearm Offenses00:24:22 - Conclusion: The Counselor Model's Impact on Legal Outcomes00:25:02 - Closing Remarks---
 
*Why are mental health and gun charges such a volatile mix in court?*  William explains how fear, stigma, and public perception often overshadow the facts when mental illness and firearms collide. Judges and prosecutors may see danger where there’s only crisis, and traditional legal strategies rarely address the root causes behind these cases.
*The Counselor Model vs. Conventional Defense*  While most defense attorneys focus on legal technicalities or factual disputes, William’s Counselor Model digs deeper. By asking “why” the offense happened and identifying underlying issues like depression, PTSD, or substance abuse, he builds a strategy centered on healing—not just defense.
*Jerry’s Story: A Blueprint for Change*  Meet Jerry (a pseudonym), who was arrested for illegally possessing a firearm. But Jerry’s intent wasn’t violence—it was suicide, driven by profound depression and alcoholism. With no legal loopholes to exploit, William shifted the focus to Jerry’s mental health, partnering with a forensic psychologist to show the court a man in crisis, not a criminal. The result: Jerry’s case was diverted from prison to treatment, leading to lasting recovery and hope.
*Common Mental Health Conditions in Gun Cases*  William shares insights from his practice, highlighting how major depressive disorder, anxiety, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and drug-induced psychosis can all shape behavior in ways the courts often misunderstand. Each condition requires a tailored, compassionate approach.
*Understanding PTSD, Anxiety, and Psychosis in Firearm Offenses*  - PTSD: Hypervigilance and impulsivity can drive gun possession or brandishing, especially among veterans and trauma survivors.  - Anxiety: Fear and overreaction can lead to carrying or displaying firearms in perceived threat situations.  - Drug-Induced Psychosis: Stimulant use can cause delusions, leading to gun purchases for imagined threats—these clients need treatment, not incarceration.
*How Treatment Transforms Outcomes*  When clients engage in therapy, take medication, and gain insight into their conditions, courts become less fearful and more open to alternatives like mental health diversion. William explains how meaningful progress can lead to case dismissals and true healing.
*Why Compassionate Advocacy Matters*  For clients with thought disorders or psychosis, actions are often driven by delusions—not malice. Once stabilized, many are shocked by their own behavior. William argues that these cases demand urgent care and empathy, not punishment.
*The Takeaway from Jerry’s Case*  Healing and public safety can go hand-in-hand. Jerry’s journey from suicidal and criminalized to sober and thriving shows that empathy, clinical insight, and individualized support can change lives—and set a new standard for defense attorneys everywhere.
*Tune in to learn:*  - How mental health shapes gun-related criminal cases  - Why the Counselor Model leads to better legal and personal outcomes  - The importance of clinical insight in court  - How treatment and advocacy can transform lives and public safety  - What Jerry’s case teaches us about the future of criminal defense
*Subscribe for more episodes on holistic, client-centered criminal defense.

Empathy in Criminal Defense: Transforming Outcomes with the Pernik Law Method

Welcome to Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense, the podcast where law meets healing. In this powerful episode, criminal defense attorney William Pernik shares the story behind the Pernik Law Method—a transformative approach to legal advocacy that blends law, psychology, and empathy to address the root causes of crime.
While most attorneys focus on what a client did, William focuses on why—a shift that leads to real justice and long-term recovery.🎧 Episode Highlights:00:00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:00:36 – The Unconventional Approach to Criminal Defense00:01:08 – Birth of the Pernik Law Method00:02:33 – The Role of Compassion in Legal Practice00:06:58 – The Importance of Understanding “Why”00:07:15 – Building Trust and Uncovering Underlying Factors00:11:59 – The Role of Mental Health in Legal Defense00:12:14 – The Importance of Mental Health Treatment00:15:20 – Case Study: Adina’s Story00:16:30 – Understanding the Complexities of Addiction00:20:37 – The Importance of Trauma-Informed Treatment00:20:57 – The Journey to Recovery: Adina’s Success00:22:48 – The Limitations of Conventional Defense00:26:02 – Conclusion: Going Beyond Conventional Defense
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why trauma-informed defense is the future of criminal law
How asking “why” instead of “what” transforms legal outcomes
Why mental health and addiction treatment are essential in the courtroom
How empathy, trust, and forensic evaluation lead to healing—not just acquittals
The moving story of Adina, who overcame addiction through compassionate advocacy
Who should tune in:
Legal professionals & defense attorneys
Mental health & addiction advocates
Families impacted by incarceration
Listeners who believe in criminal justice reform
Anyone passionate about second chances and human dignity
Subscribe or follow for more bold conversations on:✔️ Client-centered defense✔️ Mental health and the law✔️ Breaking cycles of incarceration✔️ Human-first legal strategies✔️ Real stories of healing through advocacy
#TraumaInformedDefense #CriminalJusticeReform #MentalHealthAwareness #WilliamPernik #PernikLawMethod #EmpathyInLaw #HolisticLaw #AddictionRecovery #ClientCenteredDefense #LegalInnovation #LegalPodcast

From Jail to Healing: Adina’s Journey Through Trauma-Informed Defense

Episode Summary
In Part 2 of this compelling conversation, defense attorney William Pernik reunites with his former client Adina, whose story of addiction, trauma, and transformation sheds light on what it really takes to break the cycle of incarceration. Host Kevin Rosenquist guides the discussion as William and Adina reveal how trauma-informed treatment, client-centered advocacy, and unwavering persistence can offer a path out of our criminal justice system and into recovery.
Together, Willian and Adina unpack how treatment, though more painful than jail, can unlock healing when it’s properly supported, why shame keeps people from reconnecting with loved ones, and how defense attorneys can better serve clients battling addiction and mental illness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the legal, recovery, or advocacy space.
 
Key Timestamps
01:21 – William explains why he asks “why” when someone is arrested, and how that question changes everything.
01:56 – Discussion on how mental health and addiction evaluations shape legal strategy.
04:33 – William breaks down what a holistic defense looks like, balancing legal motions with real-world healing opportunities.
06:28 – A case example: how treatment saved a woman from years in prison.
08:45 – William and Adina reflect on where they met and how far she’s come.
10:35 – Adina shares how her addiction began and the role trauma played.
12:05 – William discusses how Adina changed how he sees mental health in the legal system.
14:20 – A look at the strategy shift that gave Adina a real chance at recovery.
18:25 – Adina opens up about why jail was easier and why real recovery took so long.
21:01 – How shame and disconnection keep people stuck and how Adina reconnected with her family.
24:00 – What finally clicked for Adina and how she avoided giving up.
27:49 – William asks how attorneys can help people who don’t want help yet.
30:10 – Adina explains why no one can be forced into sobriety but why persistence still matters.
33:45 – William discusses how he gets clients to imagine a different future.
37:30 – A conversation about why jail isn’t a deterrent and why people fear life more than death.
39:10 – The importance of identifying disorders and the trauma beneath addiction.
40:40 – Adina shares what her life looks like now and how she’s helping others.
48:25 – William offers advice to clients on how to own their narrative once their legal case ends.
50:10 – Adina and William reflect on healing, advocacy, and what comes next.
 
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.

From Trauma to Triumph: A Survivor’s Journey Through Addiction, Jail, and Recovery

Episode Summary:
In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense, host Kevin Rosenquist and criminal defense attorney William Pernik are joined by Adina, a former client whose journey defies every stereotype about addiction and crime.
William shares his pioneering approach to criminal defense, targeted solution advocacy, and explains why trauma-informed representation is essential for breaking the cycle of incarceration. Together, they explore Adina’s powerful life story: from a strict religious upbringing and childhood abuse to heroin addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and, ultimately, sobriety, redemption, and professional success.
This episode challenges assumptions about who becomes addicted, how recovery works, and what the justice system gets wrong. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we treat the human being behind the case.
Key Timestamps:
00:06 – Introduction to the podcast
00:45 – William Pernik’s background and philosophy of targeted solution advocacy
03:20 – Why traditional defense misses the mark
05:27 – How Adina’s story sparked this episode
06:33 – Adina joins the show and shares her perspective on addiction and stigma
09:03 – The role of trauma in addiction and criminal charges
09:53 – Growing up in an ultra-Orthodox home
11:52 – Unspoken abuse and early emotional trauma
14:01 – How childhood silence led to isolation and risk
17:45 – First experiences with drugs and the power of heroin
20:37 – Full list of substances used and their effects
23:00 – Addiction, shame, and the vicious cycle of self-worth
24:30 – Surviving on the streets, thriving in dysfunction
28:40 – Why people have a hard time understanding addicts
32:33 – How fentanyl changed everything
35:02 – The truth about access to drugs in jail
39:58 – Why Adina left treatment after just one night
41:08 – Adina’s turning point
42:55 – Adina’s perspective on whether or not people really find recovery in a pattern of three
44:49 – The role of trauma therapy in Adina’s recovery
48:38 – Adina’s life today: two years sober, a licensed professional, and a house manager helping other women
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense explores criminal justice through a trauma-informed lens. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring attorney William Pernik, the show challenges punitive norms and lifts up real stories of advocacy, recovery, and healing. Each episode reveals how compassionate defense can rewrite futures and how the system must evolve to truly serve justice.

A Counselor Vision for Evolving Legal Defense

Episode Summary:
 Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense – Episode 1
In this first episode, I open up about why I started this podcast—and why I believe criminal defense has to go far beyond just winning cases.
I share a personal story that changed me forever: losing a close friend who could have been saved. That moment lit a fire in me, and it’s why I fight for my clients the way I do. I don’t just look at the charges. I look at the person behind the case—their trauma, their addiction, their pain—and what it’ll take to help them heal.
This podcast is for people who want to rethink what justice actually means. Whether you’re in the legal field, supporting a loved one, or just curious—this is a conversation we all need to have.
 Real stories from the courtroom
 Mental health, addiction & trauma in the justice system
 A new model of defense: client-centered, healing-focused, human
If you’ve ever felt like the system is broken… you’re not alone.
 
#CriminalDefense #LegalPodcast #JusticeReform #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #LawyerLife #TrueJustice
 
Key Timestamps:
00:06 – Welcome to Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense
00:35 – William’s immigrant background and call to public service
01:39 – From psychology to law: His education and early career
02:32 – Why William started his own practice
03:23 – The personal loss that inspired this podcast
06:25 – His three-step defense model: law, facts, and human root causes
11:47 – Addressing addiction, trauma, and the human element
13:39 – Getting honest answers from clients
17:20 – Advice for family and loved ones supporting someone in crisis
19:17 – William’s core message: Second chances and rewriting your story
21:20 – Preview of next episode: Adina’s recovery story
22:42 – Who will appear on future episodes
23:45 – Where to listen and how to connect with William
About the Show:
Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik and Kevin Rosenquist, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.