Explore every episode of the podcast Lawyerist Podcast

Law firm marketing does not have to mean paid ads, aggressive sales tactics, or posting constantly online.  In episode 628 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Chad Fox talks with Aaron Thomas about marketing for lawyers who do not think of themselves as marketers. Aaron shares how he went from relying almost entirely on referrals to building a more intentional approach that helped grow his firm and bring in better-fit clients.  They explore why referral marketing is still marketing, how newsletters can keep firms visible, and why useful content often works better than a direct sales pitch. Aaron also explains how lawyers can build stronger referral networks, make their expertise easier to find, and outsource repetitive marketing tasks without hiring a full-time employee.  If you want to grow your firm without sounding salesy or turning marketing into a second job, this episode provides simple strategies you can begin using right away.  This episode is sponsored by Posh Virtual Receptionists. As Aaron explains, effective marketing is often less about selling and more about making it easier for the right clients to find, trust, and connect with your firm. Posh helps support that experience by answering calls, improving responsiveness, and helping law firms maintain consistent communication with prospective and current clients.  Learn more at https://posh.com/lawyerist/.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Marketing & Building Client Relationships.  #608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese Apple | Spotify | LTN  #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI Marketing Secrets, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #526: LinkedIn Mastery: Grow Your Law Firm NOW!, with Matthew Hunt Apple | Spotify | LTN  #515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  00:25 – What Happens When a Business Fully Unplugs  02:05 – Why Rest Belongs in Your Business Plan  12:15 – Meet Aaron Thomas  13:05 – Every Law Firm Is Already Marketing  15:05 – Finding More of the Right Clients  16:20 – Why Advertising Should Not Be Your First Move  17:40 – Marketing to Your Existing Network First  18:50 – Newsletters That Clients Want to Read  21:05 – Networking Without the Sales Pitch  21:55 – Creating Referral Partnerships with Other Lawyers  23:50 – Using Helpful Content to Build Authority  25:10 – Let Your Expertise Do the Selling  26:25 – Why Free Information Still Leads to Paid Work  28:30 – A Practical Starting Point for Overwhelmed Firms  29:50 – Outsourcing the Work That Never Gets Done  31:20 – How Basic Marketing Created Rapid Growth  32:55 – Closing Thoughts 

Knowing your communication style is useful. Knowing when to move beyond it is what creates growth. In episode 627 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Zeina Baydoun about how law firm leaders and teams can use DISC to better understand themselves, communicate more effectively, and respond with greater intention.  Zeina breaks down why DISC is not a personality test or a permanent label. It is a starting point for recognizing the behaviors that come most naturally, the blind spots those tendencies can create, and the ways stress may amplify them. Rather than using a profile to say, “That is just how I am,” she encourages leaders to ask whether their default response is actually what the person or situation needs.  They discuss how different communication styles can create friction inside law firms, why understanding behavior can replace judgment with curiosity, and how teams can better support one another without lowering expectations for growth.  If you want to improve communication without forcing everyone to think and work the same way, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for building more adaptable leaders and more connected teams.  Listen to our previous episodes on Leadership, Communication & Building Stronger Law Firm Teams.  #615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #596: The Athlete’s Mindset for Lawyers, with Jess Sargus Apple | Spotify | LTN  #592: Client Care, Culture, and Character: A Framework for Great Leaders, with William O’Neal Apple | Spotify | LTN  #527: Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | LTN  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 – Introduction01:25 – Using DISC as an Active Leadership Tool04:10 – Meet Zeina Baydoun05:45 – What DISC Reveals About Communication08:35 – Understanding Behavioral Preferences12:00 – How Self-Awareness Changes Team Dynamics14:40 – The Problem with Personality Labels16:20 – Why Leaders Cannot Hide Behind Their Style17:40 – Developing Skills Outside Your Comfort Zone18:55 – Adapting Your Communication to the Situation21:55 – Leadership and Communication Under Pressure25:25 – Supporting Strengths and Managing Blind Spots28:50 – Creating Space for Other People to Lead31:05 – Moving Beyond Fixed Leadership Styles32:10 – Building New Behavioral Habits33:05 – Choice, Growth and Intentional Leadership35:05 – Closing Thoughts 

Law firms deal with serious issues, but that does not mean every client interaction has to feel heavy. In episode 626 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jennifer Cargo about humor as an underrated communication skill for lawyers and law firm teams.  Jennifer shares how her experience with comedy training and amateur standup shaped the way she connects with clients, leads a team, and lightens stressful moments inside a law firm. From breaking the ice during client signings to helping team members feel more comfortable bringing challenges to her, she explains why humor is not about being silly or unprofessional. It is about paying attention, reading the room, and making people feel at ease.  Together, they explore how small moments of levity can build trust, improve client experience, and create a more approachable workplace culture. Jennifer also shares what comedy teaches about timing, observation, confidence, and finding the absurdity in everyday life.  A more human law firm does not always start with a new process or platform. Sometimes, it starts with the way you make people feel when they walk through the door.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Communication & Client Trust.   #609: Improve Client Satisfaction Without More Work: Designing Smarter Legal Services, with Laura Hartnett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN  #592: Client Care, Culture and Character: A Framework for Great Leaders, with William O’Neal Apple | Spotify | LTN  #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau Apple | Spotify | LTN  #338: Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!  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  00:20 – Humor as a Serious Communication Skill  00:45 – What Makes LabCon Different  02:05 – Working on the Business, Not Just in It  04:03 – Meet Jennifer Cargo  05:17 – How Comedy School Changed Jennifer’s Perspective  06:29 – Practicing Confidence Before the Stage  07:22 – Standup, Improv, and Learning to Be Funny  08:42 – Observing the Absurdity Around You  09:05 – Turning Office Friction into Client Connection  10:44 – Humor and the Client Experience  12:06 – Finding Levity Without Dismissing Stress  14:43 – Why Smiling Changes the Interaction  15:29 – Timing, Pauses, and the Structure of a Joke  18:56 – What Law Firms Can Learn from Comedy  20:27 – Building Trust Through Approachable Leadership  22:45 – AI, Comedy Writing, and Creative Prompts  24:51 – Using AI as a Thought Partner  25:17 – The Value of Trying Something New 

Most law firm owners know what it feels like to need help. But needing help and being ready to hire are not always the same thing. In episode 625 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett sits down with Bernadette Harris to talk about the timing, planning, and clarity required to make a successful hire.  Bernadette shares why the biggest hiring mistake is not always choosing the wrong person. Sometimes, it is hiring at the wrong time. Hire too soon, and the firm may not have enough work or revenue to support the role. Hire too late, and the owner may be too overwhelmed to train, onboard, and set the new person up for success.  Stephanie and Bernadette discuss how to evaluate consistent demand, identify whether the owner is the real bottleneck, and use capacity planning to make a more grounded hiring decision. They also explore why lawyers need to define the role clearly before bringing someone in, including the tasks, expectations, soft skills, and success metrics that will shape the position.  If you are thinking about hiring because your firm feels chaotic, this episode will help you pause, look at the data, and make sure you are solving the right problem before adding another person to the payroll.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Hiring, Delegation & Building Better Teams.  #621: Stop Calling Them VAs: How to Build a High-Performing Remote Legal Team, with Raquel Gomes Apple | Spotify | LTN  #616: From Solo to CEO: Letting Go of Legal Work to Grow Your Firm, with Ellen Williamson Apple | Spotify | LTN  #615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 – Introduction00:17 – The Case for Closing the Firm for a Week01:30 – What Has to Be True Before You Can Unplug02:35 – Planning Ahead So Time Off Actually Works03:25 – Meet Bernadette Harris03:55 – The Real Hiring Problem: Wrong Timing04:20 – Financial Stress vs. Operational Chaos05:25 – How to Know When Your Firm Is Ready06:05 – Why Hiring Decisions Need Data06:40 – Capacity Planning for Law Firm Owners07:40 – Are People in the Right Seats?08:45 – Consistent Work vs. One Busy Month09:55 – The Referral Problem and Predictable Demand11:15 – When the Owner Becomes the Bottleneck12:25 – The Time Study Every Owner Needs13:05 – Stop Hiring for “Help”14:20 – Role Clarity and the Type of Person You Need15:45 – Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think16:40 – Why You May Need the Opposite of Yourself17:45 – Onboarding Is More Than Paperwork18:30 – Creating a 90-Day Training Plan20:25 – Why Expectations Need to Be Clear Up Front22:50 – Showing New Hires What Success Looks Like24:30 – What Really Makes a Firm Ready to Hire24:45 – Closing Thoughts 

AI is not just changing how lawyers work. It is changing how lawyers learn. In episode 624 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with April Dawson, Associate Dean of Technology and Innovation and Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law, about what AI means for legal education, new lawyer training, and the future of law practice.  April explains why law schools can no longer rely on written work alone to measure whether students truly understand the material. As AI becomes embedded in legal writing, research, and drafting tools, new lawyers will need to prove their value in different ways, including verbal explanation, critical thinking, judgment, and the ability to use technology responsibly.  Together, they explore how AI may shrink traditional mentorship opportunities, why new lawyers need to become more self-directed learners, and how legal employers may increasingly expect graduates to arrive with real AI fluency. April also shares why small firm owners should rethink their workflows from beginning to end instead of layering AI on top of inefficient systems.  If you are wondering what the next generation of lawyers needs to know, this episode offers a practical look at how AI is reshaping legal education, law firm training, and the skills lawyers will need to stay valuable.  Listen to our previous episodes on AI Skills New Lawyers Need Now.  #619: What Claude Means for Law Firms: AI Skills, Connectors, and Workflow Strategy, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler  Apple | Spotify | LTN   #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use, with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  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 – Introduction01:20 – What Claude for Legal Shows Lawyers About AI05:20 – Using AI Without Starting from Scratch09:20 – Meet April Dawson10:40 – Why Law School Can’t Teach the Same Way12:05 – Why Writing Alone No Longer Proves Understanding13:20 – The Skills Clients Will Actually Measure16:05 – Why “Strong Writer” Is Now Table Stakes18:15 – What New Lawyers Lose When AI Does the First Draft19:25 – How New Lawyers Can Learn Faster with AI22:55 – Building Judgment Without 20 Years of Experience27:10 – Why AI May Help New Lawyers Start Firms Sooner28:35 – What Small Firms Should Rethink Before Adding AI31:50 – Why AI-Savvy Lawyers Will Stand Out34:15 – The Risk of Automating Broken Processes36:15 – Closing Thoughts 

Lawyers are trained to spot risk. But when it comes to AI, focusing only on risk may cause firms to miss the bigger opportunity. In episode 623 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with Bridget McCormack to talk about AI arbitration, legal innovation, and why the future of legal work may be less about replacement and more about reinvention.  Bridget reflects on her time as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, including how the pandemic forced courts to adopt technology faster than anyone expected. She explains why that moment revealed both the limits of traditional legal systems and the potential for more accessible, user-friendly ways to resolve disputes.  Now leading the American Arbitration Association, Bridget shares how AAA is using AI to build tools for clause drafting, self-represented parties, resolution simulation, and even documents-only arbitration. The conversation explores what fairness looks like when AI is involved, why human oversight remains essential, and how legal professionals should think about accountability, bias, and trust.  If AI changes the routine parts of legal work, lawyers will need to rethink what clients actually need from them. This episode offers a practical and future-focused look at arbitration, legal technology, and the new kinds of judgment lawyers will need to bring to the table.  Listen to our previous episodes on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Legal Practice.  #612 – AI for Lawyers: What You Need to Know Before Your Clients Do, with Cat Casey Apple | Spotify | LTN  #607 – The Future of Law Firm Business Models in the Age of AI, with Jordan Furlong Apple | Spotify | LTN  #619– What Claude Means for Law Firms: AI Skills, Connectors, and Workflow Strategy, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590 – Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #587 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #577 – Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://adr.org/  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  00:55 – Why Lawyers Should Test Their Own Intake Process03:35 – Meet Bridget McCormack04:25 – Leading Michigan Courts Through COVID05:20 – Why Remote Court Was Already on the Radar06:40 – Moving Trial Courts Online Fast08:45 – Why Legal Systems Are Slow to Change10:33 – From Chief Justice to CEO of AAA13:18 – How Alternative Dispute Resolution Is Evolving14:50 – AI Tools for Arbitration and Self-Represented Parties15:57 – Building AAA’s AI Arbitrator17:36 – Resolution Simulation and Faster Settlements19:05 – What Is Left for Lawyers?21:19 – Fairness, Bias, and Human Oversight in AI Arbitration23:45 – Why Legal Disputes Need More Options24:41 – AI Agents and the Future of Legal Infrastructure26:26 – When AI Agents Negotiate Contracts28:30 – Closing Thoughts   

Most lawyers build their firms to serve clients, not to eventually leave them. But every law firm owner will exit someday, whether by choice, necessity, or life change.  In episode 622 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Tom Lenfestey, attorney, CPA, and founder of The Law Practice Exchange, about why exit planning should not be treated as something reserved for retirement. Tom explains why succession planning often feels like the end, while exit planning gives firm owners more control over their future, their value, and their next act.  They explore what makes a law firm transferable, why systems and data matter to buyers, and how lawyers can build firms that are worth more than just the owner’s name. Tom also breaks down how the market for law firm sales is changing, from private capital to alternative business structures, and why modern buyers are looking closely at financials, intake, marketing, operations, and owner independence.  If you own a law firm, this conversation is a reminder that your firm can be more than a job you built for yourself. With the right planning, it can become an asset, a legacy, and a bridge to whatever comes next.  Links from the episode: https://thelawpracticeexchange.com/  https://a.co/d/05rY2bUe  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Exits & Succession.  #568: How to Build a Law Firm You Can Sell, with Victoria L. Collier Apple | Spotify | LTN  #517: Passing the Torch: Mastering the Art of Succession, with Carol Bertsch & Brennen Boze Apple | Spotify | LTN  #369: Selling Your Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify | LTN  #326: A Succession Plan for Your Law Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  01:00 – Why Succession Planning Feels Like the End  02:15 – Identity, Second Acts & Life After Practice  05:00 – Meet Tom Lenfestey  06:35 – Does a Law Firm Have Value Beyond the Owner?  07:45 – Why Tom Started The Law Practice Exchange  10:45 – Creating a Marketplace for Law Firm Sales  12:55 – When to Start Planning Your Exit  13:55 – Why Exit Planning Belongs in Your Strategic Plan  15:45 – Why Time Is Your Biggest Advantage  16:05 – Building a Firm with Exit in Mind  17:30 – Why The Exit Blueprint Matters Now  20:40 – What Law Firm Owners Need to Know Before Selling  22:45 – Private Capital, ABS & New Buyer Models  25:20 – What Sophisticated Buyers Want to See  27:15 – Why Data and Systems Create Transferable Value  29:00 – When Succession Planning Goes Wrong  31:20 – Why Internal Successors May Not Be Buyers  33:00 – Exit Strategy vs. Retirement Planning  36:50 – Keeping Your Options Open After Exit  38:50 – Where to Find The Exit Blueprint 

Hiring offshore staff can transform a law firm, but only if it's done intentionally.   In this episode, Zack Glaser sits down with Raquel Gomes, co-founder and CEO of Stafi, to discuss the most common mistakes law firms make when hiring remote offshore team members. Drawing on her background in psychology and experience supporting hundreds of law firms, Raquel explains why the term "virtual assistant" may be holding firms back and how successful firms build engaged, high-performing remote teams.  Zack and Raquel explore the importance of defining roles before hiring, creating effective vetting processes, building structured onboarding systems, integrating remote staff into firm culture, and continuing to invest in team members after they are hired. They also discuss how law firm owners can move from working in the business to leading the business by building teams they trust.  Listen to our previous episodes on hiring, delegation, leadership, and building stronger law firm teams:  #616: From Solo to CEO: Letting Go of Legal Work to Grow Your Firm, with Ellen Williamson Apple | Spotify | LTN  #615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN    Links from the episode:   https://getstafi.com    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  01:26 Why "VA" Is the Wrong Mindset  04:21 Mistake #1: Hiring Reactively Instead of Strategically  06:02 Mistake #2: Weak Vetting and Screening  09:29 How Stafi Evaluates Candidates  11:41 Mistake #3: Poor Onboarding Processes  13:19 Creating SOPs Through Training  15:20 Mistake #4: Failing to Integrate Remote Staff  18:51 Investing in Team Culture and Communication  20:39 Mistake #5: Giving Up Too Soon  22:58 What Makes Stafi Different  24:45 Immigration Case Outsourcing Explained  26:34 The Benefits of Getting Offshore Hiring Right  27:28 Where to Learn More About Stafi 

Claude for Legal is not just something lawyers can install and use out of the box. It is a starting point for building smarter, more intentional law firm workflows.  In this follow-up to last week’s conversation, Zack Glaser continues his discussion with Sam Harden about Claude for Legal, AI skills, and what law firms need to understand before adding automation into their work. Sam explains why lawyers should not treat Claude’s legal plugin as a finished product, but as a framework they can customize around their own processes, practice areas, and firm strategy.  They discuss how lawyers can modify AI skills, share them across a team, avoid creating more silos, and think through workflows before automating them. From demand letters to deposition summaries to safe experimentation, this episode explores how AI can help lawyers reduce repetitive work while preserving the judgment, expertise, and “secret sauce” that make their firms valuable.  Listen to our previous episodes on Artificial intelligence, law firm workflows, and the future of legal practice:  #619: What Claude Means for Law Firms: AI Skills, Connectors, and Workflow Strategy, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #612: AI for Lawyers: What You Need to Know Before Your Clients Do, with Cat Casey Apple | Spotify | LTN  #601: Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #587: Future Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN    Links from the episode:  Posh.com/lawyerist  https://samharden.substack.com/    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: Introduction00:20: Why “Ready” Can Be Fear in Disguise05:14: Sponsor Conversation with Posh13:16: What Claude for Legal Actually Is15:04: Claude for Legal 2.017:28: The Risk of Non Lawyers Using Legal AI20:09: What This Means for Attorneys21:17: The Plugin Is Not the Plan23:22: Customizing Claude for Your Practice   27:20: Sharing AI Skills Across a Firm29:03: Why Law Firms Need an AI Strategy31:19: Map Workflows Before Automating  33:05: Connecting AI to Your Firm’s Data39:13: How Far Can Law Firm AI Go?42:54: Practicing at the Top of Your License43:31: Safe AI Experimentation for Lawyers  47:44: Where to Find Sam Harden     

Claude is not just another AI tool lawyers can chat with. It may be a preview of where legal work is heading. In episode 619 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Sam Harden about Claude, Claude for legal, and the growing role of AI in law firm workflows.  Sam breaks down how Claude can work with documents, folders, PDFs, Word files, and connected legal tools in ways that go far beyond simple prompting. They discuss the difference between Claude Chat, Claude Cowork, connectors, and skills, and why those distinctions matter for lawyers trying to understand what AI can actually do.  They also explore why law firms should not rush into automation without first building better systems. From deposition summaries to document creation to legal research support, this episode explains how AI can become more useful when it is guided by strong processes, clear instructions, and thoughtful implementation.  Listen to our previous episodes on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Legal Practice.  #612: AI for Lawyers: What You Need to Know Before Your Clients Do, with Cat Casey  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #601: Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN     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  00:34 – Why Claude for Legal Matters  01:28 – Live Crabs and Work from Home Chaos  07:04 – Setting Up the Conversation  07:29 – Meet Sam Harden  08:04 – What Lawyers Should Watch with Claude  10:14 – What Claude Actually Is  11:16 – How AI Moved Beyond Chat  12:07 – From Claude Code to Claude Cowork  13:22 – How Claude Works with Documents  15:20 – Why Claude Cowork Is a Big Shift  15:45 – Creating Documents and Presentations  16:52 – Claude Chat vs. Cowork vs. Code  18:12 – Legal Plugins and Connectors  19:30 – Reducing Context Switching with AI  20:49 – Connecting Claude to Legal Tools  22:24 – What Legal Connectors Can Do  24:47 – MCP, Tools, and Connector Limits  26:37 – What Claude Skills Are  28:44 – Why SOPs Come Before AI Skills  29:43 – Using Skills for Legal Documents  30:35 – AI Skills for Deposition Summaries  31:14 – Combining Connectors and Skills  32:15 – Teaching Claude Like a Team Member  33:11 – Choosing the Right Skill  34:00 – How Bad Instructions Create AI Risk  35:49 – Building Better Skills and Plugins  37:13 – What Comes Next for Claude for Legal 

Wrongful convictions and AI privacy may seem like separate issues, but both raise the same uncomfortable question: what happens when the legal system relies on old assumptions in a changing world? In episode 618 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Sunny Eaton about conviction review work, evolving science, and why lawyers should not be so quick to surrender privacy expectations in the age of AI.  Sunny shares how her work in the Nashville District Attorney’s Office focuses on reviewing old convictions, identifying new evidence, and helping correct cases where the system may have gotten it wrong. She explains why changing science, including advances in DNA, trauma research, and bias studies, can matter deeply when reviewing criminal convictions.  The conversation then turns to AI, attorney client privilege, client data, and the growing role of data brokers. Zack and Sunny explore whether information shared with AI tools should automatically lose privacy protection, and why lawyers may need to make stronger arguments before courts accept that assumption.  If you are concerned about AI in law firms, client confidentiality, or the future of privacy rights, this episode challenges lawyers to think harder about what should remain private and why it is our job to make the government work for it.   Listen to our previous episodes on AI, Privacy & Legal Ethics.  #612: AI for Lawyers: What You Need to Know Before Your Clients Do, with Cat Casey Apple | Spotify | LTN  #582: Deepfakes, Data, and Duty: Navigating AI Ethics in Law, with Merisa Bowers Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #486: How to Safely Include AI in Your Legal Tech Stack, with Will Anoh Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  01:25 Pruning Your Practice  04:15 When Loyalty Gets in the Way  06:25 Meet Sunny Eaton  08:45 Conviction Review Units  09:50 Reviewing Old Cases  11:25 Building Trust  12:40 What Cases Qualify  14:35 Changing Science  16:00 DNA, Trauma, and Bias  18:05 Case by Case Review  19:25 Bad Science and Old Convictions  20:40 AI and Privacy  22:00 Lawyers, Therapists, and Privacy  23:20 Giving Up Too Quickly on AI Privacy  25:30 Reasonable Expectations of Privacy  26:15 Client Data and AI Risk  29:15 What Email Teaches Us  31:00 Attorney Client Privilege and AI  33:20 Personal vs. Workplace AI Use  34:00 Old Rules, New Technology  35:45 Make the Government Work for It 

AI is changing legal marketing faster than most law firms realize. In episode 617 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Conrad Saam, founder of Mockingbird, about what law firms need to understand as AI begins reshaping marketing, reporting, decision making, and the business of running a firm.  Conrad shares why AI may give smaller, more entrepreneurial law firms a new way to compete against larger firms with bigger budgets and more data. He explains how firms can use AI to build smarter internal systems, improve reporting, and rethink the tools they rely on every day.  The conversation also explores leadership under pressure through Conrad’s volunteer work in ski patrol and search and rescue. From staying calm in high stress situations to debriefing after things go wrong, he shares practical lessons law firm owners can apply when managing clients, teams, campaigns, and business decisions.  If you are trying to understand what AI really means for law firm growth, legal marketing, and the future of small firms, this episode offers a grounded look at what is changing, what is overhyped, and what law firm owners should pay attention to next.  Listen to our previous episodes on Legal Marketing, AI & Smarter Law Firm Growth.  #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative Apple | Spotify | LTN   #580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN   #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  00:25 – Lawyer Mental Health and Well Being02:45 – Meet Legal Marketing Expert Conrad Saam03:35 – The Early Days of SEO for Lawyers04:00 – What Search and Rescue Teaches About Business06:40 – Why Law Firm Owners Struggle to Disconnect08:45 – Calm Leadership in Stressful Moments09:55 – How Leaders Shape Law Firm Culture12:05 – Using Checklists to Make Better Business Decisions13:00 – Preparing for Problems Before They Happen14:20 – Why Outcomes Don’t Tell the Whole Story16:05 – The Value of Legal Marketing Content17:40 – AI and the Future of Legal Marketing18:25 – What ABA Tech Show Revealed About AI19:35 – Why Law Firms May Build Their Own AI Tools20:35 – Can AI Level the Playing Field for Small Firms?23:35 – Replacing Expensive Reporting Systems with AI26:25 – Why AI Rankings Can Be Misleading28:45 – Tactical Marketing for Law Firm Owners31:10 – Rethinking Leadership as a Law Firm CEO32:20 – Closing Thoughts 

Many lawyers know they need to delegate. Far fewer actually do it in a way that leads to real growth. In episode 616 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Chad Fox sits down with Ellen Williamson to explore what it looks like to build a law firm that doesn’t rely on you for every decision.  Ellen breaks down the mindset shift from being the person who does the work to the person who leads it. She shares how she moved from handling every task herself to creating systems, training her team, and trusting others to take ownership of client work.  The conversation also explores why delegation can feel inefficient in the short term, how to think about the long-term payoff, and what it takes to build a team that can think, not just execute.  If you want to scale your firm without burning out or becoming the constant bottleneck, this episode offers a clearer way to approach delegation, leadership, and sustainable growth.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Growth, Delegation & Leadership.  #600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall Apple | Spotify | LTN  #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  04:20 – Meet Ellen Williamson  05:30 – You Might Be the Bottleneck  07:00 – Why Doing Everything Feels Easier  09:00 – The Hidden Cost of “I’ll Just Do It”  11:10 – Why Delegation Feels Inefficient  13:00 – Sticking With It Long Enough to Scale  15:00 – How to Train People to Think Like You  17:20 – Turning One Task Into a Repeatable System  19:10 – The $500 vs. $50 Task Shift  21:00 – Using Video to Transfer Knowledge  23:00 – When Your Team Starts Thinking for You  25:00 – Structuring Time to Avoid Constant Interruptions  27:00 – Rethinking Billing and Incentives  29:00 – Letting Go of Control (For Real)  31:00 – Becoming the CEO of Your Firm  33:00 – What Growth Actually Looks Like  35:00 – Closing Thoughts 

What happens when the best lawyer in the office becomes the boss? In episode 615 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett to talk about the leadership gap inside most law firms and why technical skill does not automatically translate into great leadership.  They explore why so many firms rely on “figure it out as you go” leadership, how that creates burnout and frustration, and why so many leaders end up becoming the bottleneck in their own business.  Debbie and Stephanie introduce their four leadership cornerstones and explain how law firm leaders can shift from solving every problem themselves to creating teams, systems, and workflows that work without constant intervention.  If you are tired of putting out fires all day, this episode is your reminder that leadership should feel more strategic and a lot less exhausting.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Leadership & Building Better Teams.  #600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall Apple | Spotify | LTN  #575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN  #568: How to Build a Law Firm You Can Sell, with Victoria L. Collier Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://beanextlevelleader.com/    Chapters / Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  00:30 – Using AI as a Thought Partner  02:00 – Better Prompts, Better Leadership Decisions  05:30 – Meet Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett  06:40 – What Are Next Level Leaders?  08:15 – Why Most Law Firms Don’t Train Leaders  10:05 – Learning Leadership the Hard Way  12:10 – The Four Cornerstones of Leadership  17:20 – From Heroics to Architecture  18:45 – Why Leaders Become the Bottleneck  20:10 – From Problem Solver to Multiplier  21:30 – Building Sustainable Leadership Systems  23:00 – Who This Program Is For  25:30 – The Book, Workbook, and Leadership Cohorts  28:00 – Leadership Is a Skill, Not a Title  29:00 – Closing Thoughts   

Most law firm owners are highly strategic in their legal work, but far less intentional about their finances. And it shows up at tax time.  In episode 614 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Bernadette Harris talks with Jayden Doye about the financial habits that quietly cost law firms thousands and why reactive tax preparation is not the same as real tax strategy.  Jayden breaks down the key differences between bookkeeping, tax preparation, and tax planning, and explains why many lawyers overpay the IRS simply because they wait too long to act. They also explore common mistakes like misclassifying employees, relying on DIY accounting, and focusing on revenue instead of profit.  Together, they share practical ways to take control of your numbers, build better financial systems, and make smarter decisions throughout the year, not just in April.  If you want to stop guessing, reduce your tax burden, and run a more financially stable firm, this episode offers a more proactive approach to managing your practice.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Profitability & Financial Clarity.  #595 – KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm’s Financial Health, with Bernadette L. Harris (Remastered) Apple | Spotify | LTN  #583 – From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #575 – From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN  #558: The Wealthy Lawyer: Practical Financial Strategies for Legal Professionals, with Darren Wurz Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://theelawfirmcpa.com/home    Chapters / Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction02:15 – Why Perfectionism Holds Lawyers Back08:10 – Meet Jayden Doye09:00 – The #1 Tax Mistake Law Firms Make10:45 – Why Doing It Yourself Costs More12:20 – Understanding the Financial Basics15:00 – How to Actually Lower Your Tax Bill17:00 – The Hiring Mistake That Can Trigger Audits19:00 – Are You Paying Yourself the Right Way?21:45 – Revenue vs. Profit (What Actually Matters)23:30 – Why Tax Bills Catch Lawyers Off Guard25:30 – Fixing the Problem Moving Forward26:40 – Simple Habits for Better Financial Control28:10 – The One Rule Every CPA Agrees On 

Access to justice is not just a gap. It is a scale problem. In episode 613 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Zach Zarnow, Executive Director of Scale Justice, about what it really takes to reach more people without relying on more lawyers.  Zach explains why traditional approaches like pro bono work, while valuable, are not enough to meet the overwhelming demand for legal help. Instead, Scale Justice focuses on building systems, tools, and partnerships that expand the reach of legal services through technology and collaboration.  They explore how courts, legal aid organizations, and community groups can work together to meet people earlier in their legal journeys, why designing for real user needs matters more than ever, and how thoughtful use of technology can increase impact without sacrificing quality.  If you are thinking about how to serve more clients, build more efficient systems, or rethink the role of your firm in a larger ecosystem, this episode offers a broader and more scalable way to approach legal services.  Listen to our previous episodes on Access to Justice, Technology & Scaling Legal Help.  #601: Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #607: The Future of Law Firm Business Models in the Age of AI, with Jordan Furlong Apple | Spotify | LTN  #600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  www.scalejustice.org  Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4A3J-UjAdjQ    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  04:40 – Meet Zach Zarnow  06:20 – The Access to Justice Problem  07:50 – Why More Lawyers Isn’t the Answer  09:15 – Building Systems That Actually Scale  11:10 – Partnering Instead of Selling  12:30 – What It Means to Be Mission-Driven  14:00 – Where the Courts Fit In  15:30 – Solving Legal Problems Before They Escalate  17:00 – Catching Legal Issues Early  18:20 – Technology as a Force Multiplier  19:10 – The Risks of DIY Legal AI  21:05 – Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use These Tools  22:45 – Why Most Legal Tech Should Be Treated as an Experiment  23:50 – What the Future Could Look Like  25:00 – Ways Lawyers Can Contribute  26:30 – Closing Thoughts 

AI is not just another tool. It is changing how clients think, act, and make decisions. In episode 612 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Cat Casey about what lawyers need to understand before AI creates problems they cannot fix.  As more clients turn to tools like ChatGPT, lawyers are facing new challenges around trust, accuracy, and confidentiality. Cat explains why even lawyers who choose not to use AI still need to understand it, and how failing to do so can create real risks for both lawyers and their clients.  They share practical ways to approach AI with the right mindset, including how to think about its limitations, how to use it as a thinking partner instead of a replacement, and how to guide clients who may not understand the consequences of using it.  If you want to stay ahead of where the legal profession is heading, this episode offers a clear and actionable place to start.  Listen to our previous episodes on Using AI in Law Practice.  #601 – Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590 – Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #580 – Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN  #550 – Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:   https://thetechnocat.com/about  Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PQwAxiNjbhY   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  02:10 – A New Way of Working with AI  05:00 – From Task Execution to Orchestration  07:45 – Meet Cat Casey 09:30 – The Shift Happening Right Now in Law 11:15 – The Rise of AI in Client Behavior 13:45 – Understanding AI Without Getting Technical 16:35 – Why AI Is Not a Research Tool Replacement 18:50 – The Role of Judgment in an AI World 20:10 – AI as a Collaborative Tool 22:10 – Why Iteration Is Part of the Process 23:25 – When AI Creates Legal Risk 25:55 – Confidentiality and Privilege in Practice 27:10 – The Reality of Discoverability 28:20 – Lessons from Past Tech Shifts 29:30 – Where Lawyers Should Start 

Most law firms don’t have a tech problem. They have a decision-making problem.  In episode 611 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Scott Clasen about how to evaluate legal technology in a world where AI is changing everything and somehow making it more confusing at the same time.  Too many firms are stuck buying more tools, chasing new features, and hoping the next platform will finally fix their workflow. Scott challenges that approach by shifting the focus away from software and back to systems, asking a more important question: what problem are you actually trying to solve?  They explore the rise of AI-powered SaaS, the appeal of building your own tools, and why “AI-enabled” doesn’t always mean “useful.” The conversation also breaks down how to evaluate legal tech vendors, what contextual AI actually means, and how to think about long-term investments when the landscape keeps shifting every six months.  If your tech stack feels bloated, expensive, or underwhelming, this episode offers a smarter way to make decisions that actually move your firm forward.  Listen to our previous episodes on Legal Tech, AI, and Smarter Law Firm Systems.  #601: Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN   #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   #575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN     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 – Introduction02:00 – Lawyers Lab Updates03:55 – Meet Scott Clasen05:30 – SaaS Is Dead… Or Not06:45 – Building vs Buying Legal Tech08:30 – Paying for Tools You Don’t Use09:20 – AI Isn’t Always the Answer10:45 – Context Is What Makes AI Useful13:20 – AI That Works Like a Team Member15:10 – Making Smart Tech Investments16:30 – Start with the Problem, Not the Tool18:30 – Fixing Broken Workflows  20:10 – When AI Does More Than Your Software21:50 – Custom Software Is Back23:15 – Where Your Data Should Live25:40 – The Build vs Buy Decision27:50 – Is This a Tech Revolution?30:10 – What Will Survive in Legal Tech32:00 – Where AI Is Heading33:30 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode 610 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with Karin Conroy to unpack why so many law firm websites fail to convert and why AI is making the problem worse.  Karin explains why copycat marketing has always been ineffective, and how the rise of AI generated content is accelerating a wave of sameness across legal websites. As tools make it easier than ever to produce content quickly, the firms that stand out are not the ones moving faster, they are the ones thinking more strategically about differentiation, trust, and positioning.  The conversation explores what actually matters on a modern law firm website, from messaging that resonates in seconds to branding that signals credibility to both humans and algorithms. Zack and Karin also break down where AI fits into a smart marketing strategy and where it quietly undermines it.  If your website looks good but is not bringing in clients, this episode will help you rethink what “working” really means.  Listen to our previous episodes on law firm marketing with Karin Conroy:    #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-driven Law Firm Marketing, with Creative Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN   #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored) Apple | Spotify | LTN    #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://www.conroycreativecounsel.com/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  02:00 – Meet Karin Conroy  03:45 – The Problem with Copycat Websites  06:00 – Why “Inspiration” Turns Into Sameness  08:30 – AI Slop Before AI  10:30 – If You Look the Same, You Compete on Price  12:30 – What Your Website Should Actually Do  14:30 – The 3 Second Rule  16:00 – Messaging That Makes Clients Feel Understood  18:30 – Stock Photos and Fake AI Images  21:00 – Using AI Without Killing Your Brand  24:00 – Why Most Bio Pages Fail  27:00 – What Clients Actually Care About  29:30 – Trust Signals That Matter  32:00 – Content Is Cheap, Expertise Is Not  35:00 – How to Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness  38:00 – The Only Shortcut That Works  41:00 – Closing Thoughts   

Most law firms are designed for lawyers, not clients. And clients feel it. In episode 609 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett sits down with Laura Hartnett to explore how design thinking can transform the way legal services are delivered.  Laura breaks down why clients often feel confused, anxious, or left in the dark, even when lawyers are doing excellent work. She shares how small changes, like rethinking communication, mapping the client journey, and understanding what happens after you deliver advice, can dramatically improve both client satisfaction and firm efficiency.  Together, they share practical ways to rethink your processes, clarify your communication, and deliver work clients can actually understand and use. If you want to build a law firm that feels clearer, more human, and easier to work with, this episode offers a smarter approach to designing your practice.  Listen to our previous episodes on Client Experience & Designing Better Legal Services.  #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN  #600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall Apple | Spotify | LTN  #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau Apple | Spotify | LTN    Links from the episode:  https://laurahartnett.com/  https://lawyerist.com/turn-ai-into-your-small-firms-advantage/    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  04:20 – Meet Laura Hartnett  05:00 – What “Design Thinking” Actually Means  06:05 – Why Client Experience Starts with Emotion  07:45 – Stop Inheriting Your Law Firm  08:40 – Where to Start: Understanding Your Client  10:20 – Mapping the Client Journey  12:15 – The Hidden Friction in Law Firm Processes  14:30 – Why Clients Don’t Understand Your Work  16:25 – Designing Deliverables Clients Can Use  18:20 – Lessons from Other Industries  19:05 – AI, Client Expectations & New Behaviors  21:40 – Teaching Clients When to Call You  23:00 – Redesigning Legal Services for the Future  25:00 – Staying Curious About AI & Change  27:00 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode 608 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with former Big Law business development professional Megan Senese about the human side of legal marketing and why the most effective client development strategies often look less like selling and more like genuine connection.  For many lawyers, business development feels awkward, performative, and disconnected from the real work of practicing law. Megan challenges that assumption by showing how meaningful relationships, not sales tactics, are what actually drive sustainable growth.  They explore why traditional networking advice fails so many lawyers, how small thoughtful gestures can build stronger professional relationships, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a crowded legal marketplace. Megan also shares practical ideas for nurturing relationships, staying top of mind without being transactional, and approaching business development in a way that feels natural rather than forced.  If the idea of “doing marketing” makes you cringe, this episode offers a more sustainable approach to building relationships, trust, and ultimately a thriving legal practice.  Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Marketing & Differentiation.  #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN  #580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN  #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  #549: A Journey into Video Marketing, with Temi Siyanbade Apple | Spotify | LTN  #515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis Apple | Spotify | LTN   Links from the episode: https://stage.guide     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  02:05 – Why Thoughtful Gestures Strengthen Professional Relationships  05:10 – Meet Megan Senese  06:25 – Why Business Development Feels So Hard for Lawyers  07:10 – How to Make Networking Feel Natural  09:20 – Why Copying Other Firms’ Marketing Doesn’t Work  10:15 – Turning Personal Interests into Business Development  12:30 – Simple Ways to Nurture Professional Relationships  14:00 – Staying Top of Mind Without Being Salesy  15:10 – How Long It Actually Takes to Build Client Relationships  16:05 – How to Ask for Business Without Feeling Awkward  18:05 – Why Listening Creates Better Pitch Opportunities  20:00 – Staying Curious About New Tools and Technology  23:00 – Closing Thoughts 

AI is more than just another tool for lawyers. It may fundamentally change how law firms make money. In episode #607 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with legal industry analyst Jordan Furlong about the shifting economics of law practice and what happens as AI begins doing work lawyers once billed for.  Jordan explains why the traditional law firm model built on billable hours and human effort is starting to break down as legal workflows become automated. Together, they explore how AI may shift lawyers away from producing legal work and toward supervising systems, validating outcomes, and delivering the one thing machines cannot easily replicate: judgment under uncertainty.  The future of law practice may depend less on expertise and more on qualities machines struggle to replicate such as judgment, character, and the ability to guide clients through uncertainty. The conversation also explores why hourly billing may no longer make sense in an AI-driven world, how firms can rethink pricing around outcomes and client experience, and why smaller firms may adapt more quickly.  If the billable hour fades and AI begins handling the routine “widgets” of legal work, the real question becomes what a lawyer’s value is now, and how firms should prepare for what comes next.  Listen to our previous episodes on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Legal Practice.  #601 – Beyond Chatbots: Using Agentic AI in Law Firm Intake, with Matt Spiegel Apple | Spotify | LTN  #590 – Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN  #587 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN  #577 – Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN   Links from the episode:  https://jordanfurlong.substack.com.    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  01:45 – Why Everyone Is Talking About AI in Law  04:20 – Meet Jordan Furlong  06:40 – The Real Disruption AI Brings to Law Firms  09:30 – The Economics Behind the Billable Hour  12:50 – What Happens When Software Does the Work  16:05 – The Shift from Expertise to Judgment  19:20 – What Lawyers Still Do Better Than AI  22:40 – Client Value in an AI-Driven Profession  26:00 – Why Smaller Firms May Have an Advantage  29:10 – What This Means for New Lawyers  32:45 – Preparing for the Next Version of Law Practice  36:10 – Closing Thoughts 

Standing out in a crowded legal market requires more than competence. It requires intentional client experience. In episode 606 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Patrick Patino about redefining professionalism and building a law firm people actually want to work with.  Patrick shares how he walked away from a successful bankruptcy practice to experiment with a more human-centered model focused on connection, accessibility, and community. They examine why most firms look and feel the same, how experience shapes client loyalty, and why fear-based marketing quietly undermines trust.  If you are questioning the traditional law firm playbook, this episode offers concrete ways to attract better clients, clarify your positioning, and design a firm that fits both your values and your market.  Links from the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-newfangled-lawyer/id1699645225 Listen to our previous episodes on Client Experience & Law Firm Differentiation.  #603 – Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #600 – Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #575 – From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN  #559 – The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites, with Conroy Creative Counsel Apple | Spotify | LTN 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  01:15 – Discipline Is Boring Until Results Show Up  07:05 – Meet Patrick Patino  09:30 – Rethinking Professionalism  11:15 – High Five Legal and the Bankruptcy Experiment  13:30 – Fear Based Marketing vs. Levity  16:10 – Meeting Clients Where They Are  18:45 – Community Over Sales Pitches  20:50 – The Copycat Law Firm Problem  23:30 – Experience Is the Differentiator  26:05 – The Crumbl Cookie Model of Law  28:40 – Scaling Culture with the Pod Model  31:15 – Talking With Clients, Not At Them  34:00 – Collaboration Over Control  36:20 – Define Your Ideal Client for Real  38:45 – Solo and Small Firm Advantage  41:20 – What It Means to Be Newfangled 

In episode 604 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett sits down with Andy Hays to explore the shift from solo practitioner to true business owner. After nearly two decades of firm ownership, Andy shares why he recently rebranded to remove his personal name from the firm, a strategic move designed to reduce dependency on him and strengthen the firm’s future.  They discuss delegation, hiring before you feel fully ready, automating repetitive processes, and setting clear expectations for team performance. The conversation also dives into accountability, leadership growth, and how small operational improvements compound over time.  If you are ready to move beyond founder dependence and build a firm designed for scalability, resilience, and long-term value, this episode offers practical frameworks and real-world insight to help you get there.  Listen to our previous episodes on Scaling & Building a Sellable Firm.  #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #588: Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  03:50 – Standards, KPIs & Hard Conversations  07:30 – Meet Andy  08:45 – Lessons from 18 Years in Practice  10:15 – Removing Your Name from the Firm  12:45 – Building a Firm You Can Sell  15:30 – Automation & Low Hanging Fruit  17:00 – Accountability & Team Meetings  19:25 – The “I’ll Just Do It Myself” Trap  21:15 – Hiring Strategically  23:30 – Expanding the Physical Office  25:40 – Closing Thoughts   

In episode 604 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how addressing alcohol and mental health can unlock greater clarity, confidence, and long-term success in your legal career. Stephanie Everett sits down with IP attorney and recovery coach Melissa Silverstein to talk about alcohol, achievement, and the hidden pressures inside the legal profession.  Melissa shares her personal journey from high-achieving “functioning” lawyer to long-term sobriety, and explains why so many attorneys struggle silently while still appearing successful on the outside. Together, they explore law firm drinking culture, client expectations, stigma around asking for help, and why recovery does not have to mean labels or all-or-nothing thinking.  If you’ve ever felt burned out, anxious, or not quite like your best self, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance, and a path toward building a healthier, more sustainable legal career without shame.  Listen to our previous episodes on Lawyer Well Being & Recovery.  469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Healthy, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN  #477 Controlling Alcohol with Annie Grace Apple | Spotify | LTN  #506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski Apple | Spotify | LTN  #533 The Alcohol Experiment, with Annie Grace Apple | Spotify | LTN  #535 Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 & Conference Recap  08:30 – Melissa’s Story  10:00 – Achievement as a Mask  12:10 – Rethinking Abstinence  14:30 – Harm Reduction & Personal Choice  15:50 – Warning Signs in Law Practice  16:30 – The Role of the Bar  17:50 – Leadership & Language  20:00 – Rethinking Firm Events  23:10 – Career Growth After Recovery  26:00 – De-Stigmatizing Help  29:00 – Closing Thoughts   

In episode 603 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with Karin Conroy to examine how AI is changing the rules of law firm marketing and what that means for lawyers who want to stand out for the right reasons.   Karin explains why expertise, not automation, is what rises to the top in an AI filtered world. As large language models reshape how potential clients search for answers, shortcuts like keyword stuffing and mass produced content are quickly losing their impact. What stands out instead is real authority built through credibility, third party validation, media appearances, and consistent messaging across platforms.  The conversation also challenges the idea that your website is your first impression. In today’s landscape, visibility often starts elsewhere. Zack and Karin unpack how referral systems support a larger authority strategy and what it truly means to move from building, to stabilizing, to growing your marketing in a deliberate and sustainable way.  Listen to our previous episodes with Karin:   #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored) Apple | Spotify | LTN   #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN   #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-driven Law Firm Marketing, with Creative Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN      Links from the episode:  https://conroycreativecounsel.com/    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 – Meet Karin Conroy02:30 – AI, Agents & The Content Explosion04:15 – The M Dash as a Trust Tell07:00 – Why Google Isn’t the Front Door Anymore09:00 – Knowledge Panels & Online Authority12:30 – You Can’t Fake Expertise15:00 – Stop Chasing SEO Tricks17:30 – Authority Through Media & PR21:00 – Who Needs a Media Kit23:00 – Referrals Are a Marketing Strategy25:00 – Build Before You Scale28:00 – AI Rewards Real Experts32:30 – Closing Thoughts 

Lawyers have always relied on tools—but AI is different. It doesn’t just assist with tasks; it makes decisions, applies judgment, and shapes outcomes. In episode #602 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Damien Riehl about what ethical responsibility looks like when AI starts doing legal work on its own.  Their conversation examines how AI systems embed values, why verification matters more than transparency, and how lawyers can responsibly use tools they don’t fully understand. They also explore what legal expertise looks like in an AI-powered future—and why intuition, trust, and integrity may matter more than ever as machines take over the “widgets” of legal work.  Listen to our other episodes on Ethics and Responsibility in AI.  EP. 582 Deepfakes, Data, and Duty: Navigating AI Ethics in Law, with Merisa Bowers Apple | Spotify | LTN  EP. 543 What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  05:55 – Meet Damien Riehl  08:10 – Why AI Is a Different Kind of Legal Tool  11:05 – When AI Starts Doing Legal Work  14:30 – Ethics, Values, and AI Judgment  18:45 – Foundation Models vs. Legal-Specific AI  21:15 – The “Duck Test” and Trusting AI Output  24:45 – Trust but Verify: Reviewing AI Work  28:40 – What Lawyers Are Underestimating About AI  31:10 – What Still Requires Human Judgment  34:30 – Intuition, Trust, and Integrity in Law  37:40 – What This Means for Billing and the Future  40:40 – Closing Thoughts   

Lawyers are understandably cautious about AI—but the real risk may be using it the wrong way. In episode 601 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with Matt Spiegel of Lawmatics to explore how agentic AI is changing the way law firms handle intake and evaluate potential clients.  Matt breaks down why surface-level AI tools fall short, how agentic AI can make informed recommendations instead of opaque scores, and what it takes to build trust in automated decision-making. They also discuss how better intake systems can reduce wasted time, improve lead quality, and support more intentional firm growth.  Listen to our other episodes on Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice.  #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  Links from the episode:  https://www.lawmatics.com/    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  01:28 – Meet Matt Spiegel  03:55 – From the Cloud to AI in Legal Tech  05:38 – Why Lawyers Are Cautious About AI  06:50 – Moving Beyond Surface-Level AI  08:51 – Why Lead Scoring Misses the Point  11:14 – What Makes Agentic AI Different  14:10 – Generative AI vs. Agentic AI  15:57 – Teaching Software to Make Decisions  17:17 – Automating Outcomes, Not Steps  20:10 – Why Lawmatics Was Already Agentic  21:47 – Trust, Guardrails, and Client Data  24:20 – What Qualify AI Does Differently  25:33 – Closing Thoughts 

Starting a law firm doesn’t automatically make you a business owner—designing one does. In episode #600 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett and Zack Glaser kick off a four-part series on how to design a law firm intentionally, rather than defaulting into a business you didn’t mean to build.  They unpack the biggest myths lawyers believe when starting a firm, why being a good lawyer isn’t enough to create a sustainable business, and how relying on personal heroics instead of structure quietly traps firm owners over time. Stephanie breaks down the three constraints that cause most firms to struggle, the three distinct paths law firms can take, and the key questions lawyers should ask early to align their business model with the life and career they actually want.  Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Strategy & Business Design.  #583 – From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #575 – From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN  #570 – Uncover Your Firm’s Journey with the New Small Firm Scorecard™, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN  #568 – How to Build a Law Firm You Can Sell, with Victoria L. Collier Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  01:15 – Why This Isn’t About “Starting” a Law Firm  03:45 – The Biggest Myth Lawyers Believe About Firm Ownership  06:50 – Heroics vs. Structure  10:30 – The Three Constraints That Trap Law Firm Owners  12:45 – Every Firm Is Choosing a Business Model (Whether You Realize It or Not)  14:30 – The Three Paths Law Firms Take  18:55 – When Your Goals and Design Don’t Match  20:55 – How Clients Actually Buy Legal Services  23:30 – What Breaks If Demand Doubles  25:00 – Clarity Beats Certainty  29:15 – What to Do in the First 30 Days  33:40 – Where to Go Next 

Law school prepares students to think like lawyers, but it often leaves them without a clear picture of what comes next. Zack Glaser sits down with Jocelyn Hardrick to explore how mentorship, pipeline programs, and practical guidance can help first-generation and nontraditional students bridge the gap between legal education and real-world practice.  They unpack the challenges students face when they lack exposure to legal careers, the importance of writing and bar preparation support, and how community and accountability shape confidence during the transition into the profession. The episode highlights how intentional mentorship and community support can reduce uncertainty, build confidence, and create clearer pathways into the legal profession.  Listen to our other episodes on mentorship, mindset, and professional development.   Episode #596 — The Athlete’s Mindset for Lawyers, with Jess Sargus Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #592 — Client Care, Culture, and Character: A Framework for Great Leaders, with William O’Neal Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #588 — Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #576 — How Sponsorship, Empathy, and Failure Shape Great Leaders, with Michael Cohen Apple | Spotify | LTN  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: https://www.journeytoesquire.com/  Chapters:  00:00 – Introduction  01:45 – Why the Path Into Law Isn’t Clear  06:10 – Meet Jocelyn Hardrick  08:25 – What Journey to Esquire Does  12:40 – First-Generation and Nontraditional Barriers  17:30 – Mentorship vs. Sponsorship  21:55 – Writing, Bar Prep, and Practical Skills  26:40 – Building Confidence Through Community  31:20 – Advice for New and Aspiring Lawyers  34:10 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode #598 of the Lawyerist Podcast, learn how Microsoft Copilot can help lawyers work more efficiently inside Microsoft 365—without compromising accuracy, security, or client trust. Zack Glaser talks with Ben Schorr, innovation strategist at Affinity Consulting Group and former Microsoft insider, about how attorneys can move past AI hype and start using Copilot for real, everyday legal work.  Zack and Ben break down how Copilot helps lawyers draft and edit documents, summarize complex files, extract key deadlines, prep for meetings, and manage inbox overload—all while keeping client data protected within Microsoft’s security framework. They clarify where Copilot delivers the most value, where caution is required, and why understanding its limitations is essential to using it effectively. For lawyers curious about AI but unsure where to begin, this episode offers a clear, realistic roadmap for adopting Copilot without compromising accuracy, ethics, or trust.  Listen to our other episodes on  AI, Legal Technology & Practical Innovation in Law Firms:   Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 550: Beyond Content: How AI Is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 543: AI Ethics: What Lawyers Need to Know, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  08:43 – Meet Ben Schorr  11:08 – What Copilot Is (and Why Lawyers Care)  13:27 – Security, Privacy, and Client Data  16:47 – Drafting Legal Documents With Copilot  18:36 – Schorr’s Law: Always Review AI Output  20:30 – Editing, Fact-Checking, and Improving Existing Work  23:57 – Summarizing Documents and Extracting Key Info  28:49 – Brainstorming, Personas, and Strategy Testing  34:34 – Agentic AI: What’s Possible (and What Isn’t)    

Lawyers spend a surprising amount of time teaching clients, team members, and other lawyers, but most are never taught how adults actually learn. In episode 597 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Danielle Hall about adult learning principles and why they matter in legal practice.  Danielle explains how adult learners differ from students in traditional classrooms and what this means for client communication, team training, and CLE presentations. They explore why information overload backfires, how focusing on the “why” improves understanding, and simple ways to design learning experiences that actually stick without making things more complicated.   Listen to our other episodes on client communication and understanding:   Episode #539 - This VOICE HACK Will Transform Your Legal Career!, with Rena Cook Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #384 - Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #338 - Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  03:12 – Why Lawyers Are Always Teaching  08:37 – Meet Danielle Hall  10:49 – How Adults Learn Differently  14:57 – Information Overload and Client Confusion  17:01 – Teaching Clients and Teams More Effectively  21:52 – Why Most CLEs Don’t Work  25:28 – Applying Adult Learning in Your Firm  31:46 – Closing Thoughts   

High performance in law requires more than technical skill—it requires the right mindset. In episode #596 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Jess Sargus about applying an athlete’s mindset to leadership, performance, and growth in legal practice.  Jess breaks down the core pillars of athletic thinking. From growth mindset and action orientation to process focus and purpose, and explains how lawyers can apply these principles to become better leaders and perform at their best under pressure.  If you want to hear more from Jess, check her out at: https://www.thelegalathlete.com/  Listen to our other episodes on Mindset & Performance:  #588 – Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN  #585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health in Law, with Soumya Palreddy & Jill Kluesner Apple | Spotify | LTN  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #551 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  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  03:12 – Meet Jess Sargus  04:02 – From Law to Combat Sports  08:06 – Competition, Business, and Leadership  11:15 – Why Mindset Matters  15:12 – The Athlete’s Mindset Defined  17:01 – Action Orientation and Elite Performance  19:30 – Getting Comfortable with Failure  22:05 – Growth Mindset and Competitiveness  26:03 – The Five Pillars of Fierce Agency  29:21 – Process Over Outcome  34:46 – Purpose and Mission Alignment  39:48 – Where to Find Jess  40:53 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode 595 of the Lawyerist Podcast, we’re revisiting Stephanie’s conversation with Lawyerist financial coach Bernadette L. Harris about the financial KPIs every law firm owner should understand as a new year begins. We’re bringing this episode back because it’s especially timely for firms setting their strategy, goals, and financial benchmarks for the year ahead. It’s important to continue finding a clear, practical approach to understanding the numbers that drive a healthy firm.  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 Why We’re Remastering This Episode for the New Year02:55 Law Firm KPIs and Financial Health05:21 Net Profit Margin for Law Firms09:38 Utilization Rate and Team Capacity14:35 Realization Rate and Getting Paid20:05 Accounts Receivable and Cash Flow24:19 Revenue by Practice Area27:16 Using Financial Metrics to Set Strategy 

As the year comes to a close, Stephanie Everett and Zack Glaser look back at the Lawyerist Podcast episodes that stood out most to them in episode 594 of the Lawyerist Podcast. From practical AI workflows and ethical guidance to mental health, communication, and leadership, this episode highlights the conversations that sparked new thinking and delivered real value.  Stephanie and Zack revisit standout moments, share why certain episodes resonated, and reflect on the themes that shaped the year—while inviting listeners to share which episodes made the biggest impact and what topics they’d like to hear more about in the year ahead.  Listen to some of the episodes highlighted this year:  Episode #585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health and the Law, with Sumia and Jill — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #577 – Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #553 – AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use, with Catherine Sanders Reach — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #579 –  Knee Deep in Escheating: Intricacies of Lawyer Trust Accounts, with Amy Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 539 – This VOICE HACK Will Transform Your Legal Career!, with Reena Cook —  Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 554 – Competence and Diligence in Light of Changing Laws and Regulations, with Craig Dobson — Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 & Year-End Reflection  01:35 – Why These Episodes Stood Out  01:56 – AI Tools and Practical Tech Takeaways  02:59 – Building Community and Adult Friendships  04:28 – Mental Health First Aid for Lawyers  07:06 – Ethics, Flat Fees, and Changing Scope  09:14 – Voice, Presence, and Communication Skills  11:46 – Becoming an AI-Driven Leader  14:36 – Rethinking Growth in the Age of AI  18:00 – Trust Accounting and Compliance Essentials  20:03 – Listener Feedback & Looking Ahead  21:07 – Closing Thoughts and Thanks     

Not all clients are created equal—and some quietly drain your firm’s time, energy, and profits. In episode 593 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Affinity Consulting’s Jeff Krause about the hidden cost of bad clients and how law firms can use data to make better decisions about who they serve.  Jeff breaks down his Moneyball-inspired profit formula to show how client quality impacts leads, conversion rates, revenue, and margins. They explore why discount-seeking clients create compounding damage, how setting clearer expectations can improve client behavior, and when it makes sense to let certain clients walk away. A closer look at the tension between profitability and access to justice, and how intentional business models can support both.    Listen to our previous episodes about Client Experience & Law Firm Profitability:  Episode #384 – Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #474: Moneyball for Lawyers, with Jeff Krause — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #560 – Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze — Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  05:12 – Meet Jeff Krause  06:51 – What “Moneyball for Lawyers” Really Means  09:08 – The Profit Formula That Drives Firm Growth  12:46 – How Bad Clients Damage the Numbers  15:30 – The Compounding Cost of Discounts  18:21 – Raising Rates vs. Chasing More Clients  19:45 – Can You Improve Mid-Tier Clients?  21:58 – Profitability vs. Access to Justice  24:19 – Building Intentional Service Models  26:48 – Trusting Your Data—and Your Gut  27:43 – One Step Firms Should Take Right Now  28:23 – Closing Thoughts 

Episode 592 of the Lawyerist Podcast shows how strengthening your leadership can become the most reliable lever for firm growth. Stephanie Everett and service expert William O’Neal break down the communication habits, value alignment, and client-experience systems that help teams build trust faster, reduce friction, and perform at a higher level.  William shares his Five Essentials of Leadership, unpacking why rapport drives efficiency, how consistent service builds loyalty, and what it takes to design a client journey your team can deliver every single day. They also explore the hidden costs of poor communication, the power of service recovery, and practical ways leaders can create more stability for both clients and staff.    Links from this episode:  https://www.williamoneal.com/    Listen to our previous episodes about Client Experience & Relationships.   #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau Apple | Spotify | LTN   #347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green Apple | Spotify | LTN   #338: Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN   #271: Client‑Centered Law Firms, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN     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  05:12 – Meet William O’Neal  06:15 – Leading with Joy  07:51 – Five Essentials of Leadership  09:01 – Heart for Service  12:41 – Knowing Your Value  14:07 – What Clients Want  16:35 – Building Rapport & Trust  18:55 – Culture & Consistency  20:30 – Empathy in Client Experience  22:10 – Lessons from Chick-fil-A  24:09 – Service Recovery  25:31 – Feedback & Improvement  27:36 – Adapting to Change  29:29 – Small Acts, Big Trust  30:18 – Learn More + Closing 

Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority.  Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online.    Links from the episode:  lawyerist.com/scorecard  Zyppy.com    Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law.   #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN  #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus 

In episode 590 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how practical, everyday AI can help lawyers work smarter—not harder. Zack Glaser sits down with Graydon Trusler, a practical AI specialist and longtime law-firm operations pro, to explore how attorneys can use “productive laziness” to eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and reclaim valuable time. Graydon shares real examples from his family law firm, including how custom AI assistants help review discovery, prep hearings, analyze documents, and even support lawyers in the courtroom. Together, they break down privacy concerns, adoption hurdles, and simple ways to start using AI without getting overwhelmed. Discover why AI isn’t a distant future—it’s a powerful tool lawyers can start using today to improve workflows, reduce stress, and deliver better results for clients.   Links from the episode:   LexpertAI     Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI & Law Firm Efficiency:   Episode #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #565: Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Karin Conroy  — Apple | Spotify | LTN    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  08:45 – Meet Graydon  11:10 – Practical AI in Law Firms  16:40 – Myths, Fears & Privacy  19:00 – Real AI Workflows  23:00 – Productive Laziness  31:00 – AI in the Courtroom  34:45 – Faster Discovery & SOPs  38:50 – Flat Fees & the Future  45:13 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode 589 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting to talk about the practical, real-world ways law firms can use Excel to save time, reduce errors, and streamline everyday work.  Barron breaks down why Excel is one of the most underused tools in law firms and shares examples like expense tracking, probate calculations, medical bill summaries, date calculators, amortization tables, document automation, and even embedding live spreadsheets inside Word.  If Excel feels intimidating, Barron explains how even simple functions can dramatically improve workflows across litigation, estate planning, family law, real estate, and firm operations.  Listen to our previous episodes on legal tech tools and smarter workflows:  #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN  #581: Agentic AI for Lawyers: Moving Beyond Enhanced Search, with Drew Bloom Apple | Spotify | LTN  #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN   Listen to our previous episodes on Finances:  #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN    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:  0:00 – Why lawyers should look at their numbers 4:17 – AI updates from 8AM (MyCase/Docketwise) 13:46 – Why Excel is the most underused tool in law 17:35 – What Excel can do that lawyers don’t expect 23:25 – Templates, formulas & real practice examples 31:27 – Using Excel for automation & mail merges 37:32 – Everyday lawyer workflows made easier with Excel 41:23 – Final takeaways 

In episode 588 of the Lawyerist Podcast, discover how small shifts in mindset and management can make law practice less chaotic and more rewarding. Zack Glaser sits down with Jordan Couch of Palace Law to explore lessons from his book, 411 Tips for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers. They cover everything from client service and writing habits to creativity and innovation, offering real-world advice to help lawyers build stronger, happier firms.  Listen to our previous episodes about Law Firm Innovation & Sustainable Growth:   Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 with Stephanie & Zack  05:52 – Meet Jordan Couch  07:12 – 411 Tips for Lawyers  09:48 – Pick Your Lane  13:51 – Client Service Matters  16:26 – Handling Client Frustration  21:12 – The Trial Is Always Happening  24:35 – Write Like a Human  34:20 – Practice Creativity  37:38 – The Future of Law  46:00 – Closing Thoughts 

In episode 587 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how your firm can stay competitive, efficient, and future-ready by embracing artificial intelligence. Stephanie Everett talks with Jack Newton, CEO and founder of Clio, about how small firms can leverage AI to streamline workflows, make smarter decisions, and outpace slower-moving competitors.  Jack explains how Clio’s new AI-powered platform, Clio Work, is transforming the way lawyers practice—by integrating intelligent automation directly into everyday tasks. Together, they explore what it means to become an “AI-native” law firm, how to balance innovation with ethics, and why small firms are uniquely positioned to lead the legal industry’s next big shift.  Learn how to use AI as a force multiplier in your practice—and why adaptability, not size, will define tomorrow’s most successful law firms.    Listen to our previous episodes about AI & Law Firm Growth:   Episode #584: “How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative” Apple | Spotify | LTN   Episode #577: “Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #565: “Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods” Apple | Spotify | LTN   Episode #562: “Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell” Apple | Spotify | LTN     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:   0:00 – Introduction & ClioCon Recap  2:00 – Growth Stages of Small Firms  5:10 – Clio for Enterprise Explained  7:45 – Why Small Firms Have the Advantage  10:30 – How AI Is Changing Legal Work  13:15 – Making AI Adoption Effortless  16:00 – Trust, Data & the Hallucination Problem  20:00 – Building the AI-Native Law Firm  22:30 – Staying Competitive in the Age of Change  24:40 – Closing Thoughts   

In episode 586 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how lawyers can help safeguard democracy by defending the rule of law and protecting judicial independence. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Bill Bay, Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association, about why these issues transcend politics and define the integrity of the legal profession. Together, they discuss how every lawyer can lead with grace, model civil discourse, and stand up for fairness, equality, and due process.   Learn how you can join the ABA’s fight for the rule of law here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/rule-of-law/  Listen to our previous episodes about Leadership & Advocacy in Law:   Episode 490: “How to Build a Powerhouse Firm with Internal Talent, with Ryan McKeen” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 560: “Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze” Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 576: “How Sponsorship, Empathy, and Failure Shape Great Leaders, with Michael Cohen” Apple | Spotify | LTN    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:   0:00 – Introduction  1:00 – Law as Political, Not Partisan  4:40 – Sponsor Break: Tabs3  11:13 – Meet Bill Bay  12:20 – What the Rule of Law Means  14:40 – Threats to Justice & the Profession  21:55 – How Lawyers Can Take Action  23:40 – Grace & Civility in Practice  29:05 – Hope for the Next Generation  34:20 – Call to Action & Closing Thoughts   

In episode 585 of Lawyerist Podcast, Soumya Palreddy and Jill Kluesner explain how Mental Health First Aid equips lawyers to recognize signs of burnout, stress, and crisis—before they escalate. Learn practical tools for building healthier teams, reducing stigma, and improving communication in high-pressure firms.  Discover why legal leaders are embracing mental health training as a core business skill, and how a few key mindset shifts can protect both your well-being and your practice.    Links from the episode:  http://www.jillkluesnerconsulting.com  https://www.soumyapalreddyconsulting.com/    Listen to our previous episodes about Legal Professional Wellness.   #375: Taking Care of Your Team’s Mental Health, with Calvin Benton Apple | Spotify | LTN  #469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN  #473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 & ClioCon Recap03:45 – What Is Mental Health First Aid?06:10 – Training for the Legal Mind08:45 – Breaking the Stigma: Talking About Mental Health at Work11:32 – Signs, Symptoms & What to Notice15:55 – The First Aid Framework: How to Help19:20 – Leadership, Culture & Modeling Wellness22:58 – From Self-Care to Community Care26:40 – Practical Steps for Teams29:10 – Final Takeaways & How to Get Trained30:45 – Closing Thoughts & Resources 

In episode 584 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with longtime legal marketing expert Karin Conroy of Conroy Creative Counsel to talk about the evolution of law firm marketing in the age of artificial intelligence.  Karin explains why lawyers shouldn’t fear AI, but should learn to use it strategically. From the “Iron Man vs. Terminator” analogy to practical steps for improving your firm’s marketing funnel, she shares how attorneys can blend technology and human insight to build trust, attract the right clients, and stay ahead of the curve.  They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of authenticity, and why marketing fundamentals still matter more than ever.  Links from this episode:  Conroy Creative Counsel  The AI Marketing Cookbook for Lawyers  Listen to our previous episodes with Karin:  #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored) Apple | Spotify | LTN  #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  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:  0:00 – The evolution of law firm marketing 3:50 – AI’s rise and the Iron Man vs. Terminator analogy 9:50 – Understanding your marketing funnel 12:00 – Why referrals are marketing 17:00 – Finding weak points in your strategy 21:00 – Adding AI without losing the human touch 25:30 – How AI is changing SEO and “Search Everywhere Optimization” 37:40 – The value of authenticity and human connection 

In episode 583 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Bernadette Harris, business strategist and finance coach at Lawyerist, about how to move beyond “survival mode” and into strategic, scalable growth.  Bernadette breaks down the financial metrics that define a mature, transferable law firm, what she calls the difference between working in your business and having your business work for you. Together, they explore the KPIs that show when your team, not just you, is generating revenue, how to measure leverage across roles, and how to build systems that make your firm valuable enough to sell or pass on.  Bernadette also shares what succession planning really looks like for small firms, why client origination should be team-wide, and how to start laying the groundwork, no matter your current stage of growth.  Listen to our previous episodes with Bernadette:  #557: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm’s Financial Health with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN  #457: Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris Apple| Spotify | LTN  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:  0:00 – Introduction: Running and Community at LabCon 2:40 – The Power of Accountability and Growth Communities 5:40 – Advanced Firm Finances: Stage 3 & 4 Growth 8:45 – Shifting from Survival to Strategy 11:35 – Measuring Leverage: Who’s Doing the Work? 14:45 – Tracking Revenue by Role, Not Hours 19:15 – When Owners Should Stop Doing Casework 23:00 – Building Transferable Value 25:40 – Succession Planning and Client Origination 29:10 – Systems, SOPs, and True Scalability 33:20 – How to Reach the Next Stage 35:10 – Closing Thoughts & Resources 

In episode 582 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Merisa Bowers, Loss Prevention and Outreach Counsel at the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping lawyers’ ethical duties.  Merisa explains how deepfakes and realistic scams are creating new challenges for diligence and verification, why unregulated chatbots can accidentally create attorney-client relationships, and what disclosures lawyers should make when using AI tools. She also shares practical steps to maintain confidentiality, protect client data, and apply long-standing ethics rules to fast-changing technologies.  Links from the episode:     ABA Formal Opinion 512 - Generative AI  ABA Formal Opinion 510 - Prospective Clients & Rule 1.18    Listen to our previous episodes about non-lawyer ownership:  #354: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, with Lori Gonzalez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #355: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, Pt.2, with Allen Rodriguez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #221: The State of the Legal Profession, with ABA President Robert M. Carlson: 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:   0:00 – ClioCon4:45 – Meet Merisa Bowers6:50 – Tech Shifts & New Ethics Risks9:10 – Deepfakes & Diligence13:40 – AI Scams & Fake Clients18:30 – Chatbots Creating Clients  23:40 – Ethical Chatbot Models26:45 – Should Lawyers Disclose AI?29:40 – Don’t Let AI Think for You34:20 – Protecting Client Data36:10 – Staying Ethical with AI37:40 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts   

In episode 581 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Drew Bloom of Affinity Consulting Group about how artificial intelligence is evolving from assistants into agents that can act on a lawyer’s behalf. Instead of just suggesting edits or answers, agentic AI can redline contracts, search multiple documents, and connect across platforms to finish tasks before asking for approval.   Drew explains what this shift means for law firms, what tools are likely to appear in the next 12–24 months, and why preparing your data—through structure, metadata, and integrations—matters more than ever. He also shares practical ways to start experimenting with AI connectors in tools you already use, so you’re ready when agentic features become standard in everyday legal work.    Listen to our other episodes on AI in Law:  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #565: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use, with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #538: AI Is Making Law Firms Obsolete, with Alistair Vigier Apple | Spotify | LTN    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:  0:00 – Introduction & Conferences Recap  2:48 – From SEO to AEO: The New Search Frontier  6:34 – Meet Drew Bloom: AI for Law Firms  8:48 – What Makes AI “Agentic”?  13:47 – Assistants vs. Agents: How They Differ  16:00 – Redlining & Real-World Use Cases  20:41 – MCPs and Custom AI Connections  27:30 – The Future: Multi-Tool AI & Mobility  29:48 – Preparing Your Firm: Data & Metadata  34:38 – Where Lawyers Can Experiment Safely   

In episode 580 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack sits down with Jake Soffer, CEO and founder of FirmPilot, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firm marketing. Forget generic blog posts and robotic content, Jake shares how FirmPilot uses AI and data science to build smarter, measurable strategies that actually attract clients.  You’ll hear how law firms can leverage AI beyond parlor tricks, why “moonshine marketing” doesn’t cut it anymore, and what lawyers need to know about AEO (AI Engine Optimization) versus traditional SEO. Zack and Jake also discuss the future of client search behavior, how to avoid overhyping trends, and why sticking to fundamentals will always matter.  If you’re curious about using AI in your practice, but don’t want to waste time on gimmicks, this episode will give you a roadmap to experiment wisely, protect your marketing investment, and grow sustainably.  Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Marketing, Growth and AI:  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN #434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind Apple | Spotify | LTN   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 with Zack Glaser 1:27 – Meet Jake Soffer of FirmPilot 2:17 – How AI Is Changing Legal Marketing 3:12 – Data-Driven Law Firm Growth 4:46 – The Limits of ChatGPT Content 7:12 – Building Smarter AI Workflows 9:23 – AEO, GEO, and the Future of Search 11:59 – Why Fundamentals Still Matter 14:45 – Writing for AI vs. Writing for Clients 17:05 – First Steps for Lawyers Using AI 18:33 – Do Your Research Before Choosing Tools 19:10 – Where to Find FirmPilot 

In episode 579 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how to manage your IOLTA accounts correctly and avoid disciplinary pitfalls. Stephanie Everett talks with Amy Woods, founder of IOLTA Consulting, about the most common mistakes lawyers make with trust accounts and what to do instead.  Amy explains why outstanding checks can create big compliance risks, what escheatment rules really require, and why three-way reconciliation is a must. She also breaks down why QuickBooks alone isn’t enough and how a few simple steps can keep you out of trouble. Lawyers will walk away with clear guidance to safeguard client funds, prepare for audits, and protect their law licenses.  Listen to our other episodes on risk management & ethics:  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: AI Ethics: What Lawyers Need to Know, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN #491 – Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  #447 – Managing Risk in Your Firm, with Allison Shields Apple | Spotify | LTN    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 – Bots in Job Interviews and Introduction  04:14 – Meet Amy Woods: IOLTA Consulting  05:14 – Why Trust Accounts Feel Like a “Ticking Time Bomb”  06:58 – Common Mistakes Lawyers Miss  09:22 – Escheatment & Outstanding Checks  12:30 – Penalties, Interest & Voluntary Disclosure  14:31 – Retainer Clauses & Small Check Workarounds  16:18 – Three-Way Reconciliation Explained  18:00 – QuickBooks vs. Legal-Specific Tools  21:43 – One Account, Many Clients: Why Details Matter  23:55 – Amy’s Compliance Review Service  25:08 – Real Consequences: From Penalties to Disbarment  26:26 – Final Takeaways