In law firms across the country, I'm seeing a concerning pattern emerge when one attorney adopts Kanban and Agile methods while their partner - often from an older generation of lawyers - resists these systematic approaches. This clash of perspectives frequently pushes teams back into overload and burnout.

This week, I explore how this capacity tension manifests in law firms, particularly during succession planning. I share specific strategies for implementing personal Kanban systems to manage competing demands and discuss the critical difference between basic Kanban board interfaces and true Kanban methodology tools designed to support sustainable legal practice management.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/74

A concerning trend I've noticed both in my own practice and among my clients is that the rise of AI technology is making it harder to accurately assess our true capacity. Between constant marketing messages and the promise of enhanced productivity through AI tools, many of us are failing to gauge our own capacity and falling into the trap of overcommitting.

The legal tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and technology companies are using sophisticated attention-hacking techniques to convince us their products are essential. Without clear goals and strategies in place, we become more susceptible to these marketing messages and risk adopting tools that don't actually serve our practice needs.

In this episode, I explore how to maintain an honest assessment of capacity while embracing new technology and the problem with chasing every new technological promise. I share my personal experience with AI tools leading to overcommitment, and discuss the importance of using systems like Kanban boards to track capacity objectively.

Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/73

We don’t talk about overcapacity enough in legal practice, especially not the hidden ways it erodes performance, burns out your team, and stalls your cases.

In this episode, I take a closer look at what really happens when you’re operating beyond your firm’s functional capacity. From unnecessary administrative overhead to frustrated clients and cherry-picked tasks, the ripple effects of overload are costing you more than you think. If your firm is feeling stretched, stuck, or constantly in firefighting mode, this episode will help you understand why.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/72

The impact of trauma in legal practice extends far beyond individual client interactions. From law school through retirement, lawyers face unique psychological challenges that can fundamentally alter their personalities, relationships, and effectiveness as advocates.

Dr. Colin James, author of "Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in Law," brings decades of experience as a senior lecturer of law and researcher to examine how trauma theory applies to legal practice. Through exploring concepts like vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic growth, this conversation illuminates practical ways that individual practitioners and organizations can build more trauma-informed approaches.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/71

For Oregon Attorneys, you can claim CLE credit under the "Mental Health & Substance Abuse" requirement. Just go to yourt Oregon Bar MCLE Dashboard, select "Accredited Group Course," enter MCLE ID 122717 in the search field.

For attorneys in other jurisdictions, you may be able to claim CLE credit using the following steps:

• Check your state’s CLE rules to see if they accept credit from Oregon-accredited programs. Many do, especially for courses taken out of state.
• Confirm if your jurisdiction allows on-demand (pre-recorded) courses and whether there are any limits or special requirements.
• Search for the Oregon accreditation info at www.osbar.org using the approved course title (Trauma Informed Lawyering with Dr. Colin James) or the application ID 122717.
• Document the number and type of credits approved by Oregon (e.g., general, ethics) and whether the course is listed as recorded.
• Self-report the credit to your state bar using their required process, and retain documentation in case of audit.

Is your law practice truly profitable? Not just cash-flow positive, but actually generating the kind of profit that allows you to serve your clients well, take care of your team, and live the life you want? In this episode, I dive deep into the critical topic of law firm profitability with RJon Robins, founder of How to Manage a Small Law Firm and author of Profit First for Lawyers.

We explore why so many lawyers struggle with profitability, how to properly calculate your cost of goods sold, and why understanding the difference between static and dynamic overhead can transform your practice. While RJon and I have different communication styles, we align on the core principle: putting profit first isn't selfish—it's essential for creating a sustainable practice that truly serves everyone involved.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/70

If you've ever tried to turn one of your documents or templates into something repeatable, you probably already know it is harder than it looks. Whether you're looking to streamline routine documents or create client-facing tools, this week's conversation will help you find the most effective and straightforward solution for your needs.

I'm joined by Quinten Steenhuis, co-director of the Legal Innovation and Technology Lab at Suffolk Law School and owner of Lemma Consulting. His work with the Document Assembly Line project during the pandemic revolutionized access to justice when courts physically closed but legal needs remained urgent. We explore the intersection of document automation, generative AI, and legal practice, uncovering practical insights for firms of all sizes.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/69

It’s easy to say lawyers need to “be more adaptable” in today’s shifting tech and economic climate, but real adaptability isn’t about working harder or reacting faster. It’s about responding intelligently to change by staying grounded in your mission, your goals, and the strategies that support them.

In this episode, I break down what intentional adaptability looks like in practice, and how clarity at the strategic level helps you navigate complexity without losing your footing. I share how to make better tech decisions and future-proof your practice without sacrificing what matters most: delivering real results to your clients.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/68

What makes legal writing truly effective? It's not just about knowing the law—it's about knowing how to communicate it. In this episode, I'm joined by Professor Jonah Perlin from Georgetown Law School, where he teaches first-year legal practice and advanced legal writing courses.

We explore how the process of putting ideas into words -wrestling with language and structure- is actually the path to stronger analysis and deeper understanding, and the role AI has in effective legal writing. We discuss the importance of feedback in legal education and practice, and how both giving and receiving feedback effectively is a skill that needs to be developed.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/67