This episode features Sharon Appelbaum, owner of AppelbaumLaw PC, a specialized criminal defense firm. Sharon shares her unique career path, from being a Beasley scholar and a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's prestigious cybercrime unit to becoming a top-rated defense attorney in California. She explains her proactive defense strategy, emphasizing the critical importance of pre-charge investigations to protect her clients. Sharon unpacks her approach to building a custom legal team for every case, her method for finding obscure subject-matter experts, and how her prosecutor background gives her an invaluable edge. This conversation is a masterclass in managing client expectations, the art of strategic defense, and building a referral-based practice that thrives on reputation rather than SEO.
(0:26) Introduction: Sharon’s background as a prosecutor and her move to defense.
(1:55) The strategy of pre-charge investigations and getting ahead of the case.
(3:49) The initial decision to become a prosecutor and work with victims.
(4:25) The transition to California and the surprising story of how criminal law "clawed her back in."
(6:16) The defense attorney’s edge: How a prosecutor’s background helps anticipate the other side’s strategy.
(8:20) The business of law: Why 95% of her referrals come from other lawyers, not SEO.
(9:44) The hardest lesson of going solo: Learning you can’t do everything yourself.
(12:20) The modern firm structure: Operating as a solo/small firm while building a powerful team for each case.
(17:16) Case study: How acting as a buffer for a client derailed an SEC investigation before it started.
(18:41) How to find the perfect expert for any case, no matter how obscure.
(22:32) The story of the "educational expert" who charmed a jury in a real estate fraud trial.
(25:01) The art of managing client expectations when they’re in legal limbo.
(28:14) Why making the client part of the process is a key defense strategy.
(30:03) The X-Factor: Getting to know a client's entire life story to build a stronger defense.
(33:02) Sharon’s take on the Amber Heard trial and the overwhelming influence of social media.
Contact Sharon: info@appelbaumlaw.com
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This episode features Brian Colón, the Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber's New Mexico offices. Brian oversees a rapidly growing practice for a national firm that has recovered over $3 billion for clients. He shares a powerful story of personal and professional resilience, from a hard-fought loss in a race for Attorney General to finding his purpose at a firm that truly aligned with his values. Brian reveals why, before accepting the partnership, he insisted on seeing the standard employee agreement—and how its contents, including 100% healthcare coverage and childcare reimbursement, sealed the deal. He offers a masterclass in authentic leadership, explaining how his firm fuses fearless legal advocacy with deep commitments to philanthropy and public policy, and why they've invested in a full-time social worker to support both their team and their clients. This is an unfiltered look at what it means to build a law firm on a foundation of service, gratitude, and unapologetic conviction.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction: Brian Colon’s journey through public service and private practice.
(1:40) The Firm’s 8X Growth: How Singleton Schreiber maintains a client-centered and diverse culture.
(2:49) The Righteous Case: Taking on environmental justice cases for communities without a voice, even if they aren't profitable.
(6:45) A Leader’s Philosophy: "I work for my team."
(8:28) The Three Pillars: Integrating philanthropy, public policy, and the law into the firm’s DNA.
(10:41) The Aftermath: The devastating emotional toll of losing the Attorney General primary.
(12:32) The Turning Point: How the book Untethered Soul and the mantra "Be open" created a floodgate of opportunities.
(14:43) The Ultimate Litmus Test: Why the employee agreement was the real deal-closer for joining the firm.
(15:40) What True Values Look Like: Child care reimbursement and a $1,000 nonprofit match for every employee.
(18:44) The Roots of Resilience: How growing up in poverty and personal tragedy shaped his drive.
(20:19) The Bonus Round: Brian’s passion for mentoring the next generation of leaders.
(27:25) A Radical Investment in People: Why the firm employs a full-time social worker for staff and clients.
(30:21) Scaling Culture: How to keep everyone aligned with the mission during rapid expansion.
(37:28) Unapologetic Advocacy: Why being transparent about his political values is a magnet for the right clients and talent.
(46:56) The Problem with "Inventory": How to manage mass torts cases without dehumanizing clients.
(54:30) The Future of Law: Why attorneys who don't learn to use AI will be the only ones to lose their jobs.
Contact Brian: (505) 270-2154
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This episode features Michael J. Ash, a partner at Carlin, Ward, Ash & Heiart LLC and a certified civil trial attorney specializing in the niche field of eminent domain and real estate value litigation. Michael shares his unconventional journey from transactional law, where he deciphered 400-year-old deeds with descriptions like "easterly as the cow walked," to becoming a leading trial attorney in New Jersey. He reveals the creative strategies he uses to make complex property concepts compelling to a jury, including using Google Earth flyovers to create a "CSI magic" effect in the courtroom. Michael also discusses his pivotal career shift from representing the government ("the black hat") to defending property owners ("the white hat"), the power of attorney referrals as a primary marketing tool, and why finding the right business partner is the most critical skill for any firm owner.
(0:00) Introduction: Michael J. Ash’s specialization in eminent domain and real estate litigation.
(1:49) How a background in transactional law became the foundation for a career in niche litigation.
(5:28) The challenge of litigating 400-year-old deeds with descriptions like "as the cow walked."
(6:44) How to make complex real estate concepts understandable and engaging for a jury.
(8:33) The "CSI Magic": Using Google Earth flyover videos as a persuasive courtroom tool.
(11:10) Why Michael refuses to outsource trial demonstratives and insists on maintaining full control.
(15:03) The Career Shift: From representing the government ("the black hat") to defending property owners ("the white hat").
(17:38) The biggest challenge in transitioning from being an employee to a firm owner.
(20:10) A marketing model built on relationships: How attorney referrals drive their business.
(24:19) The two factors that tell you exactly when it’s time to grow your firm and hire.
(26:04) The strategy of hiring a tax court clerk to build expertise and attract partner-level talent.
(30:30) The #1 skill for running a successful practice: Finding the right business partner.
(32:57) A framework for handling disagreements and making decisions with a partner.
(36:01) Michael’s take on AI, including a clever use of image generation for marketing case studies.
(39:12) Where to find and contact Michael J. Ash.
Show Notes:
Contact Michael's firm: https://carlinward.com/
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This episode features Jason Horst, a former Am Law 100 attorney who left Big Law to build his own practice in the high-stakes world of the California cannabis industry. Jason shares the inside story of the "Green Rush," explaining why the initial excitement collapsed under the weight of crushing taxes, heavy regulation, and what he calls the "Al Capone law" that prevents legal cannabis businesses from taking normal deductions. He details his strategic pivot from a struggling industry to a diversified, locally-focused practice and offers a masterclass in marketing through genuine, one-on-one connection. The conversation takes a deep dive into the impact of artificial intelligence, as Jason—a heavy early adopter—discusses which AI tools are changing the game, the ethical thicket of their use, and his critical concerns about how the next generation of lawyers will be trained when AI automates their foundational work.
Show Notes
(0:26) Introduction: Jason Horst’s journey from Big Law to founding Horst Legal Counsel.
(3:43) Why the security of Big Law is an illusion without a book of business.
(4:11) The personal and professional constraints of a large firm's corporate culture.
(7:33) Making the jump: Why the cannabis industry required a "jump in with both feet" approach.
(8:22) The early days of cannabis law: "Everybody here is a felon."
(10:43) How Jason found his niche as one of the first insurance coverage lawyers in the cannabis space.
(12:37) The "Green Rush" fades: How unsustainable regulations and taxes crippled the industry.
(15:03) "Death by a thousand bullet holes": The 70% effective tax rate killing legal cannabis businesses.
(18:26) The "Al Capone Law": How the IRS prevents cannabis companies from taking ordinary business deductions.
(20:17) Jason’s marketing strategy: The power of showing up and building one-on-one connections.
(22:14) How to pivot when your primary industry dries up.
(31:13) When to hire: Growing a firm from a solo practice to a full-service shop.
(31:42) Using the gig economy to scale a law firm up and down effectively.
(35:34) The legal tech stack that makes running a firm easier than expected.
(38:50) A deep dive into AI's impact on legal practice.
(39:45) Why AI output should be treated like a first-year associate's work product.
(43:09) The business model paradox: AI tools increase expenses while decreasing billable hours.
(43:38) The critical question: How do we train junior lawyers when AI automates their work?
(53:58) How AI will dramatically increase the pace of litigation and the pressure on courts.
(01:03:42) Jason’s favorite AI tools that are changing his practice.
(01:06:33) Where to find and contact Jason Horst.
Contact Jason: jason@horstcounsel.com
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This episode features Peter Kalanda, a 20-year digital marketing veteran and the co-founder of Three Horizons Interactive. Peter shares his unique journey from managing hotels and consulting at Ernst & Young to mastering the digital marketing landscape for law firms. He breaks down the complex world of SEO and SEM with a simple analogy: SEO is like planting a garden that grows over time, while SEM is like renting a billboard for immediate visibility. Peter provides a masterclass on the immense, often-overlooked power of local search, explaining how optimizing a Google Business Profile can be a game-changer for attracting clients. He reveals the most common technical mistakes that make websites invisible to Google, how to find high-impact keywords, and the three simple fixes any lawyer can make this week to improve their online presence. This is a practical, no-nonsense guide to building a powerful digital foundation without a massive budget.
Show Notes:
(0:27) Peter Kalanda’s journey from Slovakian immigrant to digital marketing expert.
(0:56) The unconventional path from hospitality management to mastering SEO.
(3:15) The validation: Taking a company’s sales from $100k to $3 million.
(5:30) How digital marketing has evolved over the last 20 years.
(8:50) Why law firms are the perfect clients: The untapped power of local search.
(12:27) Digital Marketing 101: SEO is a garden, SEM is a billboard.
(14:42) The critical error that can make your website completely invisible to Google.
(16:30) How to find the right keywords: High volume, low competition, and long-tail phrases.
(20:47) Defining Local SEO: How to target clients searching within a 20-mile radius.
(24:49) A content strategy that cuts through the noise: Answering questions with authenticity.
(30:23) The Top 3 SEO mistakes law firms make and how to fix them today.
(32:50) AI vs. SEO: Why fundamentals like structured data are more important than ever.
(34:36) How to realistically budget for digital marketing (Hint: You don’t need a giant war chest).
(36:58) The key metrics lawyers should track to know if their marketing is actually working.
(40:40) Case Study: How a simple contact form redesign increased qualified leads by 45%.
(42:59) The first 3 things every lawyer should do this week to improve their marketing.
(45:49) Hiring an Agency: How to spot red flags, understand pricing, and why you always need three quotes.
(51:18) Where to find and contact Peter Kalanda.
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Contact Peter: https://www.3h-i.com/
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This episode features Andre Rembert, a former U.S. Army artillery officer turned personal injury lawyer. He shares his journey from combat tours to founding Rembert Law in South Carolina, including living on a sailboat to save money and recovering from a major injury just weeks after launching. Andre offers sharp insights into personal injury marketing, from secret ad strategies to three-month test runs, and explains why AI won’t replace persuasive trial lawyers. A raw, honest look at the grit it takes to build a firm from scratch.
Show Notes
(0:21) Introduction: Andre Rembert’s military background and legal career.
(2:44) The #1 lesson from a large "mill" firm: Can you get clients?
(4:11) Applying a military and classics background to spot and fix law firm inefficiencies.
(7:33) How a simple follow-up process added $50,000 a month in fees.
(9:27) The importance of auditing and process enforcement to prevent "quiet quitting."
(15:45) Andre's post-law school journey through Afghanistan and document review.
(19:46) The decision to go solo and the strategy to make it work.
(20:12) The Sailboat Strategy: Living on a boat for $200/month to keep overhead non-existent.
(21:12) Catastrophe: A severe leg injury just two weeks after starting the firm.
(22:37) The Grind: Waiting tables and mowing lawns to keep the business alive while injured.
(30:36) The Hard Truths of Personal Injury Advertising.
(31:32) Your marketing source is your most valuable trade secret.
(32:59) Lessons from testing various channels: SEO, Pay-Per-Click, social media, and TV.
(39:27) The story of spending $35,000 on TV ads for a single case.
(44:40) The 3-Month Rule: How to ruthlessly vet and fire marketing agencies that don't perform.
(49:54) Andre’s take: Why AI can’t replicate the persuasion and valuation skills of a trial lawyer.
(54:36) Final Advice: Bet on yourself, manage risk, and keep costs down to ensure survival and success.
Contact Andre: arembert@rembertlaw.com
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This episode features Chris Lusby, the founder of Lusby Law in Wilson, North Carolina, who shares his unconventional journey from being a police detective and restaurateur to running a successful law firm. Chris provides a candid look at the challenges of hiring and retaining talent in a "legal desert," detailing the evolution of his strategy from hiring recent grads to taking a chance on an experienced professional with no litigation background. He discusses his firm's focus on family law, his hands-on approach to creating a partner track, and why he embraces a value-based, flat-fee billing model. A true early adopter, Chris offers a deep dive into his tech stack, explaining how he uses tools like Spellbook, Westlaw Precision, and AI transcription to boost efficiency, improve client management, and stay ahead of the curve.
Show Notes:
(1:25) The Revolving Door: Challenges with attorney retention and having employees leave to become Sheriff and DA.
(3:50) A New Hiring Strategy: Focusing on community connection and "hunger" over direct experience to find long-term talent.
(4:15) Practicing in a "Legal Desert": The unique challenges and opportunities of opening a new firm in an underserved area.
(9:15) The Big Risk: Hiring an attorney with zero litigation experience based on mentality and teachability.
(12:39) Reevaluating the Compensation Model: Moving from "eat what you kill" to a competitive salary plus commission structure.
(16:07) Designing a Transparent Partner Track: The benchmarks and emotional investment required for partnership at his firm.
(24:08) A New Kind of Lawyer: Why clashing with tech-resistant culture at a traditional firm drove him to start his own practice.
(26:18) The Power of Resilience: How a failed restaurant venture prepared him for the risks of launching a law firm.
(32:19) The E-Filing Revolution: An inside look at the legal profession's resistance to new technology.
(35:28) Tech Stack Breakdown: The pros and cons of Practice Panther, Zola Suite, and the pains of software integration.
(44:02) Why Every Call is Recorded: Using AI transcription and recordings for CYA and effective client management.
(47:12) Inside the AI Toolkit: Practical uses for Spellbook, Westlaw Precision, Grammarly, and You.com.
(53:51) The Future of Law: Predicting that law firms that don't adopt AI will be obsolete within 15 years.
(58:07) Beyond the Billable Hour: How to implement a value-based, mixed-retainer billing model.
Contact David: office@lusbylaw.com, lusbylaw.com
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Join us for a conversation with Edward F. Cohn, a veteran criminal defense attorney who launched his solo practice right out of law school. Edward shares how court-appointed cases, courtroom observation, and strong mentorship shaped his early career. He reflects on the evolution of legal marketing, lessons from a Harvard negotiation course, and the value of maintaining respectful relationships with opposing counsel. Candid and practical, this episode offers real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of running a solo law firm.
Show notes:
(0:11) Introduction to Edward F. Cohn, his criminal defense practice, and his professional accolades.
(0:50) Overview of his practice in Tucson, focusing on criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies, often for local college students.
(2:07) How he got into criminal defense: starting his own firm right out of law school and taking court appointments to gain experience.
(3:35) The decision to go solo, encouraged by a mentor, and the appeal of being his own boss.
(4:41) The fear and anxiety of starting a practice from scratch and the importance of having good mentors.
(5:06) Learning the ropes as a new solo: The invaluable and practical tip of going to the courthouse to watch hearings.
(7:48) The benefits of observing court: learning procedure, getting to know judges, and navigating different courtroom personalities.
(8:34) Learning from other attorneys in court, including the calm and effective demeanor of famed lawyer Jeff Fieger.
(9:46) Setting up the business: how a "Law Practice Management" class in law school provided the blueprint for his firm.
(10:51) Early business logistics: using mentors' conference rooms and courthouse meeting rooms to keep overhead low.
(11:56) The timeline for success: feeling comfortable after three years and feeling seasoned after seven.
(13:35) The evolution of legal marketing from Yellow Pages and early online lead generation to modern strategies.
(14:59) Current marketing strategy: the essential role of online legal directories like Avvo and Lawyers.com.
(16:49) Firm administration and management: keeping overhead low and using legal assistants or law clerks on an as-needed basis.
(18:32) Core traits of a great litigator: comfort in the courtroom and being a strong negotiator.
(18:41) Enhancing negotiation skills through an intensive executive education course at Harvard.
(19:57) The number one negotiation tip: "The art of negotiation is letting the other party have it your way."
(20:33) The power of building cordial relationships with prosecutors and advocating effectively through diligence and respect.
(23:53) Key traits for a successful solo practitioner: an entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with the "feast or famine" nature of the business.
(25:25) The necessity of a healthy appetite for risk, adaptability, and emotional resilience.
(26:54) How to contact Edward F. Cohn (website, phone, and social media).
(28:28) Final thoughts: Finding motivation and a "buzz" from getting the best possible outcome for his clients.
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Join us for an insightful discussion with Peter Bochnewich, owner of Bochnewich Law Offices, as he shares wisdom from his impressive 32-year career in Trust and Estate litigation. Peter details his journey from general civil litigation to specializing in complex trust and estate disputes, emphasizing the profound impact of mentorship on his development and his commitment to guiding younger attorneys. He offers a look into managing his own firm, the importance of maintaining civility with opposing counsel, adapting to technological advancements like cloud-based software and the emerging role of AI in law, and underscores the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning in the legal profession.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Introduction: Peter details his firm's focus on trust and estate litigation (80%), estate planning (10%), and other civil matters, along with his 32 years of experience and geographic reach.
(4:29) Business Skills from Pre-Law Corporate Career
(5:09) Early Career: Civil Litigation & Insurance Defense Experience
(7:11) Critical Role of Mentorship & "Learning the Craft"
(7:41) Benefits of Office Environment & Peer Learning
(10:14) Challenges: Overwhelm, Client Management, Maintaining Passion
(11:20) Mentoring: Patience & Effective Teaching for New Attorneys
(15:16) Tech Adoption: Practice Management Software (Leap) & Cloud Systems
(16:21) AI in Law: A Helpful Tool, Not a Replacement for Human Judgment
(19:52) Tech for Efficiency & High-Quality Work Product
(21:28) Client Communication: Billing, Strategy, Managing Expectations
(23:11) Work-Life Balance & Long-Term Career Passion
(25:21) When to Start Your Own Firm: Gaining Experience & Reputation
(27:07) Running a Firm: Administrative & Business Management
(29:28) Firm Legacy & Succession Planning Thoughts
(30:51) Key Advice: Love the Profession, Hard Work, Strong Writing, Preparation
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This episode features David Gammill, owner of Gammill Law in Manhattan Beach, specializing in personal injury and civil rights cases. With 17 years of experience from LA District Attorney to founding his own firm in 2018, David explains how prioritizing family drove his career decisions. His business thrives on attorney referrals and remote work, emphasizing digital presence over physical office space. David discusses his storytelling approach to cases and predicts AI will significantly increase law firm efficiency and profitability.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction of David Gammill: Trial attorney with 17 years of experience in personal injury and civil rights cases.
(1:05) Gamma Law Overview: Manhattan Beach firm handling statewide California cases from wrongful deaths to police misconduct.
(1:30) Career Evolution: The journey from prosecutor to defense attorney to civil litigator, driven by public speaking skills and meaningful work.
(3:00) Breaking into Trial Law: How chance encounters and strategic advice shaped his path to the DA's office.
(6:40) Criminal to Civil Transition: Adjusting from courtroom-driven practice to brief-heavy civil litigation and intense work hours.
(9:50) Founding Gammill Law: Prioritizing family relationships over firm prestige while building a sustainable practice.
(15:40) Modern Law Firm Essentials
(19:00) Beyond Legal Practice: The non-legal tasks essential for firm success, from social media to client reviews.
(21:45) Strategic Media Engagement: Using media ethically to create pressure and drive case outcomes.
(26:50) Case Selection Strategy: Identifying high-impact cases with emotionally resonant stories.
(30:45) Business Mindset for Attorneys: The critical shift from personal finance thinking to law firm investment.
(35:20) Management Philosophy: Results-focused leadership that empowers team members rather than micromanaging.
(37:50) AI in Legal Practice: How emerging technologies will increase efficiency and potentially grow case volume by 20-50%.
Email David: david@gammill.law
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Join us for an engaging conversation with Katie Diemer, managing partner at Diemer & Wei LLP, as she reflects on her 41-year career in law, detailing her unexpected journey from aspiring pediatrician to a seasoned litigator. Katie shares valuable insights into the world of financial litigation and reorganization, representing creditors and other parties in bankruptcy. She emphasizes the importance of expectation setting with clients, her firm's hourly billing approach, and the significance of building strong client relationships. Katie also discusses her path to founding her own firm, the strategic importance of diversity within her practice, and offers advice for lawyers on proactive problem-solving in their careers.
Show Notes:
(1:05) Introduction and Practice Overview: Katie Diemer, managing partner at Diemer & Wei, LLP, discusses her firm's specialization in the crossover between litigation and reorganization.
(6:15) Billing Practices: The firm operates on an hourly fee basis and is transparent with clients about costs.
(17:00) Client Communication: Emphasizing the importance of open communication between lawyers and clients, especially regarding billing.
(20:00) Path to Law: Katie's initial aspiration to become a pediatrician and her unexpected journey into law.
(28:55) Finding Litigation: Discovering a passion for litigation during law school after initially pursuing transactional work.
(35:00) Influence of Family and Travel: The impact of a family of academics and international exposure on her approach to interacting with diverse individuals.
(47:45) Founding the Firm: The circumstances that led to starting her own law firm after a period as a stay-at-home mom.
(63:30) Client Retention: The surprising success in clients following her when she started her own firm.
(88:45) Importance of Diversity: Emphasizing the value of diversity in a law firm for problem-solving and understanding a diverse client base and jury pool in Silicon Valley.
(102:00) Changes for Women in Law: Reflecting on the changes and persistent biases for women in the legal profession over her 41-year career, and the importance of proactive problem-solving.
Email Katie: katie@diemerwei.com
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Join us for an insightful conversation with John Begakis, founder of Altview Law Group, as he shares his journey from traditional civil litigation to building a cutting-edge entertainment law practice. John discusses how he recognized early opportunities in digital media, built a thriving practice representing social media influencers, and evolved with the changing entertainment landscape. He offers valuable insights on managing a boutique firm, balancing litigation and transactional work, and creating an attractive workplace culture without traditional billable hour requirements.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Entertainment Law Billing: The unique challenges of talent representation and commission structures
(0:46) Introduction and Practice Overview: Full-service entertainment firm focusing on influencers, producers, and IP
(2:30) Balancing the Practice: Managing the 50/50 split between transactional and litigation work
(3:43) Early Career Journey: From law school aspirations to finding opportunities in digital media
(11:39) Breaking into Digital Entertainment: Recognizing potential in early YouTube creators
(14:29) Pivotal Moment: Working with Quinta Brunson and expanding into traditional media
(21:41) Building the Firm: Partnership formation and business philosophy
(25:42) Innovative Billing Approaches: Implementing flat fees and transparent pricing
(34:35) Team Growth: Experiences with hiring and managing associates
(44:31) Employee Retention: Creating an attractive work environment without billable hour requirements
(50:47) Career Advice: The importance of patience and organic growth in legal practice
Email John: john@altviewlawgroup.com
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This episode features Shireen Hilal, CEO of Maior Consultants, a consulting firm for law and other service firms. Shireen shares insights from her experience as a former litigator and executive, and explains how she helps law firms break through plateaus, streamline operations, and increase revenue. She emphasizes a hands-on, iterative approach to consulting, the importance of understanding client needs, and how to build a strong firm culture. Hilal also provides valuable advice on business strategy, marketing, and talent management for law firms of all sizes.
Show Notes
(0:03) Shireen's Background: Transitioning from big law to boutique consulting with Major.
(2:58) Identifying the Pivot Point: The realization that launched her business.
(6:34) Why Fast-Paced Problem Solving Inspires Shireen: Building and fixing over maintaining.
(12:18) Tailored Strategies for Diverse Firm Sizes: From 4-person to 250-person law firms.
(16:40) Immersive Client Engagement: Getting buy-in by knowing the people and the process.
(25:02) Rooting Out Pain Points: Why accounts receivable issues often reflect deeper service challenges.
(33:06) Building Realistic and Collaborative Business Plans: Setting achievable goals and securing buy-in.
(39:19) Exploring New Practice Areas: How client needs drive strategic decisions.
(48:03) Personal Branding in Law: The shift from corporate to individual trust in legal services.
(56:26) Leveraging Cross-Industry Networks: Success stories from creative collaborations.
Email Shireen: shireen@maiorconsultants.com
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This episode explores the world of real estate law with Thomas Koster, a partner at Koster & Leadbetter LLP specializing in property disputes. Thomas shares his perspective on the shortcomings of legal education, emphasizing the need for practical skills like client management and negotiation. He details his firm's unique approach to serving individual clients, focusing on cost-effective solutions and utilizing technology like AI tools and contract attorneys to streamline processes.
Show Notes:
(0:49) Niche Specialization Builds Expertise: A focused practice in areas like property and landlord-tenant law strengthens expertise and better serves a specific client base.
(10:53) Serendipity Can Shape Careers: Being open to unexpected opportunities can define one’s career path in law.
(15:31) Partnership Synergy Matters: Strong partnerships are built on complementary skills and aligned values.
(21:33) Efficiency Through Lean Operations: Small teams and strategic outsourcing help maintain quality while managing costs.
(24:07) Networking Drives Client Growth: Referrals and participation in industry events are powerful drivers of client acquisition.
(31:49) Simple Tech Solutions Are Often Enough: Basic tools can efficiently support case management, especially for smaller firms.
(35:41) AI Has Potential but Needs Caution: AI tools like ChatGPT are useful for drafting and research but require oversight due to accuracy concerns.
(42:14) Litigation Success Requires More Than Legal Skills: Key skills include client management, cost-conscious strategy, and ethical diligence.
(55:04) Client-Centric Service Is Key: Providing high-quality, cost-effective service is crucial for building lasting client relationships, especially in complex areas like real estate law.
Email Thomas: thomas@kosterleadbetterlaw.com
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Arthur sat down with Garrick Hollander, co-founder and co-managing partner of Winthrop Golubow Hollander, LLP, a premier boutique insolvency and bankruptcy law firm based in Southern California. Garrick shared his unconventional journey, starting with his entrepreneurial ventures before law school, leading to his expertise in bankruptcy law, and ultimately establishing a thriving boutique firm focused on corporate debtor work.
Show Notes:
(0:49) Manufacturing headbands, running a mail order business, getting into real estate syndication, and providing a party service business.
(13:05) The transition to Winthrop Golubow Hollander, LLP involved addressing inequities in partner contributions, proposing a new compensation formula, and ultimately becoming co-managing partner.
(22:50) The importance of family support in his success, maintaining work-life balance by prioritizing family time, setting boundaries with clients, and taking regular vacations.
(27:45) When hiring and retaining staff, preference for a small, efficient team over a volume-based approach.
(35:30) Recognizing red flags in clients, the importance of objectivity and critical thinking
(40:30) Building a reputation through passion, candor, vulnerability, and delivering exceptional results, leading to organic referrals from satisfied clients.
(46:44) For attorneys considering entrepreneurship, Garrick recommends gaining experience before starting a firm, building a client base, and having a clear vision for scaling.
(48:00) Closing thoughts
Email Garrick: ghollander@wghlawyers.com
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Arthur sat down with Beilal Chatila, founder of Shatila Law LLP and CEO of Legal Guru. We discuss the challenges of launching a law practice from the ground up, the impact of cultural competency in serving clients, and the evolving role of AI in the legal industry.
Show Notes
(0:37) Moving from Michigan to California, establishing a law practice with a focus on underserved Arabic-speaking clients.
(2:34) Guerrilla marketing strategies in the legal world and how word of mouth has sustained Bilal’s business without the need for paid advertising.
(4:30) Overcoming early challenges, building client relationships, and developing a niche by leveraging cultural competency.
(7:20) Hiring and team-building strategies: The importance of finding driven individuals with strong community ties and how support staff could contribute to the firm’s success.
(8:39) Founding Legal Guru: A subscription-based legal service for small businesses and its mission to prevent legal issues before they escalate.
(14:32) The future of law and technology: Bilal’s perspective on AI’s role in transforming legal services, leveling the playing field, and impacting traditional law firms.
(17:29) Opportunities and challenges for attorneys in the digital age and how adapting to technological shifts can determine long-term success.
(19:32) Closing thoughts
Email Beilal: Chatilalaw@gmail.com
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Arthur sat down with Matthew Bourhis, CEO of Golden Gate Legal LLP and president of Bourhis Law Group. We dive into the challenges of starting a law firm, the importance of trust in partnerships, and the future of law with AI.
Show Notes
(1:45) The importance of finding passion in your legal career and the rewards of helping others.
(5:30) The value of mentorship and learning through real-world experiences in law.
(14:00) Building successful partnerships and strategically expanding your practice.
(19:00) Key considerations and challenges when starting and growing a law firm, including balancing legal skills with business management.
(30:00) How AI is transforming the legal industry, leveling the playing field, and shaping the future of law.
(39:00) Closing thoughts.
Email Matthew: matthew.bourhis@bourhislaw.com
Join our Facebook community to connect with other founding attorneys
Want to join the show as a guest? Email us: zihao@legion.law
This podcast was brought to you by Legion.
Tired of litigation busy work? Hire the perfect AI contract lawyer: truly reliable written discovery and motions, for a fraction of the cost and time.
Music: lofi type beat "flower market" by snoozy beats.
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