Explore every episode of the podcast Power Up Your Practice
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 123: Ditch the To-Do List: The Calendar System That Changed Everything with Bryn Poland | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:47:18 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Bryn Poland, partner at Mayo & Poland and elder law attorney based in Houston, for a conversation about one of the most universal struggles in legal practice: managing time without losing your mind. Bryn didn't come to calendar-based productivity through a course or a productivity guru. She came to it through burnout ā a growing personal admin load, a to-do list that kept rolling over, and the realization that her wish list for the day had nothing to do with the actual hours she had available. What she built instead is a fully calendar-driven system with no to-do list at all. And she's been running it for a decade. What we explore: ā Why the To-Do List Is a Wish List: The fundamental problem with task lists is that they grow without limit while the hours in your day don't. Why that mismatch is the root cause of most lawyer burnout. ā The Rollover Effect: How the scary, hard tasks keep getting pushed to tomorrow ā and how that quiet procrastination compounds into deadline panic, stress, and lost productivity. ā Extreme Calendaring in Practice: What it actually looks like to put everything on your calendar ā including the shower, the school run, the oil change, and the scary brief ā and why that specificity is the whole point. ā The 15th of the Month Rule: How Bryn blocks one day every month for protected personal time, doctor's appointments, and margin ā and why that one habit has given her back weeks of breathing room every year. ā Backward Planning for Big Projects: How to take a terrifying two-month deadline and break it into calendar blocks that make the whole thing feel manageable before you even start. ā The Micro Feminism of a Visible Calendar: Why Bryn doesn't mark her kids' activities as private on her work calendar ā and what that choice signals to her team about what a full, sustainable legal career actually looks like. If your to-do list is longer than your day and you're tired of carrying it around ā this episode is your starting point. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 122: AI Native Law Firms: Billing, Client Experience & the Future of Family Law with Anna Naidis & Igor Sheremet | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:48:58 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Anna Naidis and Igor Sheremet, co-founders of Aparti.ai, for a conversation about one of the most emotionally complex and operationally fragmented corners of the legal profession: family law. Anna and Igor didn't build Aparti from a whiteboard exercise. Members of their founding team went through the divorce process themselves and experienced firsthand what it looks like when a client is already emotionally drained, barely had the courage to make the first call, and then gets handed a PDF intake form and a monthly invoice they don't understand. That experience became the blueprint for what they're building: an operational layer that connects intake to invoice to payment, reduces the communication burden on attorneys, and gives clients the transparency they need to actually trust the process. What we explore: ā Why Family Law Is the Biggest Opportunity in Legal Tech Right Now: High case volume, emotionally intense clients, constant operational activity, and tools that are still fragmented across multiple platforms ā the gap is real and it's large. ā The Billing Collection Gap Nobody Talks About: The industry average collection rate is 90%. For family law firms, it's 60 to 80%. That means up to 40% of billed work goes uncollected ā and most firm owners don't realize how bad it actually is until someone asks the right questions. ā What Aparti.ai Actually Does: A client-facing dashboard that shows case progress, upcoming events, invoices, and billing history in real time ā so clients aren't calling the office in a panic at midnight because they got a surprise bill. Plus AI-powered communication tools, trust account replenishment tracking, and workflow automation from intake to payment. ā The Operational Bottlenecks Attorneys Overlook: Communication gaps, stalled trust account replenishments, and the hidden cost of having attorneys spend hours each month chasing invoices instead of practicing law. ā What an AI Native Law Firm Actually Is: Built from the ground up with AI as its core ā not legacy systems with AI bolted on. What that stack looks like today, what tools every growing firm should be considering, and why the firms that figure this out now will be positioned very differently in five years. ā Where the Profession Is Heading: Flat fees vs. billable hours, AI handling first-pass work, clients who expect their lawyer to use AI, and a future where access to justice actually improves because firms can serve more people more efficiently. If you run a family law firm ā or any emotionally intensive practice ā and you're still managing operations through fragmented tools and manual follow-up, this episode is worth your time. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 121: Niche Down, Buy Up: Building a Law Firm That Lasts with Tim Semelroth | 30 juin 2026 | 00:48:12 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Tim Semelroth ā Iowa's only board-certified truck accident lawyer, partner at RSH Legal, and adjunct professor at the University of Iowa College of Law ā for one of the most operationally concrete conversations the show has had on building a law firm for the long game. Tim has had the same parking spot for 28 years. In that time, he's watched the firm go from three lawyers to 18 across three cities, bought out two founding partners, acquired three practices, and made the deliberate decision 10 years ago to niche down into truck accident litigation after two decades of general PI work. Every move was strategic ā and he's here to walk through exactly how it happened. What we explore: ā The Power of Niching: Why Tim waited 20 years before specializing, how he identified what actually excited him about practicing law, and what becoming Iowa's only board-certified truck accident lawyer did for his referrals, his reputation, and his cases. ā Board Certification as a Business Decision: What the certification process actually involves, why it signals something different than general expertise, and how it put Tim on the short list for truck accident cases across the entire country. ā Buying a Law Firm: What the acquisition process really looks like ā from the first conversation to closing ā why four to six months is the minimum, and the one question that determines whether a practice is worth buying at all: where do the cases actually come from? ā The Cult of Personality Problem: Why some wildly successful firms are impossible to acquire ā and what makes a practice replicable versus one that dies when the founder walks out the door. ā Staying Top of Mind: Tim's full retention and referral system ā monthly print newsletters, twice-monthly emails, birthday cards, holiday cards, and a separate lawyer-specific newsletter ā and why 25% of his firm's best cases come from other attorneys. ā Teaching What Law School Skips: How Tim ended up developing and teaching a legal entrepreneurship class at the University of Iowa, what the students built for their final project, and why this is one of the most important gaps in legal education right now. If you're thinking about niching down, buying a practice, or just wondering what it takes to build something that outlasts you ā this one is worth your time. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 120: AI Adoption, Training Gaps & the Future of Law with Niki Black | 23 juin 2026 | 00:45:40 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Niki Black ā attorney, journalist, and Principal Legal Insight Strategist at 8am ā for one of the most data-rich conversations the show has had on AI in the legal profession. Niki leads the 8am Legal Industry Report, now in its third year tracking AI adoption across law firms. The numbers from this year's report are striking ā and not just because adoption has doubled. It's the gap between how fast lawyers are using AI and how slowly firms are governing it that tells the real story. What we explore: ā The Numbers That Matter: 69% of legal professionals now use generative AI for work ā up from 31% last year. Only 9% work at firms with an enforced AI policy. Only 11% have received mandatory AI training. What that gap means for your firm right now. ā Claude Legal in Action: Niki ran the same research query through multiple tools ā one of the big two, Midpage alone, and Claude through Midpage's legal plugin. The difference was not close. A research task that would have taken 10 billable hours as an associate took five minutes ā and Claude surfaced issues nobody asked it to find. ā The Training Gap Nobody Is Talking About: Large firms are already reducing first-year hires because AI is handling entry-level work. If law schools don't mandate AI training, apprenticeships, and practical firm management, the profession is heading toward a talent moat ā no one to promote, no one to lateral in. ā Where Clients Are Now Finding Lawyers: Hint ā it's not Google. What GEO (generative engine optimization) means for your firm's visibility and what you should be paying attention to now. ā How to Actually Start Using AI: Niki's practical framework for dipping your toes in ā what to try, what to avoid entering, and how to think about your firm's specific tools and data. If you're trying to figure out where your firm actually stands on AI ā and where the profession is heading ā this conversation is the clearest picture we've found. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/staffing-strategy-session-stafi-ruby-powers?month=2025-07 ā¢ Filevine https://www.filevine.com/partner/powers-referral/ ā¢ CandleAI https://www.trycandle.ai/powers ā¢ Vonage https://share.vonage.com/zones/friend_landing_experience_microsite?extole_share_channel=%5C%22SHARE_LINK%5C%22&extole_shareable_code=wzq4f&referral_id=wzq4f&source=%5C%22direct%5C%22&utm_source=Power+Up+Your+Practice+by+Power+Strategy+Group&utm_campaign=a7c6feafe9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_13_07_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3b4d3388ea-a7c6feafe9-746189731 | |||
| Ep. 119: Tax Planning, Retirement & Building Firm Wealth with Mike Milligan | 16 juin 2026 | 00:47:07 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Mike Milligan, CFPĀ® and founder of 1.oak Financial, for one of the most practically useful financial conversations Power Up Your Practice has had. Mike started his relationship with money early ā watching his grandmother sell collard sandwiches at job sites after his grandfather couldn't work, charging $5 each at a time when a Big Mac cost a dollar. That foundation shaped everything: a belief that financial planning should serve real people, not Wall Street firms, and that the strategies available to the wealthy should be accessible to every business owner willing to learn them. For law firm owners, that means one thing above all: taxes are your single biggest expense, and most of you are overpaying because nobody on your team is actually doing tax planning. What we explore: ā Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation: Why your CPA is a historian, not a strategist ā and what changes when you finally have someone thinking about your taxes before they happen. ā Strategies You're Probably Missing: The Augusta Rule, hiring your kids as W2 employees, the Section 179 vehicle deduction, business structure by state, and geographic arbitrage ā with real numbers attached to each one. ā Retirement for the Self-Employed: Why solo practitioners can contribute up to $80,000 a year to a solo 401k, what a cash balance pension looks like for high-earning partners, and why delay of gratification is still the foundation of everything. ā Building Firm Value for an Exit: Why PE firms are paying attention to law firms now, what makes your firm actually valuable on paper, and why your advisory team should be people who sign the front of their own checks. ā Ask Your Advisor to Show You Their Returns: The bold move Mike makes with every prospective client ā and why law firm owners should expect the same transparency from the people they hire. If you've been avoiding the financial conversation because it feels overwhelming or you assumed someone else was handling it ā this episode is your starting point. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 118: The Success Trap: The Truth About Burnout & Career Change with Erin Gerner | 09 juin 2026 | 00:41:25 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Erin Gerner ā attorney, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Powerhouse Lawyers ā for a conversation that a lot of high-achieving women in law need to hear but rarely get to have out loud. Erin left BigLaw, then left an in-house counsel position when she became a mom, and spent years figuring out who she was when "attorney" wasn't the first thing on her list. That journey became her work: coaching women lawyers through burnout, identity shifts, and the career decisions that feel impossible to make ā and impossible to keep avoiding. What we explore: ā The Success Trap: What happens when you've hit every milestone you were supposed to hit and it still doesn't feel like enough ā and why the dopamine hit of achievement has a very short shelf life. ā The Hamster Wheel: How high-achieving lawyers end up running so hard toward the next thing that they never stop to ask whether they actually want it ā and what getting still enough to hear the answer looks like in practice. ā What You Have to Let Go Of: Identity. Comparison. The opinions of people who aren't paying your bills. Imposter syndrome. Fear. Erin walks through what she had to put down to move forward ā and why none of it is weakness. ā Paralysis Disguised as Productivity: The pattern of enrolling in courses, having conversations, doing research ā and calling it progress when it's actually just a very convincing way to stay exactly where you are. ā No One Is Coming: Why waiting for the right moment, the right sign, or the right circumstances is itself a decision ā and what it actually takes to take the next best step even when you can't see all the way to Z. ā Reclaiming Your Powerhouse Status: What it looks like in practice ā not as a big production, but as the small, simple things that fill your tank back up when you've been running on empty. If you've ever stood at the top of the hill you were supposed to climb and thought ā okay, now what ā this episode is for you. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/staffing-strategy-session-stafi-ruby-powers?month=2025-07 ā¢ Filevine https://www.filevine.com/partner/powers-referral/ ā¢ CandleAI https://www.trycandle.ai/powers | |||
| Ep. 117: Architect Your Practice: Map Your Firm, Free Your Time | 04 juin 2026 | 00:53:35 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Luis Baris, founder of Law Firm Architects, for a conversation about what actually keeps law firm owners stuck ā and what it takes to build a practice that doesn't fall apart the moment they step away. Luis came to legal operations from an unlikely direction: 15 years at NASA as an engineer and eventually head of customer experience. He got his first look at law firm chaos trying to help his then-girlfriend (now fiancĆ©e) Nadine Navarro run her immigration practice, and realized band-aids weren't cutting it. What followed was a methodology built on the same process design principles he used at NASA and Pfizer ā now applied to law firms. What we explore: ā The Real Problem Isn't People or Technology: Why firms feel stuck because their systems live inside someone's head ā and why no hire or software purchase fixes that without first mapping the actual flow. ā Start With a Napkin: How to pick one stage of your practice, write out what actually happens, and immediately surface the gaps, duplications, and decisions nobody has ever written down. ā The Bottleneck Is You (And That Has to Change): Why the first move is mindset, the second is letting go of "only I can do this" ā and why letting your team fail forward is the only way they grow. ā SOPs Nobody Reads: The common mistake of building an 80-page Google Doc that collects dust ā and what to replace it with so your team actually uses it. ā 14 Weeks, Not Forever: What a realistic operation reset looks like from design to go-live, why the first six weeks are the most important, and why change management is half the job. ā The Denver Retreat: What Ruby and Luis are building together this August 5ā8 for up to 15 firms who want to do the design work in person, leave with an action plan, and actually get out of their own way. If your firm runs because you're in the middle of everything ā and you're exhausted by it ā this one's worth your time. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot:Ā https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey:Ā https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub:Ā https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 116: Travel More, Spend Less: Travel Hacking for Firm Owners with Marco Scanu | 28 mai 2026 | 00:49:18 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Marco Scanu ā entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Andiamo Travel, Visa Business Plans, and ProfitWise Online ā for a conversation that's equal parts practical and inspiring. Marco grew up in the travel industry ā his father founded one of Venezuela's first travel agencies ā and has spent decades helping people travel smarter. In this episode, he breaks down the travel hacking strategies that let busy firm owners collect points, fly better, and take their practice with them wherever they go. What we explore: Ā ā Never Pay Cash: Why every business expense is an opportunity to collect points ā and how to be intentional about it from day one. ā The Points Game: How to use tools like points to find the best deals with your miles ā and why going straight to the portal is almost always the wrong move. ā Choosing the Right Cards: How to pick credit cards based on where you fly, where you stay, and how to maximize sign-up bonuses of up to 300,000 points. ā The Workcation Model: What separates a real workcation from just working on vacation ā and how to structure your days so you actually recharge. ā Freedom Starts With Your Team: Why travel hacking and law practice management are more connected than you think ā and why without the right people, systems, and delegation, you're not going anywhere. If you've ever watched someone else brag about their free upgrades and wondered how they do it ā this episode is your starting point. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 115: When Everything Hits at Once: Cancer, Addiction & How to Keep Going with Lambert Dunn | 19 mai 2026 | 00:45:23 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Lambert Dunn ā trial lawyer, immigration attorney, and solo practitioner based in Western Oklahoma ā for one of the most honest conversations in the Resilience Series yet. Lambert's story didn't unfold in a single crisis. It accumulated. Cancer diagnosed months after getting married. A wife who fell into addiction while he was fighting for his own life. A firm quietly drained of nearly a quarter million dollars while he was in a fog. And through all of it ā court dates, client calls, raising kids, keeping the lights on. What makes Lambert different isn't that he survived. It's how steady he stayed doing it. What we explore: ā The Diagnosis: What happens to your practice, your finances, and your family when cancer arrives with no warning ā and no safety net. ā When Your Closest Person Falls Apart: How Lambert navigated his wife's addiction while managing a solo practice, young children, and his own recovery ā and the decision he made with his last dollars. ā The Financial Hit: How a quarter million dollars disappeared from his firm while he wasn't looking ā and what he did next. ā The Steadiness Philosophy: Why Lambert doesn't get too high or too low ā and how that mindset is what kept him practicing, parenting, and moving forward through years of compounding crisis. ā Uncertainty as a Lawyer's Superpower: Why the same discomfort that breaks most people is actually the environment lawyers are built for ā and how to use that. If you've ever felt like too much is happening at once and you don't know how you're still standing ā this episode is for you. š Connect with Lambert Dunn: https://www.dunnhdz.com/ š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot:Ā https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey:Ā https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub:Ā https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 114: Trust, Morale & Adoption: Getting Your Firm Through Legal Tech Change with Samantha Hamiel at #NeoSummit2026 | 14 mai 2026 | 00:20:43 | |
Recorded live at NeoSummit 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Ruby Powers sits down with Samantha Hamiel, Chief of Staff at Neostella, for a conversation about the side of legal tech change that nobody talks about enough: the human side. Samantha leads change management from the inside of one of legal tech's fastest-growing companies ā and before that, she was a litigation paralegal. That combination gives her a perspective most tech executives don't have: she knows what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a system change, and she knows what it takes to lead one well. In this conversation, she gets honest about what legal teams actually experience when technology changes, why so many people are traumatized by past implementations, and what firm owners can do right now to bring their teams along ā without losing trust, morale, or productivity. What we explore: ā Both Ends of the Spectrum: The 20-year veteran who refuses to change and the Gen Z hire who won't apply tech at work ā and how to get both on board. ā Trauma & Trust: Why so many legal teams are traumatized by past system changes ā and how to rebuild trust before, during, and after a transition. ā Know Yourself First: The framework Tracy Lynn shared at NeoSummit ā why understanding how you self-regulate as a leader is the foundation of leading any change. ā Open Office Hours: The monthly practice one firm shared that changed how their team experienced change ā and how to create psychological safety around feedback. ā The Partner Ecosystem: Why giving firms choice in their tech stack ā rather than forcing all-in-one solutions ā is what the legal tech market is missing most right now. Recorded live at NeoSummit 2026, Fort Lauderdale ā a special edition of Power Up Your Practice. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 113: Building a Legal Tech Stack That Actually Works with Brian Mayer at #NeoSummit2026 | 12 mai 2026 | 00:19:28 | |
Recorded live at #NeoSummit2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Ruby Powers sits down with Brian Mayer, VP of Product at Neostella, for a candid conversation about one of the biggest frustrations in legal tech: why the tools still don't work together ā and what it's going to take to fix that. Brian leads the product team behind Neostella's enterprise case management platform, built from the ground up to be open and connectable in a market full of platforms that want to lock you in. In this conversation, he breaks down what a real legal tech stack looks like, what AI agents actually mean for how firms work, and why the biggest challenge ahead isn't the technology ā it's the humans. What we explore: ā The All-in-One Trap: Why most legal platforms are designed to keep you locked in ā and what a truly connected tech stack looks like instead. ā AI Agents & the Bridge Time: How firms will need to orchestrate work between humans and AI agents ā and why that transition is going to take longer than most people think. ā The Legal Engineer: The role emerging inside law firms to manage it all ā and why it doesn't require a technical background, just someone who deeply understands your processes. ā Document Everything: Why documenting your processes is the single most practical thing any firm ā solo or enterprise ā can do right now to prepare for AI. ā Scalability in Practice: Where workflow management breaks down as legal teams grow, and what actually separates firms that scale from those that plateau. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 112: Merge, Sell, or Go Big: The Real Talk Every Firm Owner Needs with Christine Alden | 05 mai 2026 | 00:39:27 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Christine J. Alden ā immigration attorney, shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, and past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association South Florida chapter ā for a conversation most law firm owners never get to hear: what actually happens when you merge your boutique practice into a big firm. Christine has run the full gamut ā solo practice, boutique firm, fifty percent business owner, and now shareholder at a national firm. Eight years in, she hasn't looked back. But she's also refreshingly honest about the trade-offs, the diligence process, the questions you should be asking, and what nobody tells you before you sign. What we explore: ā The Real Pros: From 24/7 IT support and document services to a deep bench of partners across practice areas ā the resources Christine didn't even know existed until she got there. ā The Real Cons: More layers, more approval processes, less lone-wolf decision-making ā and why that's actually a relief for some and a dealbreaker for others. ā The Decision Framework: Will your clients follow you? Will you be comfortable there? What the due diligence process really looks like ā and why you should never feel rushed. ā The Billing Conversation: From flat fee to hourly ā why joining a big firm changed how Christine saw her own rates, and what the billable hour debate looks like right now. ā Leadership as Strategy: Why Christine has led bar associations and business councils ā not just for the referrals, but for the growth she never expected. If you've ever wondered what it would look like to merge, sell, or go big law ā this episode is the honest conversation you need first. š Connect with Christine J. Alden: LinkedIn: search Christine J. Alden Firm: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 111: Smarter Automation: Knowing When to Use Rules-Based vs. Generative AI in Your Practice with Dorna Moini | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:45:17 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Dorna Moini ā CEO and founder of Gavel, former Sidley Austin attorney, ABA Legal Rebel, and Fastcase 50 honoree ā for one of the most practical legal tech conversations we've had on the show. Dorna didn't just build a legal automation tool. She started by solving a real problem ā creating a TurboTax-style system for domestic violence survivors navigating restraining orders ā and then built the platform that thousands of legal professionals now use to automate their practices. She knows the difference between what sounds good in a demo and what actually works on the ground. In this episode, she breaks down the automation decision every firm owner needs to make ā and gives you the framework to make it right. What we explore: ā Rules-Based vs. Generative AI: What the difference actually means in practice ā when to use each, which practice areas call for which tool, and why getting this wrong costs you time and money. ā RAG vs. Fine-Tuning: The technical distinction that determines whether the AI tool you're buying will still work in two years ā explained in plain English for the firm owner who just wants something that works. ā 90% Time Savings: The real numbers behind document automation ā and what it looks like when a firm finally builds a system instead of just copying last year's template. ā The VC Case Study: How one firm used AI to redline every new deal to the most favorable terms a VC had ever agreed to ā and why that kind of data-driven lawyering is now possible for any firm. ā The Systems Architect: Why the future of the practicing attorney isn't competing with AI ā it's designing how AI and humans work together in your firm. If you've been overwhelmed by legal tech options and not sure where to start ā this episode gives you the framework. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 110: What Corporate Clients Wish Their Lawyers Knew with Nandini Nair | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:43:38 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Nandini Nairāpartner at A.Y. Strauss, former Global General Counsel for a multinational corporation, immigration compliance attorney, and fractional GCāfor a conversation that most lawyers never get to hear: what corporate clients actually wish their outside counsel knew. Nandini has sat on both sides of the table. She knows what it feels like to receive a ten-page memo when you needed three bullet points. She knows what it's like to get billed for a two-minute conversation. And she knows exactly what separates the outside counsel that gets called once from the one that becomes a trusted partner for years. In this episode, she shares it all ā directly, practically, and without sugarcoating. What we explore: ā Business Answers, Not Legal Answers: Why corporate clients don't need more legal analysis ā they need someone who understands how their business actually runs and can translate risk into decisions. ā Stop Being Transactional: Why billing for every email and every conversation is quietly killing your client relationships ā and what the subscription model alternative looks like in practice. ā The LinkedIn Strategy: How Nandini stays connected with every client by following them on LinkedIn ā and why a simple congratulatory call about a new hire has led to some of her most valuable relationships. ā Proactive Risk Assessment: Why giving clients the same generic checklist everyone else gives them ā including what ChatGPT spits out ā is no longer enough to differentiate your firm. ā The Origin That Drives It All: How arriving in the US at age 8, speaking no English and barely knowing her own parents, shaped the way Nandini shows up for every client she serves. If you work with corporate clients ā or want to ā this episode is your inside guide to what they actually need from you. š Connect with Nandini Nair:Ā LinkedIn: Nandini Nair Website: aystrauss.comĀ Email: nnair@aystrauss.com š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 109: Show Me the Money: Getting Paid & Collecting Before It's Too Late with Matt Darner | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:51:18 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Matt Darner, co-founder and CEO of CollBox ā the ABA Tech Show Startup Alley winner helping law firms recover what they've already earned but haven't collected yet. Matt has seen the inside of hundreds of law firm billing situations. And what he finds is almost always the same: a growing number on the aging report, closed matters with unpaid invoices, and attorneys who know the problem exists but keep putting off fixing it. In this conversation, he breaks down why that happens ā and exactly what to do about it. What we explore: ā The $800K Blind Spot: Why small and mid-size firms consistently have $300Kā$800K sitting in invoices over 90 days past due ā and why most attorneys don't act until it's almost too late. ā The Leverage Window: Why the moment a matter closes is the moment your ability to collect starts shrinking ā and what to do before you lose all your leverage. ā The Ick Factor: Why 99% of attorneys hate chasing clients for money, why the wrong person is usually doing it, and how to fix the system so it doesn't have to be you. ā Upstream Fixes: The retainer policies, intake conversations, and billing habits that prevent collections problems before they start. ā When to Cut Your Losses: At 90 days, you've already lost 47% of collectability. At two years, you're down to a 15% success rate. Matt breaks down exactly when to act ā and when to write it off. If you've got invoices sitting unpaid and you're not sure what to do about it ā this episode is for you. š Connect with Matt Darner: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewdarnerĀ Website: collbox.co š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 108: From Fired to Partner: Scarcity Mindset & How to Build a Partnership with Jason Epstein | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:48:52 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Jason Epstein ā partner at Premier Law Group in Bellevue, Washington, Washington Super Lawyer, ABA trial skills faculty, and adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law ā for a conversation about what it actually takes to build a law firm on your own terms. Jason's path wasn't linear. He got fired after asking to see the firm's financials. He discovered he was unemployable. And then he built something worth having. In this episode, he breaks down the scarcity mindset that quietly traps most personal injury firms, shares the real story behind bringing on a third partner after 15 years ā valuation, buy-in structure, promissory notes and all ā and explains why most small firm owners never build a partnership track even when they should. What we explore: ā The Scarcity Trap: Why most PI firms operate from scarcity ā and how protecting "inventory" leads to bad decisions, locked-out attorneys, and a culture that stunts growth. ā From Fired to Founded: What getting fired for asking to see the firm's financials taught Jason about firm ownership ā and why being "unemployable" turned out to be his greatest asset. ā Building a Partnership Track: The real process behind identifying the right candidate, valuing a firm, structuring a buy-in, and what to look for in a partner beyond just hard work. ā Teaching What Law School Skips: Why Jason pitched a Law Firm Entrepreneurship class at Seattle University School of Law ā and what he wishes someone had taught him six or seven years into practice. If you're a firm owner thinking about your next hire, your succession plan, or just wondering why your firm feels stuck ā this episode is for you. š Connect with Jason Epstein: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasongepstein Website: www.premierlawgroup.com š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.Ā š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/Ā š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeĀ Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:
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| Ep. 107: Broken and Rebuilt: How Mental Fitness Turns Adversity Into Strength with Wayne Basist | 31 mars 2026 | 00:50:18 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Wayne Basist (ESQ Mental Fitness) for Chapter #2 of the Resilience Series. Wayne built a seven-figure solo practice from nothing ā no clients, no cases, just conviction. Then, in a single moment on Pacific Coast Highway, everything changed. Nine spinal surgeries, major depression, PTSD, and addiction later, Wayne didn't just survive. He rebuilt everything ā and turned it all into a mission to protect the mental health of lawyers everywhere.This isn't just a story of survival. It's a masterclass in turning your darkest chapter into your greatest calling.What we explore: ā The Breaking Point: How sustained high performance in Big Law can quietly destroy you ā and what happens when it all collapses at once. ā The Resilience Decision: Why resilience isn't a trait you're born with ā it's a conscious choice you make, moment to moment. ā Mental Fitness as a Tool: How Wayne discovered the science-backed framework that rebuilt him from the inside out ā and now helps other attorneys do the same. ā Adversity Into Purpose: How everything Wayne lost became the foundation for ESQ Mental Fitness and a new mission to protect the mental health of lawyers.If you've ever felt like the demands of this profession are costing you more than you bargained for, this episode is for you. š Connect with Wayne Basist: LinkedIn: Wayne Basist | Website: esqmentalfitness.comš Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourprac... Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Filevineā¢ CandleAI ā¢ Vonage | |||
| Ep. 106: The Rainmaker Playbook for Lawyers with Paul Grabowski | 24 mars 2026 | 00:50:26 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Paul Grabowski ā Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Bracewell LLP, co-author of The ABCs of Legal Marketing, and adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center ā to talk about what it really takes to become a rainmaker in today's legal market. Paul brings a one-of-a-kind perspective: from the Chicago Bears and Houston Oilers to building BD programs that doubled a law firm's revenue in five years. If you've been wondering how to grow your practice beyond just doing great legal work, this is your playbook. Together, they explore: ā The Two Axioms of BD: Why your contacts are your lifeblood and why people only do business with those they know, like and trust.Ā ā The 15-Contact System: A simple, structured framework to start building your book of business without feeling overwhelmed.Ā ā Supply vs. Demand in Law: Why the legal market has shifted and why waiting for the phone to ring is no longer a strategy.Ā ā The Rainmaker Mindset: How to stop thinking like a lawyer and start thinking like a business builder ā without losing who you are.Ā ā AI & Technology in BD: How CRM tools and artificial intelligence are reshaping how lawyers manage relationships and win clients. š Connect with Paul Grabowski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-grabowski-htx/ Www. bracewell.com Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:Ā š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spotĀ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience surveyĀ Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi | CandleAI | Vonage | Lawbrokr | |||
| Ep. 105: The Lawyers We'll Need: How to Stay Irreplaceable in the Post-AI Era with Jordan Furlong | 17 mars 2026 | 01:12:02 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers catches up with her colleague from the conference circuit, Jordan Furlong, to talk about the structural rebirth of the legal profession and how to lead in a post-AI world. Jordan (global legal forecaster, Principal at Law21 and the Keynote Speaker for ABA TECHSHOW 2026,) explains that the "Knowledge Monopoly" is officially over. We move beyond the tech talk to discuss why the billable hour is a crumbling foundation and how the "PeopleLaw Revival" is the next big frontier for growth. If you've been wondering how to stay irreplaceable when legal intelligence becomes a commodity, this conversation is for you. Together, they explore: ā Beyond the Knowledge Monopoly: Why your value is no longer tied to what you know, but how you apply judgment. ā Advocate, Advise, Accompany (AAA): Mastering the three human roles that AI will never be able to replicate. ā The PeopleLaw Revival: How AI is "unlocking" a market of millions of individuals who were previously ignored by the system. ā The End of the "Widget": Why law schools produce "human robots" and how to architect a new identity as a strategic leader. ā The Billable Hour Shift: Preparing for a world where 20 hours of work happens in 20 minutes and shifting your value proposition. š Connect with Jordan Furlong: LinkedIn: Jordan Furlong Substack: jordanfurlong.substack.com Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi | CandleAI | Vonage | Lawbrokr | | |||
| Ep. 104: Legal Podcasting: The New Networking Standard with Michael D.J. Eisenberg | 10 mars 2026 | 00:54:29 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers catches up with her friend and colleague from the conference circuit, Michael D.J. Eisenberg, to talk about why podcasting has become the ultimate strategic move for firm owners.Michael (author of The Lawyer's Guide to Podcasting) explains that if your voice isn't in the "internet ether," you are basically invisible to the AI models that now decide who the experts are. They move beyond the tech talk to discuss the "Virtual Coffee"āwhy a podcast is actually the most efficient networking tool to connect with judges and industry leaders on a human level. If you've been wondering why we do this and how it actually scales your authority, this conversation is for you.Together, they explore: ā The New Networking Standard: Why a podcast invite is the best "excuse" to build elite relationships with judges and experts.ā SEO & The AI Ether: How audio content ensures your name stays relevant in the age of AI and LLM search models.ā Reach over Volume: Why you don't need a million downloads to see a massive ROI in your professional network.ā The Content Multiplier: Practical tips on repurposing one conversation into blogs, social clips, and static videos.ā The Ethics of the Mic: Navigating the legal minefield to grow your brand safely and professionally.š Connect with Michael D.J. Eisenberg: LinkedIn: Michael D.J. EisenbergWebsite: thetechsavvylawyer.pageWatch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community: Power Hubš£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spotš We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/jGqqLeomFWEVvGLf7Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi | Filevine | CandleAI | Vonage | Lawbrokr | | |||
| Ep. 103: The Augmented Lawyer: Strategy & A2J for the Millions Unserved with Sateesh Nori | 03 mars 2026 | 00:49:35 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Sateesh Nori, author of The Augmented Lawyer, to discuss how to move beyond the "human robot" era. Sateesh explains why the current legal system's reliance on "widgets"āinterchangeable, mechanical practitionersāis coming to an end. They dive into the "Billable Hour Crisis" and why true leadership in the age of AI requires a shift from manual tasks to strategic advocacy. If you want to stop being a part of the machine and start architecting the future of justice, this conversation is your roadmap. Together, they explore:Ā ā The Augmented Lawyer: How to reclaim your professional identity by leveraging technology as a cognitive partner.Ā ā Strategy over "Thunking": Automating administrative grind like emails and research to focus on high-value advocacy.Ā ā The Death of the Widget: Why interchangeable practitioners are being replaced by code and how to stay irreplaceable.Ā ā Access to Justice (A2J): Using efficiency to serve the 80 million people priced out of traditional law firms.Ā ā Purpose-Driven Scaling: Why the future of law belongs to those who prioritize strategic impact over manual volume. š Connect with Sateesh Nori: LinkedIn: Sateesh Nori Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community: Power Hub š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory. š Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/ š We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/jGqqLeomFWEVvGLf7 Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit:Ā | |||
| Ep. 102: Maximizing Your Data: Taking Control of Your Firm's Future with Matthew Lautz | 24 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:43:16 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Matt Lautz, CEO of Neostella, to discuss how to move from being a software "tenant" to a strategic owner.Matt explains why "maximizing your data" is the only way to successfully scale in the era of AI and hyper-automation. They dive into the "Operational Bug" that holds firms back and why true leadership requires a "Connected Hub" approach where you own the flow of information. If you want to stop the manual chaos and start building a predictable, high-value firm, this conversation is your roadmap.Together, they explore:ā Data Ownership: Why treating your information as a primary financial asset is the secret to long-term scaling.ā The "Connected Hub" Strategy: How to ensure your tech stack works together so you maintain full control of your firm's intelligence.ā The "1K Treatment": Using hyper-automation to eliminate mundane tasks while providing a high-end, human-first experience for your clients.ā Beyond "Hope and Pray": Why static SOPs fail and how to integrate your processes directly into your firm's operating system.ā The CEO Mindset: Shifting your focus from managing individual files to architecting the future value of your business through data insights.š Connect with Matt Lautz: LinkedIn: Matthew LautzWebsite: neostella.comWatch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community | Power Hubš£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.š Secure your spotš We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience surveyTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit:ā¢ Stafi | Filevine | CandleAI | Vonage | Lawbrokr | | |||
| Ep. 101: The Beginner Advantage: Navigating Ego, Biology, and Change with Charity Anastasio | 17 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:48:46 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Charity Anastasio (Practice and Ethics Counsel at AILA) to break down why so many lawyers feel neurologically overwhelmed by the current "tsunami" of change. Charity explains why our biology isn't designed for this speed and how the "Expert Trap" prevents firms from truly evolving. She shares her blueprint for moving from an AI skeptic to a collaborative leader and why embracing the role of a beginnerāwhether in tech or new practice areasāis the ultimate competitive edge. What we explore:Ā ā The Biology of Change: Why your brain hits a "neurological limit" and how to manage the stress of constant innovation.Ā ā The Beginner Mindset: Why starting overāin AI, new practice areas like Habeas, or career erasāis the key to long-term resilience.Ā ā Shadow AI & Transparency: The ethical risk of staff using tech in secret and how to lead your team with clear policies and trust. Ā ā Vulnerability in Law: How being honest about your journey and your background creates deeper, more authentic connections with clients and teams. If you are ready to stop fighting the current and start building a practice that thrives on change, this episode is for you. š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Are you ready to stop the grind and architect your next era? Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic retreat. š Secure your spot š We Love Your Feedback! As we look toward the future of the podcast, we want to hear from you. Help us design our next year of content by taking this 2-minute survey. š Connect with Charity Anastasio: LinkedIn: Charity Anastasio | Website: aila.org š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.comĀ š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi Ā ā¢ FilevineĀ ā¢ CandleAIĀ ā¢ VonageĀ ā¢ Lawbrokr | |||
| Ep. 100: Why Bigger Isn't Alway Better: Defining Your Best Era with Ryan McKeen | 11 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:46:47 | |
We've reached a major milestone! For our 100th episode, we are diving deep into a philosophy that challenges everything you've been told about growing a law firm.Ruby Powers sits down with Ryan McKeen, founder of Best Era LLC, to discuss why the ultimate success isn't found in having the biggest firm, but in having the most intentional one. Ryan shares his journey from building a 40-person "machine" to finding his "Jerry Maguire moment" and intentionally scaling back to create a practiceāand a lifeāhe actually loves.This is a masterclass in professional identity, humanizing the law, and understanding that size is a choice.Together, we explore:ā The "Eras" Concept: Why your career shouldn't be a straight line, and how to identify which era you are currently in (and which one is next).ā Intentional Constraints: How saying "No" to more volume and more staff can actually lead to higher profitability and personal freedom.ā Humanizing Legal Education: Why Ryan is bringing the "Yellow Napkin" exercise to law schools to teach future lawyers about hospitality and business reality.ā The Founder's Pivot: Recognizing when you are no longer the right person to lead the machine you built, and how to design your "Best Era."š£ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:š Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future ā August 2026: Are you ready to stop the grind and architect your next era? Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic retreat.š Secure your spot: powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/š We Love Your Feedback! As we look toward the future of the podcast, we want to hear from you. Help us design our next year of content by taking this 2-minute survey: forms.gle/JvE8Bo1Xg2moD7Kr5š Connect with Ryan McKean:š¹ LinkedIn: Ryan McKeanš¹ Website: bestera.lawš Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers. Learn insights from leading legal minds and expert guests on running your firm more effectively.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community: skool.com/powerupyourpracticeTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit:ā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ CandleAIā¢ Vonageā¢ Lawbrokr | |||
| Ep. 99: Scaling to $15M: The Waterfall Method with Anthony Karls | 03 fƩvr. 2026 | 00:44:13 | |
In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Anthony Karls (Sterling Lawyers) to break down the "Waterfall Method." Anthony explains why most firms fail to scale because they are "light in the middle"ātrying to wear every business hat while practicing law. He shares his blueprint for predicting bottlenecks before they burn you out and explains why scaling actually requires more discipline and less freedom. What we explore: ā The Right People in the Right Seats: Why attorneys are notoriously bad at sales and how to fix the consultation room. ā The Waterfall Framework: How to track your value stream to stop playing "whack-a-mole" with your firm's problems. ā PPF Goals: Using Personal, Professional, and Financial coaching to drive elite team retention and engagement. ā Strategic vs. Aggressive Growth: Why scaling requires more discipline and less freedom, not the other way around. If you are ready to stop playing "whack-a-mole" and start building a predictable growth engine, this episode is for you. š Connect with Anthony Carls: LinkedIn: Anthony Karls | Website: rocketclicks.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine ā¢ CandleAI ā¢ Vonage ā¢ Lawbrokr | |||
| Ep. 98: Trial by Fire: Finding Your Superpower in Survival with Kevin Block | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:46:23 | |
We are kicking off something huge: Welcome to Chapter #1 of the Resilience Series.In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Kevin Block (Maui Immigration Law) to explore the architecture of professional grit. Kevin's life is a 40-year masterclass in survivalāfrom a near-death cliff crash and an HIV diagnosis in the 80s, to leading his firm through the devastating Lahaina Fires.This isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for finding your Superpower when your world is on fire.What we explore: ā The Survivor's Advantage: Turning your hardest life tests into your firm's greatest competitive edge. ā Leading Through Disaster: The reality of managing a team and community during the Maui fires. ā Nervous System Hygiene: Kevin's "Soldier's Training" (yoga and breathwork) to stay calm in high-stakes advocacy. ā Institutional Resilience: Building a practice that survives personal and global crises.If you are ready to stop just "surviving" and start leading with a superpower born from experience, this episode is for you.š Connect with Kevin Block: LinkedIn: Kevin Block | Website: mauiimmigrationlaw.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeConnect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersš¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeš¹ Website: rubypowers.comš¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit:ā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ Filevineā¢ CandleAIā¢ Vonageā¢ Lawbrokr | |||
| Ep. 96: Moving Beyond Billable Hours with Holly Draper | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:41:39 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Holly Draper, CEO and Managing Partner of the Draper Law Firm, to discuss the operational and financial evolution of the modern law firm. Holly, a board-certified family law and appellate attorney, reveals why the traditional hourly billing model is hitting a breaking point in the age of AI. Holly shares a jaw-dropping case study where she used AI to analyze 1,000 pages of evidence in just 10 minutesāa task that previously required 20 hours of manual reading. This efficiency doesn't just save time; it fundamentally challenges how attorneys charge for their expertise. They also explore Holly's "rebel" hiring strategy and her mission to build a firm that is a truly saleable asset. Together, they explore: ā The Billable Hour Crisis: Why extreme AI efficiency is making hourly billing obsolete and how to successfully transition to flat fees. ā 20 Hours in 10 Minutes: A deep dive into using AI to replace manual research and evidence analysis in complex litigation. ā Hiring for Freedom: Holly's strategy of hiring five lawyers before her first paralegal to ensure the firm runs autonomously while she travels. ā The Saleable Firm Mindset: How to design your practice today so it becomes a valuable institution that can operateāand eventually be soldāwithout you. ā CliftonStrengths for Leaders: Why identifying whether you are a "strategic thinker" or an "executor" is the key to delegating effectively and scaling faster. š Connect with Holly Draper:š¹ LinkedIn: Holly Draperš¹ Website: draperfirm.com š Join our Skool Community: skool.com/powerupyourpracticeWatch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersš¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon | |||
| Ep. 95: Why Brain Health is a Competitive Edge with Dominika Staniewicz | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:53:29 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Dominika Staniewicz (known as Brain Coach D), a TEDx speaker, certified brain health coach, and award-winning entrepreneur, to explore the intersection of neuroscience and leadership. With over 5,000 hours on global stages, Dominika specializes in helping leaders rewire their brains for peak performance and mental resilience. They dive deep into how entrepreneurs and lawyers can navigate ADHDāor symptoms that look like itāand why optimizing your brain biology is the ultimate competitive advantage in a high-stress industry. Dominica challenges the traditional approach to mental focus, offering a blueprint for transitioning from a "scattered brain" to a focused, strategic leader. Together, they explore: ā The Biology of Performance: Why you should audit your nutrition, sleep, and habits before jumping to any diagnosis, and how simple biology determines your firm's success. ā The ADHD Superpower: Why you might not want to "get rid" of all your symptoms. Dominica explains how to leverage unique brain traits to scale your business while hacking the parts that don't serve you. ā Rewiring for Results: How to use neuroplasticity to program your brain to notice opportunities and stay calm while others are in "doomsday" mode. ā "Human Being" vs. "Human Doing": A deep dive into the psychological necessity of detaching your personal identity from your firm's daily chaos to prevent burnout. ā Your 2026 North Star: How to align your strategic business goals with your brain's true capacity for long-term resilience and fulfillment. If you are ready to stop operating in survival mode and start leading with biological precision to reclaim your time and focus, this conversation is your guide to mastering the engine behind your practice. š§ This episode is sponsored by Pipefile š Connect with Dominika Staniewicz:š¹ LinkedIn: Dominika Staniewiczš¹ Website: yourbraincoachd.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersš¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeš¹ Website: rubypowers.comš¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkitā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ Filevineā¢ ā CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 94: PR That Pays Off: Building a Stronger Brand with Jennifer Kaplan | 31 dƩc. 2025 | 01:21:04 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Jennifer Kaplan, President and CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing, to discuss the transformative power of Public Relations for law firms. As the leader of Arizona's largest PR firm, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge on how to stop just buying attention and start earning authority. Jennifer and Ruby explore the critical difference between static advertising and the dynamic nature of Earned Media. They dive into the "Perception is Reality" principle and explain why a media interview carries far more weight than a billboard. Whether you are a solo practitioner or a large firm owner, this conversation provides the blueprint for building a brand that clients already trust before they even walk through your door. Together, they explore: ā Earned vs. Paid Media: Why Public Relations is the ultimate complement to your advertising budget and how it builds long-term credibility. ā Get Rich in Your Niche: The importance of staying in your lane to become the "go-to" expert that reporters (and clients) call first. ā The Trust Factor: Understanding the parasocial connectionāhow seeing you on the news creates an instant bond of trust with potential clients. ā Strategic Protection: Navigating "off the record" moments, protecting client anonymity, and managing your reputation during a crisis. ā PR on Any Budget: How small firms can leverage local news desks and award submissions to raise their visibility without a massive marketing spend. If you're ready to move beyond basic lead gen and build a brand that stands out in a crowded market, this masterclass on Public Relations is for you. š Connect with Jennifer Kaplan: š¹ LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaplan š¹ Website: evolveprandmarketing.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine ā¢ CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 93: Elite Niche Success & the 10% Safety Rule with Jeff Goldman | 23 dƩc. 2025 | 00:49:08 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Jeff Goldman, founder of Goldman and Partners Immigration Law, a veteran with over 30 years of experience who has transformed how we understand legal specialization and business resilience. Jeff shares his fascinating journey from his early days in real estate āwhere he felt like he "wasn't a lawyer, but a document signer"ā to becoming the go-to authority for elite entrepreneurs from MIT, Harvard, and Y Combinator. He also reveals the hard-earned lesson that led him to create the "10% Safety Rule," a vital risk management strategy that every firm owner must implement to protect their practice. This conversation is a masterclass in strategy for firm owners and an inspiration for students looking for purpose in their legal careers. Together, they explore: ā The 10% Safety Rule: The real story of how Jeff lost 42% of his revenue in just 10 minutes, and why you must never let a single client dominate your firm's income. ā Elite Niche Mastery: How to capture high-level markets and why being an "expert in a niche within a niche" is the key to eliminating competition. ā Innovation Beyond the JD: The birth of the BUILD Fellowship and how to create synergistic businesses that solve systemic legal problems (like the H1B lottery). ā The Retention Secret: How Jeff has kept his senior attorneys for over 15 years through autonomy and a culture of "over-compensation." If you're ready to stop being an administrative manager and start becoming a strategic leader in elite niches while bulletproofing your firm's stability, this episode is for you. š Connect with Jeff Goldman:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: Jeff Goldman (Boston)Ā š¹ Website: gpimmigration.comĀ š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management.Ā Watch more episodes on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Special thanks to our sponsor:šļø Lawfully: The best case management and analytics tool for immigration law. Visit lawfully.com/pro Trusted Resources from Our Toolkitā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ Filevineā¢ CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 92: Protecting Your Firm from AI Sanctions with Jackie Schafer | 16 dƩc. 2025 | 00:49:56 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Jacqueline Schaefer, Founder and CEO of Clear Brief AI, to discuss the operational and financial crisis facing litigators: the growing threat of sanctions due to AI hallucinations and research errors. Jacqueline, a former litigator and Legalweek's 2025 Innovator of the Year, reveals why the problem is not just "hallucination," but the fundamental breakdown in a firm's Quality Assurance (QA) process. They unpack the non-negotiable risk under Rule 11, which holds partners personally responsible for accuracy, even if the work was done by associates or generative AI. This conversation is mandatory listening for any firm that has introduced AI tools like ChatGPT, CoCounsel, or Harvey. Together, they explore: ā The Rule 11 Threat: Why checking citations is no longer just a junior task, and the $85,000 and $60,000 consequences facing firms right now. ā Subtle Errors, Severe Consequences: How tiny mistakes (like wrong page numbers or fabricated fact references) destroy judicial trust and create an audit risk. ā The Operational Fix (The Cite Check Report): How Am Law firms are using specialized, non-generative AI tools to create a verifiable audit trail that proves human review and protects the signing partner. ā Hyperlinking for Credibility: Mastering the technique of linking factual records and legal citations to win the judge's confidence immediately. If you are ready to stop worrying about sanctions and start implementing the operational solutions trusted by the largest global firms, this episode is your blueprint for AI compliance. š Connect with Jacqueline Schaefer: š¹ LinkedIn: Jacqueline Schaefer š¹ Website: clearbrief.ai š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit | |||
| Ep. 91: Future Firm, Fossil Firm: Which One Will You Be? with Andy Seavers | 10 dƩc. 2025 | 00:46:57 | |
On this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Andy Seavers, CEO and Co-Founder of Case Status and author of the provocative new book, Future Firm, Fossil Firm.Andy draws a line in the sand, challenging lawyers to confront the industry's outdated business models and "Comcast-level" client service. This conversation is essential for any firm owner ready to transition from a Fossil Firm (defined by industry limitations) to a Future Firm (defined by client experience and innovation).We dive deep into the strategic connection between Client Care and ROI, exploring the four core forces that are holding the legal industry back from achieving its true potential. Together, Ruby and Andy discuss:ā The CX Imperative: Why the client experience is no longer a soft skill, but the single greatest driver of your firm's profitability and reputation.ā The Future Firm Blueprint: How technology and AI must be leveraged not just for internal efficiency, but for external, client-facing engagement. ā Overcoming the Four Forces: A breakdown of the structural limitations preventing firms from embracing modern client-centric models. ā Accountability and Growth: How client engagement platforms like Case Status transform transparency, reduce friction, and increase case resolution speed.If you're ready to stop thinking like a traditional law practice and start building a modern, client-driven business that is designed for growth and resilience, this episode is your wake-up call.š Connect with Andy Sievers: š¹ LinkedIn: Andy Sievers š¹ Website: casestatus.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ Filevineā¢ CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 90: End the Document Chase: Improving Data Collection with Steve Recio of Pipefile | 02 dƩc. 2025 | 00:36:47 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Steve Recio, Founder and CEO of Pipefile.com, to discuss why the dreaded "document chase" is slowing down your law firm and how to eliminate client friction. Steve, whose platform is used by hundreds of firms worldwide, argues that operational bottlenecksāespecially in document-heavy practices like immigrationāalways start with client intake. They unpack the difference between a failing case management portal and a true consumer-grade client experience. Together, they explore: ā Stop the Ping Pong: Why traditional email requests and client portals create massive case delays. ā The Portal Blind Spot: Why most case management portals are built for attorneys, not for the client experience, and what's missing. ā Consumer-Grade Law: How to design an intake system that clients actually complete on their first try (think: simple links, no passwords). ā The ROI of Frictionless: Concrete proof that eliminating back-and-forth can win back 3ā5 hours of paralegal time per case. If you're ready to speed up your case filings, reduce administrative chaos, and improve client satisfaction, this conversation provides the tactical steps to make your workflow simple and secure. š Connect with Steve Recio: š¹ LinkedIn: Steve Recio š¹ Website: pipefile.com š§āÆThis episode is sponsored by Pipefile š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit | |||
| Ep. 89: Lawyer 3.0: A Guide to Next-Wave Lawyering with Ray Brescia | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:40:43 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Ray Brescia, Hon. Harold R. Tyler Chair in Law & Technology at Albany Law School, to explore one of the most important conversations in the legal profession today: how lawyers must evolve in an era of rapid technological and societal change. Ray explains why the moment we're living through mirrors the massive transformation that reshaped the profession over a century ago ā and why understanding that history is essential to preparing for what's next. From the justice gap affecting tens of millions to the rise of "Lawyer 3.0," he breaks down how emerging technologies, new delivery models, and shifting client needs will redefine how law is practiced. š¹ How today's transformation parallels the legal upheaval of the early 1900s š¹ Why 93% of low-income Americans face legal issues without a lawyer š¹ How technology can reduce the justice gap ā and where it might widen it š¹ What it means for lawyers to "run with the machines" š¹ Which skills will matter most for the next generation of practitioners If you're a firm owner, educator, or forward-looking attorney, this episode offers a grounded, historical, and practical roadmap for navigating the future of practice. š Connect with Ray Brescia: Faculty Page: https://www.albanylaw.edu/faculty/faculty-directory/raymond-brescia Social: @raybrescia (Bluesky) š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, each week you'll hear from legal innovators and expert practitioners sharing actionable insights to help your firm work smarter, healthier, and more sustainably. š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourprac š Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: | |||
| Ep. 88: Don't Be a Bot: Reclaiming Empathy in the AI Era with Rania Combs | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:44:49 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Rania Combs, Founder of Rania Combs Law PLLC, to explore the art of running a thriving virtual law practice and why the human element is now more critical than ever. Rania, a true pioneer who has run a fully virtual estate planning practice since 2009, shares her vision for a future where technology provides convenience and accessibility without sacrificing the deep trust required in sensitive areas of law. Together, they explore: ā The Over-Automation Warning: Why clients are yearning for more human interaction and how tech fatigue affects the Gen Z client. ā Virtual & Vital: How Rania built a personal practice and referral network across state lines for over 15 years. ā Finding the Balance: How using tools (including AI) to eliminate the mechanical frees up attorneys for context, strategy, and empathy. ā The Future of Lawyering: Why the "post-AI ballgame" in legal services comes down to trustworthiness and resisting the urge to remove the human layer. If you're running a practice remotely or looking for practical ways to use technology to deepen your client relationshipsānot replace themāthis episode will show you how to be both virtual and vital. š Connect with Rania Combs:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: Rania CombsĀ š¹ Website: raniacombslaw.comĀ š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Ā Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:Ā š Website: powersstrategygroup.comĀ šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupĀ š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:Ā š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersĀ š¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeĀ š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonĀ Trusted Resources from Our ToolkitĀ ā¢ Stafi ā¢ LawmaticsĀ ā¢ Filevine ā¢ CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 87 Law & Innovation: TLTF, SBOT's Tech and Justice for All, and the Adaptability Quotient | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:51:22 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down live at #TLTFSummit2025 with returning guest and legal innovator Mitch Zoll. Together, they reflect on what events like TLTF and the State Bar of Texas's Technology and Justice for All Conference are revealing about the future of legal innovationāfrom justice tech to community building, and the critical role of adaptability in shaping tomorrow's profession. š¹ Why community-centered events are the real engine of legal change š¹ The importance of bar-led innovation (and how SBOT is showing up) š¹ Why the adaptability quotient is the new must-have legal skill š¹ What Ruby and Mitch say law still isn't talking enough aboutIf you're curious about how thought leadership, technology, and collaboration are reshaping the legal landscape, this conversation will power up your perspective. šāÆJoin the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, each week you'll hear from firm leaders, legal innovators, and expert guests sharing tools and strategies to help your practice run smarter, healthier, and more profitably. šāÆWebsite: powersstrategygroup.com šŗāÆYouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬āÆSkool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice šāÆRuby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon šÆ Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit | |||
| Ep. 86: The Profitable Lawyer: Cash Flow, Clarity, and Calm with Ben Hockema | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:44:01 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers talks with Ben Hokema, founder of Illuminate Wealth Management and the Owner's Financial Office. Ben works with law firm owners to bring structure, clarity, and calm to their financesāfrom daily cash flow to long-term retirement planning. He explains why so many lawyers fall into "owner's poverty," what the Profit First model actually changes, and how to shift your mindset from just surviving to building real profit. š¹ What "Owner's Poverty" isāand how to escape it š¹ The Profit First model (and why it works) š¹ Why your CPA isn't enough š¹ Building retirement plans before it's too late š¹ Daily decisions that lead to long-term financial clarity š§āÆThis episode is sponsored by Lawfully Pro: https://www.lawfully.com/pro š Connect with Ben Hokema: ownersfinancialoffice.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers ā each week we feature firm leaders, legal innovators, and expert guests sharing tools and strategies to help you grow a smarter, healthier, and more profitable law practice. š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice š Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafiāā¢ Lawmaticsāā¢ Filevineāā¢ Candle AI | |||
| Ep. 85: Building Trust Through Responsiveness with Phillip Hogan | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:39:17 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Phillip Hogan, Founder and President of Signing Services of America, a nationwide notary company based in Atlanta. Phillip shares how he scaled from being a solo signing agent to leading a national operation by focusing on one timeless principle ā responsiveness builds trust. They discuss the art of client communication, the importance of admitting mistakes, and how to develop a team culture rooted in service, transparency, and adaptability. š¹ How responsiveness directly impacts client retention and reputation š¹ What true leadership looks like when things go wrong š¹ Training, cross-training, and empowering teams to deliver consistency š¹ How adaptability became his secret to scaling sustainably If you're a business owner or law firm leader who wants to strengthen relationships, improve client experience, and grow through trust ā this episode is for you. š Connect with Phillip Hogan: š¹ LinkedIn: Phillip Hogan š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers ā your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and experts who share actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you grow your firm effectively and sustainably. š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourprac š Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook) Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafiā ā¢ Lawmaticsā ā¢ Filevineā ā¢ Candle AI | |||
| Ep. 84: The Leadership Shift: How Lawyers Become Visionary CEOs with Tara Landes | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:45:05 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Tara Landes, Founder & CEO of Bellrock, who has spent over 25 years helping more than 300 business leaders unlock their potential through practical management and leadership systems. A certified Change Management Practitioner and licensed Influence Trainer from the Cialdini Institute, Tara has dedicated her career to helping professionals turn ambition into structure and strategy into growth. Ruby and Tara unpack the real difference between management and leadership āand why mastering both is the key to scaling any law firm without burning out. Together, they dive into practical frameworks for delegation, time-blocking, team engagement, and the mindset shift every lawyer-turned-leader must make. š¹ Why lawyers need to think like CEOsānot just practitioners š¹ How to build a mid-management layer that prevents bottlenecks and burnout š¹ The leadership habits that keep firms sustainable and teams motivated š¹ How "climbing the tree" helps leaders see the bigger picture š¹ Why rest, reflection and "shower time" are part of the job If you're ready to move from busy to brilliant and build a firm that runs without you, this conversation is your roadmap to becoming the leader your practice needs. š Connect with Tara Landes: š¹ Website: www.bellrock.ca š¹ LinkedIn: Tara Landes š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers ā your guide into the world of law practice management. Each week, Ruby interviews leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys and expert guests who share actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you grow your firm with clarity and confidence. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourprac š Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook) Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine ā¢ Candle AI | |||
| Ep. 83: From Classroom to Courtroom: Cat Moon on AI, Empathy & Change | 14 oct. 2025 | 01:03:00 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Cat Moon, Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt Law School and Director of the Vanderbilt AI + Law Lab. A recognized innovator in legal education, Cat is on a mission to make the law more human-centeredāand to empower the next generation of lawyers to lead with authenticity, curiosity, and compassion. Ruby and Cat explore how technology, especially AI, is reshaping the way law is taught and practiced, the importance of representation in AI, and how women in the profession are driving change from within. š¹ Why legal education must evolve for the AI era š¹ How the Women+AI Initiative is amplifying diverse voices in tech š¹ What "human-centered law" meansāand how firms can embody it š¹ How authenticity and compassion can redefine leadership in law If you're curious about the intersection of AI, legal innovation, and leadershipāand how to prepare your practice (and mindset) for what's nextāthis conversation is one you won't want to miss. š Connect with Cat Moon: š¹ Website: Vanderbilt AI + Law Lab š¹ LinkedIn: Cat Moon š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice š Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook) Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine ā¢ CandleAI | |||
| Ep. 82: Millions of Cases, One Mission: Access to Justice with Descrybe.ai | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:53:44 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Kara Peterson and Richard DiBona, co-founders of Descrybe.ai, a platform transforming access to U.S. case law.Driven by a personal experience and fueled by curiosity, this husband-and-wife teamārecognized as 2025 Legal Technology Awards Finalistsābuilt a tool that makes millions of court decisions searchable in plain English or Spanish, with clear, simplified summaries accessible to everyone.Ruby, Kara, and Richard explore how Descrybe.ai bridges the gap between legal information and legal advice, empowers small firms, and levels the playing field for those without Big Law budgets.š¹ How Descrybe.ai makes complex case law easy to understandš¹ Why access to justice starts with access to informationš¹ How AI helps legal professionals (and law students!) work smarterš¹ What Descrybe's journey reveals about innovation and disruption in legal techIf you believe the law should be a rightānot a privilegeāthis conversation will inspire you to think differently about how technology can serve justice.š Connect with Kara & Richard:š¹ Website: descrybe.aiš¹ LinkedIn: Kara Peterson | Richard DiBonaš Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpracš Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice ā available now on Amazon (Paperback + eBook)Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi: https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/s... ā¢ Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/partnerlead... ā¢ Filevine: https://www.filevine.com/demo-request... ā¢ CandleAI: https://www.trycandle.ai/powers | |||
| Ep. 81: Single Pane of Glass: Legal Tech's Future with Alex McLaughlin | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers welcomes Alex McLaughlin, Vice President of Product at Filevine. With years of experience leading product strategy and innovation, Alex helps drive Filevine's mission to unify case management, documents, financials, and AI into one seamless platform.Recorded live at the LEX Summit 2025 in Filevine's onsite studio, Alex joins Ruby to unpack why law firms are moving beyond scattered "point solutions" and embracing a single pane of glass approach to legal technology.š¹ What "single pane of glass" means ā and why it's changing the game for legal teamsš¹ How unifying case management, documents, and financials increases productivity and reduces costsš¹ Where AI fits in: balancing automation, security, and client trustš¹ Practical examples of firms gaining insights and efficiency from unified dataš¹ The next big wins in LegalTech and how to prepare your firm for themIf you're curious about the future of LegalTech, the power of integrated platforms, and how to keep your firm competitive in an AI-driven world, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.š Connect with Alex McLaughlin:š¹ Website: filevine.comš¹ LinkedIn: Alex McLaughlinš Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracConnect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersš¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeš¹ Website: rubypowers.comš¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkitā¢ Stafi: https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/staffing-strategy-session-stafi-ruby-powers?month=2025-07ā¢ Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/partnerleads/?referral_partner=Powers%20Strategy%20Groupā¢ Filevine: https://www.filevine.com/demo-request/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=advocate&pscd=partner.filevine.com&ps_partner_key=ZjM3ZWMzMGEzZTk0&ps_xid=WuOqa719Z4ey8R&gsxid=WuOqa719Z4ey8R&gspk=ZjM3ZWMzMGEzZTk0CandleAI: https://www.trycandle.ai/powers | |||
| Ep. 79: Compete with Big Law Using Your Data with Morgan Maguire | 16 sept. 2025 | 00:44:58 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers talks with Morgan Maguire, Co-Founder and CEO of Lex Select, about transforming the way lawyers handle documents and data. Morgan shares how Lex Select's AI-driven tools tackle the headaches of PDFs and unstructured data, giving lawyers trustworthy summaries, instant citations, and seamless integration into existing workflows. Together they discuss: ā Why AI is an ally, not a replacement, for lawyers ā How small and mid-size firms can compete with big law through smart tech ā Strategies to unlock hidden knowledge in old case files and legacy data ā Practical tips for auditing and upgrading your legal tech stack If you're ready to cut hours of low-value work and focus on high-impact lawyering, this conversation shows how to harness AI you can actually trust. š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourprac Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine | |||
| Ep. 78: Books, Bots & Business: Innovating Law with Greg Siskind | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:52:19 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Greg Siskind, Founding Partner of Siskind Susser and Co-Founder of Visalaw.AI. Known as both a trailblazer in immigration law and a prolific author, Greg has built his career at the intersection of books, bots, and business.Together, Ruby and Greg explore: ā Why publishing and repurposing content remains one of the most effective marketing tools for lawyers ā How immigration case management is evolving with AI ("the bots") to create practical efficiencies ā Business lessons from decades of innovation in both practice management and thought leadership ā What's next for legal tech and how lawyers can strategically adaptThis conversation highlights Greg's unique ability to blend publishing, technology, and business strategy into a forward-looking model for law firms.If you want insights on how to write, market, and innovate without losing focus on your clients, this episode is for you.š Connect with Greg:š¹ LinkedIn: Greg Siskindš¹ Website: visalaw.comš Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:š Website: powersstrategygroup.comšŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroupš¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracConnect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowersš¹ Facebook: /poweruppracticeš¹ Website: rubypowers.comš¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkitā¢ Stafiā¢ Lawmaticsā¢ Filevine | |||
| Ep. 77: Turning Documents into Decisions: Threadeo's Time-Saving Edge | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:49:39 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Aniket Sawant, Founder and CEO of Threadeo, to explore how AI can transform the way lawyers work with documentsāsaving time while unlocking actionable insights. Aniket, a recent AILA Innovators Spotlight honoree, shares how Threadeo is redefining legal workflows by moving beyond data overload and giving lawyers back control. Together, they discuss: If you've ever felt buried under paperwork, this episode will show how turning documents into decisions can give your firm both speed and clarity. š Connect with Aniket Sawant: š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit | |||
| Ep. 76: Querious Minds: Transforming Law Firm Client Intake with Hilary Bowman | 26 aoƻt 2025 | 00:44:38 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Hilary Bowman, Founder and CEO of Querious, to unpack how Legal Conversational Intelligenceā¢ is transforming client intake for immigration firms. Hilary, a recent AILA Innovators Spotlight honoree, shares her vision for a future where intake conversations are not only faster, but also more secure, ethical, and human-centered. Together, they explore: ā How Legal Conversational Intelligenceā¢ solves the intake challenges firms face every day ā Why privacy and ethics must be built into every AI-driven solution ā Practical ways immigration firms can streamline intake while strengthening client trust ā How technology can supportānot replaceāthe human connection at the heart of lawyering If you've been curious about how AI can reshape client intake while protecting your clients and your practice, this episode will show you what's possible. š Connect with Hilary Bowman: š¹ LinkedIn: Querious š¹ Website: querious.ai š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourprac Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine | |||
| Ep. 74: Running Firms from Anywhere with JoAnn Hathaway | 13 aoƻt 2025 | 00:45:22 | |
The legal profession was built on in-person offices, paper files, and face-to-face meetings. But the last few years have proven that great lawyering doesn't require four wallsāand for leaders like JoAnn Hathaway, going remote isn't just a necessity, it's an opportunity. After 20 years shaping the profession as Executive Director of the State Bar of Michigan, JoAnn has a front-row seat to how remote work is transforming law firm culture, client service, and leadership. In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers and JoAnn dive into how firms can make the transition to remote successfullyāfrom choosing the right technology and communication systems to maintaining connection, accountability, and a thriving firm culture. JoAnn shares her vision for a future where going remote can mean greater flexibility, better client outcomes, and stronger leadership. š Connect with JoAnn Hathaway š¹ LinkedIn: JoAnn Hathaway š¹ Email: jlhathaway@comcast.net š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: @powersstrategygroup š¬ Join our Skool Community ā Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourprac Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: /rubypowers š¹ Facebook: /poweruppractice š¹ Website: rubypowers.com š¹ Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi ā¢ Lawmatics ā¢ Filevine | |||
| Ep. 71: People-First Growth with Michelle Griffin: HR Systems That Power Your Firm | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:49:28 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers welcomes Michelle Griffin, PhDāfounder of Griffin Resources and a seasoned HR strategist helping growing businesses stay compliant, build resilient teams, and lead with intention.Michelle breaks down how small and mid-sized law firms can approach HR not just as a checklist, but as a strategic foundation for sustainable growth. From reducing turnover to avoiding costly compliance missteps, her insights are rooted in decades of hands-on experience guiding businesses through growth, restructuring, and transformation. š¹ Learn what HR systems you really need before expanding your team š¹ Explore why culture and compliance go hand in hand š¹ Discover how to turn your people strategy into a growth lever, not an afterthought š¹ Get one practical HR action item to implement this quarterWhether you're hiring your first employee or leading a multi-state team, this conversation will help you rethink HR as a powerful, people-first advantage. š Connect with Michelle Griffin: š LinkedIn š Website: griffin-resources.com š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Website:ā powersstrategygroup.comā YouTube:ā @powersstrategygroup ā Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: LinkedIn:ā /rubypowersā Facebook:ā /poweruppracticeā Website:ā rubypowers.comā Website:ā rubypowerslaw.comā Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice Available on Amazon:ā Power Up Your Practiceā Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit ā¢ Stafi: https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/staffing-strategy-session-stafi-ruby-powers?month=2025-07 ā¢ Lawmatics: https://www.lawmatics.com/partnerleads/?referral_partner=Powers%20Strategy%20Group ā¢ Filevine: https://www.filevine.com/demo-request/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=advocate&pscd=partner.filevine.com&ps_partner_key=ZjM3ZWMzMGEzZTk0&ps_xid=WuOqa719Z4ey8R&gsxid=WuOqa719Z4ey8R&gspk=ZjM3ZWMzMGEzZTk0 | |||
| Ep. 70: The Tech-Savvy Lawyer: Tools, Time & Practice Insights | 08 juil. 2025 | 00:46:17 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Michael D.J. Eisenberg, a solo practitioner, award-winning legal blogger, and host of The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page podcast. Michael shares how he's built a flexible and value-driven law practiceāblending thoughtful time management, strong communication systems, and a tech-forward mindset. He reflects on the journey of launching his podcast and how it has shaped the way he shows up for clients and peers alike. š¹ Discover how a solo attorney stays agile and aligned through smart systems š¹ Hear what inspired Michael's podcast and why more lawyers should consider the mic š¹ Explore the power of mobile lawyeringāand the tools that make it possible Whether you're a solo, small firm owner, or just rethinking how to lead with clarity, this episode offers both practical tips and thoughtful perspective on building a practice that fits your life. š Connect with Michael: Website: www.Eisenberg-LawOffice.com Podcast: www.thetechsavvylawyer.page LinkedIn: Michael D.J. Eisenberg š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: Website: powersstrategygroup.com YouTube: @powersstrategygroup Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: LinkedIn: /rubypowers Facebook: /poweruppractice Website: rubypowers.com Website: rubypowerslaw.com Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice Available on Amazon: Power Up Your Practice | |||
| Ep. 69: From Automation to Innovation: Achal Augustine's Vision for Legal Tech | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:46:21 | |
In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, host Ruby Powers sits down with Achal Augustine, founder of PhoneNinjas AI, to explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and the legal field. With a background in AI and a passion for simplifying human-computer interaction, Achal shares forward-thinking insights on how legal professionals can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. š¹ Discover how AI is reshaping case preparation, data collection, and case management in law firms. š¹ Learn why voice-powered technology may be the next big step in improving accessibility and client experience. š¹ Get a glimpse into the future of education, employment, and the skills that will matter most. š¹ Understand the common hurdles law firms face when adopting AIāand how to turn them into opportunities. Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting to explore what's possible with AI, this conversation offers a roadmap for legal leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. š Connect with Achal Augustine: LinkedIn: Achal Augustine Website: phoneninjas.ai š Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, we bring you insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide actionable advice, creative solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your law firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: š Website: ā www.powersstrategygroup.com šŗ YouTube: ā @powersstrategygroup Connect with your host, Ruby Powers: š¹ LinkedIn: Ruby Powers š¹ Facebook: ā /poweruppractice š Website: ā www.rubypowers.com š Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice Available on Amazon: ā Power Up Your Practice | |||