The Lawyerist Podcast is a show about lawyering and law practice hosted by Stephanie Everett of Lawyerist. Every week we feature conversations with successful lawyers, innovative thought leaders, and other creative people helping to shape the future of legal practice.
#528: Building a Law Firm from Scratch, with Allyson Kitchel
Stephanie sits down with Lawyerist Labster and law firm owner Allyson Kitchel as she shares the challenges and triumphs of establishing her practice in a competitive market.
Discover how Allyson found her niche in personal injury law by focusing on cyclists, a unique approach that set her apart and helped grow her client base and hear about her remarkable victory in a landmark wrongful death case.
You’ll also get practical insights on leveraging digital platforms and remote work to enhance your firm's marketing strategy, even on a shoestring budget.
Links from the episode:
Collbox: Lawyerist's go-to Solution for Getting Law Firms Paid
10/24/2024 • 36 minutes, 38 seconds
#527: Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo
Zack talks with executive coach, Kevin Deshazo, about leadership on a team, in your firm, and in your life. They discuss the power of morning routines, personal statements, and how our views of who we are can affect our performance. They also dive into firm leadership and how casting a vision for your team can be scary but is necessary to get everyone rowing in the same direction.
Zack also talks with Sam Youngblood of Omnizant Marketing about how lawyers should approach content writing on their website and in social media.
Links from the episode:
www.omnizant.com
www.deshazo.me
ABA Task Force for Democracy
ABA Task Force for Democracy
10/17/2024 • 59 minutes, 12 seconds
#526: LinkedIn Mastery: Grow Your Law Firm NOW!
Tune into this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, dive into LinkedIn Mastery: Grow Your Law Firm NOW!
Joining Stephanie is Matthew Hunt. Matthew shares insights on creating high-impact snackable content for LinkedIn, emphasizing its role in business growth, lead generation, and fostering connections within your community.
Learn how to use LinkedIn to increase your visibility, attract referrals, and grow your firm.
10/11/2024 • 45 minutes, 6 seconds
#525: Judicial Clerkship Truths Revealed, with Aliza Shatzman
Uncover the shocking truth about judicial clerkships in this eye-opening episode of the Lawyerist Podcast.
Today, Stephanie sits down with Aliza Shatzman, president and founder of the Legal Accountability Project, to discuss the crucial need for transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
Aliza shares her personal journey through a challenging clerkship experience, highlighting the lack of Title VII protections for law clerks and the systemic issues plaguing judicial clerkships.
Discover how the Legal Accountability Project's centralized clerkship database empowers clerks and enhances judicial transparency.
Links from the episode:
Visit LAP's Centralized Clerkships Database to submit a post-clerkship survey or register for Database access.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
10/3/2024 • 37 minutes, 42 seconds
#524: THE Key Step in Acquiring a Law Practice, with Jennifer Zahradnik
In this episode of Lawyerist podcast, Stephanie talks with Labster Jennifer Zahradnik, about the essential insights for avoiding costly mistakes when taking over a law firm.
Jennifer shares her journey of inheriting a deceased attorney's practice, emphasizing the importance of institutional knowledge, organized client files, and the role of law practice management software.
Listen to learn how she navigated the challenges of transitioning clients to new technology and the significance of due diligence in acquiring a firm.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
9/26/2024 • 31 minutes, 21 seconds
#523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris
Stephanie and Lawyerist Lab finance coach Bernadette Harris discuss the financial red flags to watch for when considering hiring for your law firm.
Listen to discover the signs that indicate your firm is ready to expand and the importance of strategic planning. You’ll also learn about the hidden costs beyond salary, like taxes, benefits, and overhead, and why having savings or a line of credit is essential.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
9/19/2024 • 31 minutes, 31 seconds
#522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton
In this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie dives into "The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges," featuring insights from Mike Paton, a seasoned EOS implementer. Discover how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can revolutionize your law firm by introducing structure and accountability while maintaining your entrepreneurial spirit.
Links from the episode:
Check out CosmoLex: The best legal software for modern law firms
EOS Worldwide
Traction by Gino Wickman
9/12/2024 • 53 minutes, 40 seconds
#521: Avoid These Legal Pitfalls: Essential Lawyer Protections, with Jonathan Hawkins
In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett and Law Firm GC founder Jonathan Hawkins dive into essential lawyer protections that every law firm needs to avoid common legal pitfalls. Jonathan shares expert advice to safeguard your practice from client, staff, and third-party risks. Discover how to draft solid retainer agreements, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and implement robust conflict processes and cybersecurity measures. These strategies are crucial for any law firm aiming to thrive. Plus, learn about the importance of written policies and wellness support for attorneys.
Links from the episode:
Golden Rules Retainer Agreements
Subscribe to our Youtube channel
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
9/5/2024 • 34 minutes, 43 seconds
#520: The Truth About Lawyer Self-Care: Prioritize or Suffer
In this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, explore the critical truth about lawyer self-care with Zack and Leticia DeSuze. Discover how neglecting holistic self-care can lead to suffering, as they redefine success by prioritizing physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
Leticia first talks about the importance of setting boundaries and the misconception that self-care is selfish. Listen and learn why self-care should be a fundamental part of your law firm business plan.
Grow your firm by understanding the balance between personal well-being and professional success.
Become a part of the Lawyerist community to access insights and resources that will help you organize your practice and become more agile and productive.
Take the Small Firm Scorecard to evaluate your current practices.
Links from the episode:
Subscribe to the Lawyerist Youtube Channel
8/29/2024 • 36 minutes, 43 seconds
#519: How to Build a Brand Beyond the Courtroom, with Jordan Marsh
In this episode, Lawyerist Lab Coach Sara Muender chats with Jordan Marsh, a civil rights and personal injury attorney and the author of Try Your Own Case. Jordan shares how he’s expanding his 100% contingency-based law firm by developing the Try Your Own Case brand into a new revenue stream.
Learn about Jordan’s innovative plans for an online course and get tips on turning your legal skills into profit. This must-listen episode is perfect for law firm owners looking to diversify their income and boost their practice.
Links from the episode:
Get a free Marketing Plan Template from Spotlight Branding!
Check out Jordan's Book: Try Your Own Case
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
8/22/2024 • 51 minutes, 52 seconds
#518: Why Every Lawyer Needs to Master Storytelling—And How to Do It, with Kate Tellers
Stories are powerful—not just in the courtroom, but in business, with your team, and your life. And, yet, telling a great story is hard!
Stephanie chats with Kate Tellers, senior director and a host of the Peabody Award winning Moth Radio Hour and co-author of How To Tell a Story, about bringing our stories to life.
Links from the episode:
The Moth
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
8/15/2024 • 32 minutes, 57 seconds
#517: Passing the Torch: Mastering the Art of Succession, with Carol Bertsch & Brennen Boze
Join Sara as she chats with law firm owner Carol Bertsch and new partner Brennen Boze about their leadership transition journey. They share the ups and downs of passing the torch, the emotional challenges, and the balance between honoring a legacy and embracing innovation.
Whether you're a seasoned firm owner or an emerging leader, their story offers invaluable lessons on navigating ownership transition and ensuring your practice's continued success.
Additionally, Zack talks with Natalia, from POSH about the importance of integrations and seamless communication with your virtual reception team.
Links from the episode:
Mention Lawyerist at Posh to get a free 2 week trial!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
8/8/2024 • 35 minutes, 53 seconds
#516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender
Join Zack as he chats with Lawyerist Lab Coach and podcast co-host Sara Muender about starting and running a thriving law firm. They explore how defining personal and firm values can shape a law firm's vision. Sara highlights the importance of separating personal identity from the business to make decisions that benefit the firm, and shares tips on staying motivated when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
They also discuss balancing the roles of firm owner and working attorney. Tune in for motivation, guidance, and expert advice from a seasoned attorney business coach.
This episode is sponsored by Timesolv. Prior to the interview, Zack and practice management guru, Joyce Brafford, talk artificial intelligence and how firms should prepare their offices to use all the new fancy tools. Hint: it involves solidifying your processes.
Links from the episode:
Request your free trial from TimeSolv!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
8/1/2024 • 54 minutes, 48 seconds
#515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis
A law firm’s marketing efforts are never-ending! That, coupled with the fact that algorithms and tools seem to also always be changing can leave lawyers with a marketing headache. In this episode, Stephanie chats with the host of the popular podcast, Lunch Hour Legal Marketing, Gyi Tsakalakis about the latest things to know in law firm marketing.
Links from the episode:
Check out NetDocuments
Listen to the Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Podcast
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
7/25/2024 • 40 minutes, 48 seconds
#514: The Hidden Value of Doing Less, with Leidy Klotz
In today’s world, our first instinct is to add. Do more. Consume more information. But, should we be subtracting instead? Doing less. Simplifying.
In today’s episode, Stephanie talks with author Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract, and why taking away should be part of our decision-making toolkit.
Links from the episode:
Check out CosmoLex!
Subtract by Leidy Klotz
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
7/18/2024 • 39 minutes, 39 seconds
#513: The Lawyer Who Became a Coder, with Sukhi Alberga
Zack talks with Canadian Lawyer, entrepreneur, and Labster Sukhi Alberga about her journey innovating in the legal services space. They discuss the path she took to building her legal tech product and her experience in the Law Society of Ontario’s regulatory sandbox.
Links from the episode:
Sign up for LabCon 2024!
Check out PIMCon and use "PIM Lawyerist" for $200 off!
Check out Counsel from Sukhi
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
7/11/2024 • 49 minutes, 59 seconds
#512: Tech Things You Should Know but Are Too Afraid to Ask, with Zack Glaser
Stephanie talks with Zack about tech things you should know but might be too afraid to ask.
They get into the why behind password managers, discuss the necessity of two-factor authentication, and bring some clarity to different types of encryption. They also discuss how artificial intelligence is making security fundamentals even more important.
If you’re confused about passwords and access control, or just want to make sure you’re handling them well, you’ll want to check this episode out.
Links from the episode:
Let’s put the image from this Teams thread: Alex Palzewicz: How Long It Would Take A Hacker To Brute Force Your Password In 20...
We may need to check copyright of the image above, or at least cite and link to where it came from.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
7/4/2024 • 38 minutes, 26 seconds
#511: The Perks, Pitfalls, and Economics of Adjunct Teaching with Markus Funk
We consider it a great honor to serve as an adjunct professor at a law school, but is the juice worth the squeeze?
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Markus Funk about the investments lawyers make and the benefits they receive when they agree to teach. They also explore ways for adjuncts to make the most of their experience for themselves and their students.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/27/2024 • 35 minutes, 14 seconds
#510: Why It’s Time to Embrace Laziness, with Dr. Devon Price
Do you ever beat yourself up over all the things you think you should be doing? Do you work even when you’re sick or when your body tells you it’s time for a break? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Dr. Devon Price about our twisted view of laziness and why it might be time to embrace a little more laziness in our lives.
Links from the episode:
NetDocuments: The Cloud Platform Where Legal Professionals Do Their Best Work
Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/20/2024 • 35 minutes, 28 seconds
#509: Pain in the SaaS: How to Select the Right Tech for Your Firm, with Britt Lorish
Zack talks with legal tech expert Britt Lorish about the process of selecting and managing technology in large and small law firms. Listen in as they talk about typical pain points, common setups, and how process documentation is the first step you know you need to take but don’t want to.
Additionally, Zack talks about the hidden side of marketing with Spotlight Branding’s Marc Cerniglia. They discuss how lead nurturing often gets overlooked in a typical marketing plan and how you can extrapolate your nurturing ROI from things like increased referrals.
Links from the episode:
Check out Spotlight's Marketing Plan Template
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/13/2024 • 43 minutes, 25 seconds
#508: From Retreat to Rebrand: How a Retreat Led to a Transformation, with Patricia Mancabelli
Sara joins Labster Patricia Mancabelli in a conversation about how an in-person, Lawyerist-facilitated retreat sparked a firm rebranding and enabled her team to hone in on their ideal clients.
Patricia discusses the challenges and benefits of her rebrand and reveals how their new subscription model for female business owners has been a game-changer.
Discover how this approach has allowed the firm to provide more purposeful and impactful support, benefiting both the firm and the women entrepreneurs they serve with accessible, top-notch legal services.
Links from the episode:
Mention Lawyerist when your visit Posh and get a free 2 week trial!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/6/2024 • 46 minutes, 19 seconds
#507: Navigating Motherhood and Law, with Sarah Soucie Eyberg
Lawyers are pretty good at keeping our guards up—especially when it comes to the hard, messy, personal stuff. So, what happens when we let those guards down and share those stories with one another?
This week, Stephanie tackles that issue and more with Sarah Soucie Eyberg, co-author of the new book Law Moms: Juggling Motherhood, Ambition and Personal Fulfillment.
Links from the episode:
Check out Sarah's Book-Law Moms
Lawyerist listeners can get special pricing with Pilot!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/30/2024 • 33 minutes, 14 seconds
#506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski (Replay)
In this episode, author and speaker Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., discusses how to handle stress and break the burnout cycle in your personal and professional life.
Links from the episode:
Check out Rocket Matter: modern legal software for busy lawyers
Burnout by Emily Nagoski
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/23/2024 • 42 minutes, 33 seconds
#505: Get to Inbox Zero with the Help of a Virtual Assistant, with Stafi
Do you hear all this talk about how lawyers can use an assistant but worry it will never work for you? In this episode, Stephanie talks with law firm owner Robyn Christo, law firm owner, and Raquel Gomes, Stafi founder. Hear about Robyn’s experience hiring her first virtual assistant from Stafi and finally delegating her inbox to someone else! It can be done!
Links from the episode:
Visit Stafi and get $500 off with code Lawyerist!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/22/2024 • 28 minutes, 6 seconds
#504: Leveraging Franchise Know-How in Law Practice, with Chad Fox
Zack talks with Lab Coach Chad Fox about how developing law firm processes can build value for a practice. They specifically discuss how his experience in franchises showed him that the difference between success and failure can often be as simple as creating and abiding by standard operating procedures.
Links from the episode:
Check out and register for LabCon 2024!
CosmoLex: Complete Legal Practice Management for Modern Law Firms
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/16/2024 • 35 minutes, 48 seconds
#503: Hiring, Growing, and Investing in Your Firm, with Seth Price
Zack talks with lawyer and digital marketing guru, Seth Price, about the struggles of scaling a small law firm. They discuss how to think about hiring, growing, and investing in your own firm. Seth shares his own growing pains and discusses how he and his partner took Price Benowitz LLP from two to over forty lawyers in less than a decade. If you listen closely, you’ll also get some tips on how to use AI to help you hire the right person for the right job.
Links from the episode:
Lawyerist Complete Guides
Check out NetDocuments!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/9/2024 • 44 minutes, 14 seconds
#502: How to Nourish Your Relationship, Even in a Busy Life, with Ellen Dorian
Could your marriage/relationship use a little spice? Maybe you’ve put your business before your partner? In this episode, Stephanie talks with relationship coach and host of the Make More Love Podcast, Ellen Dorian, about enhancing your intimate relationships. As Ellen says on her show, it’s time to “make more love: with your wife and in your life.”
Links from the episode:
Check out Omnizant
The Passionate Partners Project
Make More Love Podcast
Connect with Ellen
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/2/2024 • 37 minutes, 56 seconds
#501: Celebrating 500: The Evolution, the Journey, and What Lies Ahead, with Sam Glover
Stephanie catches up with the original Lawyerist podcast host, Sam Glover. In addition to a brief walk down memory lane, hear how Sam is working to make our court systems more accessible to the public and how lawyers could think differently about the value they provide.
Additionally, Zack talks with Joyce Brafford from TimeSolv about project management, budget tracking, and determining the value of your cases and your time.
Links from the episode:
Increase your billable hours with Timesolv-start your free trial today!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
4/25/2024 • 44 minutes, 54 seconds
#500: Artificial Lab Coach, Real Answers, with Lasso the Lab Coach
We hit our 500th Episode! Instead of looking back, the team decided to look to the future. So naturally that led us to Stephanie interviewing our own AI bot lovingly named Lasso the Lab Coach. Hear for yourself exactly what an AI bot trained on all things Lawyerist has to say about how to create your firm’s branding. This one is....different!
Additionally, Zack talks with Waseem Daher, a human from Pilot, about the benefits of a virtual and fractional finance and accounting team.
Links from the episode:
https://Pilot.com/lawyerist/
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
4/18/2024 • 36 minutes, 27 seconds
#499: Conquering Self-Doubt, with Tim Atler
Sara has a heartfelt conversation with long-time Labster and owner of a thriving appellate law firm Tim Atler, about overcoming self-doubt and fear and embracing bold and impactful strategic decisions.
Through candid dialogue and poignant reflections, they explore the transformative power of self-awareness and courage as true business leaders. From navigating daunting uncertainties to embracing vulnerability, this episode inspires firm owners to embark on their own journey towards fearless, strategic decision-making and professional fulfillment.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
4/11/2024 • 50 minutes, 6 seconds
#498: Harnessing Cultural Engagement for Team & Client Success, with Marcus Collins
Culture. You’ve heard the word a million times. But what is it really and how can we influence the culture of our teams and our clients? In this episode, Stephanie dives in to learn more about culture with Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do; and Who We Want to Be.
Links from the episode:
Check out For the Cluture by Marcus Collins
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
4/4/2024 • 33 minutes, 29 seconds
#497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr
In this episode, Zack talks with Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft and AI expert, about preparing to use Artificial Intelligence in your law firm. They discuss how the power of Artificial Intelligence can highlight the weaknesses of a firm in both their security and their processes.
Links from the episode:
Check out Rocket Matter!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
3/28/2024 • 44 minutes, 5 seconds
#496: Don’t Get Caught in the Tech Expectation Gap,with Jennifer Sherman from CARET Legal(Sponsored)
Zack talks with CARET Legal’s Chief Product & Experience Officer, Jennifer Sherman, about technology expectations in a law firm. They dig into how a lack of technology could cost your firm clients, time, and even valuable team members. The infrastructure table-stakes are changing from well-appointed office space and libraries to client-centered processes and efficient technology.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
About Caret
CARET Legal is the leading solution for legal professionals to manage their practice and create space for what matters, including delighting clients and maximizing billable time. From client intake, to matter management, to back-office reporting, CARET Legal helps you save time, increase team collaboration, increase accuracy, scale your business, and collect revenue faster than ever before.
3/26/2024 • 28 minutes, 49 seconds
#495: Crack the Code of Compelling Writing, with Todd Rogers
Are your writings being read?
Stephanie and Harvard’s Todd Rogers discuss effective writing.
Links from the episode:
Schedule a free 30 minute strategy session with iLawyer!
Book with Todd
Writing for Busy People Checklist
AI Email Editing Tool
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
3/21/2024 • 46 minutes, 45 seconds
#494: How to Stop Procrastination and Conquer Your To-Do List, with Paul Unger
What are you putting off? We’ve all been there and here’s the good news: it doesn’t mean you are lazy or a bad person! In this episode, Stephanie explores the why behind procrastination with time management expert, Paul Unger. Of course, they’ll also dig into actionable steps you can take to overcome procrastination and get those to-dos off your plate!
Links from the episode:
Check out Pilot!
Time Management for Legal Professionals Course with Paul Unger
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
3/14/2024 • 34 minutes, 9 seconds
#493: Why Brilliant People Should Write Books, with Sharai Robbin
You own a law firm and have amazing thoughts, ideas, and stories to share. So, what’s holding you back from writing that book? In today’s episode, Stephanie talks with best-selling author and speaker Sharai Robbin about why and how you can write that book.
Links from the episode:
Freebie - 7- Figure Secret Case Study
Upcoming Masterclass - "The 3 Critical Mistakes Stopping Coaches & Experts From Getting Their Books Done"
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
3/7/2024 • 32 minutes, 40 seconds
#492: Stop Training so Much and Support Your Team Through Change, with Paco Roman
You have great ideas as a leader, but do you struggle getting your team on board and ready to change with you? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Paco Roman, Professional Development Coach, about a change management system that will help you get your team on board and moving in the same direction.
Additionally, Zack talks with Joyce Brafford, from Cosmolex about how accounting and business reporting can be made easier through an all-in-one practice management platform.
Links from the episode:
Check out CosmoLex!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
2/29/2024 • 37 minutes, 42 seconds
#491: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze
Join seasoned business coaches Sara Muender and Leticia DeSuze as they offer a thought-provoking exploration of meaningful leadership, where purpose becomes the compass guiding leaders towards a brighter future for themselves and those they serve.
This episode will inspire and empower you on your leadership journey as they uncover the transformative potential of purposeful leadership for law firm owners, driving positive change and fostering a brighter future for themselves and their teams.
Additionally, Zack and Marc, from Spotlight Branding, run through five law firm marketing myths in 5 minutes.
Links from the episode:
Check out Spotlight Branding!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
2/22/2024 • 38 minutes, 29 seconds
#490: How to Build a Powerhouse Firm with Internal Talent, with Ryan McKeen
Zack talks with Lab Coach and former Lab member Ryan McKeen about delegating leadership in your law firm. Specifically, Ryan explains the recent Emerging Leaders Retreat that Lawyerist CEO Stephanie Everett facilitated for his firm.
Zack also digs into why lawyer websites matter and how attorneys should make sure their website is saying what they want to say to convert potential new clients with iLawyer Marketing.
Links from the episode:
Check out iLawyer Marketing!
iLawyer 30 Min Strategy Session
iLawyer Marking First Appearance
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
2/15/2024 • 35 minutes, 38 seconds
#489: Breaking Down Decisions for Your Legal Tech Stack, with Jeff Schoenberger
Unsure where to start when choosing legal technology? Listen in as Zack interviews Jeff Schoenberger, fellow Legal Tech Advisor, on selecting the right tech for your office. Jeff homes in on specific questions to ask yourself, your office, and your potential provider. If you’re looking, choosing, or just dreaming about new technology, listen to this episode.
Additionally, Zack talks with Krystal, from POSH Virtual Receptionists about what firms are using VRs, and how their app can help you stay connected—or disconnected—when you need it most.
Links from the episode:
Check out the Posh for a 14 day free trial
Clio Optimization
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
2/8/2024 • 50 minutes, 18 seconds
#488: The Power of Value-Based Pricing, with Shaun Jardine
Are you ready to ditch the billable hour? Join Stephanie and Shaun Jardin as they unpack the secret to value-based pricing for law firms. They'll break down the essential tools and mindset you need to transform your pricing strategy.
Also listen as Zack chats with Emily Brady from Omizant, a full-service law firm marketing agency, as they discuss how to tackle the unique SEO challenges faced by law firms.
Links from the episode:
Check out Omnizant
Ditch the Billable Hour! By Shaun Jardine
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
2/1/2024 • 34 minutes, 44 seconds
#487: Nurturing Trust to Build Strong Team Foundations, with Randy Conley
Think trust is something that magically appears? Not according to today’s guest!
Stephanie talks with leadership expert Randy Conley about what leaders can do to build and grow trust with their team and clients.
Links from the episode:
Check out CosmoLex
Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust
Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook: A 52-Week Game Plan for Becoming a Trusted Servant Leader
Check Out the Leading With Trust Website
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
1/25/2024 • 42 minutes, 44 seconds
#486: How to Safely Include AI in Your Legal Tech Stack, with Will Anoh
In this episode, Zack talks with Will Anoh, Affinity Consulting’s IT Coordinator, about integrating AI into your legal tech stack. They discuss questions to ask your providers to ensure your client data is safe and the different security concerns for a wide range of tools.
Zack also talks with Mike Perez, from iLawyer Marketing, about the 6 elements of a successful marketing campaign. Listen now!
Links from the episode:
Sponsor Links:
Check out iLawyer Marketing!
iLawyer 6 Elements Whitepaper
Request a power ranking report here
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
1/18/2024 • 37 minutes, 47 seconds
#485: Unleash Your Law Firm’s Potential with an Internal Coach, with Robin Carberry
Imagine what your firm would look like if EVERY team member had a professional development coach. Sound crazy? It’s not!
Today, Stephanie talks with Professional Development Coach Robin Carberry about why and how Affinity Consulting/Lawyerist decided to hire an internal coach for everyone on the team and how law firm owners can start coaching their team members today.
Links from the episode:
Simplifying Coaching by Claire Pedrick
Time To Think by Nancy Kline
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
1/11/2024 • 29 minutes, 48 seconds
#484: Revolutionizing Your Firm with Smart Hiring, with Jennifer Hawkins
Think it’s impossible for an "old" firm to learn "new" tricks? Think again!
After more than three decades in practice, Lawyerist Lab member and firm owner Jennifer Hawkins knew she had to make some changes to take her firm to the next level. In today's episode, Stephanie chats with Jennifer to hear how her firm transformed when she identified core values and rethought the hiring and onboarding processes.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
1/4/2024 • 29 minutes, 7 seconds
#483: Goals, Resolutions, and the Power of the Unconscious Mind, with Supriya Venkatesan
Do your New Year’s resolutions fall flat after a few weeks? In today’s episode, Stephanie chats with Lawyerist Lab Business Coach, Supriya Venkatesan, about why this happens, and what you can do differently to make lasting changes in your life and your law practice.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
12/28/2023 • 30 minutes, 48 seconds
#482: Prioritizing Progress: Building a Roadmap for 2024, with Debbie Foster
Ready to start the new year off with new goals and priorities for your firm? Maybe you’re not sure how to get started or you suffer from biting off more than you can chew. In this episode, Stephanie talks with Affinity’s CEO and Strategic Consultant Extraordinaire Debbie Foster about how to plan and achieve more success in 2024.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
12/21/2023 • 30 minutes, 40 seconds
#481: Getting Clients into the Cloud, with Laura Kaminski from ShareFile (Sponsored)
Zack talks with ShareFile’s Laura Kaminski about the challenges of document management in law firms. Listen and learn how cloud-based technologies can provide more secure and user-friendly solutions for attorneys and their clients.
Check out ShareFile for Legal
Five Challenges Shaping the New Legal Paradigm
Streamline your document-related workflows with ShareFile for Legal
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
About ShareFile
ShareFile, a business unit of Cloud Software Group, helps you deliver a modern client experience with collaboration and workflow technology that is secure, easy to use, and made to fit your organization. Designed with highly regulated industries in mind, ShareFile offers a secure, digital solution to simplify workflows and improve collaboration. ShareFile works with your existing technologies and gives you added visibility, speed, and efficiency without having to sacrifice security. www.sharefile.com
12/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 36 seconds
#480: The Prenup Prescription for a Thriving Marriage, with Aaron Thomas
You know what they say about the cobbler’s kid? As lawyers, you know what a prenup is, but have you considered how one can help you redefine your marriage? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Aaron Thomas, author of The Prenup Prescription, about how having a prenup is the key to a healthy and happy marriage.
Bonus: Hear how Aaron completely reshaped his law firm from contested divorces to creating prenups.
Links from the episode:
The Prenup Prescription
Check out Aaron's Prenup Website!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
12/14/2023 • 33 minutes, 50 seconds
#479: Beyond the Will: Adding a Personal Touch to Estate Planning, with Jolene Blackbourn
Picture this: an estate planning attorney with a twist—owning a law firm by day and conjuring up imaginative, offbeat celebrations for the dearly departed by night.
In this intriguing episode, Sara interviews Jolene Blackbourn, Labster and trailblazing estate planning attorney and entrepreneur, who has taken a distinctive approach to end-of-life celebrations.
Learn how Jolene blends her passion with her profession with her unique method of infusing her love for Halloween culture into the traditional landscape of estate planning. We invite you to challenge your notions about end-of-life planning while celebrating the magic of honoring individuality and explore ways to seamlessly blend law and creativity into your practice.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
12/7/2023 • 34 minutes, 27 seconds
#478: Overcoming Team Turnover and Embracing Change, with Allison Harrison
Stephanie talks with law firm owner and Lawyerist Lab member Allison Harrison about why the job of managing your business is never done and how to navigate the endless opportunities. Bonus: Get inspired with some creative way to describe team roles.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
11/30/2023 • 23 minutes, 24 seconds
#477: Controlling Alcohol, with Annie Grace (Replay)
The holiday season is here which often brings fun, parties, stress, and a whole host of emotions. That’s why we are revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Annie Grace on some strategies we can use to rethink our relationship with alcohol.
Links from the episode:
The Naked Mind by Annie Grace
The Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
11/23/2023 • 44 minutes, 1 second
#476: The CEO Whisperer’s Advice for Hiring a Second in Command, with Cameron Herold
You are leading your law firm, but you can’t do everything. In this episode, Stephanie talks with Cameron Herald about what a second in command looks like and how to find one to help you unlock your next goals for your business.
Links from the episode:
The Second in Command by Cameron Herold
Leadership Training Course
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
11/16/2023 • 32 minutes, 11 seconds
#475: Say “Yes!” to a Virtual Assistant and Say “Yes!” to Team Growth, with Demetrio Rico and Raquel Gomes from Stafi (Sponsored)
Have you been nervous about saying yes to a virtual assistant? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Raquel Gomez and Dimitri Rico, founders of Stafi, about why a VA may be the missing link for your team’s growth, how to get started with the process, and tips to making the relationship a success. Bonus! Listen to the end to learn about an exclusive discount Stafi is offering Lawyerist’s listeners!
Links from the episode:
Check out Stafi and reference Lawyerist to claim your discount!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
About Stafi
Stafi is a virtual staffing company that provides highly qualified virtual staff to law firms. They go beyond just providing staff by offering HR support, onboarding, management, and continued education for the staff they assign. They ensure the quality of their professionals through a rigorous vetting and screening process, and address concerns about security and reliability by implementing measures such as background checks, training, and backup plans for power outages.
11/14/2023 • 21 minutes, 35 seconds
#474: Unlocking Profitability in Your Law Firm with Moneyball Tactics, with Jeff Krause
When the Oakland As needed to find a way to compete with the high-dollar salaries of other teams, they focused on new KPIs (getting runners on base) and the ideas in Moneyball were born. In this episode, Stephanie talks with Jeff Krause about how lawyers might take a similar approach with their law firm.
Links from the episode:
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
11/9/2023 • 31 minutes, 40 seconds
#473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin
Zack talks with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin about how lawyers can manage their mental health. They discuss balancing a striver vs. perfectionist mindset, and how lawyers can use self-forgiveness to help manage their stress and anxiety.
Links from the episode:
Brene Brown Books
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
11/2/2023 • 37 minutes, 29 seconds
#472: Legal Innovation with Young Attorneys, with Kendall Heward
Stephanie checks in with one of the newest members of our profession, Kendall Heward. Hear how Suffolk’s Accelerator program prepared her to think about the business of law differently and how established firms can lean into the skills and talents new attorneys are bringing to today’s small firms.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
10/26/2023 • 30 minutes, 46 seconds
#471: Unleashing Your Inner Creative, with Phil McKinney
Let’s bust a myth: Creativity isn’t an innate talent that you’re lucky to have or out of luck if you don’t. And it’s not just about the arts. Everyone is creative, and it comes in all forms. In this episode, author Phil McKinney gives actionable tips on how to overcome the idea that creativity can’t be learned.
Listen to hear tips, formulas, and guidance on how to bring creativity into your day-to-day firm life.
Links from the episode:
Phil’s book: Beyond the Obvious
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
10/19/2023 • 36 minutes, 51 seconds
#470: Navigating Compensation Discussions, with Brandon Bramley
As lawyers, we often negotiate for our clients. But are we able to negotiate for ourselves? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Brandon Bramley, Founder of The Salary Negotiator.
Learn common misperceptions about the salary negotiation process plus tons of tips that both the employee and employer can use to reach a better outcome. No matter which side of the table you’re on, you’ll find helpful advice in this episode.
Links from the episode:
The Salary Negotiator
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
10/12/2023 • 34 minutes, 30 seconds
#469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer. Hear Brian’s story of how he battled addiction to alcohol and cocaine starting in college, then law school, and finally as a practicing attorney.
Brian and Stephanie also explore why a compassionate community is a must for everyone in the profession and three easy questions we can ask each other when we see worrisome signs.
Links from the episode:
Lawyers Depression Project
The Addicted Lawyer
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, NetDocuments & LawPay. for sponsoring this episode.
10/5/2023 • 36 minutes, 16 seconds
#468: Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs, with Supriya Venkatesan
What is holding you back? In this episode, Stephanie and Lawyerist Lab Business Coach, Supriya Venkatesan, discuss limiting beliefs and how they are unknowingly keeping us from reaching our goals.
Learn real exercises you can do to uncover what’s going on in your head and how to retrain your brain to think differently and unlock more success in your life.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
9/28/2023 • 28 minutes, 8 seconds
#467: Healthy Owner: Embracing Change and Growth, with Ryan McKeen
The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we dive into what it takes to be a Healthy Owner—beyond the traditional concepts of what it means to be “healthy.”
Sara talks with Lab Coach and personal injury firm owner Ryan McKeen about making the decision to build a resilience muscle, leveraging the time and talents of others, not letting your 5-year-old-self run your business, and ultimately, letting go of control.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
9/21/2023 • 28 minutes, 2 seconds
#466: Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace, with Katherine Jeffrey
Be honest! Have you ever muttered or thought someone was being “such a Millennial” or “ok, Boomer!” Yes? Then, this episode is for you as Stephanie dives into generational differences with Katherine Jeffery, a generational strategist.
It turns out, these labels aren’t just excuses for behavior. There are real differences in the way each generation was raised that show up in the skill sets and abilities they bring to the workplace. Listen to find out how bathrooms might be impacting your team’s skills and much more!
Links from the episode:
Learn more about working with Katherine here
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
9/14/2023 • 35 minutes, 42 seconds
#465: Mastering Data-Driven Decision Making in Your Law Firm, with Joyce Brafford from CosmoLex(Sponsored)
Learn to manage the data your law firm already creates to make better business and strategic decisions. Zack talks with Joyce Brafford, from CosmoLex, about how internal analytics can drive your marketing decisions, firm growth, and processes.
Links from the episode:
Grow Your Law Firm with Data-Drive Decisions
10 Metrics Law Firms Should Track
Identify Key Metrics to Determine Your Law Firm's Success
QuickBooks vs. CosmoLex: Keeping Eyes on Your Business Health with Advanced Reporting
9/12/2023 • 27 minutes, 20 seconds
#464: Unpacking the Power of Self-Accountability in Coaching, with Leticia DeSuze
Stephanie talks with our new Lawyerist Lab business coach, Leticia DeSuze, about what is holding most business owners back and how working with a business coach can help. They also explore why it is time to be radically honest with ourselves about what we are—and aren’t—willing to do.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
9/7/2023 • 29 minutes, 25 seconds
#463: Reclaim Your Time and Grow Your Business, with Dan Martell
Business owners often hear the advice: “hire help and delegate!” In this episode, Stephanie talks with entrepreneur Dan Martell about why you should hire to buy back your time.
Learn how small shifts in how you think as a business owner can make big impacts on your business—and your happiness! To start, Dan shares why it’s time for lawyers to let go of their inboxes and calendars. We know why you think that is impossible but listen to hear why it is essential.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
8/31/2023 • 40 minutes, 21 seconds
#462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau
Kirk Simoneau joins Sara to explore client experience design and accessibility. Sharing his journey from trauma survivor to lawyer, Kirk emphasizes the importance of understanding the client's perspective and creating a personalized and empathetic client experience.
He advocates customizing spaces and communication to clients’ individual needs, but for taking on pro bono work and representing people with disabilities, as it can be both financially rewarding and make a positive impact. You’ll also learn the origins of his firm’s name, "Red Sneaker Law."
Links from the episode:
Lawyerist LabCon
Red Sneaker Law
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
8/24/2023 • 35 minutes, 50 seconds
#461: Using Project Management to Tame the Chaos, with Bobby Steinbach from MeanPug(Sponsored)
Learn how MeanPug, a law firm marketing company, manages a multitude of projects, tasks, and workflows within their company. Listen-in as Zack talks with founding partner, Bobby Steinbach, about their project management software journey. And learn how you can use project management concepts to drive efficiency and productivity in your firm.
8/22/2023 • 35 minutes, 15 seconds
#460: High Stakes: Exploring the Rise of Gambling Addiction Among Lawyers, with Eric Webber
Stephanie talks with Eric Webber about the silent addiction of gambling. In this episode, we explore why you can’t go anywhere or watch a sporting event without hearing betting terms. Online gambling has become all the rage, but it is not without potential dangers.
Especially in a profession like law where attorneys have access to client’s money, problems can turn problematic quickly. Learn more about what is triggered in the brain during gambling, what signs to watch for, and how to know when to suggest help for a colleague or yourself. Understanding this part of addiction is part of nurturing our healthy team.
Links from the episode:
Caron Treatment Center
Judge and Lawyer Assistance Program
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
8/17/2023 • 40 minutes, 28 seconds
#459: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Connections on the Course, with LJ Finney
Think golf is a boring game for old white dudes? Think again! In this episode, Stephanie talks with LJ Finney about why golf is great for networking and business development and so much more!
Golf is about getting outside your comfort zone, mindfulness, self-talk, and being with nature. Use the game to learn more about yourself and how you approach your business problems or use the time to truly get to know a friend or colleague. You’ll also hear Stephanie’s favorite golf story from back when she was a summer associate out on the course with a senior partner, and, boy is it a doozy!
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
8/10/2023 • 32 minutes, 49 seconds
#458: How to Build a Marketing Plan That Works, Marc Cerniglia from Spotlight Branding (Sponsored)
Zack talks with Marc Cerniglia, founding partner of Spotlight Branding, about building a marketing plan that works for your office. They dig into the 4 steps you can take to make your plan more thoughtful, effective, and evergreen. Additionally, Marc shares some strategies on how you can track your ROI, and how many of the activities you already do can fit into your overall plan.
Schedule a consultation with Spotlight Branding:
https://confirm.spotlightbranding.com/website-booking/
Check out their marketing plan template:
https://spotlightbranding.com/lawyeristmarketingplan
Check out their free resources:
https://spotlightbranding.com/insider/
About Spotlight Branding:
Spotlight Branding is content marketing for law firms that helps lawyers create content that focuses on credibility and expertise to spotlight your firm and stand out from the crowd.
Schedule a consultation:
https://confirm.spotlightbranding.com/website-booking/
Check out their marketing plan template:
https://spotlightbranding.com/lawyeristmarketingplan
8/8/2023 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds
#457: Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris
The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we’re diving into achieving and maintaining Healthy Profits.
In this episode, Sara talks with Lawyerist Lab finance coach, accountant, and small business owner Bernadette L. Harris about making finances less scary, understanding healthy profits, and why owners need to prioritize paying themselves.
She advises listeners on how to determine a business’s desired income, how to be intentional with financial data to understand the story that numbers can tell, and more.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
8/3/2023 • 34 minutes, 13 seconds
#456: Building a Thoughtful and Personal Client Experience, with Rachel Allums
Lawyerist Lab member and estate planning lawyer Rachel Allums knows that the client experience isn’t “one size fits all.”
In this episode, Rachel Allums talks with Zack about her deliberate and thoughtful approach to client experience. Learn how she creates a personalized experience for every client by considering their age, family dynamics, comfort with technology, and more.
Rachel delves into how she integrates both digital tools and traditional methods for efficiency and offers valuable advice on creating educational videos, seeking mentorship, and navigating the path to a successful estate planning business.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
7/27/2023 • 49 minutes, 47 seconds
#455: Enhancing Office Safety in a Volatile World, with Brink Fidler
In this episode, delve into the crucial topic of active violence preparedness with Brink Fidler, owner and founder of Defend Systems, a prominent life safety and security consulting firm in Nashville, TN. Stephanie and Brink talk about why every firm owner should have open discussions and plan for frightening events, and how they can empower their team with knowledge and tools to respond effectively.
They also address the relevance of active violence preparedness in office environments and how to adopt a “warrior mindset” when faced with danger. The emotional and traumatic aspects of active violence events are not overlooked, as Stephanie and Brink touch on the need for mental health support and proper coping mechanisms.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
7/20/2023 • 34 minutes, 9 seconds
#454: Act with Intention to Increase Employee Retention, with Joey Coleman
Stephanie and Joey Coleman, author of Never Lose an Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention, explore the crucial role the employee experience plays in creating a happy and engaged team.
Learn the steps team leaders can take to create a place where everyone LOVES their job. They delve into the power of creating memorable experiences throughout the employee journey—starting with the hiring process and through an employee’s first 100 days, which plays a vital role in long-term commitment and loyalty.
This episode is packed with lots of practical tips to give you ideas to start implementing immediately. Listen to the end to learn one easy thing you can do today to show your appreciation to your team.
Links from the episode:
Never Lose an Employee Again by Joey Coleman
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
7/13/2023 • 42 minutes, 57 seconds
#453: Healthy Systems: Creating Consistent Client Experiences, with Matt Loker
The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we dive into building, enabling, and integrating Healthy Systems in a law firm.
Lawyerist Labster Matt Loker sits down with Sara to discuss using systems and automation to deliver a consistent service to clients. They dive into how task management is crucial to consistent communication—from finding the right CRM, to rebuilding their systems and automating tasks, to regular system maintenance. Learn how Matt used healthy systems to save time, improve client experience, and create a seamless client journey.
Links from the episode:
https://lawyerist.com/resources/lawyerist-store/
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Postali & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
7/6/2023 • 28 minutes, 50 seconds
#452: Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters
Zack sits down with Ed Walters, Chief Strategy Officer of vLex and founder of Fastcase, to discuss AI's role in legal research. Delve into why it’s important to demystify AI and debunk misconceptions about "robot lawyers." Learn about using AI in discovery, the importance of choosing the right tools, and the limitations of language models like ChatGPT. And explore how the industry is working to create dependable tools that can be verified by legal professionals, while maintaining human judgment in the legal process.
Links from the episode:
Law Review Article
Data-Driven Law: Data Analytics and the New Legal Services (Data Analytics Applications)
6/29/2023 • 49 minutes, 29 seconds
#451: Teaching the Business of Law, with Andrew Garcia and James Matthews
Professors Andrew Garcia and James Matthews discuss Suffolk University Law School’s Accelerator to Practice program. Designed to prepare students for small and solo practice, students partnered with small law firm owners in the Lawyerist Lab coaching program. Using tenets learned in Lawyerist’s book The Small Firm Roadmap, students interviewed the owners, analyzed their firms, and presented a case study complete with recommendations for improvements.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
6/22/2023 • 32 minutes, 40 seconds
#450: The Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn
In this episode, Stephanie talks with diversity scholar Dr. Terrell Strayhorn about the concept of belonging, emphasizing its significance beyond buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusivity. They highlight the positive outcomes of belonging, including increased job satisfaction and productivity and explore obstacles to fostering belonging. Dr. Strayhorn offers strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging in large organizations. The conversation extends to the ongoing need for addressing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in leadership and workplaces. Rewarding behaviors that foster belonging, such as recognizing selflessness and facilitating social connections, is also discussed.
They discuss the concept of belonging and its importance, highlighting that it goes beyond buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
positive outcomes of belonging, such as higher job satisfaction and productivity in the workplace.
They explore the obstacles to creating a sense of belonging in the workplace, highlighting individual, group, and structural factors.
Dr. Strayhorn suggests strategies for making large organizations feel smaller and promoting a sense of belonging among employees.
discusses the importance of continuing conversations about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in leadership, the workplace, and job opportunities even beyond the month of June.
The discussion also touches on the idea of rewarding behaviors that promote belonging, such as recognizing selfless actions, welcoming newcomers, and facilitating social connections.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
6/15/2023 • 40 minutes, 57 seconds
#449: You Snooze You Lose: Cultivating Good Sleeping Habits, with Alex Colkitt
In this episode, Zack explores the vital role sleep plays in overall health and well-being with Alex Colkit, Founder and CEO of AC Holistic Wellness. They discuss the connection between sleep and mental health, suggest reminders of sleep importance, and emphasize the significance of a consistent sleep schedule. You’ll learn tips to help form healthy sleep habits and how prioritizing rest can lead to better decision-making and emotional stability.
Sleep is the cornerstone of good health and can positively impact one's daily choices and well-being.
Lack of sleep and poor mental health are interconnected, and good sleep contributes to better decision-making and emotional stability.
Zack asks for tips on forming sleep habits and kicking himself into prioritizing sleep without much thought.
Alex suggests finding tricks or touch points to remind oneself of the importance of sleep and the negative consequences of sleep deprivation.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule, including wake-up and bedtime, to synchronize with the body's circadian rhythm.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
6/8/2023 • 46 minutes, 36 seconds
#448: The Benefits of Accessible Systems and Practices, with Joe Hodge
Zack talks with Joe Hodge from American Printing House for the Blind, about building websites and systems for the visually impaired. They discuss why accessibility plugins may not be the panacea they claim to be and why good accessibility practices are beneficial to all users.
Links from the episode:
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
6/1/2023 • 45 minutes, 34 seconds
#447: Healthy Teams: Leading Your Team to a Shared Vision, with Aaron Elinoff
The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we’re diving into recruiting, building, and retaining Healthy Teams.
Stephanie talks with Aaron Elinoff, Labster and managing partner of Novo Legal Group, about how he guided his team to define who they are and how a breakthrough at a team retreat helped identify his firm’s vision and goals. Learn the steps he took to get his team aligned, moving in the same direction, and keep momentum.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/25/2023 • 30 minutes, 52 seconds
#446: PatternBuilder Puts Firm Knowledge to Work, with Scott Kelly and Thomas Officer
Zack Glaser sits down with Thomas Officer and Scott Kelly co-founders of PatternBuilder, to discuss document automation, advanced content management, and what NetDocuments sees in their company AfterPattern. Learn how they are continuing to innovate in the automation space and what new features we can expect in the coming months.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/23/2023 • 30 minutes, 23 seconds
#445: Step Up Your Podcast Game, with Britany Felix
In this episode, we get meta with Zack interviewing Lawyerist’s own podcast editor and consultant, Britany Felix. They talk about pitching yourself as a guest, using that appearance in your law firm marketing, and building an audience with your own podcast. Britany discusses how to look and feel professional both in your pitches and your appearances. And we get into how podcasts don’t necessarily need to be about the law to benefit your marketing strategy.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/18/2023 • 36 minutes, 16 seconds
#444: Streamlining Legal Operations for Success, with Catherine Sanders Reach
Stephanie talks with Director for the Center of Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association, Catherine Sanders Reach, about Legal Ops and how that can help put the right people in the right seats at your firm.
Mentioned in this episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/11/2023 • 36 minutes, 19 seconds
#443: Healthy Clients: Designing Client Experience, with Nkoyo-Ene Effiong
We’re back with another stop on our tour through The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited. In these episodes, we dive into each of the six areas of business integral to building client-centered, efficient, and profitable small law firm.
Do you know how your clients experience your firm? Designing client experience isn’t something that will happen on its own, you need to be intentional.
Today, Stephanie talks with Nkoyo-Ene Effiong, Director of Law Practice Management for the State Bar of Georgia, about Healthy Clients. Learn what that means and tips for how you can do that in a healthy way.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/4/2023 • 36 minutes, 24 seconds
#442: Creating a Culture of Learning, with Danielle DavisRoe
Are you or your team lifelong learners? Maybe the thought of training exhausts you? In this episode, Zack talks to senior consultant and Lab coach Danielle DavisRoe about training at your firm and why it’s important to make this part of your culture.
They discuss how to improve your firm’s process with technology, how to know when it’s time to train, and much more.
New Hire Assessment
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
4/27/2023 • 31 minutes, 54 seconds
#441: Debunking Myths of Subscription Model, with Ron Baker
Recently, we’ve featured Labsters from our community who made the switch to subscription models. Today, Stephanie interviews Ron Baker, returning guest and author of “Time's Up! The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms”. They dive into all the benefits of a subscription model for your firm and why you should consider it.
Ron is launching a Time's Up! Club in April!
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
4/20/2023 • 42 minutes, 33 seconds
#440: A Path to Meaningful Regulations, with Rebecca Sandefur
Join us as Zack and Professor Sandefur talk about what it takes to increase access to justice. They discuss what it really means, the unauthorized practice of law, and how we can find a path to meaningful regulations.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
4/13/2023 • 42 minutes, 15 seconds
#439: Healthy Strategy: Client-Centered Business Model, with Brandon Harter
The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for a podcast book tour, where we dive into each of the six areas of business integral to building client-centered, efficient, and profitable small law firm.
Lawyerist Lab member, Brandon Harter, noticed that traditional methods of practicing law were not effective, so he decided to start from scratch. Learn how he developed a Healthy Strategy, adopting a flat fee and subscription model that eliminates tension with clients.
Links from the episode:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
4/6/2023 • 31 minutes, 37 seconds
#438: Harnessing Chat GPT in Your Firm, with Joyce Brafford from Rocket Matter (Sponsored)
Zack talks with Joyce Brafford, a lawyer and practice management expert at ProfitSolv, about incorporating AI into your firm’s workflows and automations. See how you can use Chat GPT to do the heavy lifting for template creation, client emails, and even internal brand research.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
About Rocket Matter
Rocket Matter is legal practice management software that makes the lives of lawyers a whole lot easier
Schedule a Personal Demo
4/4/2023 • 21 minutes, 24 seconds
#437: Fair & Ethical AI, with Matthew Butterick
In a world where AI is becoming more and more prevalent, how do we protect the rights of the original, human ideas? Today, Zack talks with author, designer, programmer and lawyer Matthew Butterick about his work in copyright infringement and artificial intelligence.
Links from the episode:
Typogrophy for Lawyers
Stable Diffusion Litigation
GitHub Copilot Litigation
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
3/30/2023 • 44 minutes, 16 seconds
#436: Flat Fees and Flexible Firms, with Rebecca Ritchey
Labster Rebecca Ritchey from Sibus Law Group joins Sara to talk about how she has built a healthy business strategy in her firm—including a flat fee model, a flexible workplace, and opportunities to give back to her community. They delve into how Rebecca makes it work, costs and benefits, and suggestions she has for firms looking to do the same.
Links from the episode:
To learn more about Lab Legacy, email Stephanie: [email protected]
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
3/23/2023 • 34 minutes, 22 seconds
#435: How Lawyers Can Maximize Word, with Barron Henley
Stephanie interviews Affinity’s Barron Henley and they dive into how lawyers can maximize their use of Microsoft Word. From formatting to footnotes, Barron offers his insights, tips, and strategies for making Word work for any law firm.
Links from the episode:
Workshop | Beyond the Budget: Why You Need a Financial Projection
Microsoft Word for Legal Professionals
Microsoft Word Digital Course
Barron’s Pinterest Page for Vegan Recipes
Interested in hearing about personalized training for your firm? Contact [email protected]
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
3/16/2023 • 36 minutes, 39 seconds
#434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind
So you think your firm is tech forward, but do you have a strategy behind that? Today Zack Glaser talks with Lawyerist Lab member, author, and fellow legal tech guru, Greg Siskind. They dive into the ways AI is transforming the legal industry and how law firms can leverage technology to stay ahead of the curve.
Links from the episode:
Visalaw.com
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
3/9/2023 • 43 minutes, 14 seconds
#433: Revisit The Small Firm Roadmap, with Stephanie Everett & Aaron Street
Have you heard? We released a new edition of our book! Our goal has always been to help lawyers better manage their firms. Now we have new strategies and stories to help in that journey. Today Jennifer sits down with co-authors of The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited, Aaron & Stephanie. They dive into the reframing they have done since writing the first edition and the major differences in our new book.
Links from the episode:
https://lawyerist.com/book/
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? Check out our coaching community to see if it’s right for you.
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
3/2/2023 • 28 minutes, 18 seconds
#432: Working Abroad Full Time
Have you considered moving abroad full time? Have you wondered what it would take to make that a reality? Lawyerist Lab Coach Bernadette Harris moved herself and her business to Mexico and today she shares her journey with Stephanie. They discuss why, how, the challenges, and the surprising health benefits that came along with the decision.
Links from the episode:
Trust Bernadette
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
2/23/2023 • 36 minutes, 59 seconds
#431: What’s Your Website Goal? with Zack Glaser
It sounds obvious, but it may need to be stated: your law firm needs a website. Today Stephanie talks with our own Legal Tech Advisor Zack Glaser about the importance of your online presence. He gives advice on how to set goals with clear CTAs, nurture leads, and offers suggestions to get started with your content marketing strategy.
Links from the episode:
Best Law Firm Websites
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? Check out our coaching community to see if it’s right for you.
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
2/16/2023 • 24 minutes, 29 seconds
#430: Building Your Team in a Down Market, with Chong Ye
No one said hiring and keeping a strong team was easy, but it’s definitely possible. Sara interviews Lawyerist Lab member, Chong Ye, about the success he’s found in hiring great people and building a strong team, even in a down market.
Links from the episode:
Pre-order our new book!
For Better or for Work
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Gavel for sponsoring this episode.
2/9/2023 • 47 minutes, 34 seconds
#429: Tame Your Digital Chaos, with Paul Unger
Do you feel overwhelmed in your day-to-day as you try to get everything done? Guess what? You’re not alone. Paul Unger, speaker, author, and owner at Affinity Consulting, joins Stephanie and offers specific tips on how to manage your to-do list, process fires, and focus on the most important things.
Links from the episode:
Affinity's Digital Courses
Your Ultimate Blueprint for Managing Time as a Legal Professional
Tame the Digital Chaos
Best Law Firm Website Contest
Did you hear? We have a revised version of our book available for pre-order now! Get your copy of The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited today! Looking for help beyond the book? Check out our coaching community to see if it's right for you.
2/2/2023 • 30 minutes, 9 seconds
#428: Behind the Scenes of a $100M Verdict, with Ryan McKeen
Believe it or not, securing a $100 million dollar verdict is not an overnight project. Today Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab coach Ryan McKeen about how he built his personal injury firm to support and win a $100M case. He pulls back the curtain and details the work it took and offers advice to other attorneys wanting to do the same.
Links from the episode:
Read the News Article about the Verdict
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Documate for sponsoring this episode.
1/26/2023 • 32 minutes, 46 seconds
#427: Better Decisions, Less Fatigue, with Nika Kabiri
Just like the body gets tired after a workout, the brain gets tired from making too many decisions. Stephanie talks with Decision Scientist Nika Kabiri about what decision fatigue actually is and offers advice on how to overcome it. Spoiler alert: you’re not a bad decision maker!
Links from the episode:
Your Next Decision
More Than Just a Vocal Coach
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Documate for sponsoring this episode.
1/19/2023 • 31 minutes, 15 seconds
#426: Leveraging LinkedIn as a Lawyer, with Amy Grubb
You probably have a LinkedIn profile. But, are you using it in a way that helps build your client portfolio, brand, and business?
In this episode, meet new Lawyerist Lab coach Amy Grubb. She talks with Stephanie about how to build your LinkedIn profile and leverage that platform to grow your firm.
Links from the episode:
Lawyerist Lab
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Documate for sponsoring this episode.
1/12/2023 • 29 minutes, 12 seconds
#425: The Making of a Merger, with Debbie Foster
Debbie Foster, managing partner at Affinity Consulting, joins Stephanie to share some big news.
They detail how to best prepare your team for a merger through honesty and open communication. And outline ways to make a merger easier, whether two businesses are combining or a single partner is coming on board.
Links from the episode:
Affinity Consulting
Powerful Leaders Podcast
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, & Documate for sponsoring this episode.
1/5/2023 • 30 minutes, 26 seconds
#424: How to Get Great Feedback from Clients, with Ashley Steckler
You want your clients to give you feedback, but are you asking the right questions? Listen today as our product director, Ashley Steckler, shares specific suggestions on how to get the feedback that can help your firm grow. She talks about what, when, and how to ask the right questions and get valuable information in return!
Were your expectations met with this episode? Yes? Mostly? Somewhat? Not really? No? We hope so!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/29/2022 • 31 minutes, 2 seconds
#423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori
Attorneys have a unique opportunity to use their skills for the good of others. And Sateesh Nori, Executive Director of JustFix, has worked his entire career doing just that. Sateesh spent 20 years with New York City’s Legal Aid societies, defending the tenants’ rights of everyday people in housing court. He pivoted from practicing law on the front lines to join JustFix, a housing justice technology non-profit company. Now, he’s helping to bridge the gap of access to housing justice and help tenants exercise their rights to a livable home through technology.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/22/2022 • 39 minutes, 59 seconds
#422: Know Your Team, Grow Your Firm, with Spencer Schmidt
How well do you know your team? Do they know you care about them? Did you know your relationship with your team can actually impact your bottom line?
In this episode, Sara talks with Lawyerist Lab member Spencer Schmidt about his journey to becoming a great boss. He’s learned that keeping employees engaged and accountable (even if you’re non-confrontational!) is one of the best ways to care for his clients and grow his business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/15/2022 • 38 minutes, 49 seconds
#421: Leading Your Firm Through Adolescence, with Karen Graves
You’re no longer in start-up mode for your firm. You’ve grown and stretched and you’re ready to level up. So what’s next?
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Karen Graves, Lawyerist’s newest Lab coach, about how to navigate your business’s teenage phase. Karen explains this phase and how to find support for your firm. She details how to reconnect to your genius, renew your identity as a leader, and learn to let go.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/8/2022 • 34 minutes, 46 seconds
#420: Intake as an Iterative Process, with Wouter IJgosse from DecisionVault (Sponsored)
Zack sits down with Wouter IJgosse from DecisionVault to learn more about how their platform can streamline client intake for attorneys. DecisionVault takes a portal approach, making intake an iterative process for your clients.
Learn more about DecisionVault here!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/6/2022 • 23 minutes, 44 seconds
#419: Free Yourself from Productivity, with Oliver Burkeman
Is your to-do list never-ending? When was the last time you really felt productive? When we are constantly trying to get things off our list, the list seems to only grow longer.
In this episode, Stephanie talks with author Oliver Burkeman about this myth of productivity. They dive into different ways to be productive and actually get stuff done.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
12/1/2022 • 36 minutes, 3 seconds
#418: More Income, Fewer Taxes, with Bernadette Harris
The end of the year is upon us and whether we like it or not, it’s time to think about wrapping up our finances. Do you have a plan in place for your financial strategy? Do you know why it matters?
Join Stephanie as she talks with Lawyerist Lab financial coach Bernadette Harris about finding the levers to systemize your firm finances and get ready for tax season. Plus, she shares some tips on how to increase your income but NOT your tax liability!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
11/24/2022 • 34 minutes, 41 seconds
#417: Choosing to Stay a Small Firm, with Katie Roe
For some small law firm owners, growth isn’t the goal.
In this episode, Sara talks with former Lawyerist Lab member Katie Roe about how and why she built her firm with the intention of staying small. They discuss the steps Katie took and the boundaries she created to find balance while running her thriving business and being a working mother of two.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
11/17/2022 • 29 minutes, 43 seconds
#416: Working as a Legal Nomad, with Chrystan Carlton
If you could work from anywhere in the world, where would it be? What if we told you it could be possible with a little planning?
In this episode, Sara talks with attorney and Lawyerist Lab Member Chrystan Carlton about being a legal nomad. Chrystan recently spent a month living and working in Spain without interrupting her practice. They dive into how she made it happen and the tools and preparation you need for success. Chrystan also details a working day in the life of a legal nomad.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
11/10/2022 • 37 minutes, 9 seconds
#415: Negotiating the Sweet Spot, with Leigh Thompson
In a negotiation, each party wants something. Discovering how to make it a win-win situation, aka finding the sweet spot, is the key. Today, Stephanie talks with author and professor Leigh Thompson about how to work a negotiation in everyone’s favor, boldly state the outcome you’d like, and not settle for anything less!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
11/3/2022 • 37 minutes, 47 seconds
#414: Why You Need an Integrator, with Jasmine Prout
What is an integrator? What does an integrator do? Does your team need one?
Sara Muender talks with Jasmine Jowers Prout, Operations Director of The Gober Group, about the importance of having an integrator on your team. They discuss why and when to hire an integrator. And detail how an integrator can streamline, improve, and strengthen all areas of your law firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
10/27/2022 • 39 minutes, 19 seconds
#413: Software as a Partner in Your Business, with Joyce Brafford from CosmoLex (Sponsored)
Are you looking at your software as if it’s a partner in your firm?
In this episode, Zack is joined again by Joyce Brafford, lawyer and practice management guru. They talk all-in-one practice management software vs integrators, and dive into the benefits of CosmoLex by ProfitSolv, a true all-in-one software.
And for more about CosmoLex, Zack spoke with Erica Birstler at CosmoLex. Check out that conversation here.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
10/25/2022 • 31 minutes, 23 seconds
#412: Challenging Hyper-Growth Mentality, with Paul Jarvis
How much growth is the right amount? How will you know when your business has grown enough?
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Paul Jarvis, author and co-founder of Fathom Analytics, about escaping the growth-for-growth’s-sake mentality. They discuss the expectation of hyper-growth for business owners, and if that actually serves your needs, both professionally and personally.
Listen now to learn why more growth isn’t always better.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
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10/20/2022 • 35 minutes, 44 seconds
#411: Staying Entrepreneurial at a Bigger Firm, with Nick Pleasants
Legal Talk Network wants to hear from you! Complete their Listener Survey and help them (and us!) improve your favorite legal podcasts and create new shows you’ll love. Complete the survey by October 14, 2022, and be entered to win great prizes! https://legaltalknetwork.com/survey/
Do the lessons learned while owning a small law firm translate to life in a larger firm?
In today’s episode, Sara chats with long-time Lawyerist Lab member Nick Pleasants about how stayed entrepreneurial even after joining a bigger firm. He details how Lab helped him grow his small law firm (even before he launched), how he’s applied those skills after moving on to a new role, and offers some advice to solo and small firm owners.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists, Berkshire Receptionists, & Lawyerist Lab for sponsoring this episode.
10/13/2022 • 36 minutes, 17 seconds
#410: Making Workflows Work for You, with Joyce Brafford from Rocket Matter (Sponsored)
Could a project management tool be the missing key in your law firm’s arsenal?
In this episode, Zack talks with Joyce Brafford, a North Carolina attorney with over a decade of experience in the legal tech industry. She and Zack dive into the benefits of project management for law firms, how workflows and automations (even imperfect ones) can eliminate common woes, and how Rocket Matter legal practice management software can help.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
About Rocket Matter
Rocket Matter is legal practice management software that makes the lives of lawyers a whole lot easier
Schedule a Personal Demo
Webinar: How to Get Paid Faster
Top of Funnel: Guide for those looking to become more efficient as a practicing attorney
Mid Funnel: eBook that is for those looking to buy practice management software. A must-read before buying.
10/11/2022 • 29 minutes, 55 seconds
#409: PR: Your Marketing Puzzle’s Missing Piece, with Pam Perry
People don’t connect with brands, they connect with people. Could a publicist help you tell your story in a way that truly resonates with potential clients?
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Pam Perry, communications and PR professional, about the importance of being authentically “you” in your branding. They delve into how to tell your story to build connections and the role PR (or a publicist) can play to help you meet your ideal client.
Listen now!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Berkshire Receptionists, Lawyerist Lab, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
10/6/2022 • 33 minutes, 29 seconds
#408: Make Your Core Values Work for You, with Fiona McEntee
Do you treat your firm’s core values as the guiding principles they are designed to be?
On this episode, Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab member Fiona McEntee about how, once she settled on her core values, she was able to use them as signposts to build and grow her immigration law practice. For Fiona, the values of harmony, optimism, modern, and empathy (HOME… get it?), are more than just buzzwords. Listen now to learn more.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
9/29/2022 • 30 minutes, 20 seconds
#407: Serving Clients Through Alternative Business Structures, with Mike Payne and Chad Huebsch
What if you could join forces with another professional to both streamline and boost your business?
This week’s guests have found a way, through their integrated law and accounting firm (one of the first in Arizona), to better serve their clients and their business.
In this episode, Stephanie talks with owners of BOSS advisors, Lawyerist Lab member Mike Payne and non-attorney business partner Chad Huebsch. Learn how they found efficiency and streamlined success through an alternative business structure.
9/22/2022 • 43 minutes, 29 seconds
#406: Harnessing Anxiety for Good, with Dr. Wendy Suzuki
Anxiety—it’s a big, evil beast that we all deal with on some level for all different reasons. But what if you were able to take your anxiety and harness it for good?
On this week’s episode, Stephanie chats with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, author of Good Anxiety and Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University. Listen and learn about the root causes of anxiety, negativity bias, joy conditioning, and how to channel anxiety into actionable steps to fuel productivity.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
9/15/2022 • 36 minutes, 33 seconds
#405: The Diverse Ways People Think, with Temple Grandin
Zack talks with Dr. Temple Gradin, academic, animal behaviorist, and Autism rights proponent, about different types of thinkers, the strengths they bring, and why it’s important to have different thinkers on your team.
Zack talks with Dr. Temple Grandin about neurodiversity: the different ways people think. Some think in pictures, others think in words. It’s important to have different types of thinkers on your team as each one brings their own strengths with them.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
9/8/2022 • 34 minutes, 21 seconds
#404: The Other F-Word: Protecting Your Business from Fraud, with Bernadette Harris
Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab coach Bernadette Harris, about how to protect your firm from fraud with proper procedures and safeguards, outsourcing accounting, and more.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
9/1/2022 • 33 minutes, 22 seconds
#403: Create a Great First Impression, with Luis Bedoya from Berkshire Receptionists (Sponsored)
In this episode, Zack interviews Luis Bedoya, the COO of Berkshire Receptionists, a nationwide provider of 24/7 live virtual receptionists. They discuss how outsourcing aspects of your firm can help you navigate the current business climate, and even help you build trust with your clients.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
8/30/2022 • 30 minutes, 8 seconds
#402: Why Conviction Review Units Matter, with Sunny Eaton
In this episode, Zack talks to Sunny Eaton, director of the Conviction Review Unit in Nashville, TN. She goes into detail about what this unit does and why we should care about it. She helped put processes in place to make the whole unit more efficient and is working to overcome bias in reviewing convictions.
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
8/25/2022 • 53 minutes, 25 seconds
#401: How to Value Your Law Firm, with Tom Lenfestey
Stephanie talks with Tom Lenfestey about how firms should start thinking about their firm as a business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
8/18/2022 • 39 minutes, 41 seconds
#400: Get Beyond the Billable Hour, with Ron Baker
Stephanie talks with Ron Baker from VeraSage about killing the billable hour and switching to a client-centered pricing model.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
8/11/2022 • 39 minutes, 47 seconds
#399: When Business Partnerships Break Up, with Ryan McKeen, Meghan Freed, and Kristen Marcroft
Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab coach Ryan McKeen and his former firm partners Meghan Freed and Kristen Marcroft. They discuss their journey in starting a practice together, going their separate ways, and building successful separate practices.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
8/4/2022 • 39 minutes, 6 seconds
#398: Bringing Technology to the Courtroom, with Judge Scott Schlegel
Zack talks with Judge Scott Schlegel about how he layers technology on top of courtroom workflows.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
7/28/2022 • 37 minutes, 35 seconds
#397: Hiring a Legal Administrator Can Increase Your Bottom Line, with Matthew Sullivan
Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab member, Matthew Sullivan, who is the Executive Director of Finance and Operations at Sullivan Law and Associates. Together they discuss the importance of a legal administrator, the future of executive functions in law firms, and how Lawyerist Lab has helped his firm grow.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
7/21/2022 • 35 minutes, 44 seconds
#396: How My Life (and Law Practice) Changed When I Became a Sober Lawyer, with Sarah Soucie Eyberg
Sara talks with principal attorney of Soucie Eyberg Law, Sarah Soucie Eyberg, about her sobriety journey while practicing law and what being a sober lawyer means for her.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
7/14/2022 • 59 minutes, 1 second
#395: Law Firm Marketing Educational Resources, with GNGF (Sponsored)
Zack talks with GNGF’s Community Director, Jamie Kohls, about educational resources for law firm marketing. They dig into GNGF’s book, Online Law Practice Strategies, the free resources on their website, and the recently expanded Legal Marketing Academy.
Listeners who want to get started with some free Legal Marketing Academy resources can go to https://gngf.com/lawyeristpod.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
7/12/2022 • 25 minutes, 42 seconds
#394: Choosing the Right Law Practice Management Software, with Zack Glaser
Jennifer Whigham talks with Lawyerist’s legal tech advisor, Zack Glaser, about the components to a successful law practice management system.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Albatross Legal Workspaces, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
7/7/2022 • 45 minutes, 57 seconds
#393: How My Firm Changed When I Got Intentional, with Victoria Winterberg
Sara talks with Victoria Winterberg, an immigration attorney in El Paso about how things changed when she got intentional about the clients she works with.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
6/30/2022 • 33 minutes, 16 seconds
#392: Hire Differently, Hire Better, with Rick Girard
Stephanie talks with the author Healing Career Wounds, Rick Girard, about how to hire and attract the right talent for your company.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
6/23/2022 • 35 minutes, 7 seconds
#391: Start With Succession Planning in Mind, with Steven Glaser
Zack talks with his father, attorney Steve Glaser, about succession planning and the need to start before you ever think you should.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
6/16/2022 • 42 minutes, 52 seconds
#390: Marketing Through Podcasts, with LawPods (Sponsored)
Zack talks with LawPods founder and Chief Strategist, Robert Ingalls, about how your firm can leverage a legal podcast to complement and enhance your existing content marketing strategy. Learn how to get quality sound, determine your cadence, and decide what content you want to focus on.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/14/2022 • 29 minutes, 8 seconds
#389: Dealing With Grief in the Workplace, with Sherry Walling
Stephanie Everett talks with clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, Dr. Sherry Walling, about dealing with grief in the workplace.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
6/9/2022 • 27 minutes, 47 seconds
#388: Both Sides of Freelance Work, with LawClerk (Sponsored)
Zack and Kristin Tyler, of LawClerk, talk with Sarah Jewell and Jason Lawrence about their experience working together through the LawClerk platform. Listen in as they discuss the process, and thoughts behind hiring and working as a freelance attorney.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
6/7/2022 • 35 minutes, 30 seconds
#387: Change Your Law Firm (and Your Life) with Systems, with Jay Ruane
Stephanie talks with a serial legal entrepreneur, Jay Ruane, about integrating systems in your law firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
6/2/2022 • 36 minutes, 33 seconds
#386: Beyond Status Quo Marketing, with CallRail (Sponsored)
Zack talks with the CallRail team about leveraging data and reporting to increase your marketing ROI and help you invest more deliberately.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/31/2022 • 23 minutes, 1 second
#385: Avoiding Common Project Management Mistakes, with Ashley Steckler
Zack Glaser talks with our product director here at Lawyerist., Ashely Steckler, about common project management mistakes and how to avoid them.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
5/26/2022 • 43 minutes, 46 seconds
#384: Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron
Stephanie talks with the Professor and Director at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Marjorie Aaron, about how lawyers can deliver bad news to clients.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
5/19/2022 • 50 minutes, 7 seconds
#383: Designing the Life You Want Instead of a Job You Have, with Stanley Tate
Stephanie talks with the Student Loan Lawyer, Stanley Tate, about leveraging tech instead of staff and having a fixed mindset vs a growth mindset.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
5/12/2022 • 31 minutes, 11 seconds
#382: Is Going Solo the Right Way?, with Carolyn Elefant
Stephanie Everett talks with Energy Lawyer, Author, Blogger & Legal Innovation Influencer Carolyn Elefant about her newest book, Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
5/5/2022 • 33 minutes, 13 seconds
#381: Get More Clients Through Automation, with Lawmatics (Sponsored)
Zack talks with Founder and CEO of Lawmatics, Matt Spiegel, about automating client acquisition, intake, and management.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
5/3/2022 • 30 minutes, 48 seconds
#380: Get Started with KPIs, with Karol Brown
Stephanie talks with the managing attorney for World One Law Group, Karol Brown, about the importance of tracking KPIs in your law firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
4/28/2022 • 40 minutes, 5 seconds
#379: What Does Web3 Mean (For My Practice?), with Justine Humenansky
Zack Glaser talks with Justine Humenansky about the basics of Web3, DAOs, and how lawyers can participate in the communities surrounding them. Justine has a background in decentralized finance and is the CFO at Rabbithole.gg. Find her on twitter as Justinehy.eth, where she writes about DeFi and crypto.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
4/21/2022 • 40 minutes, 12 seconds
#378: Pulling the Trigger on Hiring, with Allison Harrison
Sara Muender talks with Lawyerist Lab member, Allison Harrison about when it’s time to hire and the ROI associated with finally making that hire and freeing up more of your time.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and POSH Virtual Receptionists, for sponsoring this episode.
4/14/2022 • 29 minutes, 25 seconds
#377: Investing in Your Law Firm, with Bernadette Harris
Stephanie Everett talks with Lawyerist Lab coach and finance expert, Bernadette Harris, about law firm expenses, when it’s okay to spend money on your business, and when debt might even be a good thing.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
Check out the winners of this year’s Best Law Firm Websites contest!
4/7/2022 • 37 minutes, 59 seconds
#376: Build an App for That: Document Automation With Knackly.io, with Kim Mayberry (Sponsored)
Zack talks with Knackly.io’s CEO, Kim Mayberry, about how lawyers can build apps using document automation platforms.
Who is Knackly?
They are the fastest, most-powerful document automation software available.
They’re already saving other firms over 90% of the time they spent creating, drafting, proofing, editing, and producing legal documents and correspondence.
Knackly.io: https://knackly.io
Lawyerist Product Spotlight with Knackly: https://youtu.be/0WRKWUgA8Ng
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
4/5/2022 • 38 minutes, 34 seconds
#375: Taking Care of Your Team’s Mental Health, with Calvin Benton
Stephanie talks with Spill’s founder, Calvin Benton, about the importance of mental health check-ins for your team and providing them access to licensed therapists. Spill is a great tool for that!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
3/31/2022 • 38 minutes
#374: Avoid Burnout and Stay Engaged, with Paige Atkins
Stephanie talks with Lawyerist’s Operations Director, Paige Atkins, about how lawyers and leaders can avoid burnout and stay engaged in their most important work. They also talk about how to keep your team engaged and avoid overwhelm altogether.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
3/24/2022 • 33 minutes, 50 seconds
#373: Overcoming the Likeability Trap, with Alicia Menendez
We’re joined by author and TV correspondent, Alicia Menendez where we talk about the concept of likeability in the workplace, especially as women attorneys.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
3/17/2022 • 33 minutes, 48 seconds
#372: From Joining to Running a Law Firm, with Russell Farbiarz
We’re joined by Lawyerist Lab member, Russell Farbiarz, as he discusses what it looked like to take over his practice. We discuss how he got there and what to think about if you’re interested in doing the same.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
3/10/2022 • 30 minutes, 24 seconds
#371: Building and Using Computational Contracts, with Martin Clausen
Zack talks with lawyer and tech expert, Martin Clausen, about managing the rights and obligations of agreements in real-time with computational contracts. They also touch on how bringing this technology to your clients could help set you apart from the rest of the pack.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Postali, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
3/3/2022 • 43 minutes, 45 seconds
#370: How to Use Personality Assessments with Your Team, with Ashley Steckler
Lawyerist Product Director, Ashley Steckler, shares her perspective on the personality test industry and how to navigate your results!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
2/24/2022 • 26 minutes, 6 seconds
#369: Selling Your Practice, with Tom Lenfestey
We’re joined by business owner and author, Tom Lenfestey, where we talk through succession planning and what it looks like to sell your practice.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
2/17/2022 • 39 minutes, 11 seconds
#368: Using Strategy Intensives for Your Firm’s Success, with Anne Romanello
We’re joined by Lawyerist Lab member, Anne Romanello, where we talk through the importance of strategy intensives and how they can help your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
2/10/2022 • 29 minutes, 35 seconds
#367: Trends that Solo and Small Firms Should Know, with Clio (Sponsored)
We're introducing sponsored podcast episodes where we'll be joined by a legal voice/company & discuss the newest features, happenings, and trends in the legal world. Today we are joined by Clio. We’ll be talking with them about the latest trends that solo & small firms should be on the lookout for! We're excited to offer these episodes to our audience and hope you'll enjoy.
About Clio
Clio currently offers two products in their robust legal tech ecosystem. Clio Manage is a Law Practice Management Software (LPMS) and Clio Grow is a law firm Customer Relationship Management system (CRM).
Clio Manage is a LPMS platform that welcomes, and encourages integration. This is one of its greatest strengths. Clio boasts an extensive App Directory, and an Open API. It works-and-plays well with an almost overwhelming amount of legal tech. Additionally, it's one part of the entire Clio Suite. Which means you can seamlessly add Clio Grow (an intake CRM), albeit for an additional price.
Clio Grow is a law firm Customer Relationship Management system (CRM). It was previously called Lexicata, and is now part of Clio's legal software suite. This means that it can easily be used in concert with Clio Manage. However, it can still be used independently, if you so choose.
Helpful Links
Clio | 2021 Legal Trends Report | How Law Firms Use Clio (Video)
2/8/2022 • 29 minutes, 39 seconds
#366: Grow as a Leader With These Daily Experiments, with Susan Ashford
We’re joined by author and professor, Susan Ashford, where we talk about how you can use small, daily experiments to grow as a leader.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
2/3/2022 • 41 minutes, 30 seconds
#365: Why Reviews Are Essential for Your Business, with Ryan McKeen
We’re joined by Lawyerist Lab Coach, Ryan McKeen, where we talk why reviews are so important for the growth and success of your business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
1/27/2022 • 31 minutes, 27 seconds
#364: A New Way to Look at Feedback, with David Bradford
We’re joined by author and interpersonal dynamics expert, David Bradford, today where we talk about a new way to approach feedback.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
1/20/2022 • 35 minutes
#363: What Is the Future of Legal Tech?, with Zack Glaser
We’re talking with our Legal Tech Advisor, Zack Glaser, today about the future of legal tech in 2022 and beyond.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode.
1/13/2022 • 34 minutes, 17 seconds
#362: The Great Re-Onboarding of 2022, with Maryellen Stockton
We’re talking with Lab coach, Maryellen Stockton, today about what re-onboarding looks like in 2022 with going back to the office
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Posh Virtual Receptionists and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
1/6/2022 • 39 minutes, 38 seconds
#361: Rethinking Your Exit Strategy, with Sam Glover & Aaron Street
We’re talking with co-founders of Lawyerist, Sam Glover & Aaron Street, about a new way to think through your exit strategy.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Litera, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
12/30/2021 • 40 minutes, 55 seconds
#360: Leading Your Team with Empathy, with Sherry Deutschmann
We’re talking with author and entrepreneur, Sherry Deutschmann, about how important it is to have empathy in your leadership with your business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Litera for sponsoring this episode.
12/23/2021 • 39 minutes, 37 seconds
#359: Why You Need a Business Coach, with Sara Muender
We’re talking our newest Lawyerist team member and Lab coach, Sara Muender this week all about what it means to be a business coach and have a coach as well. We talk about her background and what she is excited to bring to the Lawyerist team.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Litera, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
12/16/2021 • 42 minutes, 27 seconds
#358: What It Means to Be a Holistic Lawyer, with Cat Moon
We’re talking to Cat Moon this week about innovation & design in the legal field and how COVID has helped shape new trends/issues since rearing its head over the past 18+ months.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Litera, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
12/9/2021 • 33 minutes, 50 seconds
#357: The Experience Maker, with Dan Gingiss
We’re talking to Dan Gingiss this week about why experiences matter to your clients and easy ways to wow them!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Litera for sponsoring this episode.
12/2/2021 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
#356: Controlling Alcohol (Replay), with Annie Grace
We’re airing an older show from 2020 that we believe is just as relevant now as it was then. We’re joined by Annie Grace, who has helped over a hundred thousand people answer a simple question: “Would my life be better if I were drinking less?” (If you’re asking yourself that question, it probably would be.) She explains how to think about your relationship with alcohol and why moderation is harder than just drinking or not drinking. Plus, good manners for drinkers in the company of non-drinkers!
Try The Alcohol Experiment yourself.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
11/25/2021 • 47 minutes, 19 seconds
#355: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, Pt.2, with Allen Rodriguez
We’re talking with Allen Rodriguez today about his new Alternative Business Structure in AZ, Singular Law. He and his partner are some of the first to get licensed under the new rules.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
11/18/2021 • 48 minutes, 46 seconds
#354: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, with Lori Gonzalez
Law firm and business expert, Lori Gonzalez, joins us today to discuss the recent regulatory reform regarding nonlawyer ownership.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Clio, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
11/11/2021 • 47 minutes, 43 seconds
#353: Managing Projects Without a Project Manager, with Ashley Steckler
Lawyerist Product Director, Ashley Steckler, shares how to better scope and manage projects for your business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Clio, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
11/4/2021 • 42 minutes, 53 seconds
#352: A Lawyer’s Success on Tiktok: How They Did It & What They Learned, with Julio Oyhanarte
Lawyerist Lab member, Julio Oyhanarte shares about how his popularity on TikTok helped grow his business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Conroy Creative Counsel, Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
10/27/2021 • 42 minutes, 19 seconds
#351: Designing Your Life, with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Bill Burnett & Dave Evans talk about their book, Designing Your Life, and share with us tips on taking charge and designing the life you want to live
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Termageddon, TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
10/21/2021 • 48 minutes, 59 seconds
#350: Ethics in Your Business: It's More than Regulations, with Susan Liautaud
Ethics expert Susan Liautaud joins us today to talk about ethics in our world today and how we can use ethics to make better decisions.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Lawmatics, TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
10/14/2021 • 44 minutes, 16 seconds
#349: Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Your Business, with Sandra Sucher
Sandra Sucher shares about the importance of building trust to grow and sustain your business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LEXReception, Rankings.io , TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
10/7/2021 • 50 minutes, 44 seconds
#348: Why You Need to Have Quarterly Retreats, with Kelly Street
Lawyerist Lab Coach Kelly Street shares about the importance of quarterly retreats and how to run them. Kelly also shares her expertise in the EOS Traction system and how that can help with your quarterly meetings.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Get Staffed Up, Postali, Rankings.io , and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
9/30/2021 • 44 minutes, 56 seconds
#347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green
Lawyerist Lab Coach Ryan McKeen and his Client Happiness Coordinator, Brittany Green share about how her role as a Client Happiness Coordinator helps create a client-centered firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
9/23/2021 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds
#346: Building Your Firm’s StoryBrand, with Dr. J.J. Peterson
StoryBrand and digital marketing expert, J.J. Peterson, shares how to build a compelling story around your brand that reflects your firm well.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Abogados NOW, TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
9/16/2021 • 48 minutes, 58 seconds
#345: Steps to Buying a Firm, with Tom Lenfestey
Business owner and author, Tom Lenfestey, shares his best practices and steps for how to buy a law firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Clio, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
9/9/2021 • 40 minutes, 16 seconds
#344: Life as a Law Firm CEO, with Patrick Palace
Patrick Palace joins us today and discusses how he’s created a successful firm that can run on the day to day without him. He shares how he spends some of his extra time & how he got to where he is today.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
9/2/2021 • 49 minutes, 6 seconds
#343: Hiring & Growing Your Firm the Right Way, with Jeremy and Sara Danilson
Lawyerist Lab members Jeremy and Sara Danilson talk about what it takes to grow your business with the right hires.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Knackly, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
8/26/2021 • 42 minutes, 48 seconds
#342: Thinking Through Your Financial Strategy, with Bernadette Harris
Lab financial coach Bernadette Harris talks about how to think through your financial strategy in your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to DK Global, Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
8/19/2021 • 50 minutes, 35 seconds
#341: Conducting a Tech Audit, with Zack Glaser
Lawyerist’s Legal Tech Advisor, Zack Glaser, shares his best tips for conducting a tech audit in your firm!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
8/12/2021 • 31 minutes, 34 seconds
#340: Growing Big by Going Small, with Deena Buchanan
Lawyerist Lab member Deena Buchanan shares what she did in her firm to get things rolling and growing in no time.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LEX Reception, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
8/5/2021 • 35 minutes, 31 seconds
#339: Nail Your Branding & Get More Clients, with Erik Pelton
Lawyerist Lab member Erik Pelton shares his experience with sprucing up his branding and how that helped with his client acquisition process.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Clio, Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
7/29/2021 • 47 minutes, 22 seconds
#338: Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys
Labster Spencer Keys shares with us what he has done to make sure his firm stays client centered.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to DK Global, TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
7/22/2021 • 49 minutes, 52 seconds
#337: Establishing Systems for Your Firm, with Valentina Rose
Labster Valentina Rose shares about how systems and technology she put in place have helped propel her firm forward.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rocket Matter, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
7/15/2021 • 44 minutes, 15 seconds
#336: Dream Without Limitations: Rethink Your Strategy, with Ryan McKeen
Lab coach Ryan McKeen about the components of a business strategy and how to put one together to create a firm you’re proud of.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Lawmatics, Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
7/8/2021 • 39 minutes, 45 seconds
#335: 5 Traits of Future Firm Leaders, with Mike Howard
Labster Mike Howard talks about how he is using the traits we teach in The Small Firm Roadmap to grow and improve his criminal defense firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Termageddon, TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
7/1/2021 • 39 minutes, 24 seconds
#334: Carrying your Client’s Trauma, with Sherry Walling
Lab coach Kelly Street is talking with therapist Sherry Walling about what it looks like to carry your client’s trauma.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to DK Global, Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
6/24/2021 • 49 minutes, 42 seconds
#333: The Mindset Needed to Level up Your Firm, with Kelly Street
Lab coaches Kelly Street and Stephanie Everett share their best tips and insights to help level up your business for greater success.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
6/17/2021 • 37 minutes, 50 seconds
#332: The Modern Lawyer: Ethics and Technology, with Megan Zavieh
Lawyer, author, and Lawyerist Lab alumna, Megan Zavieh, shares with us what it means to be a modern lawyer and the role ethics and technology play in it all.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode.
6/10/2021 • 41 minutes, 14 seconds
#331: The Small Firm Roadmap, with Sam Glover
We are replaying an older episode where Lawyerist Co-Founder, Sam Glover, and Stephanie Everett talk about the book they co-wrote together, The Small Firm Roadmap.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
6/3/2021 • 38 minutes, 32 seconds
#330: Developing your Team, with Maryellen Stockton
Remote work expert and Lab coach, Maryellen Stockton, talks to us about what your next steps should be after hiring and onboarding an employee.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
5/27/2021 • 41 minutes
#329: How Ownership Controls Our Lives, with Michael Heller & James Salzman
Authors and professors, Michael Heller & James Salzman, talk to us about the rules of ownership in our lives and what role lawyers play in all this.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
5/20/2021 • 28 minutes, 26 seconds
#328: Getting to Inbox Zero, with Trivinia Barber
Author, speaker and business coach, Trivinia Barber, talks to us about fighting our email to get to inbox zero.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LEX Reception, ESQ.Marketing, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
5/13/2021 • 46 minutes, 13 seconds
#327: Rituals to Transform Your Work & Home Life, with Erica Keswin
Author, speaker and workplace strategist, Erica Keswin, talks about the importance of rituals and how they can transform the workplace.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Postali, ESQ.Marketing and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
5/6/2021 • 34 minutes, 25 seconds
#326: A Succession Plan for Your Law Practice, with Tom Lenfestey
Business owner and author, Tom Lenfestey, shares with us his best practices for a law firm succession plan and his top tips for buying and selling law firms.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to TextExpander, Postali, ESQ.Marketing and SweetProcess for sponsoring this episode.
4/29/2021 • 37 minutes, 6 seconds
#325: Anxiety & High-Achieving Personalities, with Rachel Ann Dine
Counselor, author, and speaker, Rachel Ann Dine, talks to us about anxiety, high achieving personalities, and how to find a balance with it all.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Termageddon, SweetProcess, TextExpander, Postali, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
4/22/2021 • 40 minutes, 48 seconds
#324: Inclusifying for Leaders & Teams, with Dr. Stefanie Johnson
Author and speaker, Dr. Stefanie Johnson, shares her best practices to forge strong relationships between leaders and teams, inspire greater productivity, and create a positive environment for everyone.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to ESQ.Marketing, SweetProcess, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
4/15/2021 • 34 minutes, 24 seconds
#323: Hiring a Virtual Assistant, with Paige Atkins
Lawyerist Operations Director, Paige Atkins, shares her best practices for hiring a virtual assistant.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Lawmatics, Postali, ESQ.Marketing, SweetProcess, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
4/8/2021 • 47 minutes, 24 seconds
#322: Stop Making These Legal Marketing Mistakes, with Delisi Friday
Legal marketing expert, Delisi Friday, shares her specific do’s and don’ts when it comes to marketing across the legal industry.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to SweetProcess, TextExpander, Postali, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
4/1/2021 • 46 minutes, 40 seconds
#321: Document Automation Basics, with Zack Glaser
Marketing & Partnerships Director, Laura Briggs, interviews Lawyerist’s Legal Tech Advisor, Zack Glaser, about all things document automation.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to CosmoLex, TextExpander, Postali, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
3/25/2021 • 38 minutes, 6 seconds
#320: A Labster Call, with Aaron Thomas
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett interviews Lab member Aaron Thomas about their lab journey and what they’re currently dealing with in their small firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Timesolv, ESQ.Marketing, CosmoLex, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
3/18/2021 • 39 minutes, 47 seconds
#319: Becoming Undaunted, with Kara Goldin
Author and CEO of Hint Water, Kara Goldin, shares her story and what it means to be undaunted throughout your career.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Moneypenny, ESQ.Marketing, CosmoLex, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
3/11/2021 • 38 minutes, 56 seconds
#318: Unlocking Creativity & Reinvention, with Josh Linkner
Author and speaker Josh Linkner shares his best practices for unlocking creativity in your work.
Interested in Josh’s new book? Use this link and type in code ‘lawyerist’ to get free stuff!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Clio, Postali, ESQ.Marketing, CosmoLex, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
3/4/2021 • 41 minutes, 33 seconds
#317: Leading Remotely, with David Burkus
Author and organizational psychologist David Burkus shares his tips on what it means to lead remotely.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to learn more on how to lead remote teams effectively? Learn more here.
Thanks to Lawyaw, TextExpander, Postali, ESQ.Marketing, and CosmoLex for sponsoring this episode.
2/25/2021 • 44 minutes, 55 seconds
#316: Hiring & Firing for Law Firm Growth, with Ryan McKeen
New Lawyerist Lab coach, Ryan McKeen, discusses hiring and firing within your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to learn best practices about hiring, firing, and how to manage effective teams? Learn more here.
Thanks to LEXReception, CosmoLex, TextExpander, Postali, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
2/18/2021 • 46 minutes, 47 seconds
#315: Checking for Partner Alignment in a Small Law Firm, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett and Marketing Director Laura Briggs discuss partner alignment and how to navigate partner conflict within your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to tighten up your culture & core values, so your firm can have a unified vision? Build cohesive values here.
Thanks to Spotlight Branding, ESQ.Marketing, CosmoLex, TextExpander, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
2/11/2021 • 39 minutes, 40 seconds
#314: Why You Need a Highlight Reel, with Dan Cable
Behavior professor and author Dan Cable talks to us about highlight reels and why you need one in your life.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Ready to unlock more potential in your business? Learn more about how to sharpen your vision and goals here.
Thanks to Postali, ESQ.Marketing, CosmoLex, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
2/4/2021 • 37 minutes, 5 seconds
#313: Recognizing Bias in Strategic Decisions, with Olivier Sibony
Strategy professor and author Olivier Sibony about learning to recognize biases in your day-to-day decisions.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Ready to put your new skills with strategic decisions to the test? Learn more about your overall law firm strategy here.
Thanks to TextExpander, ESQ.Marketing, Postali, and CosmoLex for sponsoring this episode.
1/28/2021 • 29 minutes, 32 seconds
#312: Bringing Back Common Sense, with Martin Lindstrom
Author and brand expert, Martin Lindstrom, shares his best tips for helping leaders build a team where common sense is the rule rather than the exception.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking for more tips on successfully managing your team? Learn more here.
Thanks to Lawmatics, CosmoLex, TextExpander, ESQ.Marketing, and Postali for sponsoring this episode.
1/21/2021 • 40 minutes, 36 seconds
#311: What You Should’ve Learned in Law School, with Neil Tyra
Practitioner attorney, Neil Tyra, shares all the things they didn’t teach you in law school, and some of the mistakes he made along the way in his own practice that helped him grow.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to tackle this new year with momentum & clear vision? Learn more about your career & personal goals here.
Thanks to Postali, CosmoLex, TextExpander, and ESQ.Marketing for sponsoring this episode.
1/14/2021 • 50 minutes, 29 seconds
#310: Better, Faster, Smarter Decision Making, with Annie Duke
Author and decision strategist, Annie Duke, shares how to make your decision making strategy more effective & efficient in your everyday life.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to tackle this new year with momentum & clear vision? Learn more about your career & personal goals here.
Thanks to ESQ.Marketing, Postali, CosmoLex, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
1/7/2021 • 40 minutes, 21 seconds
#309: Tightening up Your Onboarding Process, with Maryellen Stockton
Lawyerist Coach and remote work expert, Maryellen Stockton, shares her tips on how remote companies can successfully onboard new employees.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to onboard new associates successfully, so you can get stellar HR processes in your firm? Learn more here.
Thanks to Knackly ,Back Office Betties, LawPay, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
12/31/2020 • 39 minutes, 6 seconds
#308: Redefining HR, with Lars Schmidt
Entrepreneur, speaker, and HR expert Lars Schmidt shows us how we should rethink our perspective on HR.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Looking to nail down your mission, vision, and values, so you can get stellar HR processes in your firm? Learn more here.
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
12/24/2020 • 36 minutes, 48 seconds
#307: Vision & Values: The Foundation of Your Business, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett and Marketing Director Laura Briggs discuss why your clarity, vision, and values are about more than just team building and gushy things.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about taking our Lawyerist Lab community and what we do in our program, click here.
Thanks to Termageddon, LawPay, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode.
12/17/2020 • 41 minutes, 38 seconds
#306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris
Financial expert and author, Bernadette Harris shares three numbers that you should be paying attention to in your business.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about taking hold of your law firm’s finances, budgets, and more, check out our resource page on finances
Thanks to Knackly, Back Office Betties, LawPay, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
12/10/2020 • 51 minutes, 23 seconds
#305:How to Create More Fulfillment with Your Work, with Sarah Aviram
Author and thought leader Sarah Aviram talks with us about what it means to feel fulfilled with your work, regardless of your location, company, and personal circumstances.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about creating goals that will help with your fulfillment at work, check out our resource page on personal goals.
Thanks to LexReception, TextExpander, Back Office Betties and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
12/3/2020 • 44 minutes, 18 seconds
#304: How to Discover and Lean Into Your Strengths, with Becca Syme
Author and thought leader Becca Syme talks with us all about what it means to not only discover, but actively lean into your strengths and use them in different areas of your life.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about creating goals that align with your personal vision and lifestyle, check out our resource page on personal goals.
Thanks to Smith.ai, LawPay, TextExpander and Back Office Betties and for sponsoring this episode.
11/26/2020 • 47 minutes, 55 seconds
#303: Humanizing Your Clients, with Crystal Banse
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett interviews Lab member Crystal Banse on her trauma journey and how that experience helped tailor her legal approach and humanize her clients in the process.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about creating a holistic client experience, check out our resource page on client experience.
Thanks to Quickbooks Online Advanced, TextExpander, LawPay, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode.
11/19/2020 • 46 minutes, 22 seconds
#302 Mastering the Art of Negotiation, with Alex Carter
Author & professor Alex Carter talks to us about changing our perspective on what we think negotiation is and how we can build healthy relationships through negotiation.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about how to integrate such practices like negotiation into your firm’, check out our resource page on law firm strategy.
Thanks to Termageddon, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
11/12/2020 • 45 minutes, 2 seconds
#301 Strategies for Work Conflicts, with Amy Gallo
Thought leader & author Amy Gallo talks to us about dealing with conflict in the workplace and how we can effectively communicate with those who have different perspectives from us.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about managing a team and tips on communication, check out our resource page on managing people.
Thanks to BetterLegal, LawPay, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode.
11/5/2020 • 42 minutes, 12 seconds
#300 Legal: Past, Present, & Future, with Sam Glover
For our 300th episode, we are joined by Lawyerist founder, Sam Glover. He shares his thoughts on the current state of the legal world, as well as debuting the project he’s been working on since leaving Lawyerist.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about building a law firm strategy that challenges the status quo of the legal industry, check out our resource page on law firm strategy.
Thanks to Termageddon, Back Office Betties, LawPay and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
10/29/2020 • 42 minutes, 23 seconds
#299: Attracting Diverse Job Applicants, with Orin Davis
Self-actualization engineer and avid speaker Dr. Orin Davis discusses how to attract and hire with diversity in mind.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about an inclusive based approach to hiring, check out our resource page on diversity and inclusion.
Thanks to Quickbooks Online, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
10/22/2020 • 48 minutes, 34 seconds
#298: Find a Way to Get to Yes, with Michael Abrashoff
Former Navy captain & author Michael Abrashoff shares his best practices on how to take an underperforming team to high achievers.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about empowering a team of high achievers, check out our resource page on managing people.
Thanks to Knackly.io, LawPay, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
10/15/2020 • 45 minutes, 46 seconds
#297: Smart Collaboration & Innovation, with Dr. Heidi K. Gardner
Distinguished fellow at Harvard Law & author Dr. Heidi K. Gardner explains what smart collaboration is for small law firms.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about working with the right team, check out our resource page on law firm hiring and staffing.
Thanks to Smith.ai, Back Office Betties TextExpander, and LawPay, for sponsoring this episode.
10/8/2020 • 47 minutes, 20 seconds
#296: How to Operationalize Culture, with Melissa Daimler
Operational culture expert Melissa Daimler discusses how to make your organization a great place to work.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about team culture, please read our resource page on law firm culture.
Thanks to Postali, TextExpander, LawPay, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode.
10/1/2020 • 37 minutes, 4 seconds
#295: The Future of Jobs, with Jeff Wald
Author and thought leader Jeff Wald discusses why so much about what you’ve heard about the future of work is wrong and what the data really tells us.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about hiring contractors to grow your law firm, check out our resource page on virtual legal assistants.
Thanks to Belay, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and Casetext.
9/24/2020 • 50 minutes, 18 seconds
#294: Onboarding New Associates, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett and Marketing Director Laura Briggs discuss how to hire and onboard new associates in your small law firm effectively.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about hiring and onboard new associates, check out our resource page on law firm hiring and staffing.
Thanks to ActionStep, Casetext, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
9/17/2020 • 35 minutes, 22 seconds
#293: Futurism & Law Firms, with Tom Cheesewright
Futuristic & author Tom Cheesewright discusses changes in technology that will impact all businesses and what that might look like for legal.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about adaptable client service and experience strategies, check out our resource page on law firm client experience.
Thanks to Smith.ai, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and Casetext and for sponsoring this episode!
9/10/2020 • 38 minutes, 24 seconds
#292: A Mastermind Strategy Call, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett guides Lab members through strategic discussions around some of their most pressing concerns facing small firms today.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to take your law firm to the next level, check out our resource page on law firm coaching.
Thanks to LexReception, Casetext, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Traction
Rocket Fuel
EOS Traction Worksheets
Lawyerist Lab
9/3/2020 • 44 minutes, 34 seconds
#291: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski
Author, speaker, and Ph.D Emily Nagoski discusses how to handle stress and break the burnout cycle in your personal and professional life.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about how to address and reduce stress, check out our resource page on lawyer mental health.
Thanks to Knackly.io, Casetext, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
8/27/2020 • 43 minutes, 39 seconds
#290: Legal Industry Issues in 2020, with Patricia Refo
ABA President Patricia Refo discusses some of the most pressing questions and issues for the legal industry in 2020 and beyond.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about how to align your law firm with current challenges, check out our resource page on law firm strategy.
Thanks to Belay, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and Casetext for sponsoring this episode!
8/20/2020 • 38 minutes, 28 seconds
#289: Leadership Motives, with Pat Lencioni
Business author and consultant Pat Lencioni discusses what it really means to be a leader.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about how to show up consistently and effectively as the leader of your team, check out our resource page on law firm culture & core values.
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and Casetext for sponsoring this episode!
8/13/2020 • 51 minutes, 23 seconds
#288: Lawyering & Maternity Leave, with Iffy Ibekwe
Lawyerist Lab member Iffy Ibekwe discusses how she prepared for and managed life with her team, law firm, and new baby during maternity leave.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about making room for family and business, check out our resource page on law firm work-life balance.
Thanks to Law.Bot, Casetext, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander, for sponsoring this episode!
8/6/2020 • 35 minutes, 56 seconds
#287: Managing Passion for Peak Performance, with Brad Stulberg
Author and peak performance expert Brad Stulberg talks through why you might have been thinking about passion all wrong and what to do instead.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about defining your personal career goals, check out our resource page on lawyer personal and career goals.
Thanks to Postali, Casetext, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties, for sponsoring this episode!
7/30/2020 • 39 minutes, 26 seconds
#286: Finding and Using the Right Legal Tech, with Zack Glaser
Lawyerist Legal Tech Advisor Zack Glaser discusses how to determine the right tech for your small law firm, trends in legal technology, and common mistakes you can avoid when outfitting your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more buying the right legal tech, check out our resource page on law firm technology.
Thanks to ActionStep, Casetext, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
7/23/2020 • 35 minutes, 6 seconds
#285: From Career Plateaus to Pivots, with Jenny Blake
Author Jenny Blake explains how to know it’s time to make a change in your professional life and how to start pivoting towards your next chapter.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about connecting your goals and culture at your law firm, check out our resource page on law firm mission, vision, and values.
Thanks to Belay, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and Casetext for sponsoring this episode!
7/16/2020 • 44 minutes, 24 seconds
#284: How to Start Your Own Law Firm
Lawyerist Lab coach Stephanie Everett discusses how to start your own law firm when you’re transitioning from law school or another firm.
If you’re looking for more information about how to begin a solo or small law firm, check out our resource page on starting a law firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Casetext, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode.
7/9/2020 • 34 minutes, 50 seconds
#283: Bringing Your Human to Work, with Erica Keswin
Author Erica Keswin discusses what it really means to bring your human side to work and the action steps you can use to infuse that throughout your firm on a regular basis.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and Casetext for sponsoring this episode!
7/2/2020 • 40 minutes, 43 seconds
#282: Leading a High-Performance Remote Team, with Jason Fried
Basecamp founder & CEO Jason Fried discusses how the pandemic has shifted the perspective on remote work, what companies need to do to thrive with newly-remote teams, and how to handle the influx of communication that could overwhelm team members.
If you want more insight on how to succeed with a remote law firm, check out our resource page on virtual law firms.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, LawPay, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
6/25/2020 • 49 minutes, 40 seconds
#281: Lies About Work, with Ashley Goodall
SVP of Methods and Intelligence at Cisco Ashley Goodall discusses leading and managing at work the right way and some of the biggest lies we believe about work.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
If you’d like to learn more about how to manage successfully in your firm for the long term, check out our resource page on law office management.
Thanks to First Place Legal, LawPay, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
6/18/2020 • 46 minutes, 14 seconds
#280: Expanding Your Firm’s Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Awareness, with Jennifer Brown
Consultant, author, and inclusion expert Jennifer Brown discusses how to build a law firm with a hiring process and culture that meets the needs of diverse audiences.
If you’d like to learn more about inclusion and equity, please visit our resource page on diversity and inclusion.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LexReception, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode!
6/11/2020 • 51 minutes, 12 seconds
#279: What to Do Before Creating a Strategic Marketing Plan, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab leader Stephanie Everett and Marketing Director Laura Briggs discuss the three steps you need to take before building and implementing a strategic marketing plan for your law firm.
If you’d like to learn more about marketing for your small firm, check out our resource page on legal marketing.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, LawPay, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
6/4/2020 • 33 minutes, 22 seconds
#278: Moving Forward with Your Law Firm in a Pandemic, a Coaching Call with Ryan McKeen
Lawyerist Lab member Ryan McKeen discusses how to strategize and make action plans for moving forward even with an uncertain future on the horizon.
If you’d like to learn more about deciding on your goals and next steps right now, check out our resource page on personal and career goals.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Lawyers With Purpose, Back Office Betties, LawPay, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
5/28/2020 • 31 minutes, 36 seconds
#277: Creating a Law Firm that Runs Without You, with Emily Cooper
Family lawyer Emily Cooper discusses how to set your law firm team up to succeed when you’re not in the office or need to adjust to outside circumstances.
If you’d like to learn more about planning for incapacity or your departure from your firm, check out our resource page on succession planning.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Mockingbird Marketing, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode!
5/21/2020 • 48 minutes, 58 seconds
#276: Defining Processes for Teams & Clients, a Strategy Call with Amy McGarry
Elder law attorney Amy McGarry discusses how to create and define processes for your team and your legal clients to explain steps and keep them in the loop.
If you’d like to learn more about creating easily repeatable processes in your firm, check out our resource page on project management.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, LawPay, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
5/14/2020 • 37 minutes, 16 seconds
#275: Creating a Business Advisory Council, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab leader and coach Stephanie Everett discusses why you need a business advisory council for your law firm and how to create one.
If you’d like to learn more about investing in support for your professional development and law firm growth, check out our resource page on law firm coaching.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to First Place Legal, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and LawPay for sponsoring this episode.
5/7/2020 • 39 minutes, 54 seconds
#274: What to Fix Next, with Mike Michalowicz
Author Mike Michalowicz discusses why so many business owners struggle with naming their biggest challenge and how to set priorities for what to work on next.
If you’d like to learn more about defining your plan as a law firm, check out our resource page on law firm strategy.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, LawPay, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
4/30/2020 • 42 minutes, 37 seconds
#273: Your Business Model Canvas, with Alan Smith
Author and business strategist Alan Smith discusses business models optimized for today and tomorrow, how to transcend industry boundaries, and stay adaptable.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
For more information about defining your business model, check out our resource page on law firm strategy.
Thanks to Captorra, Back Office Betties, LawPay, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
4/23/2020 • 53 minutes, 24 seconds
#272: 4 Keys to a Profitable Law Firm with Greg Crabtree
CPA Greg Crabtree discusses the most important metrics to measure when striving for a profitable small or solo law firm.
To learn more about what to track in your firm and what to know to prepare for a possible 2020 recession, read our resource page on law firm finance.
Thanks to First Place Legal, LawPay, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
4/16/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 11 seconds
#271: Client-Centered Law Firms, with Jack Newton
Clio CEO and author Jack Newton discusses why lawyers have to adapt and what it means to have a client-centered law firm in 2020 and beyond.
To learn more about serving clients effectively, read our resource page on client experience.
Thanks to Smith.ai, LawPay, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
4/9/2020 • 51 minutes, 58 seconds
#270: The Real Secrets to Networking, with David Burkus
Author David Burkus explains what’s wrong with the traditional approach to networking and how to build your connections more effectively instead.
For more information about leveraging your marketing plan more effectively, check out our resource page on law firm networking and referral strategy.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LawPay, TextExpander, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
4/2/2020 • 42 minutes, 40 seconds
#269: Adapting to Remote Law, with Stephanie Everett
Lawyerist Lab leader and coach Stephanie Everett discusses how to be tech and remote ready, finding the right crowd of peers to push forward together, and keeping yourself mentally healthy while facing serious external challenges like a pandemic.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, Rankings.io, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
For more information about transitioning your law practice to a virtual law firm, check out our resource page on remote law firms.
3/26/2020 • 35 minutes, 46 seconds
#268: Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster, with Cameron Herold
Speaker and author of Double Double and Meetings Suck Cameron Herold explains how the stages experienced in the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship translate to different action steps.
For more information about taking care of yourself and how your background can influence your work, read our resource page on mental health.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to GNGF, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode!
3/19/2020 • 47 minutes
#267: From Litigator to Firm Leader, A Strategy Call with Amber James
Lawyerist Lab member Amber James discusses shifting from a client-focused to a team leader-focused role in her own firm and the mindset and strategy required to make that transition with Stephanie Everett.
For more information about stepping into a leadership role in your firm, read our resource page on people management.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
3/12/2020 • 30 minutes, 1 second
#266: 5 Financial Key Performance Indicators for Your Firm, with Stephanie Everett
Discover the five financial numbers you need to know to run your law firm, to scale successfully, and to forecast your future, with Stephanie Everett.
For more information about financial KPIs, read our resource page on law firm finances.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to LexReception, TextExpander, Back Office Betties, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode!
3/5/2020 • 38 minutes, 47 seconds
#265: Pivoting & Resilient Leadership, with Adam Markel
Author and speaker Adam Markel talks about pivoting your life and career and what it means to be a resilient leader of your firm.
For more information about leadership, read our resource page on managing people in your firm.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
2/27/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds
#264: Focusing on Your Ideal Clients, a Strategy Call with Tyler Inkster
Lawyerist Lab member Tyler Inkster discusses targeting the right clients, leveraging the most powerful referral sources, niching down, and the value of content marketing with Stephanie Everett.
For more information about marketing strategy, read our resource page on legal marketing.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, TextExpander, Rankings.io, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
2/20/2020 • 41 minutes, 10 seconds
#263: Fixing Law Schools, with Benjamin Barton
Law professor Benjamin Barton discusses how the Great Recession impacted law school admission, performance, and curriculum, and what this means for the future of law schools.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Ruby, Rankings.io, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander, sponsoring this episode!
2/13/2020 • 54 minutes, 56 seconds
#262: How to Hire & Delegate to Independent Contractors, with Laura Briggs
Our newest Lawyerist team member, Laura Briggs, explains what to know before you outsource, what to look for in a freelancer, and how to hire and work with independent contractors.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and Rankings.io, for sponsoring this episode!
2/6/2020 • 39 minutes, 51 seconds
#261: Hire Rock Stars with Killer Job Postings, with Maryellen Stockton
Remote working expert Maryellen Stockton explains how to write a job posting that attracts the best talent, and job descriptions that set employees up for success.
Mentioned in this episode:
Textio
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Lawyaw, TextExpander, Rankings.io, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
1/30/2020 • 47 minutes, 46 seconds
#260: Succession Planning for Anvils, Retirement & More, with Jonathan Hawkins
Jonathan Hawkins explains how to transition out of your practice, whether you are squashed by an anvil out of the blue or planning to cash out and retire. Plus, common mistakes lawyers make when planning their exit (besides not planning in the first place).
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Rankings.io, Back Office Betties, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
1/23/2020 • 35 minutes, 32 seconds
#259: Controlling Alcohol, with Annie Grace
Annie Grace has helped over a hundred thousand people answer a simple question: “Would my life be better if I were drinking less?” (If you’re asking yourself that question, it probably would be.) She explains how to think about your relationship with alcohol and why moderation is harder than just drinking or not drinking. Plus, good manners for drinkers in the company of non-drinkers!
Try The Alcohol Experiment yourself.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, Back Office Betties, Rankings.io, and TextExpander for sponsoring this episode!
1/16/2020 • 50 minutes, 53 seconds
#258: JDs and ADHD, with Marshall Lichty
In learning about his own ADHD, Marshall Lichty realized that he’s not alone. Many lawyers struggle with untreated ADHD, but it can also be harnessed like a super power.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Smith.ai, Back Office Betties, TextExpander, and Rankings.io for sponsoring this episode!
1/9/2020 • 49 minutes, 1 second
#257: Eavesdropping on a Strategy Call with Jennifer Longtin
Lawyerist Lab member Jennifer Longtin let us record a portion of a recent coaching call with Stephanie Everrett, so this week you get to eavesdrop on that conversation and learn the strategy they developed to help Jennifer take charge of her firm finances!
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to GNGF, TextExpander, Rankings.io, and Back Office Betties for sponsoring this episode!
1/2/2020 • 31 minutes, 42 seconds
#256: Culture Index, with Nathan Hightower
Nathan Hightower explains Culture Index, a scientific approach to the “right people, right seats” concept, and why too much distance between your core traits and the behaviors required to do your job well might be hurting you and your law firm.
To get an idea of what a Culture Index graph might look like so you can picture it as Nathan refers to it, here is Sam’s:
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to Earth Class Mail, SaneBox, Alert Communications, and ROSS Intelligence for sponsoring this episode!
12/26/2019 • 44 minutes, 15 seconds
#255: Why You Should Charge Less After Lunch, with Dan Pink
Dan Pink suggests that your legal work probably isn’t as valuable in the afternoons—the “trough” of your day. (For similar reasons, he avoids afternoon doctor appointments and thinks you should, too.) In this episode Dan discusses the science of timing and productivity, the subject of his latest book, When, and also compensation and motivation, the subject of Drive.
Also, Dan says science doesn’t think much of the billable hour:
The billable hour is one of the most autonomy-thwarting, controlling, self-direction inhibiting mechanisms that one has. It puts the focus on the clock rather than on the work.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Mentioned in this episode:
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
Thanks to PwC Insights Officer, ROSS Intelligence, SaneBox, and Alert Communications for sponsoring this episode!
12/19/2019 • 42 minutes, 9 seconds
#254: Setting Goals for Next Year, with Stephanie Everett
While we’re not big fans of easily broken resolutions, the end of the year is a great time to reflect on the past year for yourself and your business and set goals for next year. Stephanie Everett explains how she helps Lawyerist Lab members set personal and business goals and follow through to meet them.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Small Firm Scorecard
Thanks to Smith AI, Alert Communications, ROSS Intelligence, and SaneBox for sponsoring this episode!
12/12/2019 • 41 minutes, 20 seconds
#253: Meditation & Productivity for Entrepreneurs, with Doug Brackman (Replay)
Disclaimer: This episode was originally aired on September 6, 2017.
According to Dr. Doug Brackmann, traditional meditation may not work for innovators, entrepreneurs, and other highly “Driven” individuals who may possess characteristics commonly associated ADHD or OCD. Instead he proposes an alternative meditation style and productivity tools better suited to the Driven brain.
If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Thanks to the Law Firm Growth Summit, ROSS Intelligence, Sanebox, and Alert Communications for sponsoring this episode!
Show notes:
To find out if you are Driven, take the assessment at HighlyDriven.Life. If you want to learn more, pick up Doug’s book, Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU.
12/5/2019 • 50 minutes, 13 seconds
#252: The Science of Charisma & Awkwardness, with Vanessa Van Edwards
According to Vanessa Van Edwards, charisma is charisma is “a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.” In this episode she explains what factors into charisma—and awkwardness—and how everyone can learn to be more charismatic.
Thanks to PwC Insights Officer, Alert Communications, Sanebox, and ROSS Intelligence for sponsoring this episode!
Watch Vanessa’s presentation at TEDxLondon in 2017, “You are contagious.” Take the Charisma Quiz and find out where you fall on the charisma scale.
11/27/2019 • 29 minutes, 6 seconds
#251: Trauma, Stress, & Keeping Your Sh*t Together, with Sherry Walling
Dr. Sherry Walling helps smart people do hard things, but trauma can get in the way. In this episode she explains what trauma is and where it comes from, how to find out if you have trauma, and how it can be linked to other mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.
Thanks to PwC Insights Officer, Alert Communications, Sanebox, and ROSS Intelligence for sponsoring this episode!
Sherry’s book is The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together: How to Run Your Business Without Letting it Run You.
To learn more about the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research, visit the CDC resource portal.
11/21/2019 • 54 minutes, 38 seconds
#250: Making a Remote Workplace Work, with Maryellen Stockton
Maryellen Stockton helps companies figure out how to build healthy, productive remote or hybrid workplaces. In this episode she explains the different kinds of remote workplace arrangements, discusses some of the biggest challenges, and how to hire and manage effectively. Plus, she shares some of her favorite software tools for collaborating remotely.
11/14/2019 • 46 minutes, 18 seconds
#249: The Alter Ego Effect, with Todd Herman
Todd Herman’s book, The Alter Ego Effect, offers a tool for getting more out of “the six inches between your ears,” as he likes to say. In this episode he explains what the alter ego effect is, and how to use an alter ego to overcome your biggest challenges.
11/7/2019 • 53 minutes, 42 seconds
#248: Hiring on Values & Unscheduled Phone Calls, with Ben Hudson
Ben Hudson made a hire for his small firm that really didn’t work out. So he went back to the drawing board on his hiring process. He took the time to outline his core values and build a thoughtful, slow-moving hiring process around them to make sure his replacement was the right person.
Ben doesn’t take unscheduled calls, either, because it’s better for him and his clients.
10/31/2019 • 41 minutes
#247: Work-Life Balance and Raising Entrepreneurial Kids, with Jim and Jamie Sheils
In this episode with Jim and Jamie Sheils, we talk about work-life balance and what it’s like raising entrepreneurial kids.
10/24/2019 • 46 minutes, 49 seconds
#246: Small Firm Profile, with Justie Nicol
In this episode with Justie Nicol, we talk about her transition from a solo to small firm, KPI’s, and her Harry Potter-style House Cup system.
10/17/2019 • 36 minutes, 8 seconds
#245: The One Thing, with Geoff Woods
In this episode with Geoff Woods, we talk about what the ONE thing means, why we shouldn’t focus on more than one thing, how to pick a “thing”, and how to overcome the challenges along the way.
10/10/2019 • 43 minutes, 50 seconds
#244: Tech Savvier Lawyers, with Adriana Linares
In this episode with Adriana Linares, we talk about how lawyers can “level up” their tech savviness. We talk about transitioning to the cloud, dropbox versus document management, basic automation, and outsourcing simple tasks to make work and life easier.
10/3/2019 • 47 minutes, 50 seconds
#243: Audience, Attention, and SEO, with Rand Fishkin
In this episode with Rand Fishkin, we talk about Moz, Rand’s book, Lost and Founder, and SparkToro. We go back to the basics about SEO on this podcast, and also discuss how most law firms are bootstrapped and how firms should think about structure services in the age of Uber and Amazon. Lastly, we dive into the difference between having an audience versus retaining attention.
9/26/2019 • 43 minutes, 26 seconds
#242: Brave, Not Perfect, with Reshma Saujani
In this episode with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and author of Brave, Not Perfect, we talk about the importance of reframing the messages society delivers to girls and women.
9/19/2019 • 35 minutes, 38 seconds
#241: The Small Firm Roadmap, with Stephanie Everett
In this episode with Stephanie Everett, we talk about our new book, The Small Firm Roadmap and why we wrote it. This podcast outlines major points from the book including why law practice is broken and how we can create successful, future-oriented small and solo law firms.
9/12/2019 • 39 minutes, 55 seconds
#240: Law in Context, with Larry Lessig
In this episode with Larry Lessig, we talk about law and context. Larry shares with us the two phases of his work: intellectual property and its impact on culture, and then his focus on political reform with Change Congress, Mayday PAC, Rootstrikers and his presidential campaign. We dive into Larry’s book, Fidelity and Constraint, and how it can help lawyers think about how the Supreme Court decides cases. Lastly, we ask Larry about his fairy novel style of doing slideshow presentations.
9/5/2019 • 46 minutes, 8 seconds
#239: Radical Candor, Lawyers & Clients, with Jason Rosoff
On this week's Lawyerist podcast, Sam Glover talks with Jason Rosoff about how to become a better leader and manager by using radical candor. Jason shares how to care personally and challenge directly to break the barrier between employees, clients, and customers to create real, human relationships and a thriving workplace environment.
8/29/2019 • 37 minutes, 7 seconds
#238: What You Should’ve Learned in Law School, , with Neil Tyra
In this episode with Neil Tyra, we talk about the difference between being an entrepreneur and being a lawyer, all the things they didn’t teach you in law school, and some of the mistakes Neil made along the way in his own practice that helped him grow. We also talk about real estate planning, the future prospects of that practice area, and Neil’s own podcast, The Law Entrepreneur podcast.
8/22/2019 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
#237: Scaling While Solo, with Erin Gerstenzang
In this episode with criminal defense lawyer Erin Gerstenzang, we talk about how her firm has evolved since the last time she was on the podcast two years ago. Erin fills us in on her vision, what success looks like for scaling, and what is working versus what is not.
8/15/2019 • 49 minutes, 53 seconds
#236: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, with Haben Girma
In this episode with Haben Girma, we talk about her new book The Deaflind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law. We also talk about the state of accessibility and what barriers we still need to remove, the theme of “exclusion” in Haben’s book, and how to change the ableist mindset.
8/8/2019 • 35 minutes, 44 seconds
#235: Storytelling, with Matthew Dicks
In this episode with Matthew Dicks, we talk about storytelling, and why it’s an important skill to learn in business. Matthew shares tips for better storytelling, how to approach storytelling as a lawyer, and how it can help lawyers teach witnesses how to tell better stories on the stand.
8/1/2019 • 42 minutes, 38 seconds
#234: Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, with Amy Morin
In this week’s episode with Amy Morin, we talk about what it means to be mentally strong and the steps it takes to get there. Some key points we cover are finding independence and resilience, practicing optimism, and learning how to think, feel, and behave as someone who is mentally strong.
7/25/2019 • 32 minutes, 33 seconds
#233: Giving Gifts to Build Your Business, with John Ruhlin
In this episode with John Ruhlin, we talk about the overall theory of gift giving, including when to give and how much, the ethics of giving, what makes a good gift for your clients, and lastly, what makes a shitty gift.
7/18/2019 • 49 minutes, 40 seconds
#232: Training the Lawyers of the Future at Emory Law, with Nicole Morris
In this episode with Nicole Morris, we talk about the Ti:GER program, what it is, how it works, and how it helps law students after graduation. Nicole shares the vision that the Ti:GER program is designed to help prepare students for and the unique skills the program gives law students that other lawyers might not have.
7/11/2019 • 45 minutes, 28 seconds
#231: Creating Micro-Experiences for Your Clients, with Stephanie Everett
In this episode with Stephanie Everett, we talk about a few ways you can create micro-experiences for your clients. We cover retainers, graphics and video, and drafting briefs all as ways you can offer your unique value proposition and personal touch to win with your clients.
7/3/2019 • 34 minutes, 45 seconds
#230: Podcasting as a Marketing Tactic, with Megan Zavieh
In this episode with Megan Zavieh, we check in on The Playbook as well talk about her content marketing strategies, including her own podcast is going. Megan shares advice for lawyers thinking about starting podcasts, and a few tips about what has worked in her marketing plan and what hasn’t.
6/26/2019 • 33 minutes, 25 seconds
#229: Small Firm Profile: Daily General Counsel, with Jan Glassmann
In this episode with Jan Glassman, we talk about her law firm business model, her flexible service options, and what challenges she has faced growing a law firm focused on social impact and innovation.
6/19/2019 • 45 minutes, 56 seconds
#228: The Real Access-to-Justice Problem and How We Might Solve It, with Rebecca Sandefur
In this episode with Rebecca Sandefur, we talk about why people rarely turn to lawyers or courts for assistance with their problems, how to properly educate civilians on obtaining legal help, and what role small and solo firm lawyers play in the solution.
6/12/2019 • 48 minutes, 20 seconds
#227: The State of Legal Blogging & Podcasting, with Bob Ambrogi
In this episode with Bob Ambrogi, we talk about the state of legal blogging and podcasting in 2019 and whether or not blogging and podcasting can still be influential. Bob also shares advice for new legal bloggers and podcasters.
6/5/2019 • 50 minutes, 57 seconds
#226: It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy at Your Law Firm, with Jason Fried
In this episode with Jason Fried, we talk about what it means to be a calm company, how to think about remote work and accountability, and how less can be more when it comes to productivity.
5/29/2019 • 51 minutes, 39 seconds
#225: Chesterton’s Fence and Using Humility to Solve Legal Problems, with David Colarusso
In this episode with David Colarusso, we talk about Suffolk University Law School’s Legal Innovation and Technology Lab, what it is and what it hopes to achieve, as well as a concept known as “Chesterton’s fence” and how you can better use risk assessment tools in your firm.
5/21/2019 • 48 minutes, 31 seconds
#224: Calling Bullshit on Compromise, with Chris Voss
In this episode with Chris Voss, we talk about compromise and deadlines, listening and empathy as a martial art, and a few tips and tricks on negation from Chris’s book, Never Split the Difference.
5/15/2019 • 54 minutes, 29 seconds
#223: Legal Tech Debrief: Avvo, with Mark Britton
In this episode with Mark Britton, we talk about how he started Avvo, his vision for the company, and how it changed over the years. Mark also shares his thoughts on rating lawyers and how he would advise the next startup hoping to rate lawyers.
5/8/2019 • 50 minutes, 14 seconds
#222: Doing Even More with Less Time, with Allison Shields
In this episode with Allison Shields, we pick up where left off in Episode #22, talking about productivity mindset, delegation, and how better organization sets lawyers up for success.
5/1/2019 • 35 minutes, 23 seconds
#221: The State of the Legal Profession, with ABA President Robert M. Carlson
In this episode with ABA president Robert Carlson, we talk about what it means to lead a large and multifaceted legal organization in a time of technology change and innovation. We also cover the ABA’s new membership dues structure, what it hopes to achieve, and what a much-diminished ABA membership would mean for the practice of law. Lastly, we talk to Bob about some hot-button ethics issues like non-lawyer ownership and advertising regulations. You’ll also get a glimpse of Robert’s plans after his term as ABA president is over.
4/24/2019 • 34 minutes, 52 seconds
#220: Should You Start Your Law Firm as a B Corp?, with Kimberly Pray and Kate Kilberg
In this episode with Kim and Kate, we talk about B Corporations, including what they are, what problem Kim and Kate were trying to solve that they couldn’t with a regular corporation, and what they now know about B Corps that they wish they had known when they first started their law firm.
4/17/2019 • 34 minutes, 25 seconds
#219: How the Design Process Works in Practice, with Zach Pousman
In this episode with Zach Pousman, we talk about the design process and how it relates to law practice in-depth. Zach walks us through Helpfully’s innovation process step-by-step, including how to pinpoint a client or customer’s needs and how to test whether or not your solution meets that need.
4/10/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 9 seconds
#218: Data-Driven Law Practice, with Ed Walters
In this episode with Ed Walters, we talk about his book "Data Driven Law", and why law firms should care more about data. We also talk with Ed about some of the bad or pointless uses of data, and how to use your data efficiently.
4/3/2019 • 46 minutes, 5 seconds
#217: Succeeding by Scaling Up, with Rachel Rodgers
In this episode with Rachel Rodgers, we talk about how she started an alternative law practice, what it means to build a business focused on serving women and women of color, and why she transitioned into full-time coaching. In line with her own podcast Million Dollar Badass, Rachel also shares advice on how to scale a $100,000 business to a $1 million business.
3/27/2019 • 54 minutes, 19 seconds
#216: Free Law Project & the PACER Litigation, with Mike Lissner
In this episode with Mike Lissner, we talk about the pending PACER lawsuit, monopolies in law, and what the Free Law Project is. We also talk with Mike about why open access to law matters to innovation and access to justice as well as a few ways that courts can help.
3/20/2019 • 36 minutes, 58 seconds
#215: Online Accessibility & Law-Firm Websites, with Lainey Feingold
In this episode with Lainey Feingold, we talk about online accessibility requirements and what lawyers should know about them. We also talk with Lainey about structured negotiation as an alternative to litigation, and how to get companies to actually talk to you in business law.
3/13/2019 • 52 minutes, 15 seconds
#214: How Law Schools Can Teach Innovation, with Alice Armitage
In this episode with Alice Armitage, we talk about what today’s landscape looks like when law schools teach technology and innovation, and what role they have in solving the access to justice gap. Alice shares a vision of what “practice-ready” and “think like a lawyer” mean today, and what they could mean in the future.
3/6/2019 • 40 minutes, 1 second
#213: The ROI of Gratitude, with John Israel
In this episode with John Israel, we talk about how investing time in showing gratitude to people can wield a long term return in both personal and business relationships. John breaks down what the “Mr. Thank You Project” is, and shares why acknowledging the people around you is so important.
2/27/2019 • 39 minutes, 59 seconds
#212: Tweeting Judges & Access to Justice, with Judge Stephen Dillard
In this episode with Stephen Dillard, we talk about the how, traditionally, judges have mostly been inaccessible to the public and how quite a few judges are now going against the grain and taking residence on Twitter. We also talk about Judge Dillard's thoughts about the role of courts in closing the access to justice gap, and what courts are doing to be more proactive.
2/20/2019 • 50 minutes, 13 seconds
#211: The Innovative Lawyer Mindset, with Cat Moon
In this episode with Cat Moon, we talk about how to achieve basic design competence, some lessons Cat has learned about innovation and design, and what role law schools can or should have in solving problems like access to justice.
2/13/2019 • 43 minutes, 4 seconds
#210: Rules for Communication in a Remote Workplace, with Ben Balter
In this episode with Ben Balter, we talk about what GitHub is, why GitHub isn’t for lawyers, and some rules for communication and knowledge management that we can all take away from GitHub’s model.
During the show, we mentioned Greg Siskind's website. Check it out here.
Be sure to read the inspiration for this podcast on rules for communication at GitHub here.
2/6/2019 • 50 minutes, 30 seconds
#209: Before You Even Think About Hiring Anyone, Listen to This Episode with Ashley Cox
In this week's episode, we talk with Ashley Cox about what you need to do to prepare to hire, how to find the best applicants for your firm, and how to set up a new employee or independent contractor for success.
Be sure to download this complementary worksheet on how to uncover your company's core values.
1/30/2019 • 55 minutes, 26 seconds
#208: Hard Questions for Small-Firm Lawyers, with Stephanie Everett
In this episode with Stephanie Everett, we talk about some of the questions small firm lawyers should ask themselves. When you are struggling with your law firm—struggling with money, struggling with time, struggling to focus—it’s helpful to take a step back and ask yourself some hard questions. This episode covers a few of those hard questions, and answers about how you can get back on track.
1/23/2019 • 41 minutes, 27 seconds
#207: Better Risk Assessment for Litigators, with Natalie Worsfold
In this episode with Natalie Worsfold, we talk about her law firm’s approach to law practice, and why more firms aren't following suit. We start by asking Natalie what problem Counter Tax was trying to solve, then explore how they solved it, what their solution does now, and the plans they have to evolve and grow their solution.
1/16/2019 • 55 minutes, 44 seconds
#206: Helping Clients Afford to Hire You, with Jennifer Longtin
In this episode with Jennifer Longtin, we talk about her criminal defense practice, including her business model and client portfolio, why implementing low cost options for clients doesn’t mean you will be less profitable, and how to have reasonable conversations about money with clients.
1/9/2019 • 39 minutes, 22 seconds
#205: Entrepreneurial Poverty & Why Average Law Firms Lose, with Mike Michalowicz
In this episode with Mike Michalowicz, we talk about some of the main concepts from a few of his books, including the idea of “entrepreneurial poverty” and why most average companies lose.
1/2/2019 • 41 minutes, 8 seconds
#204: How to Keep Your Shit Together as a Law-Firm Leader, with Sherry Walling
In this episode with Sherry Walling, we talk about the typical sources of stress and unhappiness for an entrepreneur, and how to be objective about these levels. We also redefine work-life balance and talk about whether or not happiness should be an end goal.
12/26/2018 • 37 minutes, 23 seconds
#203: Ethical Legal Innovation, with Will Hornsby
In this episode with Will Hornsby, we talk about whether or not ethics rules are standing in the way of innovation.
12/19/2018 • 48 minutes, 19 seconds
#202: Accessible Justice, with Haben Girma
In this episode, we talk with deaf-blind civil rights lawyer and accessibility advocate Haben Girma about accessible justice and how designing courts, law firms, and the attorney-client relationship for people with disabilities can increase access to justice for everyone.
12/12/2018 • 34 minutes, 23 seconds
#201: 4 Keys to a Profitable Law Firm, with Greg Crabtree
In this episode with Greg Crabtree, we talk about the four keys to profitable law firm. This includes how to figure out what a small-firm owner or partner’s salary should be, how to increase productivity in a service business, when to take distributions, and how to think about tax breaks.
12/5/2018 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 18 seconds
#200: The State of Small Law, with George Psiharis
In our 200th episode with George Psiharis, we talk about the state of small law, as well as Clio's 2018 Legal Industry Trends Report.
Check out our special post here in honor of our 200th podcast episode.
11/28/2018 • 51 minutes, 51 seconds
#199: Year-End Law Firm Finances, with Mary Juetten
In this episode, we talk with Mary Juetten about what it means to be data-driven, how to collect data efficiently, and what to do with it once you've got it.
11/21/2018 • 39 minutes, 28 seconds
#198: People-First Culture & Owning the Dinner Table, with Michel Falcon
In this episode with Michel Falcon, we talk about what a people-first culture looks like, including how to recognize why customers do business with you and how to resolve customer complaints. We talk about how to “own the dinner table” through micro customer experiences, and genuine customer appreciation.
11/14/2018 • 42 minutes, 6 seconds
#197: How Happy Employees Lead to Happy Clients, with Tracey Ivanyshyn
In this episode with Tracey Ivanyshyn, we talk about what makes employees happy, and how happy employees lead to happier clients.
11/7/2018 • 48 minutes, 33 seconds
#196: Small-Firm Profile, with Erik Pelton
In this episode with Erik Pelton, we talk about his trademark law practice, including some in-depth conversations about his client onboarding and marketing systems and his communication philosophy.
10/31/2018 • 34 minutes, 34 seconds
#195: Strategic Legal Writing, with Rick Horowitz
In this episode with Rick Horowitz, we talk about why lawyers are better at knowing the law than communicating the law. Rick shares a few tips and structural ideas for how to become better at legal writing and how to be strategic while doing so.
10/24/2018 • 52 minutes, 44 seconds
#194: How Technology Makes New Career Options Available to Women Lawyers, with Lee Holcomb
In this episode with Lee Holcomb, we talk about her career path, her new book Lawyer Lifestyle, and how, with technology, women lawyers can find a voice and position in a challenging and constantly changing legal market.
10/17/2018 • 41 minutes, 47 seconds
#193: Bringing the Four Seasons Experience to Law Practice, with John Strohmeyer
In this episode, we talk with John Strohmeyer about his time working at The Four Seasons Hotel, and how he is using his experience working there to shape the culture and model of his law firm.
10/10/2018 • 35 minutes, 37 seconds
#192: Thinking in Bets, with Annie Duke
In this episode with Annie Duke, we talk about the cognitive science behind decision making, how poker is similar to the decision-making process in business, and some of the decision-making traps we fall into.
10/3/2018 • 53 minutes, 22 seconds
#191: Shannon Montgomery
In this episode with powerlifting badass Shannon Montgomery, we talk about the differences between building a business around a brand versus building a brand around your business. We also talk about social media influencing and how to create a niche doing something you love.
9/26/2018 • 44 minutes, 4 seconds
#190: How to Advertise on Facebook, with Nic Kusmich
In this week’s episode, we talk with Nic Kusmich about how to advertise on Facebook. Nic walks us through his 4-step process for creating successful Facebook ads, and he also talks about how to give value to your clients and customers every step of the way.
9/19/2018 • 1 hour, 57 seconds
#189: Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, with Nathana Sharma
In this episode with Nathana Sharma, we talk about what blockchain is, what it does, why it is so interesting, and what it has to do with the legal industry.
9/12/2018 • 34 minutes, 55 seconds
#188: The Key to Better Family Relationships, with Jim Sheils
In this episode, we talk with Jim Sheils about why family sometimes falls to the wayside as a working professional, and how to balance success at work with success at home. We also talk about a few ideas you can implement in your family and work life to help keep balance between the two.
Jim Sheils is dedicated to fixing the epidemic of entrepreneurs/busy working professionals with broken homes, by teaching parents how to reconnect with their spouse and children, and hold that connection forever.
9/5/2018 • 44 minutes, 43 seconds
#187: Why You Need a Mastermind, with Stephanie Everett
In this week’s episode with Stephanie Everett, we talk about what a mastermind group is and some of the benefits of both joining and creating one. We talk about how to implement a mastermind in your business and how to decide who should be in it.
8/29/2018 • 40 minutes, 39 seconds
#186: Networking Tips, with Jordan Harbinger
In this episode with Jordan Harbinger, we talk about how Jordan went from being a pick-up artist to being a thought leader on social dynamics. We also talk with Jordan about networking best practices, including how to approach networking events and maintain those relationships.
8/22/2018 • 48 minutes, 18 seconds
#185: Acting Like a Law Firm Owner, with Jordan Furlong
In this week's episode, Sam talks with Jordan Furlong about the difference between owning a law firm and working for one, and why that may be the single biggest explanation for why some law firms can't seem to get out of their own way.
8/15/2018 • 46 minutes, 11 seconds
#184: Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, with Amy Morin
In this week’s episode with Amy Morin, we talk about what it means to be mentally strong and the steps it takes to get there. Some key points we cover are finding independence and resilience, practicing optimism, and learning how to think, feel, and behave as someone who is mentally strong.
8/8/2018 • 39 minutes, 37 seconds
#183: Rethinking Substance Abuse & Addiction, with Jeff Glover
In this episode of The Lawyerist Podcast, Jeff Glover joins us to talk about substance abuse and addiction—what it is and what treatment looks like. Sam and Jeff move away from the typical black-and-white/AA perspective and talk through some of the sensitivities and stigmas around the subject. They also talk about how lawyers—and anyone else—struggling with abuse and addiction can identify whether they have a problem and get the help they need.
8/1/2018 • 53 minutes, 3 seconds
#182: The State of the Legal Profession, with Hilarie Bass
In this episode with Hilarie Bass, we talk about some of issues facing the legal industry in 2018 and how the ABA is responding those issues. We also discuss the ABA’s recent restructuring plan and what the organization could look like in ten years time.
7/25/2018 • 34 minutes, 16 seconds
#181: Legal Bots for Your Law Practice, with Tom Martin
In this episode with Tom Martin, we talk about the chatbot fad, and how we are starting to see chatbots being implemented, and not just as gimmicks. Tom helps us understand when you should use a simple form over a chatbot, and how to make room for users to tell their story with these tools.
7/18/2018 • 33 minutes, 24 seconds
#180: Onboarding New Employees, with Ashley Cox
In this episode with Ashley Cox, we talk about what onboarding new employees means, why it matters, and what it looks like in a business.
If you're interested in hearing more about onboarding and hiring, check out this episode with Ashley from earlier this year: "Podcast #158: Before You Even Think About Hiring Anyone, Listen to This Episode with Ashley Cox."
7/11/2018 • 48 minutes, 37 seconds
#179: From Child Actor to Entertainment Lawyer, with Jeff Cohen
In this episode, we sat down with Jeff Cohen—most popularly known for his role as Chunk in “The Goonies” (1985)—and talked about some of the successes, road bumps, and stories (like the time he slept in his law office for a whole year!) from his journey as a child actor to owning a successful entertainment law practice.
7/4/2018 • 36 minutes, 53 seconds
#178: What Millennials Want from Your Law Firm, with Nicole Abboud (Replay)
In this week’s episode, we talk with attorney branding specialist Nicole Abboud about the benefits of tailoring your firm to meet the demands of a growing millennial clientele.
6/27/2018 • 43 minutes, 43 seconds
#177: Billing Flat Fees for Unpredictable Cases, with Gabriel Cheong
In this episode of The Lawyerist Podcast, Gabriel Cheong talks about billing flat fees in unpredictable cases, like contested divorces. Often seeming impossible to implement in a family law firm, Gabriel shares a few tips on how he makes this client service model function in his firm.
6/20/2018 • 38 minutes, 5 seconds
#176: How to Rehearse for Your Next Oral Argument, with Michael Port
In this episode of The Lawyerist Podcast, Michael Port shares seven steps for mapping out your next oral argument. We talk about how to plan your content, when to make meaningful transitions, and how to make the most out of rewriting and rehearsing.
Michael Port is a bestselling author of six books, including Book Yourself Solid and Steal the Show, and co-founder of Heroic Public Speaking.
6/13/2018 • 51 minutes, 10 seconds
#175: Getting Organized at Home and Work, with Merlin Mann
In this week’s episode with Merlin Mann, we talk about what it means to actually get organized. We discuss the relationship—and conflict—between personal productivity and organizational productivity and how they relate to work-life balance.
6/6/2018 • 41 minutes, 52 seconds
#174: How Lawyers Can Get More from Their iPhones, with David Sparks
David Sparks shares ten ways lawyers can get more from their iPhones in this episode of The Lawyerist Podcast. From security hacks to email and notification optimization, David reveals myriad hidden iPhone features every lawyer can use.
5/30/2018 • 46 minutes, 12 seconds
#173: Using Trello in a Law Practice, Jordan Couch
In this episode with Jordan Couch, we talk about how he uses Trello in his law firm. Jordan walks us through what his workflow used to look like without Trello, what it looks like now, and how he balances his workflow using Trello and a host of other tools, like Clio.
5/23/2018 • 40 minutes, 55 seconds
#172: Law Firm Profile: MyVirtual.Lawyer, with Brooke Moore
In this episode, Brooke Moore gives us a snapshot of her client-centric, virtual law firm. Brooke discusses how she uses automation, the approach she uses to make improvements, and how she measures success with her business model.
We also mention a previous podcast episode with Josie Beets, which you listen to here.
5/16/2018 • 40 minutes, 8 seconds
#171: A Law Firm Website Audit Checklist, with Karin Conroy
In this episode with Karin Conroy, we talk about the key factors in making your website both functional and effective. From SEO, design, and content tips—this podcast covers everything you need to conduct your very own website audit.
We also talk about various website and SEO tools, including Moz.com for SEO tracking, gtmetrix.com to monitor and improve your website's page speed, a WordPress Security Plugin called iThemes Security, a responsiveness checker called the Mobile-Friendly Test by Google, webaim.org to check your website's accessibilty, a Hubspot resource page to learn more about Inbound Marketing, Lawyerist's Best Websites page to check out the law firm websites we think are doing it right, and lastly—our Website Design Guide to help kickstart your audit.
5/9/2018 • 42 minutes, 45 seconds
#170: What's Stopping Lawyers From Addressing Challenges, with Natalie Kelly
In this episode with Natalie Kelly, we discuss some of the roadblocks that are stopping lawyers from addressing challenges in their firms. We also talk about some of the technology solutions that exist, and why some lawyers are hesitant to use those technologies.
5/2/2018 • 45 minutes, 19 seconds
#169: A Recipe for Affordable Legal Services, with Patrick Palace
In this episode, we're joined by Patrick Palace to talk about how we—as a profession—can help make legal services affordable to all consumers.
4/25/2018 • 59 minutes, 5 seconds
#168: A New Direction for Lawyerist, with Stephanie Everett
In this episode with Stephanie Everett, our Community Director, we talk about the big picture of what we [Lawyerist] are trying to do, how the various pieces like the Scorecard, Insider, and Lab fit in, and what the one-year road map looks like for Lab members.
4/18/2018 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
#167: 4 Law Firm Improvements, with Lori Gonzalez
In this episode, we talk with Lori Gonzalez about how to improve your law firm with the simplest of legal technology tools. We cover Lori's approach to using documentation processes, mailing resources, password managers, and different communication channels to boost productivity and efficiency.
4/11/2018 • 33 minutes, 50 seconds
#166: Conspiracy and Resilience, with Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday joins us this week to talk about the big takeaways for lawyers from the Gawker-Hulk Hogan lawsuit and how lawyers can learn resilience from modern stoicism.
4/4/2018 • 41 minutes, 5 seconds
#165: Designing New Criminal Defense Options, with Jennifer Gerstenzang
This week Jennifer Gerstenzang joins us to talk about her innovative legal coaching and family advocacy services.
Surrounded by stellar criminal defense attorneys as a child, Jennifer has always respected and understood the value of personal freedom and the Constitution's protections. After her time at the San Diego Public Defender's Office, where she worked with people struggling to navigate the criminal justice system, she opened her own boutique criminal defense firm, Gerstenzang Law, in Encinitas, CA.
3/28/2018 • 43 minutes, 52 seconds
#164: Ethically Problematic Marketing Strategies, with Megan Zavieh
This week, Megan Zavieh joins us to discuss the byzantine advertising rules imposed on lawyers. Plus, we also talk about her new chatbot and podcast, Lawyers Gone Ethical.
Megan is a lawyer for lawyers—she represents California attorneys facing ethics investigations and prosecutions. She also writes, speaks, and now hosts a podcast on legal ethics issues, as well as advises lawyers who want to incorporate into their practice new methods of delivering legal services.
3/21/2018 • 40 minutes, 45 seconds
#163: Sustainable Subscription Fees for Business Clients, with Kim Bennett
This week, we discuss subscription fees with Kim Bennett, including her process for designing her fee options and responding to clients’ needs.
Kimberly is an avid traveler, lover of technology, legal industry disruptor and an attorney who runs K Bennett Law LLC, a boutique virtual general counsel law practice offering on-demand and subscription operations and legal services.
3/14/2018 • 30 minutes, 49 seconds
#162: Designing Your Clients’ Experience, with Joey Coleman
In this episode with Joey Coleman, we talk about what client experience really is and why it’s important—especially during the first 100 days.
Joey Coleman helps companies keep their customers. An award-winning speaker, he shares his First 100 Days® methodology for improving customer experience/retention with organizations around the world (e.g., Whirlpool, NASA, and Zappos). His book Never Lose a Customer Again shows how to turn any sale into a lifelong customer.
3/7/2018 • 53 minutes, 5 seconds
#161: Building an Automated Law Practice, with Conor Malloy
In this episode with Conor Malloy, we talk about some of the technologies Conor has built into his firm, and how those tools have changed the structure of his law practice.
Conor Malloy is a partner at Chi City Legal, a law firm dedicated to serving small and medium sized landlords in Chicago. He merges his knowledge of technology and legal processes in order to reduce friction between his clients and the court system.
2/28/2018 • 34 minutes, 35 seconds
#160: Fostering Culture in Your Law Firm, with Paul Spiegelman
In this episode with Paul Spiegelman, we talk about what culture in your law firm means, why it is important, and how to create culture deliberately and intentionally.
Paul Spiegelman is the co-founder of the Small Giants Community, a peer-group of purpose-driven business leaders.
2/21/2018 • 38 minutes, 18 seconds
#159: Augmented Reality in the Courtroom, with Mitch Jackson
In this episode Mitch Jackson joins us to talk about augmented reality, including what it is and how it can be useful in the courtroom.
Mitch Jackson is a California personal injury lawyer. He enjoys combining law, social media and technology to disrupt, hack, and improve his clients' companies, causes, and professional relationships.
2/14/2018 • 42 minutes, 45 seconds
#158: Before You Even Think About Hiring Anyone, Listen to This Episode with Ashley Cox
In this week's episode, we talk with Ashley Cox about what you need to do to prepare to hire, how to find the best applicants for your firm, and how to set up a new employee or independent contractor for success.
Ashley Cox is the founder of SproutHR, where she helps hire, train, and lead happy, productive, and profitable teams. After a decade in the corporate world, she kicked off her heels and burst through layers of red tape to venture out and help small businesses and startups with their HR needs.
2/7/2018 • 1 hour, 12 seconds
#157: Online Dispute Resolution & Public Interest Design, with Shannon Salter
In this episode Shannon Salter breaks down the technology behind British Columbia’s Online Civil Resolution Tribunal including what it is, its successes and failures, and why designing for the public is different than designing for customers.
Shannon Salter is the Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Canada’s first online tribunal resolving small claims and condominium disputes. She is also an adjunct professor at the UBC Allard School of Law, teaching administrative law and legal ethics and professional regulation.
1/31/2018 • 44 minutes, 41 seconds
#156: 2 Critical To-Dos for Your 2018 Marketing Checklist, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Kelly Street
In this episode, Gyi Tsakalakis and Kelly Street identify two things lawyers should do in 2018 to make a big improvement in their online presence.
Gyi Tsakalakis is the Director at AttorneySync, where he helps lawyers earn meaningful attention online because that’s where clients are looking.
Kelly Street is the Marketing Director at AttorneySync. She is passionate about all things marketing and small business but is recently focused on content creation and social media advertising.
1/24/2018 • 32 minutes, 14 seconds
#155: Why Intake is the Key to Law Firm Success, with Billie Tarascio
In this episode, Billie Tarascio explains why intake is the key to her firm's success, and how her firm uses empathy and data to strategically optimize the intake process.
Billie Tarascio is the principal attorney at Modern Law, a family law firm in greater Phoenix, and Access Legal, a legal technology company providing do it yourself resources for self-representing family law litigants.
1/17/2018 • 35 minutes, 52 seconds
#154: Why Legal Tech & Design Thinking Can't Solve All of the Legal System's Problems, with Nicole Bradick
In this episode, we have a conversation with Nicole Bradick, our first three-peat guest on the show, about some of the systemic issues in the legal system. Nicole walks us through how she is using technology and the design process to approach those problems, and what needs to happen in order for justice to be accessible for everyone.
Nicole is a former lawyer and the founder and CEO of Theory and Principle, a legal technology product development firm. Whether it is improving the delivery of legal services, the justice system, lawyer efficiency, legal education, or access to justice for all, Theory and Principle works with clients who are moved to innovate and build to create a better system.
1/10/2018 • 44 minutes, 10 seconds
#153: Building a Future-Centric Law Firm, with Peter Aprile & Natalie Worsfold
In this episode, we're joined by Peter Aprile and Natalie Worsfold to talk about the way they think differently about building Counter Tax. Learn how they use a long view, process, and firm culture to make big bets on the future.
Peter Aprile is a tax controversy and litigation lawyer and the founder of Counter Tax Lawyers, a Toronto-based firm that develops innovative strategies for resolving tax disputes. Peter is also the co-host of the podcast Building NewLaw, along with fellow (cult member) Counter lawyer Natalie Worsfold.
A somewhat unconventional lawyer, Natalie spends her days turning the firm into the well-oiled machine of the future, usually by optimizing and building technology that eliminates inefficiency. She's the co-architect behind many of Counter's process workflows and their comprehensive knowledge-base, lovingly named Hank.
1/3/2018 • 33 minutes, 34 seconds
#152: Divorce with Benefits, with Erin Levine
In this episode Erin Levine explains how her experience as a divorce lawyer led her to build Hello Divorce, a web-based DIY divorce portal that earned Erin a nomination for the ABA's Louis M. Brown Award for Legal Access.
Erin Levine is a certified family law specialist, and owner of Oakland’s Levine Family Law Group. In 2016 she launched Hello Divorce, a “modern breakup service” that empowers users to manage the complicated divorce process online with easy to follow, step by step guidance and affordable, fixed fee access to top notch lawyers.
12/27/2017 • 27 minutes, 52 seconds
#151: How Westlaw Lost its Copyright, with Alan Sugarman
In this episode we're joined by Alan Sugarman to talk about the landmark case that opened up access to law and ultimately resulted in more options for online legal research today.
Alan Sugarman founded HyperLaw in 1991 to publish electronic law treatises linked to case law. HyperLaw successfully challenged Westlaw’s copyright claims to the text and citations of court opinions
12/20/2017 • 31 minutes, 49 seconds
#150: Business Lessons Learned in the Dead Zone on Mt. Everest, with Dean Cardinale
Dean Cardinale is no lawyer, but he knows a thing or two about taking informed risks. In this episode, we talk with a professional "adventurer" about achieving big goals, and how you can apply the same knowledge to leverage your own business aspirations.
Dean is an avid mountain climber, outdoors enthusiast, and adventure lover, the founder of World Wide Trekking, and the President and Founder of Human Outreach Project.
12/13/2017 • 37 minutes, 47 seconds
#149: What Millennials Want from Your Law Firm, with Nicole Abboud
In this week’s episode, we talk with attorney branding specialist, Nicole Abboud, about the benefits of tailoring your firm to meet the demands of a growing millennial clientele.
Nicole Abboud is the Founder of Abboud Media - a modern video branding and podcasting agency for lawyers. She is a Millennial speaker, former practicing attorney, and producer and host of two podcasts – Leaders Love Company and The Gen Why Lawyer Podcast. The internet is the best thing that happened to Nicole as she has been able to build a strong personal brand and business using digital platforms like social media and her podcast. Now she assists lawyers in doing the same by helping them tell their brand stories and connect with the right clients using videos and podcasts.
12/6/2017 • 44 minutes, 52 seconds
#148: Rebooting the Law, with Ben Barton
In this episode we speak with the co-author of "Rebooting Justice," Ben Barton, about how making legal technology and innovation a priority in law schools can help shape a market that benefits both lawyers and their potential clients.
Professor Ben Barton is also the author of "Glass Half Full: The Decline and Rebirth of the Legal Profession" (Cambridge) and "The Lawyer-Judge Bias in the American Courts" (Cambridge) and a Professor of Law at the University of Tennessee.
11/29/2017 • 50 minutes, 34 seconds
#147: Accessible Justice, with Haben Girma
In this episode, we talk with deaf-blind civil rights lawyer and accessibility advocate Haben Girma about accessible justice and how designing courts, law firms, and the attorney-client relationship for people with disabilities can increase access to justice for everyone.
The first deaf-blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma is a civil rights lawyer and she advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change, and Forbes recognized her in its *30 Under 30* list. Haben travels the world consulting and public speaking, teaching clients the benefits of fully accessible products and services. She is a talented storyteller who helps people frame difference as an asset.
11/22/2017 • 30 minutes, 39 seconds
#146: Practicing Law as an Legal Technician (LLLT) in Washington State, with Laura Genoves
In this episode, we talk with Laura Genoves and her experiences as one of the first Limited Licensed Legal Technicians in Washington State. We also discuss the differences between a legal technician and a practicing attorney, including everything from education costs to how each can practice.
Laura is one of Washington State’s newest form of Legal Professionals, a Limited License Legal Technician and has a solo family law practice in Seattle. Laura is excited to be on the cutting edge of providing affordable legal services to those who otherwise might not seek out legal assistance.
11/15/2017 • 28 minutes, 38 seconds
#145: Why it's Hard for Financial Advisors to Build Referral Networks with Lawyers, with Brad Johnson
In this podcast, we ask Brad Johnson why financial advisors find it so difficult to build referral networks with lawyers. We also discovered some interesting parallels between financial advising firms and small law firms.
Brad Johnson is VP of Advisor Development at Advisors Excel and mentors a small group of the country’s most elite financial advisors, teaching them to maximize their marketing ROI, streamline their client acquisition process, and run their business like a CEO not a salesperson.
11/8/2017 • 39 minutes, 9 seconds
#144: How Stress is Sabotaging Your Clients, with Nika Kabiri (Replay)
In this episode we talk with Nika Kabiri about the ways stress may be sabotaging your clients and getting in the way of your ability to represent them. You’ll also learn how to empathize with your clients the way lawyers who are building truly client-centered law firms must do.
Nika Kabiri is a sociologist who conducts research and leverages learnings from political science, economics, psychology, and sociology to understand what people go through as they navigate their legal issues.
11/1/2017 • 34 minutes, 57 seconds
#143: The Past, Present, and Future of Unbundled Legal Services, with Forrest Mosten
In this episode, the "Father of Unbundling," Forrest ("Woody") Mosten explains how unbundled services came to law practice, discusses the future of unbundling and its potential for closing the access-to-justice gap, and lays out some best practices for lawyers who want to offer unbundled services.
Forrest (“Woody”) Mosten is internationally recognized as the “Father of Unbundling” for his pioneering work in limited scope representation to provide affordable and understandable legal services to the underserved members of our society. He is in solo private practice as a family lawyer and mediator in Los Angeles in which unbundling, collaborative practice, representing clients in mediation, and other non-litigation conflict prevention activities are the foundation of his work with clients.
10/25/2017 • 33 minutes, 5 seconds
#142: How to Energize Your Speaking Engagements, with Pete Vargas
In this episode, Pete Vargas explains how lawyers can use speaking engagements to generate new clients and referrals. Plus, Pete outlines a three-part presentation outline (heart, head, and hands) designed to get the audience to take action.
Pete Vargas has been educating speakers for over a decade, helping speakers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small business owners land speaking engagements and leverage the stage to grow their businesses.
Also, we've got a special offer from Westlaw: a free webinar on cybersecurity for small law firms. If you can attend on Wednesday, November 8th, at 12pm Central, email [email protected] to register.
10/18/2017 • 48 minutes
#141: How Lawyers Can (and Should) Use Pinterest for Marketing, with Christina Scalera
In this episode Christina Scalera explains why Pinterest really is a great place for lawyers to build business, and how to approach it. The gist of it is this: people go to Pinterest to find things, which presents an opportunity to get yourself in front of your potential clients. Learn more on the podcast, but you should also download Christina's Pinterest for Lawyers guide.
Christina Scalera is the attorney + millennial behind the Contract Shop for creative entrepreneurs, and Ruckus, which explains how she built her IP practice and become an influencer in the creative community.
10/11/2017 • 32 minutes, 18 seconds
#140: Making a Case for a Primary Care Lawyer, with Melissa Hall
In this episode, Melissa Hall argues that lawyers can learn from healthcare, where a primary care doctor diagnoses and treats common health problems and sends patients to specialists as necessary. As with doctors, primary care lawyers could be the primary user interface for law. It's the approach Melissa has taken with her own practice, Smol Law.
Melissa Hall is a general practice, "primary care" attorney who helps clients navigate the legal system by solving legal problems, helping clients solve their legal problems, or helping them find someone who can.
10/4/2017 • 32 minutes, 17 seconds
#139: 14 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your SEO Profile, with Jeff Skrysak
In this episode, Jeff Skrysak lists 14 things you can do to improve your SEO profile that don’t cost much money. (They do require a bit of effort, though.)
Give each page a good, relevant title (HTML tag).
Write good content for each page, and give each a good meta description.
If you use Wordpress, install the Yoast SEO plugin.
Create a directory structure for your pages that is descriptive and makes sense.
Get listed on Google Maps for better local search.
Ask your clients to leave a review on your Google listing (need a Google+ account).
Match your Google+ account to your website.
Create content around topics that are rarely discussed on other websites about your practice area.
Create Facebook and LinkedIn pages for your law firm, and update them regularly, including with links back to your website.
Write blog posts.
Link to other websites.
Use photos on every page and post.
Do not make your law firm website all about you.
Use headings in your pages and posts!
Jeff is a former IT professional who practices in estate planning and business law in Oregon. He is both an attorney and legal solutions architect, which means he uses his software engineering skills to automate and improve all aspects of a lawyers's business.
9/27/2017 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds
#138: Starting a Legal Non-Profit, with Animal Legal Defense Fund Founder Joyce Tischler
In this episode Joyce Tischler discusses lessons learned from the founding of Animal Legal Defense Fund, which she founded in 1979. Today its annual budget is nearly $13 million and it has over 200,000 members and supporters. Joyce explains how she founded ALDF, what she learned, and gives some tips to anyone interested in starting a legal nonprofit today.
As founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund in 1979, Joyce Tischler has helped create and shape the emerging field of animal law. Joyce was the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s first executive director for twenty-five years, and now serves as the agency's general counsel.
9/20/2017 • 32 minutes, 19 seconds
#137: Career Change for Smart Professionals, with Rikke Hansen
In this episode, Rikke Hansen explains how lawyers should think about career change—including when to leave the profession or start their own firm. She also explains the ways in which lawyers tend to overthink their career paths and self-sabotage, and how to overcome those blockers.
Rikke Hansen helps smart professionals in their 30s and 40s change careers or start their own business by sharing her proven framework for figuring out what you really want to do next.
9/13/2017 • 52 minutes, 22 seconds
#136: Meditation and Productivity for Innovators and Entrepreneurs, with Doug Brackman
In this episode, Doug Brackmann explains why traditional meditation may not work for innovators, entrepreneurs, and other highly driven individuals. Instead he proposes an alternative meditation style and productivity tools better suited to the "Driven" brain.
To find out if you are Driven, take the assessment at HighlyDriven.Life. If you want to learn more, pick up Doug's book, Driven: Understanding and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Pro Athletes, and Maybe YOU.
Dr. Doug Brackmann is a dual Ph.D. in both clinical and organizational psychology. Over the last 30 years he has developed expertise in Driven individuals, roughly 10% of the population. The Driven exhibit a highly competitive and driven nature, are not averse to risk-taking and may struggle with finding balance in their lives.
9/6/2017 • 44 minutes, 9 seconds
#135: How to Shop for Malpractice Insurance, with JoAnn Hathaway
In this episode, Legal Malpractice Insurance in One Hour for Lawyers author JoAnn Hathaway explains why you need malpractice insurance and how to shop for it.
JoAnn L. Hathaway is a practice management advisor for the State Bar of Michigan. She previously worked as a legal liability claims director and risk manager, paralegal, and legal administrator.
8/30/2017 • 57 minutes, 26 seconds
#134: Why It's Time for a Civil Right to Counsel, with John Pollock
On this episode, we discuss the civil right to counsel (sometimes called "civil Gideon") movement with John Pollock. The American Bar Association has endorsed a right to counsel whenever basic needs are threatened, and Pollock leads a national coalition seeking to bring the civil right to counsel to all US jurisdictions.
"It's not about winning or losing. It's about not losing everything."
John Pollock is a Staff Attorney for the Public Justice Center and the Coordinator of the National Coalition for the Civil Right to Counsel. He works to establish the right to counsel for low-income individuals in civil cases involving basic human needs such as child custody, housing, safety, and public benefits.
8/23/2017 • 35 minutes, 4 seconds
#133: Why Lawyers Need to Learn Design, with Alix Devendra
In this episode, Alix Devendra explains why lawyers need to learn and apply design thinking in their law practices. Design is just a process for creative problem solving, and lawyers building client-centered law practices need design thinking as well as legal thinking to build successful client-service models.
Alix Devendra is a co-founder and design strategist at Start Here HQ, a purpose-driven consultancy that helps lawyers harness the tools of modern entrepreneurship to build more scalable and sustainable law practices.
8/16/2017 • 43 minutes, 33 seconds
#132: In-House v. Outside Counsel, with Adam Losey & Elliot Miller
In this episode, in-house lawyer Elliot Miller and outside litigation counsel Adam Losey discuss the different perspectives they have in their respective roles, the realities of traditional v. alternative billing structures, the importance of trust, and more.
Adam Losey represents companies and individuals in high-stakes litigation across the country and advises clients on a variety of information security, privacy, electronic discovery, technology contracting, social media, and internet-related matters.
Elliot Miller is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Wowza Media Systems, a global leader in streaming video software and services.
8/9/2017 • 47 minutes, 15 seconds
#131: How to Build an Award-Winning Law Firm Website, with Jess Birken
In this episode, Jess Birken, whose solo-practice website stands out among the top ten law firm website of 2017, explains how she got that website built while keeping costs low.
Jess Birken focuses on helping nonprofits solve problems and get back to their mission.
8/2/2017 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
#130: An Introduction to Local Search Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis (Replay)
In this episode, Gyi Tsakalakis explains why local marketing matters online (spoiler alert: “[those] earning more than $150,000 per year were more likely to choose an attorney based on an internet search than via a friend”) and how to do it effectively.
Gyi Tsakalakis helps lawyers earn meaningful attention online because that's where clients are looking. On Lawyerist and elsewhere, he writes and speaks about legal marketing and technology.
7/26/2017 • 47 minutes, 41 seconds
#129: The Business of Public Access to Law, with Tim Stanley
In this episode, we discuss the business of public access to law with one of its pioneers, Tim Stanley, and wonder why it's taking so long for courts and legislatures to get on board. Plus, a little karma.
7/19/2017 • 32 minutes, 8 seconds
#128: Checking in on Katie Floyd's Mac-Powered Solo Practice
In this episode we check in with Katie Floyd, co-host of the Mac Power Users podcast, about her experience setting up her solo practice and the tools she uses to run it.
Katie Floyd is a Florida estate planning and landlord-tenant lawyer who believes that technology is the great equalizer for the small firm and solo practitioner. She is nationally recognized for helping individuals and small businesses make the most out of their technology and speaks regularly on the use of technology and the practice of law for the American Bar Association and others.
7/12/2017 • 48 minutes, 53 seconds
#127: Rise of the Robot Lawyers, with Joshua Browder
In this episode, we talk to Joshua Browder about how he built his DoNotPay chatbot—which has already helped thousands an is about to grow into 300+ robot lawyers—has made robot lawyers a reality.
The BBC has called Joshua Browder's DoNotPay robot lawyer the Robin Hood of the internet. Border himself is one of Forbes' 30 under 30 for 2017.
7/5/2017 • 29 minutes, 29 seconds
#126: Reinventing Your Law Practice, with Megan Zavieh
In this episode, Megan Zavieh explains what it takes to reinvent your law practice when you're feeling stuck, and how TBD Law inspired her and gave her the confidence to reinvent her own practice with a new business model for helping self-represented litigants in ethics cases.
6/28/2017 • 40 minutes, 18 seconds
#125: Public Access to Law Under Threat, with Carl Malamud
In this podcast, we talk to Carl Malamud about public access to law and how it is threatened. We discuss how lawyers benefit from public access to law and how they can help increase it.
https://youtu.be/2tOJdGaMvVw
Carl Malamud is an American technologist, author, and public domain advocate, known for his foundation Public.Resource.Org.
6/21/2017 • 39 minutes, 44 seconds
#124: The Client-First Future of Law Practice, with Jordan Furlong
In this episode Jordan Furlong explains why law has become a "buyers market" and how lawyers can take advantage of the opportunities presented by that market by becoming client-centered law practices. You can read more in Jordan's book, Law Is a Buyer's Market: Building A Client-First Law Firm, available as a paperback and for Kindle.
Jordan Furlong is a leading analyst of the global legal market and forecaster of its future development. He helps law firms and legal organizations understand why the legal services environment is undergoing radical change and how to build sustainable and competitive legal enterprises that can dominate the new market for legal services.
6/14/2017 • 52 minutes, 18 seconds
#123: Why Mentoring Could Be the Key to Your Legal Career, with Marshall Lichty
In this episode, Minnesota lawyer Marshall Lichty explains why mentoring is important, how lawyers can find a mentor, and how experienced lawyers can find a mentee.
Marshall Lichty is an advisor to Minnesota entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. He also loves sharing everything he knows about law practice with students and young lawyers to help them meet their people, find their thing, and love their job.
Mentioned in this episode is Contactually and Marshall Lichty's Double Loop.
6/7/2017 • 58 minutes, 51 seconds
#122: Dear Landlord, I'll See You in Court, with Daniel Bramzon
In this episode we learn more about Daniel Bramzon's aggressive tenant-advocacy non-profit, BASTA, and learn how it has changed evictions in LA by demanding a jury trial in every case.
Also, our Deputy Editor, Lisa Needham makes her podcast debut in the intro while we try to figure out what's behind the wave of new legal research platforms.
5/31/2017 • 33 minutes, 59 seconds
#121: A "Crossover" Real Estate/Realtor Practice, with Wendy Calvert
In this episode Wendy Calvert discusses what it means to have a "crossover" practice as a corporate consultant, real estate lawyer, and realtor. She explains where her clients come from, how she juggles her various roles, and how access to justice can still come into play for middle-class clients.
Wendy Calvert is a real estate attorney, business development consultant and realtor in Wisconsin and Illinois.
5/24/2017 • 32 minutes, 32 seconds
#120: Web Apps for Justice, with Brad Clark (Replay)
In this episode, former public defender Brad Clark explains how he started his own firm, powered by a criminal expungement web app that lets him start helping people before they even contact him. He also talked about his access-to-justice efforts, from mobile legal clinics to financial aid for criminal expungements.
Brad Clark created Unconvicted to help Kentuckians figure out whether they qualify for an expungement, and Driven Law Group to help those charged with DUIs and traffic offenses learn what options they have. A former public defender, Brad measures his firms success by the number of people he helps, not just by its revenue.
5/17/2017 • 39 minutes, 39 seconds
#119: How Stress is Sabotaging Your Clients, with Nika Kabiri
In this episode we talk to Nika Kabiri about how your clients' stress makes it hard for them to make good decisions, and how you can help them work around it.
Nika Kabiri is Director of Strategic Insights at Avvo, where she works alongside law and technology experts to make legal solutions more accessible to the public. A sociologist by training, Nika conducts research as well as leverages learnings from political science, economics, psychology, and sociology to understand what people go through as they navigate their legal issues.
5/10/2017 • 42 minutes, 32 seconds
#118: Old-School Virtual Law Practice and E-Brief Best Practices, with Scott Bassett
In this episode we talk to Scott Bassett, who had a virtual law practice before anyone thought in those terms. We discuss the challenges he had to overcome, like getting insurance, dealing with bona fide office requirements, and what clients think.
We also talk about e-briefing—what it is and how a digital brief might differ from the paper briefs (or PDF facsimiles of paper briefs) that lawyers file now.
Scott Bassett is a lawyer, professor, musician, and tech enthusiast. He is in his 36th year of practicing law, the last 15 as a virtual lawyer handling Michigan family law appeals while residing in Florida.
Episode Notes:
iPad apps. Oral Argument (no longer available), AnyFont.
Word extensions. WordRake, PerfectIt.
Windows apps. Word and OneDrive (Office 365), PCLaw.
Chromebook. Asus Flip.
Fonts. Charter, Cooper Hewitt.
5/3/2017 • 45 minutes, 15 seconds
#117: Minimalism, Ethics, and Tech Competence in Solo Practice, with Erin Gerstenzang
In this episode we talk to Erin Gerstenzang about her solo criminal defense practice and the challenges of going solo, especially for newer lawyers. We also address the importance of tech competence and the role minimalism plays in Erin's personal life and law practice.
Erin Gerstenzang is a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. She primarily handles DUI and other drug- and alcohol-related offenses.
4/26/2017 • 57 minutes, 38 seconds
#116: The ROI of Giving Things Away, with Doug Sorocco
In this episode, Douglas Sorocco explains why his law firm built a free public event space next door, and why it wound up being a good investment. Before or after you listen, you should watch this video to see how the space gets used:
https://vimeo.com/152494352
Doug is an Oklahoma intellectual property lawyer, focused on biotechnology, life sciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering.
4/19/2017 • 42 minutes, 5 seconds
#115: Why Military Spouses Shouldn't Have to Keep Taking the Bar Exam, with Josie Beets
In this episode, Josie Beets explains why military spouses who are lawyers should be able to get a license to practice law without taking the bar exam over and over again.
Josie Beets is President of the Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN), a bar association for military spouses who are lawyers.
4/12/2017 • 43 minutes, 59 seconds
#114: NeverAgain.Tech and Appropriate Security Paranoia, with Ansel Halliburton
In this episode we learn from Ansel Halliburton how technologists have come together in solidarity against data collection and surveillance, and consider what level of paranoia is appropriate (more paranoid than you are now, but probably not as paranoid as you think). We also talk about a promising, open-source document assembly tool, Common Form.
Ansel Halliburton is a startup lawyer and intellectual property litigator in San Francisco. He is also involved in advancing technology for the practice of law, free access to the law, and open source software.
4/5/2017 • 48 minutes, 43 seconds
#113: How to Build a Mom (and Dad)–Friendly Law Firm, with Michelle Browning Coughlin
In this episode, MothersEsquire founder Michelle Browning Coughlin talks about how being a parent—especially a mom—can make it harder to practice law, and what firms can do do be more parent-friendly, from paid paternity leave and flexible working arrangements to breastfeeding accommodations and playing the HR long-game.
Michelle Browning Coughlin is a Kentucky intellectual property lawyer.
3/29/2017 • 55 minutes, 54 seconds
#112: How to Ditch Your Computer and Work from Your Phone, with Chad Burton
In this episode, Curo Legal founder, Chad Burton, explains how (and why) he ditched his computer for an iPad Pro, and then ditched his iPad Pro for his iPhone. And the thing is, you might be able to do it, too.
Chad Burton is a former litigator who developed one of the nation’s first “new model” law firms, leveraging cloud-based technology and modern business practices to develop a lean virtual law firm.
3/22/2017 • 37 minutes, 16 seconds
#111: Daring Networking, with Ruth Carter
Lawyers aren't always willing to lighten up and be themselves in public. In this wide-ranging episode we talk to Ruth Carter, a lawyer who is undeniably herself in public and private, about what it means to be a lawyer who is known to participate in the annual No Pants Subway Ride or don a Starfleet uniform for Comic-Con.
Arizona lawyer Ruth Carter is known for her daring antics and outgoing personality. With her pants on (probably?), Ruth focuses on intellectual property, social media law, business formation and contracts, and flash mob law.
3/15/2017 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds
#110: Personal Challenges, with Inti Martínez-Alemán, Megan Zavieh, and Tom Martin
In this episode, we're trying something a little different. We asked three TBD Law alumni to tell us their stories of overcoming personal challenges. First you'll hear from Inti Martínez-Alemán about leaving Honduras after dozens of lawyers were murdered, his mother among them. Then you'll hear Megan Zavieh talk about the challenges that come with building a law practice while moving frequently
a
nd
having children. Finally, Tom Martin talks about recovering from the near-collapse of his firm and a year of family tragedies.
Inti Martínez-Alemán has a one-stop-shop law firm for Latinos and Latinas in Minnesota.
Megan Zavieh defends lawyers before the California State Bar.
Tom Martin created LawDroid, a chat bot that drafts and files California incorporations over Facebook Messenger.
3/8/2017 • 43 minutes, 22 seconds
#109: Recognizing Opportunities, with Andrew Haugen
Just when Andrew Haugen was planning to leave law practice for good, an offer came along that made him reconsider. A couple of years later, he has acquired two family law practices. In today's episode he explains why, and talks about the challenges of integrating several law practices into one functioning business.
Andrew practice family law in Chaska and Shakopee, MN. Andy's goal is to get his clients to the other side of their issues with a result that creates resolution and allows them to move on.
3/1/2017 • 42 minutes, 35 seconds
#108: Incubating a Socially Conscious Law Firm, with Mindy Yocum
Mindy Yocum is one year into building a socially conscious law firm. In this episode Mindy explains how she envisions her role as a lawyer, what it's like for a law firm to go through a startup incubator program, and just what she means by socially conscious law firm. Plus, how she hopes to reform the entire legal system from the ground up.
Mindy is the founder of Yocum Law Office, a socially conscious law firm where she provided legal education and accessible legal services to individuals and businesses.
2/22/2017 • 33 minutes, 29 seconds
#107: Niche Practice: Weed Law, with Matthew Buck
"Weed law," it turns out, is neither as exciting nor as boring as you might think. In this episode, Matthew Buck offers a window into the world of weed law, the ethics of advising clients who are committing federal crimes, and how to market a niche practice.
Matt works for Corry & Associates, and he has successfully resolved numerous marijuana cases ranging from cultivation to RICO violations, and has assisted in the formation of grows, dispensaries, and MIPs across Colorado, from the Western Slope to Pueblo, County.
2/15/2017 • 46 minutes, 9 seconds
#106: Can Lawyers Really Innovate? with Jon Tobin
In this episode, Sam starts some friendly arguments with Jonathan Tobin. They revisit the question whether lawyers should learn to develop their own software, try to agree on whether the legal industry is really capable of meaningful disruption, wonder whether lawyers can really innovate, and forecast the future of law practice.
Jonathan Tobin provides legal advice to creative businesses and professionals using a subscription-based payment plan that has been popular with his clients, as well as through a traditional fee model. He started his firm, Counsel for Creators, in Los Angeles shortly after graduating from UCLA law school. Before he became a lawyer, Jon spent years as a software developer and designer.
2/8/2017 • 52 minutes, 22 seconds
#105: How Small Firms Can Promote Diversity, with Heather Hackman
In this episode, Dr. Heather Hackman helps us get a new perspective on diversity and the legal profession. She also explains why "doing diversity" doesn't work, and what small firms actually need to do to increase diversity in the legal profession. This may be a challenging podcast for some, but it will reward those who listen with an open mind.
Heather has taught, published, and trained on social justice issues since 1992, as a professor at St. Cloud State University in St Cloud, Minnesota, and full-time as a consultant since 2005. Now, she consults nationally on issues of deep diversity, equity, and social justice, especially racism and white privilege, gender oppression, heterosexism and homophobia, and classism.
2/1/2017 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 13 seconds
#104: Building a Multi-Million Dollar Law Practice, with Greg McEwan
In this episode, we aren't talking about technology and online marketing, although Greg McEwen knows plenty about both. Instead, we talk with Greg about how he has built a multi-million dollar personal injury firm by taking big risks for big rewards—the "old-fashioned" way.
Greg McEwen has focused his career on complex, high stakes personal injury litigation, and he has recovered in excess of $500 million for clients over the last 20 years.
1/25/2017 • 27 minutes, 15 seconds
#103: Viral Video Marketing (and Yelling), with the Texas Law Hawk, Bryan Wilson
In this episode, Bryan Wilson, the Texas Law Hawk, explains how he got started making outrageous viral videos, name-drops another outrageous, viral video–making Texas lawyer, Adam Reposa, and has some tips for lawyers who want to try making videos of their own.
Bryan Wilson, better known as the Texas Law Hawk, opened up his law firm in 2014 and chose the loudest path he could in his ridiculous YouTube videos. His third video went viral and led to several other commercial appearances, including the 2016 Super Bowl commercials for Taco Bell. He plans on doing more commercials as long as they keep making people laugh.
1/18/2017 • 50 minutes, 50 seconds
#102: An Innovative Law Firm with Work-Life Balance, with Betsy Stotler & Kelly Hayes
Betsy Stotler and Kelly Hayes Burgeon Legal because they were two lawyer-moms who didn't like the way their firm jobs took up so much of their time. In this episode, they explain how that led them to found an innovative, distributed law firm that balances work, life, and clients.
Betsy and Kelly represent health care facilities in collection and Medicaid eligibility matters, including assisting clients to avoid future problems.
1/11/2017 • 47 minutes, 56 seconds
#101: Working Out with Clients, with Drew Amoroso
In this episode, Drew Amoroso talks about starting a small fitness law firm of his own, Move Legal, after building a fitness practice at a big firm. Drew talks about meeting his clients for a workout before talking business, using Slack to communicate with clients, and the tools he uses to manage a mobile, niche practice. In the introduction, Sam and Aaron somehow crack themselves up talking about niche practices and marketing to tribes.
Drew is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and lawyer who built a fitness innovation team at Reed Smith LLP before founding Move Legal to focus on representing fitness companies exclusively.
1/4/2017 • 38 minutes, 22 seconds
#100: KPIs and Starting with the End in Mind, with Mary Juetten
In this episode, Mary Juetten explains how to use key performance indicators (KPIs) to "start with the end in mind"—to set goals for your law firm and measure your progress (or lack of progress) towards those goals. Make goal-setting and KPIs a part of your planning for 2017 (and keep an eye on the front page for more tools from Mary to help you implement them).
Just a heads up: the recording did get a bit choppy. We cleaned it up as best we could, but there are a couple of places where we just had to leave it.
Mary Juetten co-founded the Evolve Law community of early legal tech adopters, and wrote Small Law Firm KPIs: How to Measure Your Way to Greater Profits. She also created Traklight business risk management software.
12/28/2016 • 43 minutes, 49 seconds
#99: Taking Inspiration from the Shittiest Month, with Joe Bahgat
"Just because you're solo/small doesn't mean you have to struggle all the time."
In this episode, Joe Bahgat talks about how a shitty revenue month finally got him to start working on his entertainment law firm, Hub City Law Group, with help from How to Manage a Small Law Firm. Sam and Aaron discuss the value of business coaching and what it takes to get lawyers to think strategically about their law firms.
Joe Bahgat is a saxophonist-turned-entertainment lawyer. After playing with Grammy award winners like Ray Charles and the Four Tops, Joe went to law school. Now, he represents artists and businesses in New Jersey and Ohio.
12/21/2016 • 39 minutes, 50 seconds
#98: Web Apps for Justice, with Brad Clark
In this episode, former public defender Brad Clark explains how he started his own firm, powered by a criminal expungement web app that lets him start helping people before they even contact him. He also talks about his access-to-justice efforts, from mobile legal clinics to financial aid for criminal expungements.
12/14/2016 • 38 minutes, 38 seconds
#97: How to Expand Your Practice with Freelance Lawyers, with Lisa Solomon
In this episode, Lisa Solomon explains what freelance lawyering is, how to work with a freelance lawyer, and where to find one. She also points out that because you can bill a freelance lawyer's time at more than you pay, a freelance lawyer can generate a profit for your firm. Sam and Aaron lead off with a discussion of the ethics of this practice.
12/7/2016 • 38 minutes, 55 seconds
#96: How IBM's Watson Empowers a Network of Lawyers, with Jason Velez
In this episode, Jason Velez explains how he is using IBM's Watson to empower 1Law, the small firm and affiliation of US lawyers he founded. He also explains how he went about building 1Law's technology solutions, which prompts Sam and Aaron to address the question whether lawyers should learn to code.
11/30/2016 • 46 minutes, 26 seconds
#95: Goldilocks, Clio, and Apps for Access to Justice, with Katrina Leung
In this episode, Katrina Leung talks about her "Goldilocks" approach to law practice, which eventually led her to start her own practice, Intuos Law, then move into Clio headquarters for her office space. Through the Courthouse Libraries BC, Katrina also works on access to justice (among other things), including a partnership with Thomson Rivers University Law School and its Designing Legal Expert Systems: Apps for Access to Justice class.
Katrina Leung serves businesses in industries like technology, medical, sports, fashion, retail, and entertainment. She also has an unusual office arrangement; Katrina co-works with the practice-management software company, Clio, in its Vancouver, BC, office.
11/23/2016 • 41 minutes, 42 seconds
#94: The Evolution of Online Marketing, with Greg Siskind
On this week's podcast, Sam and Aaron talk about the Lawyerist podcast joining the Legal Talk Network. Then, Sam talks with Greg Siskind about the evolution of law firm websites and online marketing.
11/16/2016 • 43 minutes, 34 seconds
#93: AI and Machine Learning for Lawyers, with Noah Waisberg
On this week's podcast, Sam and Aaron talk about how going paperless can mean different things to different people, and that's just fine. Then, Sam talks with Noah Waisberg about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for lawyers.
11/9/2016 • 35 minutes, 58 seconds
#92: Access to Justice with Fotonovelas and Video Games, with Susan Garcia Nofi
On this week's podcast, Sam and Aaron talk about just how to actually measure the access-to-justice gap. Then, Sam talks with Susan Garcia Nofi about using fotonovelas and video games to increase access to justice.
11/2/2016 • 33 minutes, 58 seconds
#91: Starting a Boutique Firm, with Patrick Palace
This week, Aaron and Sam discuss talk about the five reasons that your customers are leaving. Then, Sam talks with Patrick Palace of Palace Law about opening a boutique law firm and being president of the Washington State Bar Association.
10/26/2016 • 41 minutes, 30 seconds
#90: Designing the Client Experience, with Gyi Tsakalakis
During this week's podcast, Aaron and Sam talk about the recent decision by the Florida State Bar Association to require that Florida lawyers attend technological competence CLEs. Sam also talks with Gyi Tsakalakis about designing a client-centric lawyer practice.
10/19/2016 • 40 minutes, 23 seconds
#89: Starting a Solo Practice, with Mac Power Users Podcaster Katie Floyd
During this week's podcast, Aaron and Sam discuss why sometimes lawyers should shorten written content, and Sam talks with Katie Floyd, co-host of the Mac Power Users podcast, about setting up her solo practice and tips for Mac and iOS users.
10/12/2016 • 51 minutes, 25 seconds
#88: Developing an Innovative Small-Business Practice, with Davis Senseman
This week, Sam talks with Davis Senseman about her creative approach to small-business law practice.
10/4/2016 • 54 minutes, 58 seconds
#87: Building an Agile, Virtual Immigration Law Practice, with Greg McLawsen
This week, we're replaying Sam and Aaron's interview with Greg McLawsen. Greg gave a great presentation at Clio Cloud Conference in Chicago, and it inspired us to want to dig back into the tips, tools, and motivations Greg uses for building his firm.
9/27/2016 • 33 minutes, 57 seconds
#86: Going Mobile Without Losing Balance, with Kristin LaMont
This week, Sam talks with Kristin LaMont, lawyer and adjunct professor, about how to maintain your work-life balance when your firm goes mobile.
9/20/2016 • 38 minutes, 16 seconds
#85: Learning Creative Problem-Solving Skills, with Michele DeStefano
This week, Sam talks with Michele DeStefano, law professor and founder of LawWithoutWalls, about how to be a creative problem solver.
9/13/2016 • 31 minutes, 33 seconds
#84: Being a Litigator, Legislator, and Legal Hacker, with Shemia Fagan
During this week's podcast, Sam talks with Shemia Fagan about how she juggles being a litigator, legislator, legal hacker, podcaster, and more.
9/6/2016 • 41 minutes, 13 seconds
#83: The Future of the Profession, with the Attendees of TBD Law
For this week's podcast, Sam talked with several attendees of the inaugural edition of TBD Law, a first-of-its-kind gathering of innovation-minded lawyers sponsored by Lawyerist and Filament.
8/30/2016 • 21 minutes, 10 seconds
#82: Starting a Non-Profit Firm While in Law School, with Jamie Sutton
In this week's podcast episode, Sam talks with Jamie Sutton, a third-year law student who has already started his own sliding-scale nonprofit law firm.
8/23/2016 • 34 minutes, 2 seconds
#81: The Dark Web, with Mark Lanterman
This week, Sam talks with computer forensics expert Mark Lanterman about the dark web and the latest trends in law firm security breaches.
8/16/2016 • 38 minutes, 25 seconds
#80: How to Overcome Resistance to Technology Upgrades, with Will Harrelson
For this week's Lawyerist podcast, Sam talks with Will Harrelson from Curo Legal about how to overcome resistance when your firm needs to upgrade its technology, systems, or processes.
8/9/2016 • 33 minutes, 12 seconds
#79: Legal Insurance and Bridging the Access to Justice Gap, with Nicolle Schippers
On this edition of the Lawyerist podcast, Sam talks to Nicolle Schippers about what legal insurance is and how it can help to bridge the access to justice gap.
8/2/2016 • 19 minutes, 9 seconds
#78: Going Solo When You're the Sole Breadwinner, with Randall Ryder
This week, Sam talks with solo practitioner Randall Ryder about what it is like to go out on your own when you have no safety net.
7/26/2016 • 26 minutes, 50 seconds
#77: Solving Problems by Building a Software Solution, with Janine Sickmeyer
For this week's podcast, Sam talks with Janine Sickmeyer, CEO and founder of NextChapter, about how she went from being frustrated with her practice management software to building her own.
7/19/2016 • 36 minutes, 52 seconds
#76: Setting Flat Fees at a New Firm, with Jamie Whitney
On this week's podcast, Sam talks with Jamie Whitney about how to make choices about fee-setting when starting a new firm.
7/12/2016 • 34 minutes, 18 seconds
#75: Building a Mindful Law Practice, with Jeena Cho
This week, Sam talks to Jeena Cho about her new book, The Anxious Lawyer, and how to build a mindful law practice.
7/5/2016 • 40 minutes, 48 seconds
#74: Staying out of Hot Water with the Ethics Board, with Eric Cooperstein
In this podcast, Sam chats with Eric Cooperstein, an ethics attorney. They talk about how to approach law practice in a way that avoids ethics trouble.
6/28/2016 • 37 minutes, 34 seconds
#73: How to Leave a Small Firm in a Small Town, With Paul Floyd
This week, Sam chats with Paul Floyd, a lawyer who advises solosmall attorneys about business issues, about how an attorney can leave a small firm in a small town and do so on good terms. Aaron and Sam also discussed how everyday things like keycards and paper checks can be far less secure than you think they are.
6/21/2016 • 36 minutes, 50 seconds
#72: How to Spot Fly-by-Night Legal Tech, with Joshua Lenon
On this week's podcast, Sam talks with Joshua Lenon, lawyer in residence at Clio, about how to assess legal technology through four lenses: price, user base, the interactivity of the company with the legal field, and responsiveness. Sam also talks about how to properly contextualize news about software security problems when that news is often poorly reported.
6/14/2016 • 46 minutes, 59 seconds
#71: TBD Law, with Matt Homann
On this week’s podcast, Sam talks with Matt Homann, founder of Filament. Filament and Lawyerist are collaborating on TBD Law, a conference/retreat/summit/workshop about the future of law for solosmall firms.
6/7/2016 • 32 minutes, 30 seconds
#70: Using Public Court Data to Predict Court Outcomes, with Sam Harden
Sam chats with Sam Harden about his solosmall firm and how to balance having a newborn at home with a burgeoning law practice. Sam Harden also explains how he taught himself to code and leveraged Florida's extensive public records law in order to develop My Court Case.
6/1/2016 • 36 minutes, 21 seconds
#69: The Big Case, with Making a Murderer's Dean Strang
On this podcast, Sam talks with Dean Strang, the attorney who represented Steven Avery in the case that formed the basis for Netflix's Making a Murderer documentary. They discuss how Strang came to represent Avery and how an attorney makes a decision to take a case that will be all-consuming.
5/25/2016 • 27 minutes, 48 seconds
#68: What's Happening at the Harvard Library Innovation Lab, with Adam Ziegler
Sam and Adam Ziegler talk about the future of law and the challenges it faces through the lens of the Harvard Library Innovation Lab. They also explore the beginnings of Perma.cc—a tool that saves links from rotting—and other products that have also come out of the Harvard Library Innovation Lab.
5/17/2016 • 40 minutes, 3 seconds
#67: How and Why You Need to Ditch Your Smartphone, with Jared Correia
Sam and Jared Corella discuss the impact of smartphones on our daily lives and why it may be best for you to give it up in favor of being in the moment. (And don't worry, you can give up your smartphone without being considered a luddite.)
5/10/2016 • 25 minutes, 33 seconds
#66: What It Means to Have a "Human" Practice, with Julie Tolek
Sam and Julie Tolek chat about what it means to be a solo
lawyerand how to create a brand experience that doesn't
intimidateclients. Julie also tells us about how she manages her
client tasksand what it takes to maintain a work-life balance in
the legalfield.
5/3/2016 • 34 minutes, 22 seconds
#65: What You Need to Know About the Cloud Services You Use, with David Tollen
As more law firms go paperless, using cloud services for
billing, timekeeping, and client files is common. But not all cloud
services, especially those that offer free packages, will promise
to keep your client data secure. Many of these services even
reserve the right to use the data you store with them in marketing
materials. David tells us what we should do about this and what we
should look out for when subscribing to a new cloud service.
Links:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/schoolboard/2016/03/17/which-top-law-school-will-close-follow-the-money/#7d3edcbf3457
4/26/2016 • 42 minutes, 18 seconds
#64: What the Internet of Things Means for You and Your Clients, with Andy Mergendahl
Sam and Andy Mergendahl chat about the ever-increasing prevalance of Internet-enabled devices, otherwise known as the Internet of things, and what impact it will have on your practice and your daily life. The worst part of all this? You may now have to read the Terms of Service that comes with every new software packagae you buy.
Links:http://venturebeat.com/2016/04/07/x-ai-raises-23-million-for-its-ai-personal-assistant-plans-to-launch-this-fall/
https://lawyerist.com/103254/introduction-artificial-intelligence-lawyers/
4/19/2016 • 37 minutes, 46 seconds
#63: Controlling Your Information in the Digital Age, with Tom Mighell
Sam and Tom Mighell talk about how to keep your information—client data, finance documents, and other records—preserved, orderly, and accessible using a data map. Tom also tells lawyers that even though abundant online storage gives you the ability to keep all of your client and business record data, that doesn’t mean you should.
Links:Meet Another Day
4/12/2016 • 37 minutes, 31 seconds
#62: Outside Counsel and Access-to-Justice Incubator, with Sofia Lingos
Sofia Lingos talks with Sam about how her firm provides outside counsel services to startups and small businesses, and the challenges of doing so. Lingos and Sam also take a deep dive into the Access-to-Justice incubator program at the Northeastern University School of Law.
4/5/2016 • 39 minutes
#61: The Future of Bar Associations, with Chad Burton
Chad Burton discusses how bar associations can help lawyers run their practices—and whether bar associations need to rebrand. Sam and Aaron also go over what practice management apps stood out to them at the ABA TECHSHOW.
3/29/2016 • 1 hour, 1 minute
#60: Building an Agile, Virtual Immigration Law Practice, with Greg McLawsen
Greg McLawsen discusses how he went about building an agile, virtual immigration law practice. Sam and Aaron also discuss Deloitte's unique acquisition of Conduit Law.
3/22/2016 • 37 minutes, 56 seconds
#59: Why Lawyers Should Learn to Code, with V. David Zvenyach
David Zvenyach discusses the reasons lawyers should consider learning to code. But first, Carolyn Elefant asks whether lawyers should shed bar association dues as an unnecessary expense?
3/15/2016 • 43 minutes, 11 seconds
#58: Preparing for the Future of Law Practice, with Jordan Furlong
Jordan Furlong talks about the changes in store for the legal industry over the next 5-15 years, and what those changes mean for lawyers who will be practicing during (and after) them.
3/8/2016 • 36 minutes, 53 seconds
#57: Apple vs. the FBI, with Megan Zavieh
Megan Zavieh explains what's at stake in the FBI's quest to force Apple to build a backdoor to the iPhone. But first, a good story about social media and the law.
3/1/2016 • 36 minutes, 42 seconds
#56: How to Fix Conferences and Meetings, with Matt Homann
Let's face it, a lot of legal conferences are pretty bad. You get a lot of presenters reading their slides and panels where one person hogs the microphone. As Matt Homann explains, the needs of conference-goers have changed, which is an opportunity to do better CLE.
2/23/2016 • 52 minutes, 52 seconds
#55: How to Help People Represent Themselves, with Mike Vraa
Some people who need to use the legal system want to go it alone, and a lot of those people call Mike Vraa’s free tenant hotline. On today’s podcast, some of his best tips for helping people represent themselves. Plus, we chat about our new guide, How to Set Up Your New Windows Computer.
2/16/2016 • 42 minutes, 17 seconds
#54: Open Access to Law, with Sarah Glassmeyer & Ed Walters
Sarah Glassmeyer is trying to get to the bottom of open access to law, and Ed Walters is trying to build a company based on access to that law. Both share their frustrations and wishes for open access on today's podcast. Plus, lawyers are terrible at client intake. News at 11.
2/9/2016 • 53 minutes, 22 seconds
#53: Putting Access to Justice into Practice, with Billie Tarascio
Billie Tarascio started out trying to build a firm that furthers access to justice, and wound up building a pretty innovative law firm with a software backbone that allowed her to deliver legal services at every price point—and it didn't work. You'll find out why in today's podcast, but first, don't forget that clients and customers are looking for very different things.
2/2/2016 • 42 minutes, 22 seconds
#52: Local Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis
Gyi Tsakalakis on what local marketing is, why it matters, and how to do it effectively. But first, don't forget that a client and a customer are looking for very different things.
1/26/2016 • 45 minutes, 22 seconds
#51: Legal Tech Trends That Defined 2015, with Bob Ambrogi
Bob Ambrogi has had his finger on the pulse of legal technology for a long time, and in this episode he talks about the ten trends that defined 2015. Plus, a reluctant preview of the trends that might define 2016.
1/19/2016 • 54 minutes, 7 seconds
#50: Stuff You Should Know About Computers but Probably Don't, with Adriana Linares
Adriana Linares trains lawyers to use technology, but she often has to back up and teach basic skills. In this episode, she goes over some of those basic skills and how to master them. The second tip alone is worth the download. Before that, Aaron gushes about Making a Murderer. If you’re watching, too, discuss the show with us in the Lab.
1/12/2016 • 58 minutes, 1 second
#49: Law Firm Website Best Practices, with Karin Conroy
Karin Conroy is back to talk about law firm websites. This is also, you might notice, our last podcast of 2015. Call it the end of Season 1. But don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2016, thanks in large part to your contributions.
12/29/2015 • 47 minutes, 31 seconds
#48: Law Firm Data Security, with Sharon Nelson and John Simek
On today's podcast, we ask security experts Sharon Nelson and John Simek things like how hard is it, really, to hack into someone's email? And what's the greatest security threat for lawyers? Plus, our favorite posts and podcasts of 2015.
12/22/2015 • 40 minutes, 54 seconds
#47: Automating Your Documents, with Barron Henley
Want to automate your documents? Step one is *not* shopping for software. Barron Henley talks about how to get started — without purchasing a thing. Before that, we say goodbye to two Dropbox services we loved.
12/15/2015 • 53 minutes, 45 seconds
#46: How to Figure Out if Your Online Marketing is Working, with Dan Weeks
Here's why cost-cutting measures aren't catching on with firms: many clients care more about the size of the discount than the size of the bill. Plus, how do you know whether the money you are spending on online marketing is getting the results it should?
12/8/2015 • 43 minutes, 14 seconds
#45: CEO John Suh on Why Lawyers Should Love LegalZoom
In this episode we skip the introductory banter in order to get straight to the conversation with John Suh, CEO of the legal-industry bogeyman, LegalZoom. Not only would Suh like to change that, he's got a strong argument for why lawyers should learn to love his company.
12/1/2015 • 46 minutes, 42 seconds
#44: Typography for Lawyers, with Matthew Butterick
Why should you care about typography? That’s like asking why you should practice for an oral argument or wear a tie to court. If you aren’t already using Matthew Butterick’s typography guide for lawyers, you’ll snap up a copy after you listen to this podcast.
Crowdfunding Lawsuits
Crowdfunding is all the rage, these days, and now it includes lawsuits. We’ve written about two crowdfunding efforts, LexShares and CrowdJustice, and now crowdfunding has hit the news. In Colorado, a court decided crowdfunders are subject to the same lending laws as payday lenders. And Wired wrote about the use of crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo to raise money to pay legal fees and fines.
So is this good or bad? We weigh in on today’s podcast.
11/24/2015 • 1 hour, 13 minutes
#43: What An Innovative Law Firm Really Looks Like, with Peter Carayiannis
What does an innovative law firm look like? According to Peter Carayiannis, whose firm, Conduit Law, has been twice nominated for an innovative law-firm award, it’s less about technology and more about clients. And you know what, it’s not your fault that you can’t encrypt your email. Stop trying and just use a secure portal.
11/17/2015 • 42 minutes, 57 seconds
#42: How to Choose a Law Partner, with Jayne Sykora & Jen Santini
Law partners Jayne Sykora and Jennifer Santini have great advice on figuring out if you want a partner to start your practice, and how to choose one. Before that, Sam and Aaron discuss the security of If This Then That and Zapier.
11/9/2015 • 48 minutes, 22 seconds
#41: Reflecting on the Shingle Life, with Josh Camson
Josh Camson reflects on nearly six years of law practice and the column he wrote when he was just starting out: "The Shingle Life." Plus, Sam and Aaron break down Net Promoter Score, the closest you'll get to a magic number for growing your law practice.
11/3/2015 • 38 minutes, 53 seconds
#40: Alan Dershowitz’s Advice for Young Lawyers (Replay)
As a well-known lawyer and (former) law professor, Alan Dershowitz gives a lot of advice to young lawyers. At one point, he wrote it all down in Letters to a Young Lawyer. The book has been around for a while, but it is still full of good advice for young lawyers — and so is Dershowitz.
10/27/2015 • 25 minutes, 25 seconds
#39: Tips for Representing Low-Income Clients, with Martha Delaney
Representing low-income clients can present challenges for lawyers who are not used to it, but learning to meet those challenges is a good lesson in basic client service. While we're on the subject, what is the access-to-justice gap everyone is talking about, and can you really build a profitable law practice serving people who fall into that gap?
10/20/2015 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 25 seconds
#38: Brian Tannebaum’s Brutal Truths About Lawyers and Lawyering (Replay)
Brian Tannebaum’s book, The Practice: Brutal Truths About Lawyers and Lawyering, is a collection of tough-love letters to the new generation of lawyers. During our conversation with Brian about his book, we also talked about his criminal defense practice, the importance of a code of ethics, why some lawyers seem to leave ethics behind when they go online, and much more.
10/13/2015 • 51 minutes, 13 seconds
#37: Internet Ninja Research Tricks with Carole Levitt & Mark Rosch
The Internet is a powerful tool for research that few people know how to use well. Carole Levitt and Mark Rosch are two of those people. They move through the Internet like ninjas through a moonless night. Before we talk to Carole and Mark, we argue about whether Nikki Black is right that 50% of lawyers will have an Apple Watch in 2 years.
10/6/2015 • 56 minutes, 43 seconds
#36: Dennis Kennedy on How Technology Can Make Law Practice More Satisfying
Dennis Kennedy thinks the real promise of technology is taking away the tedious bits of law practice so lawyers can do more of what matters. And do the numbers show that law school crushed all our dreams?
9/29/2015 • 44 minutes, 53 seconds
#35: Jodi Ettenberg's Never-Ending Vacation from Law Practice
Jodi Ettenberg left for a vacation, and never came back. On today's podcast, she talks about how to do the same (even if you've got a shorter timeline). But first, did Ohio just issue the dumbest ethics opinion ever?
9/22/2015 • 44 minutes, 2 seconds
#34: Pablo Arredondo on Getting Lawyers to Collaborate
There's so much potential for increasing access to legal information online, but only if knowledgeable lawyers are willing to contribute. Which is a challenge. Any project that requires a critical mass of lawyers to contribute is probably doomed from the outset. But somehow, Casetext seems to be thriving, and in this episode, Casetext VP Pablo Arredondo discusses what it takes to get lawyers to collaborate. But first, why law firms shouldn't serve clients.
9/15/2015 • 29 minutes, 53 seconds
#33: Stephen Dillard on Judges Using Social Media
Judge Dillard is one of a small group of judges who have an active presence on social media. In this episode, he talks about why he joined Twitter, what he gets out of it, and whether it is a good thing. Plus, Microsoft is releasing practice-management software.
9/8/2015 • 37 minutes, 52 seconds
#32: Sonia Miller Van Oort's Non-Traditional Law Firm
What does a law firm look like without the traditional hierarchy? Sonia Miller Van Oort's firm has a flat governance structure, transparent compensation, and offers alternative-fee arrangements to every client. Plus, why it's silly to let your hardware dictate your law-firm policy.
9/1/2015 • 37 minutes, 13 seconds
#31: Shantelle Argyle's Non-Profit Law Firm
Shantelle Argyle has a non-profit law firm, something many people talk about but few attempt. Well, the non-profit firm Argyle co-founded doesn't just work, it's flourishing. Find out more on today's podcast after we talk about the ridiculous disconnect between law and science — and by the way, should trials be held virtually?
8/25/2015 • 41 minutes, 25 seconds
#30: John Grant's Agile Project Management Tips for Lawyers
Agile project management is huge in software development, but lawyers can take advantage of Agile, too. John Grant explains how to adapt Agile for law practice. But first, is the legal market really experiencing "modest job gains"?
8/18/2015 • 50 minutes, 3 seconds
#29: Brendan Kenny on What Lawyers Need to Know About E-Discovery
Brendan Kenny explains what every lawyer needs to know about e-discovery. But first, how to effectively disconnect your phone when you’re on a vacation.
8/11/2015 • 40 minutes, 25 seconds
#28: Nicole Bradick on How to Build a Virtual Law Practice
Nicole Bradick explains what a virtual practice is and how to build one. But first, we talk about a baby who is crazy about a local personal injury lawyer, and the difficulty in combating link rot.
8/4/2015 • 40 minutes, 29 seconds
#27: Omar Ha-Redeye on Incubating the Future of Access to Justice
Omar Ha-Redeye is (among other impressive things) co-founder of Fleet Street Law, a law practice incubator focusing on innovation and increasing access to justice. In today's podcast, he talks about how the legal industry is changing and what that means for the future of access to justice. But first, we try to figure out why lawyers let receivables become a problem.
7/28/2015 • 46 minutes, 3 seconds
#26: David Lat on the Future of BigLaw and SmallLaw
David Lat of _Above the Law_ talks about the similarities and differences between BigLaw and solo and small firms, and talks about changes and opportunities in the legal market. But first, Sam and Aaron talk about the new wine fad: rosé.
7/21/2015 • 40 minutes, 3 seconds
#25: Five Things Deborah Savadra Thinks You Should Know About Microsoft Office
Deborah Savadra writes for Lawyerist as well as for her own blog, Legal Office Guru. She specializes in making Microsoft Office do what lawyers need it to do, and in today’s podcast she identifies the five things she thinks lawyers ought to know about Microsoft Office and explains why. But first, Sam and Aaron try to figure out to what lengths lawyers will go to avoid turning in their timesheets.
7/14/2015 • 42 minutes, 3 seconds
#24: Ed Walters on Robot Lawyers and the Law of Robots (Replay)
This episode we're trying something a bit different. One of our favorite interviews to date was Sam's conversation with Ed Walters about law and robots, so this week we are replaying it. If you missed it the first time around, you'll want to tune in now.
7/7/2015 • 50 minutes, 7 seconds
#23: Bob Young on Being a Plaintiff's Lawyer in a Defense Firm
In today's show, ABA Law Practice Division chair Bob Young talks about being a plaintiff's lawyer in a defense firm, and explains what the ABA LPD is doing to help lawyers with marketing, management, finances, and technology.
But first, is solo practice a shitty economic proposition for most people?
6/30/2015 • 43 minutes, 12 seconds
#22: Allison Shields on Doing More in Less Time
In today's show, Allison Shields talks about how to be more productive, also the subject of her new book, How to Do More in Less Time.
But first, Sam and Aaron talk about Lee Rosen's advice to block your firm website from your firm computer.
6/23/2015 • 54 minutes, 18 seconds
#21: Todd Hendrickson's Tech-Powered Trial Practice
Today Todd Hendrickson talks about how he uses technology to give him an edge against better-funded opponents in his solo med-mal and personal injury practice.
But first, Sam and Aaron explain why a shredding service is better than throwing your clients’ files in the trash.
6/16/2015 • 51 minutes, 33 seconds
#20: David Colarusso, Hacking for Justice
In today’s podcast, David Colarusso, a lawyer and data scientist for the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services, talks about what a legal hacker is, how he incorporates hacking into lawyering, and why lawyers should learn to code.
But first, Sam and Aaron try to figure out whether lawyers who bill after working 55 hours in a week are just padding their hours.
6/9/2015 • 48 minutes, 38 seconds
#19: Ernie Svenson on Going Paperless
According to Ernie Svenson, either you already are paperless or you just haven't committed to it, yet. If you haven't committed, you are just wasting resources maintaining two systems: one for your paper files and and one for your digital clients files.
This week Sam and Aaron also talk about why you should never use hotel Wi-Fi without a VPN.
5/26/2015 • 53 minutes, 52 seconds
#18: Shannon Hoagland's Creative Remedy for Boring Networking Events
If you are tired of drinking wine with strangers in conference rooms, you're going to appreciate this podcast. Shannon Hoagland's creative approach to entertaining clients is virtually guaranteed never to bore you.
This week Sam and Aaron also talk about a brand-new guide to increasing your computer security.
5/12/2015 • 50 minutes, 34 seconds
#17: Ken White on Popehat, Censorious Douchebags, and Building a Successful Law Firm
Ken White and his partner started his firm with rented desks and unreliable phones and built their firm to around a dozen lawyers today. Meanwhile, he became a champion of free speech by defending bloggers threatened by censorious douchebags. He also reveals the secret of the name Popehat.
Sam & Aaron start out today's show by talking about legal hacking, about which Aaron is a little confused and Sam is pretty interested.
5/5/2015 • 46 minutes, 54 seconds
#16: Daniel Gershburg on the Future of SoloSmall Practice, Plus ABA TECHSHOW 2015 Wrap-Up
Daniel Gershburg has a real estate and bankruptcy practice in transition, so he is trying to figure out what the future of law practice looks like for solo and small-firm lawyers. As he puts it “I wanted to see who was going to eat my lunch.”
Plus, Aaron and Sam talk about their 2015 ABA TECHSHOW experience.
Note: Sam sounds a little different in the intro because he forgot to plug in his fancy mic. It’s not terrible, but you’ll probably notice. He’s sorry.
4/28/2015 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 34 seconds
#15: Karin Conroy's 5-Step Basic Law Firm Marketing Plan
Don’t build your marketing plan around the strategies you want to employ. That’s step 4. First, you need to do a little background work to figure out which strategies make sense for your practice. This week, Karin and Sam talk through her 5-step marketing plan.
Plus, Sam and Aaron talk about a BigLaw April Fools prank that was in very poor taste but turns out to be a really good idea.
4/21/2015 • 57 minutes, 53 seconds
#14: Marco Santori on What Lawyers Should Know About Bitcoin
Bitcoin is seriously cool technology with the potential to transform the financial industry — and any other industry that needs trusted transactions. Marco Santori talks with Aaron about what Bitcoin is, the hurdles to its wider adoption, and why every lawyer should accept legal fees in Bitcoin.
Plus, we also talk about why computers are only as secure as the people who use them, which means the computers in most law firms are not very secure.
4/14/2015 • 58 minutes, 44 seconds
#13: Keith Lee on Going from Law School to Law Practice
During this week’s conversation, Keith Lee talks with Sam about his book, The Marble and the Sculptor and how new lawyers can become good lawyers. Before that, Sam waxes poetic about one of his favorite lawyer-friendly iPhone/iPad/Mac apps, Soulver.
4/7/2015 • 38 minutes, 49 seconds
#12: Ellie Krug on Starting a Firm and Litigating as Both a Man and as a Woman
Google is going to start directly penalizing websites that aren't mobile device–friendly. We explain why this is important. Also, in its secret labs Google is learning to tell whether you are lying or not. Just something else to worry about. Then, in this week's interview, Ellie Krug has a lot of interesting things to say about starting a law firm, building a strong reputation, trying cases — and yes, trying cases as a man, then after coming out as a woman.
3/31/2015 • 46 minutes, 7 seconds
#11: Casey Flaherty's Quest to Reform Luddite Lawyers
40% of small law firms don’t have a website, and Casey Flaherty’s Legal Tech Auditwas just the beginning of his quest to reform the way law firms use technology and price their services.
3/17/2015 • 49 minutes, 20 seconds
#10: David Sparks on Going Solo with a Mac
Law school admissions are dropping, but the bar exam is getting harder. Is a smaller bar inevitable? After Sam and Aaron try to figure that out, David Sparks talks about starting a brand-new solo practice, including the Mac tools he is using to make it work.
3/10/2015 • 56 minutes, 41 seconds
#9: Ali Grace Marquart's Fashion Law Boutique
Entertainment lawyer Ali Grace Marquart recently made Forbes’ 2015 30 Under 30 list for law and policy. She talked about the unusual path she took to owning a successful fashion law boutique, what success means at this point in her career, and how she represents clients all over the world from her office in New York.
3/3/2015 • 34 minutes, 20 seconds
#8: Aaron Hall's Client-Satisfaction Guarantee
Sam and Aaron talk with Jeena Cho about why jerky law students become jerky lawyers, and then Aaron Hall explains why and how he is giving some clients a satisfaction guarantee.
2/24/2015 • 54 minutes, 10 seconds
#7: Gyi Tsakalakis Talks About Online Marketing without the BS
This week Sam and Aaron wonder whether a lawyer could become an Uber driver to market a law practice, on obvious marketing, and Sam talks to Gyi Tsakalakis of AttorneySync about online marketing without the BS.
2/17/2015 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 25 seconds
#6: Alison Monahan on Law School and Lawyering Success
This week Sam and Aaron discuss the effectiveness of meditation as a way for lawyers to relieve stress, shake our heads at the technological incompetence of LegalTech attendees, and Sam interviews Alison Monahan of the Girls Guide to Law School.
2/10/2015 • 52 minutes, 28 seconds
#5: Brian Tannebaum's Brutal Truths About Lawyers and Lawyering
Morning pages, robot lawbreakers, and an interview with Brian Tannebaum, the eminent law blogger who just published The Practice: Brutal Truths About Lawyers and Lawyering.
2/3/2015 • 57 minutes, 43 seconds
#4: Ed Walters on Robot Lawyers and the Law of Robots
Plus, Aaron and Sam talk about non-lawyer ownership (and why personal injury lawyers don't like the idea), non-lawyers doing legal work, and learn that every lawyer should be bringing in at least $200,000 because statistics.
1/27/2015 • 58 minutes, 56 seconds
#3: Carolyn Elefant on Advance Planning for Going Solo
In today’s podcast, we talk to Carolyn Elefant about what you can and should do in advance if you are planning to go solo. Then, in our Q&A segment, we talk about whether solos ought to form a business entity or "go naked."
1/20/2015 • 48 minutes, 12 seconds
#2: Paul Floyd on How to Value and Sell a Law Practice
Today’s guest is Paul Floyd, a business lawyer for lawyers — and a very successful one. Paul finally explained law practice valuation so I could understand: the best way to value a law practice is not to value it.
Today's question is from our forum: How do you calculate flat fees when starting out. Aaron and I offer our own suggestions for coming up with flat fees early on in your legal career.
1/13/2015 • 48 minutes, 20 seconds
#1: Alan Dershowitz's Advice for Young Lawyers
As a well-known lawyer and (former) law professor, Alan Dershowitz gives a lot of advice to young lawyers. At one point, he wrote it all down in Letters to a Young Lawyer. The book has been around for a while, but it is still full of good advice for young lawyers — and so is Dershowitz.
1/6/2015 • 31 minutes, 37 seconds
#0: Lawyerist Podcast Preview
Sam and Aaron introduce the Lawyerist Podcast and our first guest, Alan Dershowitz. You'll also find out how to send us a question to answer during future podcasts.
Subscribe now, either using your favorite podcast app, in iTunes, Stitcher, or find out about new episodes by subscribing to the Lawyerist Insider.