The Law Entrepreneur

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Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dec 25, 2023

00:43:52

Today my guest is Karl Seelbach. Karl is an attorney down near Austin, TX with a very interesting practice in which he defends or works with corporate clients that have the option of opting out of worker's comp (and self-insuring, so to speak) which creates a really interesting opportunity, and I think has a lot of pluses and some minuses to it. So I enjoyed exploring that with him. He's also the co-founder of a company called Skribe.ai. They seek to revolutionize the video deposition world with the introduction of AI tools to help create an efficient and effective way of doing depositions in this modern legal landscape. It's a fascinating discussion, and it addresses a lot of other concerns and issues I had when I was a litigator doing deposition. I hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Neil and Karl discuss:

Why Karl started his firm and Skribe.ai.
Changing business from the beginning of your firm to having a more established firm.
Introducing and implementing new tech at your firm and with your team.
Using technology to improve your law firm.

Key Takeaways:

If you are starting out, you need to get your name out there and be willing to hit the pavement.
Sometimes lowering your rate will get you the work that you want, which can help to reel in larger work later down the road.
If you are trying to find the truth, you will be taking many depositions. Using technology to keep them all straight and organized can cut down on the amount of time you are using to review and take them.
Using a program like Skribe.ai will allow you to get video deposition, with a transcript for less money and more quickly which can empower attorneys and better serve clients.

"I’ve always been very tech-forward…We're always looking for new tools to help us be more efficient." — Karl Seelbach

Episode Reference:

The Power of a System by John Fisher

Get in touch with Karl Seelbach:

Website: https://skribe.ai/

Website: https://www.doyleseelbach.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarlSeelbach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwseelbach/

Email: karl@skribe.ai - Email Karl and mention the podcast to get a discount and some credits to try out Skribe.ai for yourself!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829
The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dec 18, 2023

00:42:52

Today, my guest is John Mahoney. John is the founder of The Law Offices of John Mahoney, and they focus exclusively on federal employment law, which is a subject area near and dear to my heart being from the Washington, DC area - although, as John quite clearly points out, federal employment laws pertain not only all over the country, but indeed internationally with federal employees being stationed all around the world. It's a fascinating discussion with him about his virtual practice in the federal employment law space and how he was influenced by his father's experience in the industrial area of Worcester, MA. It’s an interesting conversation that he and I have, a little bit more in the substantive area of the law than we normally do on this program, but I hope you enjoy listening to John and learning a little bit about how he built a virtual practice in the federal employment law space.

In this episode, Neil and John discuss:

How John first got interested and involved in employment law.
The history of the labor movement, and why labor laws are so important and were created in the first place.
Running a virtual law practice with remote employees.
Virtual growth practice, law, and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

Federal law is not limited geographically - there are federal employees all around the globe. By building a virtual practice, you can attract attorneys from wherever the government is.
Many people today take for granted the work that was done by early labor lawyers, unions, and others in the labor movement. Many of the benefits we experience today are because of these individuals.
There are ways to build culture and comradery with your team in a virtual environment. Starting with the right people can help.
Understanding what your capacity is for yourself and each of your attorneys can help you to have a better understanding of when you need to hire.

"These whistleblower retaliation or complaint or grievance retaliation are considered prohibited personnel practices, federal employees cannot be terminated for any of those reasons. And that has stood from 1889 to 2023." — John Mahoney

Get in touch with John Mahoney:

Website: https://www.attorneymahoney.com/

Phone: 202-350-3881

Twitter: https://twitter.com/attorneymahoney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPMLawyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-p.-mahoney-esq.-attorney-at-law

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFuKuPeMRndDEYxZ7lKdGw

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829

The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dec 11, 2023

00:52:05

This is a classic re-run of my episode with John Pontius. John Pontius is based in Rockville, Maryland, and represents individual and business clients before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. Today he joins the show to talk about how solo and small law firms can set up their accounting and bookkeeping practices to save time, maximize their income, and avoid costly mistakes.

Connect with John Pontius:

Website: www.pontiustaxlaw.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnpontiusjr

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PontiusTaxLaw

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829

The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dec 04, 2023

00:39:32

Jason Rice is a solo practitioner up in the beautiful state of Maine, having left the Sunshine State of Florida to pursue his legal practice near his wife's hometown was a matter of fact, and he has a family law practice there called Dirigo Divorce. One of the planning tools he used in preparation to go solo was listening to this podcast and recommendations, and so that's very gratifying for me to hear. So I'm thrilled to have him on and to talk about his journey. And as you will see, it's one that I think many of us can relate to, and find inspiration in.

In this episode, Neil and Jason discuss:

Skills that can help you be a great family law attorney.
Collaborative law and mediation.
Making the decision and preparing to go solo.
How the current housing economics have affected marital homes in divorces.

Key Takeaways:

No two cases are alike in family law - each family and individual is unique and has their own story that needs to be reflected in the solution.
Private mentorship in solo and small firms can help newer attorneys to understand the practice and, eventually, grow their own firms. This would help both the mentor and the mentee.
Technology has helped to level the playing field for new attorneys looking to go solo.
Working with virtual assistants, remote answering services, and other such staffing options can help you to grow your law firm with less in-person staff than you would have needed previously.

"I don’t want to become a big law firm, but the technology has really allowed and afforded me the ability to run a practice almost at the same level I was at and where I have seen others at with multiple staff members." — Jason Rice

Get in touch with Jason Rice:

Website: divorce.com/">https://www.dirigo-divorce.com/

Email: divorce.com">jrice@dirigo-divorce.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonRiceESQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirigoDivorce

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmrice/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirigo_divorce/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829

The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 27, 2023

00:40:12

This is a classic re-run of my episode with Sean Morris.

Neil chats with Sean Morris about his experience as a primary authority in the restaurant community of Washington D.C., as well as their experience as co-graduates of The Catholic University of America.

Get in touch with Sean Morris:

Website: https://morrisesq.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantmorris/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829
The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 20, 2023

00:40:59

Today, my guest, Peter Smith, founded a law firm in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Peter’s firm does a number of things, but much of it is centered around the mining industry. While we don’t often talk about specific areas of law on the show, but today it is a fascinating conversation touching on the starting of Peter’s firm that focused on creating a different kind of firm, mining law, real estate, and so many other things. It’s a great conversation that everyone can take something from. I hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Neil and Peter discuss:

Staking a mining claim, and how mining ties in with business and real estate.
Running your law firm as a business and treating your employees with respect.
Creating mentor/mentee relationships in your firm.
Evolving your law firm as technology and situations change.

Key Takeaways:

There is a larger process to actually mining on claimed land that involves multiple groups of people, including the indigenous tribes of the area.
Most mining projects today go through vigorous processes to ensure minimal impact on the environment in a way that was not done in the previous centuries.
Paying forward in life is what it is all about.
Engage your younger attorneys (and even interns) into the work from the beginning and let them follow through on things. It will benefit the business but also benefit the attorney.

"If you ask the lawyers that work here, I think they get a real, meaningful experience and they feel very supported. Anyone, at any time, can ask for help from anyone else, and I think they're always willing to give it. And that's something that we defend that vigorously." — Peter Smith

Get in touch with Peter Smith:

Website: https://www.smithmalek.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjsiv/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smith_malek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithmaleklaw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6470576/admin/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829

The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 13, 2023

00:36:52

Today my guest is Katherine Porter. She is a litigation attorney out of Southern California who developed, originally as a side gig, a project management consulting firm that has become more and more of her primary role. We have a really interesting discussion about how project management can be used to understand the workflows, resource allocation, and recognize the bottlenecks in your firm to, ultimately, improve your ability to deliver legal services to your clients. It’s a great discussion for law entrepreneurs of any size. Take a listen!

In this episode, Neil and Katherine discuss:

The science and discipline of project management.
Workflow process and customer journeys for law firm consistency.
Gaining a visual reference for who is doing the work, for both simple and complex items.
Technology for project management.

Key Takeaways:

Budgets are a key aspect of project management that is becoming more and more important to law firms and to their clients.
There is value in creating a workflow chart for all aspects of your law firm, regardless of size.
Start with the workflow and other analysis necessary before you create the procedure and process. Doing this will give you a more complete picture of what those procedures need to be from the creation of them.
Taking the time to map out the workflow and understand your procedures can be a game-changer for any lawyer. It will also help with better understanding your law firm as a business.

"The better you have things mapped out directly, the better your budget is going to be, which is always really important for any size firm to be able to predict what resources they're going to need and also how much the client is going to end up paying for the service." — Katherine Porter

Get in touch with Katherine Porter:

Website: https://www.theresourcefullawyer.com/

Email: katherine@theresourcefullawyer.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KPorterJD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gr6wKdRl2PJH0ndmI7xUw

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829
The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line - and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nov 06, 2023

00:47:13

Today, I am happy to welcome back Wendy Meadows! If that name seems familiar to you, she was a guest back on Episode 307 talking about time management techniques. This time, I am excited to speak with her primarily about her first book: sparkle and GRIT: Live a Technicolor Life by Finally Finding Balance, Escaping Monotony, and Beating Burnout. Honestly, it is one of the best books I’ve read on the subject. Wendy is an attorney, a reformed litigator, a mom, a life coach, and now, a best-selling author. She shares insights into her book, the services she offers, and how law firms can help to coach up their employees. It’s a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Neil and Wendy discuss:

Wendy’s newest title of Best Selling Author and her new book!
Challenges addressed in the book.
Building in one anchor, then stacking habits from there.
Looking at how you are using your limited time for your highest and best value.

Key Takeaways:

Morning routines do not have to start all at once - it is better to start small and with an anchor of just one thing.
As a working parent, it is imperative that you start your day before your kids, otherwise, you are starting behind with your day.
Your morning routine will evolve as you grow and evolve. You will get to the point that you do it without realizing it because it is just what your body does.
Don’t read your email until you are at work - whatever that looks like for you.

"Not one of us is perfect. You can follow a morning routine more often than not, and start good habits as early as tomorrow." — Wendy Meadows

Get in touch with Wendy Meadows:

Website

Email: wendy@wendysmeadows.com

Instagram

Facebook

Check out her new book here:

sparkle & GRIT: Live a Technicolor Life By Finally Finding Balance, Escaping Monotony, and Beating Burnout: https://wendysmeadows.com/home/book/

If you missed it, take a listen to our first episode with Wendy here: https://thelawentrepreneur.com/episodes/307-time-management-in-life-coaching-and-law-with-wendy-meadows/

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829
The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line - and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl

Oct 30, 2023

00:29:36

Today, my guest is Christine McDannell. Christine is a mergers and acquisition specialist and advisor. I wanted to have her on the program today to talk about a subject area that we solo and small firm practitioners don't spend an awful lot of time thinking about - exiting the profession. And I'll freely admit, I'm getting to that point in my life where I'm starting to give that some thought. Having Christine on today, we explore some of the issues about possibly selling a practice or transitioning out of a practice, what we should be doing, how we should be structuring that process, and what I thought would be something that a lot of other folks would like to listen to as well.

In this episode, Neil and Christine discuss:

Exiting and selling your law firm, no matter how your firm is set up (even if you are a true solo).
Different transfer-out strategies and approaches.
Positioning your firm as a target for selling.
Pros and cons of acquisition for both seller and buyer.

Key Takeaways:

Many lawyers just fade out when they are ready to retire, but that is not typically the best option for your employees or your clients.
If at all possible, you do not want any negative reviews online, especially if you are looking to sell your firm.
Even without a brick-and-mortar building, you will still have assets that can be sold - client lists, ongoing revenue, retainers, etc.
There are creative options for selling firms, including combining with other law firms for a larger, more tempting package for another lawyer or firm to acquire.

"Above and beyond everything is reputation, no matter what. The second would be net profit and your team." — Christine McDannell

Get in touch with Christine McDannell:

Website: https://themagnoliafirm.co/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themagnoliafirm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themagnoliafirmco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemcdannell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagnoliafirm

Thank you to our sponsors!

Ruby Receptionist - Virtual receptionist & live call services that will help you grow your office (and save money), one call at a time - to learn more, go to https://get.ruby.com/TLE or call 844.311.7829
The Net Profit CFO - Ryan Kimler works with attorneys who want to enjoy higher net profits without working longer or harder. With just 9 Simple Numbers, Ryan will help you drive more profit to your bottom line-and he won't confuse you with all the details! Connect with Ryan at www.netprofitcfo.com.

Get in touch with Neil:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelawentrepreneur/?ref=hl