Episodios

  • #563: Beyond the Traditional: Creating Future-Proof Legal Offerings, with Rachel Allums and Allison Harrison

    #563: Beyond the Traditional: Creating Future-Proof Legal Offerings, with Rachel Allums and Allison Harrison
    Jun 5 2025
    Step inside a real-world example of legal innovation as two Lawyerist Lab members, Rachel Allums and Allison Harrison, reveal how they partnered to create Safe Sendoff, a new company addressing common legal needs for young adults. Rachel and Allison identified a need for legal documents like powers of attorney and HIPAA releases when young people turn 18. They decided to join forces, sharing costs and leveraging their individual firm experiences to develop a product that serves both young adults and their parents. Beyond providing crucial legal forms, Safe Sendoff also includes an "Adulting 101" course, which educates young people on the responsibilities and rights that come with turning 18, covering topics from employment rules to filing taxes. Their discussion highlights a new service delivery model offering automated, cost-effective solutions. Rachel and Allison share how their experience running their individual law firms informed their approach to building Safe Sendoff, allowing them to expedite the process of defining their purpose, vision, and ideal client. They also emphasize the benefits of working with a shared coach through Lawyerist Lab, which helped keep them on track. You'll learn about their commitment to transparent, upfront pricing and their focus on delivering valuable legal support through recorded explanations and automated processes, making high-quality legal information accessible at a fraction of the cost. If this discussion sparks questions about optimizing your firm's operations or identifying new opportunities, consider exploring the "free small firm scorecard" at lawyerist.com/scorecard. It's a quick assessment to help you get a data-driven view of your firm and identify areas for smart improvements as you embark on your own innovation journey. Listen to our other episodes: #407: Serving Clients Through Alternative Business Structures, with Mike Payne and Chad Huebsch Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #368: Using Strategy Intensives for Your Firm’s Success, with Anne Romanello Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #320 A Labster Call, with Aaron Thomas Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters/Timestamps: 9:31 - Introducing Safe Sendoff: A New Venture 11:49 - The "Adulting 101" Component & Why Young Adults Need These Documents 15:14 - The Partnership Journey: Challenges and Synergies 17:48 - Building a Second Business Differently 22:46 - The Business Model: Beyond the Billable Hour 25:24 - Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs 28:53 - What's Next for Safe Sendoff: Marketing and Growth
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    33 m
  • #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell

    #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell
    May 29 2025
    AI is here to revolutionize your law firm, moving beyond simple prompts to actively handling your tasks. This Lawyerist Podcast episode is your essential guide. Zack Glaser sits down with Dr. Charreau Bell, a senior data scientist and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, who's helping law students and faculty use AI in truly meaningful ways. This isn’t just theoretical—you’ll get real clarity on what it means to use AI well in your firm, right now. We break down the crucial difference between merely using an AI model and actually "training" one, so you understand what's happening behind the scenes. You’ll also learn when it's safe (and risky!) to send client data into cloud-based AI tools, and how you can even run powerful AI models right on your own computer for ultimate privacy. But here's where it gets really exciting: we explore how AI is evolving beyond simple prompts into "agentic systems" that can plan, reason, and act on your behalf. Think of AI not just as a tool, but as a proactive assistant that can break down complex tasks and execute them using various "tools" you provide. This isn't just about automating simple tasks; it’s about offloading work that previously required significant expertise, freeing you to focus on more creative and complex legal challenges. If this episode sparks questions about the data in your firm and how you can leverage it, check out the “free small firm scorecard”. It’s a quick assessment to help you get a data-driven view of your firm and identify areas for smart improvements as you embark on your AI journey. Listen to our other episodes about Artificial Intelligence: #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple Podcasts Spotify Lawyerist #551: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple Podcasts Spotify Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Beyond Simple AI Prompts 03:20 - How Data Science Helps Lawyers 04:32 - Automating Document Review and Information Extraction 07:10 - Understanding How AI Models Work (Training vs. Using) 13:25 - Secure AI: Running Models Locally and with Cloud Providers 17:16 - Training AI Models with Limited Data (Transfer Learning) 28:16 - The Power of Agentic AI Systems 34:24 - Interacting with Agentic AI and Security Considerations 38:21 - The Importance of Data Organization in the Age of AI 43:46 - The Future of AI: Automating the Unwanted
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    47 m
  • #561: The Law Firm of the Future is Being Built in Law Schools Today, Get a Glimpse with Tracy Norton, Dennis Kennedy, and Nicole Morris

    #561: The Law Firm of the Future is Being Built in Law Schools Today, Get a Glimpse with Tracy Norton, Dennis Kennedy, and Nicole Morris
    May 22 2025
    Ready for a serious look at the future of your law firm? In this Lawyerist Podcast episode, Zack Glaser sits down with a panel of law school professors for a wake-up call about something that will fundamentally reshape your practice: the tech-savvy generation of law students entering the field. This isn't a distant trend; it's happening now, and it demands your attention. We explore how these future lawyers are already operating differently. You'll hear firsthand about their strong preference for the Google ecosystem – and why that directly impacts your firm's current reliance on tools like Microsoft Word. This isn't just about software; it's about the shifting expectations and workflows these digital natives are bringing with them as they become your colleagues. Here's where it gets interesting for you: we explore how you can leverage this change to your firm's advantage. The professors share insights on how these students are uniquely positioned to drive AI adoption within your practice. Think of them as an untapped resource, ready to experiment with and implement AI-powered services that can elevate your firm's capabilities and even open doors to new service areas. And let's be clear, you can't afford to ignore the rising importance of tech fluency, especially in AI. The professors don't mince words: a lack of understanding in this area will directly impact your ability to serve clients effectively. In a world swimming in digital data, from car sensors to smart devices, your firm's relevance depends on it. This episode is your essential guide to: Stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving legal landscape Unlocking the potential of the next generation of legal talent Building a future-proof firm that thrives on innovation Tune in! Listen to our other episodes about Artificial Intelligence: #556 Hidden Data: What Lawyers Need to Know About Digital Forensics, with Cole Popkin Apple Podcasts Spotify Lawyerist #538: AI is Making Law Firms Obsolete, with Alistair Vigier Apple Podcasts Spotify Lawyerist #551: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple Podcasts Spotify Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The Tech-Savvy Future of Law - Google Natives vs. Word Warriors 01:13 – The Google-Native Generation of Lawyers 02:51 – Changing Communication Norms 04:35 – Meet the Guests: Law School Professors on the Frontlines 06:21 – Teaching AI in Law School: An Overview 08:01 – Dennis Kennedy on AI in the Classroom 10:11 – Nicole Morris on AI Governance and Research 15:03 – Tracy Norton on AI as a Legal Writing Tool 25:25 – Is AI Dumbing Down Legal Education? 30:23 – Why Law School Must Teach AI 35:41 – How Should Professors Grade AI-Generated Work? 41:46 – Using AI to Improve the Classroom Experience 47:00 – How AI Will Change Legal Mentorship 52:19 – The Future of Law Firms and AI Expectations 55:25 – Final Thoughts: You Can’t Tap Out of AI 57:52 – Outro
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    59 m
  • #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential with Leticia DeSuze

    #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential with Leticia DeSuze
    May 15 2025
    Feeling like you're the only one holding everything together in your law firm? You're not alone. This episode dives into a crucial aspect of firm growth that often gets overlooked: leadership. Zack kicks things off with an inspiring reminder about the power of stepping outside your comfort zone – something just as vital for you as a legal professional looking to build a truly sustainable practice. Get ready to explore why developing strong leadership isn't just for CEOs; it's the key to breaking free from feeling constantly overwhelmed. Then, Zack sits down with Lawyerist coach Leticia DeSuze, who brings a wealth of real-world experience guiding law firms just like yours. Leticia gets straight to the heart of the matter: how the very success you've achieved can sometimes highlight underlying leadership gaps, turning you into the ultimate bottleneck. You'll hear practical insights on how to shift gears from simply practicing law to intentionally building a team that can take ownership and drive results, ultimately freeing up your time and energy for what truly matters. Ready to take control and build a more efficient and less personally draining law firm? Tune in to discover actionable strategies for effective delegation, setting crystal-clear expectations for your team, and implementing KPIs that empower everyone to take responsibility. This episode offers a roadmap for moving beyond the daily grind and cultivating a thriving team practice where you empower them to carry the load. Listen to our other episodes with Leticia DeSuze: #491: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist #520: The Truth About Lawyer Self-Care: Prioritize or Suffer Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist #464: Unpacking the Power of Self-Accountability in Coaching, with Leticia DeSuze Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Embracing the "Positive Struggle" 04:05 - The Leadership Skills Gap: From Lawyer to Leader 07:10 - Breaking the Bottleneck: Delegation and Mindset Shifts 10:46 - Beyond Hiring: Developing Leaders at Every Level 21:40 - Client Service vs. Efficiency: Finding the Right Balance 28:58 - Redefining Leadership: Structure, Ownership, and Trust 31:07 - Recognizing Individual Motivators, Final Thoughts
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    37 m
  • #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored)

    #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored)
    May 13 2025
    In this conversation, Karin Conroy, a legal marketing strategist, discusses the evolution of law firm websites and the importance of unique branding in legal marketing. She emphasizes the pitfalls of copying competitors and the need for firms to develop their own unique selling propositions. The discussion also touches on the significance of being first to market and avoiding shortcuts in marketing strategies. Karin provides insights into how firms can differentiate themselves and succeed in a competitive landscape. Links from the episode: www.conroycreativecounsel.com https://conroycreativecounsel.com/blw/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Legal Marketing and Website Contest 02:59 The Evolution of Law Firm Websites 06:01 The Pitfalls of Copying Competitors 08:54 The Importance of Unique Branding 12:05 Strategies for Being First to Market 14:52 Conclusion and Resources for Legal Marketing
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    18 m
  • #558: The Wealthy Lawyer: Practical Financial Strategies for Legal Professionals with Darren Wurz

    #558: The Wealthy Lawyer: Practical Financial Strategies for Legal Professionals with Darren Wurz
    May 8 2025
    Unlock valuable insights for your legal practice and personal finances in this engaging episode. First, Zack explores the cutting edge of AI with Tanguy Chau from Paxton.ai, revealing how their innovative AI assistant is specifically built to streamline the often-daunting task of drafting legal documents. Discover the power of their multi-step modular process, designed to provide you with more coherent and relevant output, ultimately saving you time and enhancing your efficiency. Then, get ready to transform your financial outlook as Stephanie Everett speaks with Darren Wurz about financial planning and wealth building tailored specifically for lawyers. We delve into essential mindset shifts, helping you define your financial goals and overcome the common hesitations around financial planning. Learn practical strategies to effectively manage your cash flow, build safety nets, and consciously avoid the trap of lifestyle creep that can hinder your long-term wealth accumulation. We also explore smart investment diversification beyond traditional retirement accounts and uncover valuable tax planning strategies to ensure you're making the most of your earnings. Learn the importance of building a reliable team of financial experts, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what you do best – practicing law and growing your firm. Tune in to gain practical knowledge that can impact your practice and your financial well-being. Listen to our other episode about your firm’s finances: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm’s Financial Health with Bernadette Harris Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist Overcoming Personal Financial Struggles as a Lawyer, with Rho Thomas Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Links from the episode:  Paxton.ai Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - AI Prompt Tips with Zack Glaser and Stephanie Everett 06:22 - Sponsor Guest: Tanguy Chau from Paxton.ai on AI for Legal Document Drafting 18:12 - Financial Planning and Wealth Building for Lawyers 19:35 - Money Mindset and Defining "Enough" 21:42 - Overcoming Financial Hesitancy and Fear 24:38 - Importance of Cash Flow Management 30:34 - Diversification of Investments Beyond Traditional Retirement Accounts 33:08 - Tax Strategies and Planning for Business Owners 40:00 - Building a Team of Financial Experts
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    42 m
  • #557: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm's Financial Health with Bernadette Harris

    #557: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm's Financial Health with Bernadette Harris
    May 1 2025
    Unlock a clearer view of your law firm's financial health in the latest Lawyerist Podcast. Join host Stephanie Everett as she dives into the essential key performance indicators (KPIs) that can transform how you understand your practice, guided by the expert insights of Bernadette Harris, Lawyerist Lab's finance coach. You'll gain practical knowledge about five crucial areas that directly impact your firm's success. Understand your net profit margin like never before – not just the surface numbers, but the true profitability that informs your strategic decisions. Explore utilization rate and discover how to optimize your team's time for maximum productivity. Learn the critical importance of your realization rate and practical steps to ensure you're capturing the revenue you've earned. See how mastering AR aging can directly impact your cash flow and create financial stability. Plus, uncover the strategic advantage of understanding your revenue by practice area, empowering you to make smarter choices about your firm's financial future. For straightforward, actionable insights into these vital financial indicators – the kind that can immediately help you manage your law firm more effectively – tune in to hear Bernadette Harris share her expertise. Listen to our other episode with Bernadette Harris: #457: Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist #418: More Income, Fewer Taxes, with Bernadette Harris Apple Podcast | Spotify | Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (04:36) Diving into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (06:38) Understanding Your Firm's Profitability: Net Profit Margin (10:47) Optimizing Team Productivity: Utilization Rate (15:51) Maximizing Revenue Collection: Realization Rate (21:21) Improving Cash Flow: Managing AR Aging (25:36) Strategic Insights: Revenue by Practice Area (28:32) Working with a Financial Coach and a Special Announcement
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    34 m
  • #556: Hidden Data: What Lawyers Need to Know About Digital Forensics, with Cole Popkin

    #556: Hidden Data: What Lawyers Need to Know About Digital Forensics, with Cole Popkin
    Apr 24 2025
    Recorded live at the ABA Techshow, Zack Glaser interviews Cole Popkin, a digital forensics senior analyst at Proven Data, to shed light on the increasingly relevant field of digital forensics for legal professionals. Cole shares how understanding the basics of digital forensics can benefit lawyers in all practice areas, from litigation to transactional work and firm management. Cole explains the types of information that can be recovered from digital devices, even after deletion, and addresses common misconceptions surrounding encryption. He also reveals the potential for unintentional data leaks and provides practical, actionable steps lawyers can take to enhance their digital security and protect client confidentiality. You'll also hear Cole explain the direct relevance of digital forensics to specific legal scenarios, such as how deleted text messages and metadata analysis can be crucial in personal injury and family law cases. So, join us for this episode, recorded live at the ABA Techshow, and get a realistic and accessible overview of digital forensics that will empower you to be more informed and secure in your use of technology, all without needing to become a forensics expert. Listen to our other episode about data security: #512: Tech Things You Should Know but Are Too Afraid To Ask, with Zack Glaser Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #481: Getting Clients into the Cloud, with Laura Kaminski from ShareFile(Sponsored) Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction: Digital Forensics Beyond Litigation 3:08 - Real-World Applications: Building Timelines & Location Data 4:35 - The Unexpected Data in Your Car: Vehicle Forensics 6:33 - Uncovering Information on Phones: Beyond Text Messages 8:55 - Protecting Yourself and Your Clients: Security for Attorneys 11:57 - Surprising Discoveries: Height Analysis from Video & More 14:35 - The Evolution of Digital Forensics
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    16 m
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