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Submit ReviewThat Governing Document Can't Stop Me Because I Can't Read!
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Sammy Alito openly defies the Constitution with European knighthood. Chicago Law tapes classes but isn't interested in letting students actually use those recordings. Students are, unsurprisingly, pissed. Professor Richard Epstein brags about replacing scientists with judges. Yes, the same guy who said COVID would only kill 500 people and got the first Trump administration sold on the idea. And mark your calendars for the lawyer movie from Hallmark's holiday season.
Criticism is meant to be helpful, but often, it just hurts. How can we better absorb the punches and keep a positive attitude?
Glenn Fine's career-long crusade against corruption might have its roots in his college days. As a point guard for the Harvard basketball team, Fine had his personal best game on Dec. 16, 1978, the same day he interviewed for–and received–a Rhodes scholarship. He put up 19 points against Boston College, including eight steals, and the team nearly eeked out a win against the favored Boston players. A remarkable day.
What Fine would later discover was that mobsters had bribed Boston College players to play worse to keep the game tight and not cover the point spread. Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke–later portrayed by Ray Liotta and Robert De Niro in the movie Goodfellas were part of the point-shaving scheme.
Fine would later be drafted in the 10th round of the NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but it was the anti-corruption law that stuck, not basketball.
Fine took a job out of law school as a prosecutor in Washington, D.C., and joined the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Justice in 1995. He would go on to serve as Inspector General at the DOJ from 2000 to 2011, then at the Department of Defense from 2015 until 2020. He was one of the five inspectors general fired by then-President Donald Trump in what the Washington Post referred to as the "slow-motion Friday night massacre of inspectors general."
But what do inspectors general do? It's a question Fine wants to answer with his book, Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Fine and the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles discuss the function, history and importance of the position, along with ways Fine believes government oversight can be improved.
As of the book's publication in 2024, there are 74 inspector general offices at the federal level, with more than 14,000 employees. As the IG for the Department of Defense, Fine oversaw the largest office, with some 1,700 employees. Inspectors general conduct independent, non-partisan oversight investigations into waste, fraud, misconduct and best practices, and deliver their reports and recommendations to Congress and the agencies involved. The IGs cannot enforce the adoption of recommendations, but their work acts as the "sunshine" for disinfection, Fine says.
One major recommendation Fine makes in Watchdogs is that an inspector general be established for the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary, who could perhaps file their reports to the chief justice or the head of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Fine points to judicial ethics concerns and polls finding public trust in the Supreme Court at historic lows, and argues one way to increase public trust is through the transparency provided by an inspector general.
Also in this episode, Fine offers advice for anyone considering a career in public service. Rawles and Fine discuss stories of his own investigations, including evaluating the claims of a whistleblowing scientist at the FBI laboratory and looking into how the infamous double-agent spy Robert Hanssen was able to fool his FBI superiors and pass intel to Soviets and Russians.
As the year winds down, it’s a good time to take stock of your life as both a person and a litigator. Are you going in the direction you want, are you shortchanging one aspect of your life to benefit another? Is it working for you?
Guests Anne Marie Seibel and Paula Hinton are experienced and highly successful litigators who explain how they learned to balance family and careers, professional goals, and personal aims. There are times when one part of your life demands your full attention, and then there are times when it’s acceptable to say “no” to a request.
Learning to follow mentors, listen to colleagues, and balance family is an art. A big part of this is building your “board of directors,” people you trust to give you honest feedback, people you can lean on for both support and guidance.
Your life, professional and personal, is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment now and then to listen to yourself and your “team” to learn where you are, where you’re going, and what you want. Life throws a lot at you – sometimes things you can’t control, like the COVID pandemic – and each challenge can take control of your career and your life if you let it. Take charge of your life.
Resources:
Previously on Litigation Radio, “Step by Step: How a Prominent Litigator Build Her High-Profile Career"
Since colonial days, the legal profession has been proud of its role in the founding of the republic, the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, and the defense of democracy and the rule of law. However, the profession faces an existential crisis on which the American democratic experiment hinges, says law professor Ray Brescia, author of Lawyer Nation: The Past, Present, and Future of the American Legal Profession. If attorney unethical behavior surrounding the 2020 election repeats without disciplinary repercussions in 2024 . . . democracy itself is at risk.
In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Everitt, and we dive into the intricacies of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), AI's role in the legal industry, and strategies to boost SEO and conversions for law firms.
We discuss key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics, setting up Google Analytics effectively, and optimizing website conversions. Additionally, we explore the impact of AI on search, creating meaningful content, and leveraging AI for enhanced digital marketing.
Pete also shares insights from 'The Million Dollar Weekend' by Noah Kagan and stresses the importance of sustained client relationship management.
Pete gives listeners actionable tips on:
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:18 Understanding GA4: Basics and Differences
- 02:19 Challenges and Criticisms of GA4
- 05:16 Setting Up GA4: Key Steps and Tips
- 09:04 Tracking and Analyzing Traffic Effectively
- 15:17 Conversion Optimization Strategies
- 19:06 Real-World Examples and Best Practices
- 23:20 Customer Service Frustrations
- 24:16 Website Conversion Essentials
- 25:17 Understanding Calls to Action
- 27:09 Optimizing Client Interaction
- 32:03 Marketing Funnels and Strategies
- 34:18 The Role of AI in SEO
- 39:14 Book Recommendation: The Million Dollar Weekend
- 41:12 Final Thoughts on Conversions
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Pete here:
Connect with me
As you may have discovered on your own, genAI tools are ready and enthusiastic with their outputs, but may be woefully ill-informed, in spite of the snappy replies they spew out with unfettered confidence. So, what is being done to remedy this issue? Dennis and Tom explain how Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) combines AI’s LLMs with more current external information, addressing problems arising from outdated LLM data. The guys talk through some of their favorite tools that employ RAG effectively and offer insights into their uses for attorneys.
Later, could AI-adoption be diminishing a lawyer’s hard-earned expertise? Dennis and Tom dive into this common fear shared by many traditionally-minded attorneys, focusing on ways to leverage AI not to replace, but enhance their legal practice.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #372
A Segment: AI and RAG: Hate the Name, Love the Application
- Google Notebook LM https://notebooklm.google/
- Perplexity.ai - https://www.perplexity.ai/
- Practical Law with AI: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/practical-law
B Segment: A question from our AI Chatbot
Parting Shots:
- Android search with your camera - https://theintelligence.com/34456/android-search-google-lens/
- Ethan Mollick, “Thinking Like an AI” - https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/thinking-like-an-ai
Stephanie speaks with Ari Kaplan about his recent report exploring how midsize law firms can adapt and innovate to succeed in today's legal landscape. The conversation covers how technology can provide firms with greater agility, strategies for managing change fatigue, the importance of effective leadership, and evolving decision-making processes in the legal industry.
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!
Guest Christina Hough dives into the topic of neurodivergence in the legal field. The subject refers to how people learn and behave. We’re all “neurodivergent” in that we are all different. The term covers everything from the autism spectrum to ADHD issues to our own individual quirks and how we interact, learn, and understand each other.
When it comes to neurodivergence, the legal system has a particular interest. It has been estimated about 12.5% of lawyers report having ADHD, attention deficit disorders, nearly triple the rate of the general population. And that’s just the beginning.
Law is a stressful profession, and many may not know they have a neurodivergence issue – issues that may only reveal themselves under extreme stress. That’s why awareness is so important as we learn to account for our own differences and others’ and make sure we are communicating with and understanding coworkers and even opposing counsel and witnesses.
It all starts with being aware and giving thought to how the person across the desk processes information and communicates. As the great (fictional) attorney Atticus Finch taught us in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Mentioned in This Episode:
San Diego Paralegal Association
“Lawyers With ADHD: Understanding Neurodiversity in the Legal Profession,” JD Nation
Christina Hough’s Presentation
Alexander LaRiviere from expert service provider Bicycle Accident Investigations addresses typical bicycle mechanical failures and the impact on trials and cases.
Also, Tiffany may be number 1 in his heart (she's not), but she's also not number 1 in her class.
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Of all the iconic lines from Dr. Strangelove, maybe the best is "You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!" Recently, Harvard began punishing students (and faculty) for silent library protests while studying almost as though maintaining a "non-disruptive atmosphere" isn't the school's real concern. Donald Trump brags about Tiffany Trump's class ranking... even though her law school doesn't rank students. And states are preparing for the Supreme Court to launch a large-scale rollback on rights.
Guest Peggy Gruenke is an expert in the accounting management tools tailored to small law firms. Gruenke is the founder and co-owner of CPN Legal, helping small and solo firm lawyers manage and grow their business through legal software solutions and outsourced financial management and bookkeeping services.
Let’s talk about your firm’s finances and profitability: how are you keeping track of your business? Hear what’s new in automated accounting packages – but don’t give up on Quickbooks, and don’t cut ties with your bookkeeper.
Online accounting services are great. But they are not meant to replace a professional, especially as your firm grows. You’re not a bookkeeper, you’re a lawyer. But these tools do help with the basics of money management. The challenge is mixing and matching.
Operational efficiencies and financial planning are part of running a successful firm. Don’t shortchange the importance of bookkeeping and managing your income, marketing ROI, expenses, and taxes. It’s vital you keep your finger on the pulse of your business, and there are tools and people who can help you. As Gruenke says, “Treat your business with respect.”
Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com
Topics:
- If you’re a small or solo firm, you’re a business. Every business must track their finances, their expenses, and their taxes. Hear about the latest tools that help you track every part of your firm’s financial life.
- Repeat after us: Lawyers are not bookkeepers. This is why you need not only software but someone who tracks your business performance, watches your bottom line, and keeps you ready for tax time.
- Security, checks and balances, and financial snapshots are all vital. It’s a lot to keep up with, but investing the time and money to assemble the tools you need will help you grow (and profit).
Mentioned in This Episode:
Previously on New Solo, “New From Clio: Legal Practice Management Including Legal Accounting”
Previously on New Solo, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals”
Previously on New Solo, “Oh, The Messes We See”
Software and AI have become a significant part of today’s patent litigation landscape. Our round table of expert patent attorneys explains the ongoing impact of the 2014 Alice decision and examines the fuzzy lines of “significant advances” and “inventive concept” in current patent law.
AI replacing lawyers… undercapitalized marketing budgets… unanswered calls… the horror! Clio’s 2024 Legal Trends Report is a scary-good resource for attorneys, and the insights from its massive data set are super helpful from oh-so many angles. The guys unwrap their top fun-size tidbits for discussion and offer tips for applying them in your law firm. They discuss the AI revolution, stats on law firm communications, tactics for higher conversion rates, and more.
Read the full report! It’s here, and it’s free: Clio’s 2024 Legal Trends Report
Mentioned in this Episode:
BEDLAM - Mockingbird Client Conference
Connect:
The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!
Let’s talk about technology and how it fits into your practice. Fact is, the old yellow pad and document boxes are no longer your friends. Your clients expect you to use technology to be more efficient and effective.
Guest Richard “Rich” Dukes Jr. has gone paperless. So has his entire South Carolina law firm. Today’s tech drives efficiency whether that’s in document review, witness preparation, or even courtroom presentation.
Hear how Dukes evaluates each evolution of tech tools, how he decides if they will truly elevate his productivity, and how easy they will be to introduce to his colleagues and incorporate them into his practice.
Time is an attorney’s most valuable commodity. Technology can give you more time. Coming next, AI. Dukes has some ideas of where artificial intelligence may upend the next generation of legal tech tools. Put down the pen and pad and start working smarter today.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Guest Bogdan Savych, a senior policy analyst at the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), discusses his new paper, written with David Neumark, entitled “Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments.”
WCRI studied the impact of attorney representation when it comes to indemnity payments (income replacement benefits) for injured workers in what, on its face, is supposed to be a straightforward Workers’ Compensation system. What impact, statistically, does having an attorney represent an injured worker have on payments?
Not surprisingly, Savych’s research found that for workers, having an attorney represent them in their claims can result in higher payments, but there is still work to be done. And, as host Alan S. Pierce notes, it’s even possible involving an attorney can save the Workers’ Comp insurance company money by identifying other parties who are liable for the injury through negligence. But then, what about attorney fees? There are myriad factors to consider, and, as we know, every state is different.
If you’re an attorney who represents injured workers in Workers’ Compensation claims, or you’re otherwise connected to the world of Workers’ Comp, consider joining WCRI as a member.
If you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Previously on Workers Comp Matters, “The Attorney’s Role in Workers Compensation”
When it comes to your law firm’s finances, you need to ensure that your practices are efficient, confidential, and compliant. Karolina Sikorska and Lydia Malone welcome Peggy Gruenke of CPN Legal to talk through the benefits of expert accounting and bookkeeping for law firms. Peggy shares her passion for helping attorneys build better businesses and how CPN leverages Clio’s systems to create a seamless experience for law firms.
Peggy Gruenke is co-founder of Cincinnati-based CPN Legal, which provides accounting and bookkeeping services to law firms, including Clio Grow and Manage setup and workflow design.
Naturally, it is essential for a legal tech business like Clio to be in compliance with the laws and regulations that govern the attorneys they serve. So, how do they ensure that their platform can do what it needs to do for their clients? Laurence Colletti sits down with Niamh Pollak to learn how Clio navigates compliance across a huge number of geographic areas and unique practice area needs. They discuss Clio’s efforts to help lawyers transform and grow their practices with tools that meet the changing needs of modern law firms.
Niamh Pollak is Vice President of Legal at Clio.
For almost fifty years, coal dominated the Navajo economy. In April of 2017, the Public Service Company of New Mexico announced they planned to close the San Juan Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in New Mexico, and replace it with other energy sources, including wind and solar. In 2022, the San Juan Generating Station in New Mexico closed, and on August 24, 2024, the station was demolished with a cleanup expected in 2025.
The demolition of the station received mixed reviews from the Navajo Nation. While some supported the demolition, others were tied to the history of the industry and how it provided for their families.
In this episode, Craig is joined by Dr. Andrew Curley, Assistant Professor at the School of Geography, Development & Environment at the University of Arizona. Craig and Andrew discuss coal, its history and use, the impact it has had on the Navajo Nation, the labor force, and the environment, and what the future holds.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Carbon Sovereignty: Coal, Development, and Energy Transition in the Navajo Nation
The first image conjured in your mind by the word “sheriff” might be the protagonist of a Wild West movie or Robin Hood’s foe, the Sheriff of Nottingham. But unless you’re a resident of Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii and Rhode Island, there’s likely an elected law-enforcement official in your area who holds that title.
In The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy, lawyer and journalist Jessica Pishko takes a deep dive into the history of this position in American life, and at a far-right movement hoping to co-opt the role of sheriff to advance extreme conservative policies.
There are some 3,000 sheriffs in the United States, one per county (or county equivalent). In this episode of The Modern Law Library, Pishko and the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles discuss how the rural/urban divide impacts the demographics of sheriffs. Ninety-seven percent of the land area in the United States is considered rural, but only 20% of the people live in those rural areas. In the 2020 census, Greene County, Alabama, had 7,730 residents and one sheriff. Cook County, Illinois, which contains the city of Chicago, had 5,275,541 residents and one sheriff. This leads to a larger proportion of sheriffs representing a rural and more conservative demographic, Pishko says.
Pishko explains the “constitutional sheriff” movement, including its similarities to other fringe movements like the sovereign citizens. Adherents claim that sheriffs alone have the power to interpret how the Constitution and the first 10 Amendments should be enforced in their counties. They claim that state governments, the federal government, the president and the U.S. Supreme Court have no power over sheriffs, and that as elected officials, sheriffs are answerable only to their constituents.
In this episode, Pishko also describes the large role sheriffs have in incarcerations, how their enforcement powers differ or overlap with police, and what disciplinary or oversight measures are available when a sheriff abuses their office. Pishko and Rawles also discuss the roles sheriffs might have in local elections, and whether they might have an impact on the 2024 presidential election.
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
Learn how to exceed expectations and thrive as a new lawyer from a panel of seasoned attorneys who are open and honest about what it takes to make partner, navigate your career, and excel in the legal field. Special thanks to our friends over at Litigation Radio, ABA's Section of Litigation and Podcast Host Dave Scriven-Young for sharing this special episode with us. For more conversations with top litigators, judges, and experts, subscribe to Litigation Radio on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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Newly admitted lawyers can feel overwhelmed and intimidated. Law schools can’t teach everything, and there’s a lot of on-the-job learning. Some of the work is difficult and complicated. Some of what’s required is as simple as showing up on time and doing work that looks perfect and is free of typos (yes, that matters, even for internal communications).
With each task, the best new lawyers progress from competence to excellence. Start with the goal of being a “superstar associate” by being the best lawyer you can be. When new lawyers take on tasks and do good work, others will notice and will mentor you. What any new lawyer makes of their earliest experience in any firm will drive them to the next level, no matter their career path.
This episode shares tips for standing out and learning how to be a lawyer from two attorneys who have excelled in their careers and have made partner at their respective firms.
Resources:
What New Lawyers Must Know on Their First Day on the Job
Early Career Success for Attorneys Can Come from Developing Your "Ownership Mindset"
Great Lawyers Don't Only Point Out Problems—They Offer Solutions
Success in the Legal Profession Is Not Achieved Through Participation Trophies
Building a Career you Love as a Young Lawyer
Some Advice to the New or Soon-to-be Lawyer
Top Tips for Young Lawyers: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Legal Career
In August, the city of Chicago welcomed the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and delegates formally selected Kamala Harris as the nominee for President following President Biden’s departure from the race. But, let’s back up a second. Where exactly did those nominating delegates come from? Chicago attorney Aurora Austriaco joins Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Tracy Brammeier to discuss her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 DNC. Aurora outlines the process and responsibilities involved in becoming a delegate and shares highlights and impactful moments from the convention.
Aurora Austriaco is a Shareholder with Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel P.C., an all women owned law firm concentrating in the areas of commercial litigation, business litigation and real estate.
The republican party of the 1990s must be turning over in its grave because the modern GOP is arguing teen pregnancy is a good thing. Equity partnership in Biglaw is a financial windfall, unless you're in the 10-30% of partners getting a compensation cut. And do you like messy, I mean MESSY, legal drama? The latest from the Texas bankruptcy court romantic scandal is eye popping.
Setting a clear vision for your law firm can be challenging for many attorneys. Lawyers are highly educated and intelligent professionals, but they may not have the business knowledge to maximize their success. Dan Lear welcomes Mark Britton and Alex Shipillo to hear about their session on practical business strategies for modern, competitive law firms. They talk about developing fundamental values, identifying key performance indicators, effective collaboration, and other operational principles for transforming your legal practice.
Mark Britton is the founder of the legal marketplace, Avvo.com.
Alex Shipillo is the Vice President of Growth Marketing at Clio.
Disbursing settlements can be challenging. Today’s discussion covers claims on the settlement, special needs trusts and structured settlement annuities.
Your underutilized, underappreciated marketing directors are writing quite the sob stories in their journals every night. Is your law firm worthy of their complaints?
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Today, we’re picking the heart-shaped lock of every law firm marketing director’s innermost desires and disappointments. Gyi and Conrad unpack the age-old issues between marketers and those they serve to (hopefully) broaden understanding for both sides. They outline some of the common mistakes made by each party—lawyers v. marketers—and give tactical advice for collaboration that encourages the bloom of efficiency and profitability. They pick apart the faulty ideology around referrals, search, and marketing budgets that could be stunting your firm’s growth and your marketer’s potential.
Later, which should you pick—Ahrefs or Semrush? The guys answer a listener question on which, if either, of these tools is best, but not without a few caveats.
The News:
- Search Engine Land Acquired by Semrush – Eh, this probably isn’t great for Search Engine Land’s readers.
- There’s got to be some sort of stupid Type-A ego B.S. going on with this whole situation: WP Engine asks court to stop Matt Mullenweg from blocking access to WordPress resources - The Verge.
- Allison McKeen, Ryan McKeen, and Brittany Green launched a great new book (and may, or may not, be Mando fans)! – The Way: A Simple Roadmap for Leading a Healthy Law Firm
Suggested Episodes:
Dear State Bar Regulator - South Carolina Edition
Connect:
The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!
Experts discuss the professionalization of pro bono legal services on Talk Justice. Pro bono work is often thought of as a side project that lawyers perform, but legal aid organizations that can rely on full-time staff have increased opportunities to expand services and provide more intensive client service through pro bono. A growing number of people and firms are making pro bono their full-time occupations and bringing professionalism to this area of legal practice.
In this episode, Jonathan Steele, a Chicago-based divorce attorney and partner at Behrman LLP, shares crucial insights on cybersecurity tailored for law firms. The discussion covers prevalent digital threats like phishing attacks, business email compromises, and domain security issues.
Jonathan stresses the importance of identifying suspicious emails, employing preventive measures such as DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records, and the vital role of modern techniques like pen testing. The conversation highlights the generational challenges in adopting security practices such as zero trust and multi-factor authentication, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, updated security systems, and proper training.
Practical advice on protecting sensitive client data and personal information from identity theft and data brokers is offered, alongside a recommendation for Michael Basil's 'Extreme Privacy' book. This episode provides a well-rounded approach to maintaining robust cybersecurity in the evolving digital landscape.
Jonathan gives listeners actionable tips on:
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:50 Common Cyber Threats to Law Firms
- 02:59 Recognizing and Handling Phishing Attempts
- 08:18 Email Security and Domain Protection
- 12:47 Updating IT Practices for Modern Security
- 14:07 Challenges with Legacy IT Systems
- 17:34 Legal Implications of Cybersecurity
- 18:15 Personal vs. Business Cybersecurity
- 19:04 Reputation and Legal Risks
- 21:25 Evolving Threat Landscape
- 23:34 Book Recommendation
- 29:58 Ongoing Cybersecurity Practices
- 31:17 Final Takeaways and Conclusion
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- RYqzrV5ThFwA4M24Vwx0zms1MgxZy6aq53xZo6nBMpA0njWHjdda37mBA3FuJENdPajxbHMQyCastl7ec9M3dYOZNv2P7lDVhn3BXG0.hBSkcS9jINTNnV06o7YXxBhP5pvQXUy64dvzRWkqxbw&dib_tag=se&keywords=extreme+privacy&qid=1729017135&sprefix=extreme+pri%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1">Extreme Privacy by Michael Bazzell
Connect with Jonathan here:
Connect with me
Are current tech regulations adequately keeping pace with rapid changes in the area of technology? Working together, what can lawyers and regulators do to move forward ethically—always with access to justice in mind? Speakers Jayne Reardon, Chris Bentley, and Phil Brown share highlights from their discussion on the current landscape of this area, with a particular focus on the justice gap. They share their ideology on improving legal service delivery with technology and encourage fellow legal professionals to be innovators and advocates for leveraging technology in the fight for greater access to justice.
Jayne R. Reardon is a Partner and Deputy General Counsel at FisherBroyles LLP, a distributed global law firm.
Chris Bentley is the Managing Director of the Legal Innovation Zone and the Law Practice Program, both housed at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Phil Brown is the Acting Director of Practice Supports and Resources at the Law Society of Ontario.
Differentiating your law firm in a competitive market is essential for success. Dan Lear talks with session speakers Bob Simon, Rob Dickson, and Jenny Dingus about highlights from their panel geared toward midsize and large law firms. In the new age of AI, they discuss the latest implementations for legal software (including Clio Grow), genAI tools, automation, marketing, and more, helping firms understand how to adapt to changing trends.
Robert Simon is a trial lawyer and founder of the Justice Team and Justice HQ.
Robert Dickson serves as the Managing Partner of Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the Pacific Northwest.
Jenny Dingus is the Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Clio.
As genAI continues to edge into all facets of our lives, Dr. Megan Ma has been exploring integrations for this technology in legal, but, more importantly, how it can help lawyers and law students hone their legal skills. Dennis and Tom talk with Dr. Ma about her work and career path and many of the latest developments in legal tech. They take a deep dive into a variety of burgeoning AI tools and trends, and Dr. Ma discusses how her interdisciplinary mindset has helped her develop a unique perspective on the possibilities for AI in the legal profession and beyond.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Dr. Megan Ma is a Research Fellow and the Associate Director of the Stanford Program in Law, Science, and Technology and the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics (CodeX).
Show Notes KMR Episode 376:
- The Language of the Law, by David Mellinkoff
- Stelo - Glucose Biosensor
- Thinking about AI in a new way… Logical fallacies: Seven ways to spot a bad argument
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:
ABA Task Force for Democracy
democracy-task-force.pdf">ABA Task Force for Democracy
From young attorneys to the Chief Justice, a lot of lawyers are dropping the ball.
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We've got some young lawyers out there who don't understand the basics of professionalism and it runs a lot deeper than just lacking experience. That said, there are some experienced attorneys falling down on fulfilling a different set of professional obligations. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Roberts is apparently very, very sad that the public didn't appreciate his latest Constitutional rewrite.
To celebrate and reward folks who are utilizing Clio to the maximum degree, the Reisman Awards honor those who stand out with excellence in their legal practice. Laurence Colletti talks with Taylor Lecky and Nick Anderson about the selection process, and they also highlight some of this year’s winners.
Taylor Lecky is Customer Marketing Manager at Clio.
Nick Anderson is Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Clio.
The generative artificial intelligence tool is not just designed to transcribe depositions. It looks for inconsistencies. It suggests questions to ask. It analyzes the transcript in real time to see whether there are issues that have to be cleared up or areas of weakness to address. In other words, it's like having another attorney in the room—only one who's capable of digesting large amounts of data and analyzing it quickly.
Ed Herman discusses the power of brand affection in marketing. The firm’s Emmy Award winning corporate videos, “Three Layers Eating Sandwiches” “Ed Versus” “Terry’s Safety Squad” and others have been watched for over 1.8 million hours. That’s a lot of name recognition!
In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table:
- The ROI of hiring. It’s important. You may think hiring someone, say a paralegal, will cost you money. Successful firms won’t consider hiring someone if they don’t already know they’re going to make money. Firms use benchmarks to weigh the cost of a new hire against anticipated additional revenue. This is math, not “gut feeling,” and you can do it! Listen to find out how.
- Dive into the results of a legal industry “secret shopper” study by Clio. The scientific data shows law firms stink at answering calls, responding to emails, and even monitoring chatbots. The first rule of success? When a potential client knocks, open the door. Can AI help?
- How do you incentivize a high performing team? What kind of rewards are appropriate? And if your team is already firing on all cylinders, what else can you incentivize? Hear how you can help high performers earn more and grow by finding new tasks where they can take over and excel.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Moneyball, what your firm can learn about ROI from a movie about baseball
Google local search ads, be better
Tips for better Google reviews
Stephen Bright made it his life's work to unleash social change by representing unpopular clients--namely those on death row. Remarkably, he succeeded, winning all four cases he argued before the Supreme Court. Robert Tsai chronicles Stephen Bright's decades long fight to ensure equality under the law that is still being challenged at the Supreme Court today.
The infamous cheating scandal from the 1919 World Series, between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, broke America’s belief in the purity and innocence of baseball. As the story slowly unfolded, it became filled with all the colorful characters you’d expect from 1920s America: baseball players with catchy nicknames, short-tempered gangsters/gamblers immaculately dressed in business pinstripe suits, newspaper reporters and radio broadcasters with flowery descriptions of the trial as if itself was a baseball game, and even New York mob boss Arnold Rothstein, who was alleged (but never proven …) to be the impetus of the scandal.
Unfortunately, the Black Sox trial transcripts were lost long ago, requiring modern-day historians to rely on newspaper reports of trial testimony, which sometimes were sensationalized for their readers and at other times were directly contrary to one another. From this reality, admittedly many of the facts about the scandal we examine in this episode are (true to this show’s title) In Dispute.
LINKS:
- Sign up for our newsletter so that you’re the first to know when new episodes drop!
- Listen to J. Craig Williams’ other podcast, Lawyer 2 Lawyer.
- Tell us what you’re looking forward to the most for this show on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram!
- Purchase the e-book.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS:
Todd Berger as Eddie Cicotte
Brandon Harpold as Shoeless Joe Jackson
Adam Lockwood as Carl Victor Little
Alan Chudnow as “Sleepy Bill” Burns
Chad Trudeau as James “Ropes” O’Brien
Dennis Kennedy as David Zelzer
Tom Mighell as Al Spink
Jim Brady as Commissioner Landis
Lily Spader as Newspaper Journalist #1
Nathan Todhunter as Newspaper Journalist #2
Thomas Wolfe as Radio Broadcaster #1
Cari Lockwood as Radio Broadcaster #2
Unsurprisingly, this year’s Legal Trends Report significantly showcased AI's ever-developing impacts in the legal world. To examine this and other major findings of the report, Christopher Anderson and Laurence Colletti welcome Clio’s Joshua Lenon to unpack and explain new trends. They discuss AI’s many uses and current acceptance amongst lawyers and clients, outline new billing trends, and more.
Joshua Lenon is an attorney and serves as lawyer-in-residence for Clio, providing legal scholarship and research skills to the cloud-based practice management platform.
What’s next for Rule 21? After a year of progress, JoAnn Hathaway and Molly Ranns welcome April Alleman back to the podcast to learn about the updates for important elements of Michigan’s succession planning requirements. Planning for the future of your legal practice is essential for all attorneys. April gives an overview of the processes pertaining to Rule 21 and the Interim Administrator Program and what attorneys should do to ensure compliance.
For more detailed information on Rule 21, listen to previous SBM podcast episode: Rule 21: Law Practice Succession Planning on Legal Talk Network.
April Alleman is Succession Planning Program Counsel at the State Bar of Michigan.
The role of the Vice President of the United States is an important one, but what actual power does it hold? Recently, vice president candidate JD Vance spoke publicly about the power of the vice presidency, the role of presiding over the electoral count as President of the Senate, and what he would have done if he was in former Vice President Mike Pence’s shoes on January 6th 2021.
In this episode, Craig is joined by Matthew Seligman, a fellow at the Stanford Constitutional Law Center, as they discuss the power of the vice presidency, the presiding role over the electoral count, and clarify the role of the vice presidency.
Mentioned in This Episode:
vance-vice-president.html">"How JD Vance Disqualified Himself” by Matthew Seligman (The New York Times)
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.
One of the biggest splashes at this year’s ClioCon was the launch of Clio Duo, an AI-powered assistant to enhance your practice management software. Christopher Anderson sat down with Jonathan Watson to learn the ins and outs of this new tool and practical use-case scenarios for attorneys and law firm staff. They discuss a day in the life of Clio Duo and highlight some of its powerful features that increase productivity and efficiency in your legal practice.
Jonathan Watson is the Chief Technology Officer at Clio.
Most—though not all—of the 13 short stories in Company deal with members of the Collins family. Three generations of narrators bear witness to the changing fortunes of the family, and as with any witness statement, everyone has a different perspective on what actually happened. Also, there are ghosts—and at least one witch.
The matriarch and patriarch of the Collins family ran a jazz club in Atlantic City. Their four daughters and eight grandchildren face issues of race and class, fecundity and infertility, marriage and divorce.
In this episode of The Modern Law Library, the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles speaks with author Shannon Sanders about the similarity between crafting a perfect brief and a short story, and its differences from novel writing. They discuss the ways families are built, through biology, shared experiences and legal paperwork.
Sanders shares how she balances her full-time legal work, her family life and her work as a writer. She also offers tips for people looking to publish their short stories in magazines and literary journals. The hardback version of Company is available now, and the paperback will be released on Nov. 12.
In the wake of yet another legal tech acquisition, the guys offer up tactical insights on legal directories. These paid listings for attorneys have been around for ages, but are they actually bringing customers to your law firm?
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Steeper and steeper prices for online legal directories are making many lawyers really question whether the juice is worth the squeeze. So, is it? As the old attorney saying goes—it depends. Gyi and Conrad outline the potential value and downsides of directories and how to vet these services to ensure your investment is worthwhile.
The News:
- Instability, uncertainty… not a good look. What’s going on, Wordpress? – WP Engine vs. WP
- Google AI Overview ads launch on mobile in U.S. – Because, you know, they’ve got to keep up in the AI arms race.
- Apparently, Conrad has powers of divination! – Internet Brands buys Findlaw
- Conrad wrote a great article on brand costs in PPC for SearchEngineLand – Branded keywords: How Google Ads drives up CPCs
Suggested Episodes:
Online Legal Directories, Worth Your Time (And Dough)?
5 Ways To Make Your Google Profile Pop || Is Your Chat Service Selling Your Leads?
Mentioned in this Episode:
Guide to Escaping FindLaw - FindLaw Jailbreak Guide | Mockingbird
The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!
Why not?
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Kathryn Mizelle was rated unqualified by the ABA and it shows. The Trump appointee just took it upon herself to rewrite the law despite acknowledging that higher courts have explicitly declined to do so. But she's a very special snowflake apparently. Law school rankings are primed for a major shuffle if we're to believe the available data. And... why do we need a new Matlock?
It may feel awkward or uncomfortable to ask for help. But if you try our tips, you may be surprised by how pleased people are to be asked to help you.
Legal aid directors from Minnesota and Arkansas discuss their multi-faceted efforts to attract and retain high-quality attorneys and other staff on Talk Justice. It’s no secret that legal aid does not lead to the highest potential salaries in the profession. While legal aid has much to offer in terms of opportunities for high-impact, rewarding work, program directors must be creative to attract and retain staff with their limited resources.
The next few years promise to be hugely transformative for the legal industry, and attorneys who maintain a focus on their firm’s momentum are bound to have greater success. Jack Newton discusses technology trends and tactics that will help lawyers stay ahead of the game. He talks through AI’s impacts in the legal profession, Clio’s latest product updates and investments, and more.
Jack Newton is the CEO and co-founder of Clio.
In this episode, John P. David, president of the David PR Group, discusses how law firms can prepare for and manage public relations crises. He outlines the importance of having a media policy, preparing for predictable and unexpected crises, and ensuring a single, clear point of communication during such events.
John also emphasizes the role of PR professionals in handling crises effectively, by understanding media dynamics and delivering consistent messaging. The conversation provides vital insights into crisis management planning for law firms, including addressing regulatory challenges and the significance of updating privacy policies. Finally, the discussion touches on the importance of hiring experts for crisis situations and includes a book recommendation for personal reading enjoyment.
John gives listeners actionable tips on:
- 00:00 Intro
- 00:39 The Importance of PR for Law Firms
- 01:14 Handling a PR Crisis: Initial Steps
- 03:20 Predictable vs. Unpredictable Crises
- 04:03 Creating a Media Policy
- 12:26 Regulatory and Ethical Considerations for Law Firms
- 13:24 Unexpected Crises and Communication Strategies
- 21:32 The Role of a PR Expert in Crisis Management
- 26:41 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with John here:
Connect with me
Lawyers have long been hesitant to adopt technology, but the rapid advancements in generative AI have sparked a new curiosity in many attorneys. Are we heading toward a mindset shift in the profession and a swift increase in tech use? Dennis and Tom welcome Cat Moon to the podcast to get her take on the current state of AI and other technologies in the legal world. Drawing from her expertise in working with both practicing attorneys and law students, Cat shares insights on experimentation in her AI-focused lab work, collaboration strategies, tech education, and the vital importance of humble curiosity.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Caitlin “Cat” Moon is the Director of Innovation Design for the Program in Law and Innovation at Vanderbilt Law School.
Show Notes KMR Episode 375:
- Do something new with genAI every day—read something, do something, try something.
- NotebookLM now lets you listen to a conversation about your sources
- Personal Quarterly Offsites and your personal AI agenda
What do you do if the marketing agency you are engaged with gets acquired? Legal marketing experts Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam break down the news of Scorpion’s acquisition of Get Noticed Get Found and get into the potential pitfalls of YOUR marketing agency getting bought out. Learn the crucial things to watch for, like loss of data control, hidden fees, and potential conflicts of interest. Don't get caught off guard—stay informed and protect your firm's interests!
strengthens-commitment-to-legal-industry-with-acquisition-of-get-noticed-get-found-advancing-its-consolidation-strategy-302251149.html">Press Release: Scorpion Acquires GNGF
0:15 Get Noticed Get Found Acquired by Scorpion
3:15 Does my agency have a conflict of interest?
6:28 Can I choose where my ads run?
8:45 Are you renting your own website?
14:22 What are the legal ramifications?
16:10 Transparency, Data, Ownership
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:
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!
At the 2024 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Scott C. Skelton’s session on the ethical handling of mistakes in legal practice was immensely helpful to attendees. Rocky Dhir welcomes Scott to the podcast to discuss his session and get more details on this important topic. If you think you’ve committed malpractice, what should you do? Scott shares experiences from his own career and explains how honesty, transparency, and graciousness in legal practice can help attorneys move forward from mistakes with integrity.
Scott C. Skelton is a founding member of Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells.
Legal burnout. It’s a real thing. Let’s talk about it. On the podcast “The Legal Burnouts,” guests Kate Bridal and Josey Hoff have opened up about burnout. Both worked in law, Bridal as an attorney and Hoff as a paralegal. One day they realized they’d had enough. They were burned out. They know what they’re talking about, and they know what many in the legal profession are going through.
Burnout is real. It’s an emotionally grinding field with physically grueling time demands. If you’re feeling the stress, understand what your body is telling you. Understand that you are not alone and know that it’s OK to talk about it.
Bridal and Hoff explain how to recognize burnout and how to put a name on what you feel. Of course, there are times when you’ll work hard, there are periods of stress in any job. But when you find that you can’t turn it off, that every stressful day leads to another stressful day, when you can’t let yourself take a break, it may be time to examine what’s going on in your life.
Legal professionals are by nature competitive, driven people. It can be hard to turn that off or accept that you’ve simply reached your limit and don’t have another gear. But there is more to life, take care of yourself.
If you have insights you’d like to share or a topic you’d like us to take on, please send us a note at Jfrancisco@lawgical.com and HaveASipp@gmail.com.
The majority of the Supreme Court keeps diluting bribery laws and Eric Adams had best hope they aren't done yet.
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Eric Adams got indicted last week and quickly pulled out the big litigation guns to explain that the Supreme Court already said bribery was cool. Meanwhile, Jonathan Turley rushed to the embattled mayor's defense to explain why ACTUALLY it was way worse that AOC once wore a borrowed dress to a party. Judge Pauline Newman's fight to end the pocket impeachment her colleagues on the Federal Circuit imposed upon her has added even more objective medical evidence that the other judges will continue to pretend they can't understand. And Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 home run ball reminds everyone that free stuff still has taxable value.
Should business decisions in your firm be driven by data or experience or both? Ed Herman explains the nuts and bolts of growing a firm and the importance of intake.
David Noll and Jon Michaels, authors of Vigilante Nation, discuss the reemergence of state-supported vigilantism. Noll and Michaels explain the vigilante methods, from anti-abortion bounties to book bans to the January 6 attack on the Capitol. They also provide a path forward, outlining what needs to be done to stop these efforts.
Get the most out of today’s tech products that are specifically created to save you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on getting results for your clients. Guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson’s biz tech consulting firm helps small and solo firms apply tech solutions without being overwhelmed and learn the “80/20 Rule,” getting more output with less input.
When it comes to efficiencies, automation plays a big role. In a solo or small firm, resources come at a premium. Learn to reduce wasted input through standardized, repeatable operating procedures and automation. (There are even tech products that help you create written standard processes learning from and organizing the work you’re already doing).
Imagine speaking into an app as you “brain dump” and having those thoughts come out organized and notated for later use. Imagine dictating legal work into an app and having AI organize your dictation, even correct it. You don’t need to type everything in today’s tech world. Maximize downtime.
It’s all about training yourself to think “automation first.” Even when a virtual assistant (VA) located in another country can fill gaps in your practice, learn your preferences, match your brand, and help you be your most efficient you without hiring a full-tie employee. Today’s most successful law firms are high-tech hubs. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back.
Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com
Topics:
- There’s no reason for a solo practitioner or small firm not to engage in today’s tech. Leverage technology to get a lot of results without a lot of effort. Learn how the “80/20 Rule” helps you get more done with less effort.
- If you’re a lawyer, time spent marketing is time spent not lawyering. Automation can perform repeatable marketing tasks (even social media, newsletters, and referral marketing) to help you bring in new business while you focus on results for your clients.
- Virtual assistants, or VAs, are remote workers, often in another country, who can perform the routine tasks that are eating up your time while you focus on practicing law.
Mentioned in This Episode:
“8 Great TextExpander Alternatives”
While Craig is on vacation, we’re re-airing one of our favorite episodes from the Lawyer 2 Lawyer library so you can re-listen or be introduced for the first time if you’re a new subscriber. As many of you know, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are currently stranded in space due to a problem with the Boeing Starliner and will now be rescued in February of 2025! This brings up many questions pertaining to the legal arena of space law.
In this archived episode, originally recorded in September of 2019, titled, Space Law, Craig spoke with Attorneys Michelle Hanlon and Mark Sundahl as they discussed pertinent space case law, and other related legal issues in the space law arena.
Craig will be back soon with all new episodes of Lawyer 2 Lawyer. As we await his return, you can also get caught up on In Dispute, Craig’s new podcast, about 10 famous trials that changed history. Enjoy!
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!
Rob van Akelijen, P.E., CFEI from expert service provider S-E-A addresses industrial automation and control systems and mitigating potential failures.
At the moment of conviction, the incentive to safeguard evidence diminishes in the eyes of the Criminal Justice System. That’s why it is critically important to act quickly to ensure evidence remains available for future appeals. Without it, your fight for freedom could be over before it even begins. In this episode, host Michael Semanchik is joined by Raquel Barilla, former Staff Attorney and Volunteer Coordinator at the California Innocence Project; Alissa Bjerkhoel, former Litigation Coordinator at the California Innocence Project; and Alex Simpson, former Associate Director and Resident Expert for Evidence Preservation at the California Innocence Project. Together, they discuss methods for preserving evidence. Tune in to learn what to do if the unthinkable happens.
Why do professors think everyone has to personally experience the facts to understand the law?
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Hardcore porn shows up in a law school lecture. You know, the rest of us managed to learn the relevant standards for obscenity laws within the context of the First Amendment without visual aides. Also, Diddy's lawyers forgot how track changes works with embarrassing results. And Judge Aileen Cannon doesn't know her Founding Fathers... how a flubbed disclosure form speaks to Originalism's cynical lie.
Jill Barton spent the first decade of her career working as a journalist, with the Associated Press Stylebook always at hand to determine word usage and punctuation choices. But when she became an attorney, she says, she realized that there was no single equivalent style guide when it came to legal writing—and she had to adjust to using the Oxford comma.
As a professor of legal writing at the University of Miami, she also began to notice a contrast between the classic 19th and 20th century court opinions her students were being given to read and the style of writing coming out of the U.S. Supreme Court in the 21st century. Standards were changing at the highest court of the land, but the wider legal community wasn’t necessarily aware of it. Barton spent five years analyzing more than 10,000 pages from Supreme Court opinions, and The Supreme Guide to Writing is the result.
In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Barton and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss her findings, and what some of the bigger surprises were. One of her biggest takeaways is that the justices are not a conservative bunch when it comes to writing style.
For example, during most of Justice Antonin Scalia’s tenure on the court, he was a strident opponent of contractions—can’t, don’t, shouldn’t were always cannot, do not, should not. But in his final years, Scalia did sprinkle in a few contractions, and his replacement, Justice Neil Gorsuch, is “King of the Contractions,” Barton says.
The justices were willing to depart from grammar rules if adhering to them caused stilted writing, Barton found. Chief Justice John Roberts uses commas based on cadence rather than simply following strict English grammar guidance. All the justices showed a marked preference for active verbs and shorter, simpler phrases. They have adapted to using pronouns that match litigants’ gender identities, and to using the singular “they” rather than “he or she.”
The Supreme Guide to Writing notes when the court shows unanimity in a usage rule, and when there is disagreement. While each justice shows internal consistency with how they show a possessive when a singular noun ends in “s,” there is no group consensus on apostrophe-s versus a single apostrophe. Barton discusses her research process, offers more insight into the way legal language is evolving, and shares how practitioners can use her book to modernize their own writing.
This episode is dedicated to Amy Gunn’s beloved Sun Bun Gunn, who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’ll talk about the special place pets hold in our lives and why we think every dedicated trial attorney should consider a pet.
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!
Gyi, Conrad, and a roomful of attorneys got together for a Q&A session addressing real lawyers’ most pressing legal marketing queries. Every law firm has different resources, assets, liabilities, niches, advantages, connections, etc. So, how do you take your uniqueness and make your firm stand out? This episode showcases highlights from their session, where the guys offered tactical advice on the marketing issues that are consistently top of mind for law firms.
The News:
- Big money flying around in the agency world — Scorpion acquired Get Noticed Get Found. Here’s the news bit: strengthens-commitment-to-legal-industry-with-acquisition-of-get-noticed-get-found-advancing-its-consolidation-strategy-302251149.html">Scorpion Strengthens Commitment to Legal Industry with Acquisition of Get Noticed Get Found, Advancing its Consolidation Strategy. And, Conrad’s thoughts: What to do when your Agency is Purchased by Scorpion.
- Filevine has big news… and we beat Bob Ambrogi to the punch—ha! (Oh, you know we love you, Bob.) Now, what news, pray tell? Filevine’s got a lot going on:
- Even better end-to-end automated workflows
- AIFields: Instant Legal Document Analysis & Insights
- Filevine Revolutionizes Depositions with Depo CoPilot, an AI-Powered Second Chair for Litigation Attorneys
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!
Legal experts discuss their research into civil legal services and initiatives for addressing the access to justice crisis. Stanford’s Rhode Center is partnering with the Legal Design Lab and the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to collaboratively research, design and implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to improve access to justice for court users. Also, a look into the history of auto clubs shows how UPL has evolved.
Guest Shaun Jardine is an unapologetic disrupter in the world of pricing and billing by lawyers and law firms. He’s leading the charge to move from traditional billable hour pricing – charging for time – to the emerging revolution of value-based pricing. Charge for the results you achieve for your clients, not the time you spent getting there.
Are you still charging for time? Why not base your pricing on your experience, your wisdom, your education, the outcomes your clients want, and everything you bring to the table. Clients don’t want your time, they want their problems solved.
It’s not “the way we’ve always done things,” but Jardine explains why change is inevitable. As technology, notably AI, accelerates the practice of law, why should a lawyer charge less – fewer billable hours – for achieving results faster and more efficiently?
The move to value-based pricing isn’t like flipping a switch. It will take effort, and it will involve your entire team, from HR to marketing, to lawyers and paralegals. But in a changing world, sticking with the old ways may not be an option. This fascinating conversation will ignite your curiosity and challenge you to think differently.
Mentioned in This Episode:
“Ditch The Billable Hour! Implementing Value-Based Pricing in a Law Firm,” by Shaun Jardine
American Bar Association Rule 1.5: Fees
In this episode, Mark Stern, CEO of Custom Box Agency, discusses strategies for enhancing client engagement and optimizing the customer journey to drive faster results and better experiences.
The conversation covers the application of marketing funnels, the importance of physical experiences, and how to create premium customer interactions. Mark emphasizes the role of strategic client engagement in driving revenue, particularly for law firms, and illustrates the impact of customized box experiences in different stages of the marketing funnel – acquisition, delivery, and retention. He provides practical examples of how this approach can improve client onboarding, educational efforts, and long-term client retention.
Mark gives listeners actionable tips on:
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:47 Middle of the Funnel Tactics
- 02:38 Effective Use of Swag and Creating a Box Experience
- 03:53 Examples of Middle Funnel Strategies
- 04:47 Physical vs Digital Experiences
- 09:37 Drip Driving Revenue
- 13:41 Retention Strategies
- 20:14 The Importance of Clear Guidance
- 22:55 Reinforcing the Client Journey
- 23:47 The Role of Content in Client Education
- 25:55 Acquisition Strategies for Law Firms
- 31:44 Book Recommendation
- 36:20 One Final Takeaway
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- 80D-jS89LCgXQyc1vwL3pHVWI8.DfsrEVSdl5v5z5wZhfGL42kKlq2PZ-YmiZXud6unDAU&dib_tag=se&keywords=who+not+how&qid=1715702924&sprefix=who+not+how%2Caps%2C440&sr=8-1">Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
Connect with Mark here:
Connect with me
Piquing curiosity in legal technology is the first step to helping lawyers engage with and acquire modern tech for their practice. Dennis and Tom welcome Caitlin McCabe to hear her perspectives on inspiring interest and enthusiasm for technology in the legal world. Caitlin discusses her role at BARBRI and how they continue to leverage technology to help law students study for the bar exam. She talks about her career path and her excitement for innovation and learning in the practice of law.
As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends.
Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions.
Caitlin McCabe is a project manager at BARBRI Global.
Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #374
A Segment: Fresh Voices in Legal Tech with Caitlin McCabe
B Segment: More with Caitlin McCabe
Parting Shots:
Everybody wants your data, from companies to hackers to governments. Guest Lexi Lutz is senior corporate counsel, and privacy watchdog, at Nordstrom. She advises the company on the legal implications of AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. As computers get smarter and capabilities expand, it’s more important than ever to maintain legal guardrails and understand potential pitfalls.
Lutz starts with keeping up with the slew of developing state privacy laws and international regulations. Corporations handle massive amounts of data, much of it confidential. Privacy disclosures, terms of service, customer service, data breaches, and transparency are all factors. It’s a lot for any legal team to manage, and the field is only getting bigger.
Hear how Lutz got her start in corporate data and privacy law, how she approaches her duties, and how she helps the rest of the corporation understand where the vulnerabilities and minefields lie.
As a lawyer, you understand your duty to maintain confidentiality. But as computing capabilities surge, and in the murky and evolving world of AI, there’s a growing need for attorneys who understand and stay on top of lurking challenges to privacy and data security. Everything from massive customer database hacks to simply sending an email using a coffee shop’s WiFi can create data security issues. (And Lutz reminds us, change your passwords frequently).
Resources:
Microsoft Outlook email encryption
“Twenty Years Ago, AIM Chatbot SmarterChild Out-Snarked ChatGPT,” TechCrunch
“’She Hooked Me’: How an Online Scam Cost a Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings,” Wall Street Journal
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!
Dear lawyers, software integrations exist to help you make life easier, make work faster, and much more. So, get on board as Jared takes us on a magical journey of understanding, helping lawyers everywhere grasp the versatile, customizable integration possibilities in legal practice. Jared explains the differences between direct, indirect, and DIY integrations, and gives real-life, legal-centric examples of how to amp up the usefulness of your software in almost innumerable ways.
Next, there are definitely some issues with our current legal ethics rules, but is there really any way to clear up the confusion? Jared welcomes legal ethics expert Jayne Reardon to talk about some of the inconsistencies at play, antiquated rules, inconsistent enforcement, and all sorts of other ethics questions worth examining in view of the current climate of the profession and needs of consumers. While Jared wants to burn it all down, Jayne offers constructive criticism vital to the future of legal ethics.
And, finally, the Rump Roast, of course! Jared and Jayne play a round of trivia called “Questionable Ethics”. Which philosopher had a penchant for being swaddled like a baby? Yikes.
Jayne R. Reardon is a Partner and Deputy General Counsel at FisherBroyles LLP, a distributed global law firm.
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Our opening song is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest.
Our closing song is Something Else by Nu Alkemis$t.
Is bigger better?
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Law firms are merging like crazy with announcement after announcement after announcement. What's driving this big push and is this just going to be the way of the future? Also a judge invites us to meet the new racist, same as the old racist and we discuss the next must have for anyone taking depositions.
Long-time host Jon Amarilio reflects on his six-year tenure and introduces the new hosts: Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices; Nikki Marcotte, a litigation associate at Kirkland Ellis; Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC; and Kellie Snyder, an associate attorney at The Law Offices of Lane & Lane. (Don't worry, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are sticking around to show them the ropes!)
Each new voice brings unique backgrounds and expertise, from personal injury law to innovative legal practices. Stick around this season for entertaining interviews and unique conversations.
Much has been made of the gigantic access-to-justice gap in this country. One possible way to help bridge the gap is to expand the pool of people eligible to practice law. Of course, that raises age-old concerns about unauthorized practice of law.
As managing partner at St. Louis based Brown and Crouppen, Ed Herman has grown the firm by shrinking in strategic ways. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about life and business with Ed and his son Brody.
Getting your law firm’s name in front of prospective clients is essential to your success, but it’s not always easy to make it happen. Craig Goldenfarb shares simple, easy to execute ideas for attorneys looking to market their law firms in creative ways. Craig shares tips for social media, community outreach, newsletters, swag, and more.
Craig Goldenfarb is founder and CEO at Gold Law.
Thirty shots fired in thirty seconds at the O.K. Corral left three men dead and three more wounded and turned into a month-long trial with some thirty witnesses in late fall 1881. Since then, their legendary gunfight with the Clantons and McLaurys has kept the town of Tombstone, Arizona alive and has been the source of inspiration for many books and films over the years.
125 years later, many questions are still left unanswered: Were the Clantons and McLaurys cattle thieves deserving of their death? Why was Doc Holliday, a gambler and notorious gunslinger, deputized by Virgil Earp? Why did the coroner’s inquest not issue a verdict? And this 1880s criminal trial asked the original Star Wars question: who really fired first?
LINKS:
- Sign up for our newsletter so that you’re the first to know when new episodes drop!
- Listen to J. Craig Williams’ other podcast, Lawyer 2 Lawyer.
- Tell us what you’re looking forward to the most for this show on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram!
- Purchase the e-book.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS:
David Woodham as Wyatt Earp
Scott Well as Wesley Fuller
Jeremy Brown as Ike Clanton
Ken Sutherland as Prosecutor Lyttleton Price
J.D. Freedman as Defense Attorney Tom Fitch
Jamie Duarte as Sheriff Johnny Behan
Hon. Franz E. Miller, ret. as H.F. Sills
Wylie Aitken as Judge Spicer
Our military and public service veterans deserve our best. Guest Alex Dell is a longtime Workers’ Compensation and Veterans Affairs compensation attorney, often representing injured public servants or military veterans. He’s also a former Division One hockey referee. In both roles, Dell explains how taking a broad view is crucial.
The key, he says, is to avoid “tunnel vision.” Learn to see issues from multiple angles. Take in the whole picture. In hockey, keep an eye out for penalties behind the play, and when a worker is hurt, especially a military veteran, watch for multiple claims to pursue as you seek to best represent your client.
When we talk about veterans’ claims, we’re looking at three areas: pension benefits, compensation for injuries, and “DIC” benefits, the dependency and indemnity claims for families who lost a loved one or who have a loved who was disabled. It can get tricky, and there are unscrupulous “representatives” eager to trick potential clients into making payments that are already covered by the compensation programs.
Representing public servants and veterans is nuanced. Some disabilities aren’t physical. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not be evident at first but can manifest itself later. That’s still a real disability, and vets deserve compensation to help them recover. Some veterans may not even know help is available even a decade or more after service. And clients may also not understand a VA “denial” isn’t the end of the road. There are alternatives and appeals.
Do you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com
Mentioned in This Episode:
“Your Intent to File a VA Claim,” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Like all discretionary authority, the pardon power is only as virtuous as the person who controls it. Kimberly Wehle, author of the new book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works - and Why demonstrates that it can be a righteous tool to remedy wrongful convictions, but it also can be used to obstruct investigations, benefit political allies, and reward the President’s friends and family. As the author of What You Need to Know about Voting—and Why, Kim also challenges efforts to distort or disrupt the U.S. electoral system for selecting the president and warns that vigilance is necessary, locally and nationally.
Laurence Colletti welcomes Jordan Berman to discuss her path from attorney to podcaster. Jordan’s interest in both current events and the law drove her to launch Unbiased, a podcast that strives to provide impartial analysis and education on the latest items to hit the news. She describes her podcasting process, social media approach, and her hope to inform her listeners with balanced, factual information on current events.
Over the years, the power of music has been an integral piece in energizing a crowd, whether through a specific song used at a political rally or in a campaign video on social media. However, there are legalities when it comes to the use of songs, especially when the musician doesn't want to be tied to a specific political candidate or a candidate uses a song without the musician’s permission.
Back on August 29, 2024, deputy director of communications for the Trump campaign, Margo McAtee Martin, posted a short clip on X of Donald Trump boarding a plane, set to the opening riff of the widely popular song, “Seven Nation Army” by the band The White Stripes. In response to the post, guitarist and lead singer of the rock duo, Jack White, wrote on his Instagram page, “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists…“Lawsuit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your five thousand others..)” On September 9th, Jack & his bandmate, Meg White, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Trump & company for the “flagrant misappropriation” of their song.
In this episode, Craig is joined by Joseph Fishman, Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University School of Law and Professor at the Blair School of Music, as they discuss The White Stripes' recent lawsuit against Donald Trump for the unauthorized use of their song "Seven Nation Army". Craig & Joe will talk about copyright infringement, and the legalities behind the use of songs in campaigns.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Donald Trump Infringed ‘Electric Avenue’ By Using Song In Campaign Video, Judge Rules
In the past year, AI propelled change in almost every corner of the legal tech industry, but has it proven to be of great use to lawyers at this stage? Gyi Tsakalakis talks with Ryan Anderson of Filevine to discuss the latest trends in tech and what types of AI tools are actually creating new and better approaches to legal work. They also discuss the variability of KPIs across different practice areas and which ones may be major indicators of success in a law firm.
Ryan Anderson is the founder and CEO of Filevine, a project management and collaboration tool for lawyers and consumer professionals.
The buying and selling of a law firm is a complicated transaction, and changes in certain areas of the legal industry are driving new sales. Seth Deutsch and Fred Litwiniuk talk through notes from their session on how to approach this process, with insights on both sides of the transaction. They discuss how to assess the strength and saleability of your firm, what data to leverage, and other elements essential to a successful sale.
Seth Deutsch is the President of US Operations for Litco LSO.
Fredric Litwiniuk is Chief Growth Officer at Litco LSO.
Luis Vargas was wrongfully convicted after three separate witnesses misidentified him as the “Teardrop Rapist.” Sixteen years later, DNA linked to the uncaught serial sex offender was found in one of the victim’s clothing from the crime. But for that evidence being preserved, Luis Vargas would have spent the rest of his life behind bars. This is his story.
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
Predicting your law firm's revenue each month is tricky business for many attorneys, but it can be done with an informed approach and the right tools. Laurence Colletti welcomes Jacqueline Bretell to hear highlights from her conference session on forecasting business income. Jacqueline offers insights on leveraging your law firm’s metrics to effectively predict earnings and make better, more profitable decisions for your team.
Jacqueline Bretell is an attorney and CEO of Bighorn Law.
This week's episode of Thinking Like A Lawyer is all about the wild decisions made by federal judges. First up is a Trump judge doing Trump judge things -- but don't tell him that. There's a Ninth Circuit judge that keeps using his dissents to make political stump speeches, much to the chagrin of his colleagues. And the Second Circuit comes out against libraries, because we live in the dumbest timeline.
Opposing counsel is telling you all the problems with your case for the 800th time. When he starts up again (yes, we think it’s a guy thing) should you shut it down or lean in?
“Rank Number One!”—an all too easy promise made by SEO agencies, but probably only deliverable while they’re standing in your lobby. What happens when you walk down the block? The guys talk about real, meaningful ranking results with Local Falcon.
How is your law firm showing up in local search? Gyi and Conrad give an extensive explanation of Local Falcon, their go-to data visualization tool for seeing how your firm shows up in the local map pack (those three neatly featured business profiles you see at the top of your search results). You’ll learn how to figure out who your main competitors are, how to use Local Falcon metrics to make ranking improvements over time, and insights into the many effects of proximity and your area’s geography on ranking factors.
Later, the guys dig in even deeper to explain how Local Falcon can be used to help you figure out whether you ought to open another office, or, perhaps, close one down. They hash out how to assess your metrics to determine the success (or lack thereof) of your investments.
The News:
- A very long, drawn-out Google Algo Update is finally done, and it was big—according to people who care about that stuff.
- Yelp has never been fond of Google, and the recent ruling against the Googs gave them the ammo they needed for a lawsuit – Yelp sues Google for antitrust violations - The Verge.
- And, the compulsory AI mention: Semrush Launches AI Overview Tracking in Organic Research.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Does My Website Suck? | Law Firm Website Teardown - LHLM Episode
The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter!
How are the latest AI advancements going to impact your law firm? Laurence Colletti talks with Filevine Legal Futurist Dr. Cain Elliot about highlights from his AI-centered session on implementing AI to improve the quality and delivery of legal services and increasing profitability. They discuss reliable go-to tools available in the legal tech sphere and what legal professionals should be doing to engage effectively with this quickly evolving technology.
Dean Andrew Perlman of Suffolk Law School joins host Cat Moon for a discussion of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and legal ethics on Talk Justice. Perlman authored an article in February of this year, “The Legal Ethics of Generative AI,” which describes how lawyers can use generative AI while satisfying their ethical obligations.
When is it time, and how do you know, to step back from your busy, often hectic, law practice and move on to a new chapter. And how do you prepare? Guests Charla Stevens and David Soley have both been highly successful attorneys in New England. Stevens moved on from her work at a law firm to establish a consulting firm, Charla Stevens Consulting. Soley continues to work at the firm Berstein Shur and is the author of the American Bar Association book “Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement.”
Soley says lawyers should start preparing now. Being a trial lawyer is a passion, but it’s important to regularly take stock and reflect on your situation. How do you feel? Are you still excited? What would you do if you were no longer a lawyer? It’s important to stay in touch with yourself and create a plan for your second act so that you’ll have an “escape hatch” when you realize it’s time to go. Don’t wait for the last minute.
Stevens’ former firm even encouraged litigators to think ahead and understand how many hours they want to work. Hear how she learned to recognize the factors that nudged her to step away and engage in something new. The loss of empathy, stress even outside the workplace, headaches, and even lack of sleep can all be warning signs.
We know good litigators are “Type A,” people. And our guests agree a rocking chair isn’t the answer for many of us. Hear how you can identify your other passions, outside the law, and pursue them. Make a list, make a plan, get excited. Consulting, writing, travel, sports, volunteering, teaching? They can offer a fulfilling way to engage and excel. There is life outside the courtroom.
Resources:
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
American Bar Association “Real Estate Litigation Handbook” by David Soley
“Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement,” by David Soley
In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table:
- Growing pains. As you bring on new clients, it can be hard for an overburdened team of lawyers and paralegals to manage client communications. Hear how texting can help bridge communication needs, how a virtual receptionist can fill gaps, and how a standing schedule of update calls and a task assignment system can ensure clear communications between lawyers and clients.
- ·What is the “rhythm/parking lot” method for managing client communications? Combined with allowing clients to schedule their own appointments online and chat functions, this system can take pressure off your staff.
- Be honest and direct with your clients. Set expectations and ask clients if your expectations and theirs align, so they know how the case will proceed. And if a client “emergency” arises, be sure your staff asks the right questions and fully understands the situation so they can provide clear details to the attorney.
Mentioned in This Episode:
In this episode, Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee return with excitement to discuss the evolution of SEO and its critical role in marketing strategies for law firms.
They delve into the concept of 'Social SEO', which emphasizes creating keyword-focused content to improve search engine visibility on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The episode also compares past and present SEO practices, such as the shift from using purely hashtags to incorporating relevant keywords in social media posts.
More practical advice includes the importance of writing for human readers rather than AI, using tools like Google and Instagram's search features to find popular keywords, and having a critical 'above the fold' section on websites that captures visitor attention. The discussion also covers the foundations of conversion rate and sales optimization (CRSO), with an emphasis on understanding customer pain points, designing powerful calls-to-action, and using tools like Inspectlet to track site performance.
Paul and Shreya gives listeners actionable tips on:
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:33 Understanding Social SEO
- 02:52 Evolution of Social Media and SEO
- 05:49 AI and Social Media Search
- 06:47 Finding the Right Keywords
- 08:41 Common Mistakes in Social SEO
- 08:58 Importance of Human Touch in SEO
- 11:29 Conversion Rate and Sales Optimization (CRSO)
- 15:32 Effective Website Strategies
- 23:27 Call to Action and User Engagement
- 25:05 Book Recommendation and Final Thoughts
- 28:51 One Big Takeaway
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Paul here:
Connect with Shreya here:
Connect with me
Between forty and seventy percent of all malpractice claims and disciplinary proceedings are directly related to untreated mental health or substance abuse issues. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway discuss the intersection of wellbeing and professionalism/civility rules with Joan Vestrand and Tim Lessing. Wellness is necessary to a lawyer’s ability to conduct themselves professionally, but things may break down if wellness is compromised. They discuss the inherently adversarial system lawyers work within and outline strategies for mindset shifts that allow attorneys to live and practice law in ways that positively support mental health and wellbeing.
Joan Vestrand is Dean of Students and Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Tim Lessing is principle at Lessing Law, PLLC, where he specializes almost exclusively in trial/litigation practice in both civil and criminal law.
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