The 80/20 Principle
Tech and AI recommendations for solo and small-firm lawyers, focusing on the 20% that actually matters. Hosted by Ernie Svenson, a former big-firm litigator turned solo and coach. Episodes are short and practical, covering tool reviews, AI explainers, and stories from coaching lawyers. Beyond the podcast, Ernie runs a private community called the Inner Circle for solo and small-firm lawyers.
Episodes
328: The Golf Lesson That Changed How I Teach AI
Most AI training for lawyers is shiny-object stuff — nine prompts, the "ultimate playbook" — and that's exactly why none of it sticks. My old golf instructor figured this out decades ago, and he taught me the fix before AI even existed. In this episode I tell that story and show you the one approach that actually works when you're learning to use AI in your practice. It's slower than chasing the
327: How a Seasoned Litigator Became an AI Power User
Ernie Svenson sits down with complex litigation attorney Richard Serpe to explore how he went from struggling with AI basics to becoming an advanced user in just 18 months. Richard shares how he uses tools like Claude, Perplexity Computer, NotebookLM, and AI skills to manage complex cases, organize research, prepare witnesses, and build better legal workflows. They also discuss the r
326: Perplexity for Lawyers: AI Research With Sources
In this episode, we cover Perplexity—what it is, how it works, and why it deserves attention from solo and small firm lawyers. Ernie explains how Perplexity differs from traditional Google research by using AI to search the live web, synthesize answers, and provide footnoted citations so lawyers can quickly verify the sources behind the response. You'll also hear practical examples of how lawy
325: Copilot Doubt To Power
In this episode, we talk with tax litigator Brandon Siegal about why Microsoft Copilot has gone from a disappointing experiment to a genuinely useful AI tool for legal work. We unpack what changed with Microsoft's latest updates, including direct Word editing, deeper research capabilities, and new ways to connect AI with the documents and systems lawyers already use every day. You'll also h
324: Why I switched from ChatGPT to Claude
In this episode, we explore why a long-time ChatGPT user made the switch to Claude and what ultimately drove that decision. We break down how features like direct file access, structured project workflows, and custom skills are transforming the way lawyers handle complex, document-heavy work. You'll hear how AI can dramatically speed up tasks like course creation, improve writing quality, and act
323: Revolutionize Your Law Practice with AI and Flat Fees
In this episode, we explore how lawyers can adapt to rapid AI advancements by shifting from billable hours to outcome-based, flat-fee services. We'll discuss creating a better client journey, using AI to improve research efficiency, and offering privileged, flat-fee AI-driven legal searches as a way to stay relevant and attract clients. Chapters 00:00 Breaking Free from the Billable Hour 05:04
322: Scaling Smarter: EOS Strategies for Law Firm Growth
In this episode, we'll examine how AI has made recording conversations effortless—and why that convenience poses legal, ethical, and moral challenges for lawyers. We'll break down the risks of passive and stealth recording, including issues around consent, biometric privacy laws, and client trust. And you'll get simple, practical tips for using recording tools transparently while maintaining profe
321: Stealth Recording -a Smart Move or Dangerous Ethics Problem?
In this episode, we'll examine how AI has made recording conversations effortless—and why that convenience poses legal, ethical, and moral challenges for lawyers. We'll break down the risks of passive and stealth recording, including issues around consent, biometric privacy laws, and client trust. And you'll get simple, practical tips for using recording tools transparently while maintaining profe
320: AI in Legal Decision-Making: The Dawn of a New Era
In this episode, Ernie explains how the American Arbitration Association is now using AI to draft decisions, subject to human review. The discussion covers the importance of transparency, control, and human oversight in the arbitration process, as well as the potential for AI to improve access to justice by making dispute resolution faster and more cost-effective. Key Takeaways AI is not abou
319: Gavel Exec: AI Copilot for Legal Drafting
Show Notes In this podcast episode, Ernie Svenson interviews Dorna At Gavel, a former attorney turned tech entrepreneur, about her journey in creating Gavel, a legal technology platform. Dorna shares her experiences in building Gavel Workflows and Gavel Exec, tools designed to automate document creation and enhance legal drafting with AI. The conversation explores the integration of these tool
318: AI is a consensus machine (and here's why that's good for some lawyers)
Show Notes In this episode, Ernie discusses the impact of AI on the legal profession, emphasizing that while AI may replace surface-level tasks, the best lawyers will thrive by focusing on deeper, strategic thinking and understanding complex legal outcomes. Takeaways The best lawyers won't just survive this wave of AI. They're gonna dominate. If your work is mostly surface level, AI is gonna
317: AI, ClioCon, and the Future of Law: What Lawyers Need to Know Now
In this episode, California attorney Jeff Lewis and I discuss the recent Clio conference that took place in Boston, which we both attended along with 2,700 other lawyers. There was a lot of discussion about AI and how its growing adoption will impact lawyers in the coming years. We of course will discuss Richard Susskind's Keynote speech, which was a disturbing warning about the massive dis
316: Inside the Smartphone-Powered Law Firm (with Elise Buie)
What if you could run a thriving 40-person law firm entirely from your smartphone? In this episode, attorney Elise Buie—known as "The Smartphone Lawyer"—shares how she scaled her Seattle-based family law practice through radical delegation, smart systems, and the strategic use of virtual assistants. From hiring and managing overseas talent to automating key workflows, Elise reveals how she bui
315: Email is the Most Under-leveraged Marketing Channel for Lawyers (with Tyler Cook)
Email isn't dead—it's dominating. In this episode, email marketing expert Tyler Cook explains why email remains the highest ROI marketing channel for lawyers (and just about everyone else). You'll learn: Why email still outperforms social media by a mile What kind of emails people actually want to read The 3 automations every lawyer should set up—no exceptions How to use AI to write powerf
314: Why law firm SOP manuals are now obsolete (because of AI)
Law firms love their SOPs—binders full of screenshots, arrows, and step-by-step instructions. But here's the problem: they take months to build, cost thousands to produce, and go out of date the moment software updates. There's a better way. In this episode, I break down how forward-thinking lawyers are replacing outdated SOPs with AI-powered prompt libraries that actually get work done. You'll he
313: The New Rules of SEO for Lawyers in the Age of AI (with Megan Hargroder)
AI is changing how people search for lawyers, and that means your website has to do more than just "look professional." In this episode, Megan Hargroder (of Legends Legal Marketing) explains what works—and what doesn't—when it comes to getting found online today. Megan also shares a powerful new strategy for ranking ethically while building long-term trust with potential clients. Episode Link
312: The Release of GPT-5 and How to Escape the Vortex of Bad Information
When big news drops—whether it's politics, celebrity scandal, or the launch of GPT-5—the internet spins into a frenzy of hot takes, half-truths, and hype. In this episode, we discuss the rollout of GPT-5 as a case study in how to filter out bad information, pace your learning, and make better decisions without getting sucked into the vortex. You'll hear why intentionality matters more than speed,
311: Protecting Client Data in the Age of AI
As AI tools become more prevalent in law practice, how do we keep our client data secure? In this episode, we address the biggest risks lawyers face and how to navigate them without losing the benefits of tools like ChatGPT. You'll hear the latest insights from a consensus group of 30 legal pros, including what paid AI tools to trust, how to enable privacy settings, and why redacting sensitive
310: The Power of Direct Mail for Lawyers: Insights from Wilson Zehr
Too many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective and how his platform makes it as simple as sending an email. Wilson breaks down the costs, strategies, and formats that help lawyers connect with their ideal cl
309: Tech-Driven Insights from Solo Lawyer Lee Rudin
How can a solo personal injury lawyer run a leaner, more profitable practice without sacrificing client service? Lee Rudin, a New Orleans-based attorney, shares the tech stack and outsourcing strategies that help him do exactly that. In this episode, you'll discover: The tools Lee swears by—like Text Expander, Demands AI, and File Vine—and how they save him hours every week How virtual ass
308: Mastering AI: A Lawyer's Guide to ChatGPT
The best way for lawyers to master AI is to deep on just one tool: ChatGPT. In this episode, you'll learn practical tips for using it in your practice, why the paid version is worth it, and how to get the most out of it. You'll also learn about the new ChatGPT Lab, a hands-on training program to help solo/small firm lawyers who want weekly guidance on using AI in their practice. General Resour
307: Wisper Flow: The AI Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed
Wisper Flow is a no-fuss AI-powered dictation tool that helps you put words into documents or emails three times faster than typing. Because it's powered by AI, it can pick up your style and get better over time. Also, it works fabulously with apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this episode, you'll learn exactly how it can streamline your workflows and free your mind for higher-level work. Resou
306: Revamping Legal Research - The AI Advantage for Solo & Small Firms
Discover how legal research giants like LexisNexis and Westlaw are being disrupted by low cost AI tools like ChatGPT. Smart solo lawyers are ignoring overpriced AI tools favored by BigLaw in favor of cheaper, more innovative options. Listen to find out which AI-powered legal research options that deliver speed, savings, and simplicity without bloated price tags. Resources from this Episode Caroly
305: Improve Your Memory using Proven Techniques (with Anthony Metivier)
In a world where we rely on digital tools to remember things, the ancient art of memory training seems to have been forgotten. Which is a shame because memory training provides many advantages—especially for lawyers who need to retain vast amounts of information. In this episode, memory expert Anthony Metivier explains how to develop extraordinary recall using personalized techniques that make mem
304: Subscription Pricing for Transactional Lawyers (with Mathew Kerbis)
Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal services Integration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows
303: From Russia with Passion & Drive - Miami attorney Ilona Anderson
In this episode you'll meet an attorney named Ilona Anderson who was originally from Russia but came to the U.S. when she was sixteen and pursued her passion for law. You'll learn about her first job working in a big Miami firm, where she handled commercial litigation cases. We discuss the importance of using systems and her interesting take on what good systems look like in a law practice. We tal
302: Photographic Memory: A Skill You Didn't Know You Had
In this episode, you'll learn that you have a photographic memory without knowing it. Just like Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton who can remember names and faces instantly, which helps him recall details about jury pool members, even groups of 50 to 75 people. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to unlock this skill to remember anything you want to and you'll be completely astonished
301: Stop Losing Billable Hours: How AI Simplifies Time-Keeping & Billing for Lawyers
Nancy Jeng, co-founder of Billables.ai, reveals how passive time-keeping is changing the game for lawyers—capturing billable hours with zero effort and tailoring entries to your style. Learn how this AI-powered tool integrates seamlessly with Clio, Microsoft, and more, while offering surprising benefits even for lawyers who don't bill for their time. In this episode, you will hear: The transform
300: Leveraging AI by Balancing Critical & Creative Thinking
Want to harness the power of AI while at the same time minimize risk? Then learn to balance critical and creative thinking as you use AI in your law practice. Listen and get concrete recommendations for making this happen now. In this episode, you will hear: Exploring AI's role in enhancing legal practice for solo and small firm lawyers Balancing critical and creative thinking in law with AI tool
299: The Future of Legal Work: What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025
How can solo attorneys harness AI to stay sharp and competitive? This episode dives into Microsoft's new report on AI and how it will impact legal research, document review, and client service. Listen and get practical tips and strategies for leveraging AI in 2025—boosting productivity, streamlining work, and sharpening your edge. In this episode, you will hear: Embracing AI to enhance productiv
298: Thinking Like a Philosopher: Jonny Thomson on Truth, AI, and the Socratic Method
Oxford philosophy professor Jonny Thomson explains how philosophy sharpens critical thinking, reveals hidden biases, and helps uncover the truth in a messy, complex world. From the Socratic method to the role of testimony and the challenges posed by AI, this episode dives into the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and the modern search for knowledge. A must-listen for lawyers and anyone who
297: A Year of Remote Lawyering: How Jeff Austin Took His Practice to Patagonia
In this episode, you'll hear from Jeff Austin, an estate planning attorney from Durham, North Carolina, who spent a year practicing law remotely while living in Argentina with his family. Jeff will explain how he transitioned to a paperless, remote practice, tackling challenges like how to notarize documents remotely, how to manage client communication, and how to handle physical mail. In this epi
296: Mastering Your Zoom Presence: Tips for Looking Professional Online
You should optimize your appearance in online meetings and presentations to appear professional, credible and authoritative. You don't need to do a lot to make that happen, and in this episode you'll find out how with tips for best cameras, mics, backgrounds, plus simple, practical tips for being a good host and attendee. Topics covered: Why Your Zoom Appearance Matters The "Zoom Economy": Invest
295: Deb Feder, a Business Attorney Now Helps Professionals Grow Their Businesses
In this episode Deb Feder shares her transition from business lawyer to a coaching business for business professionals. You'll hear about her early career trials, favorite book picks, and how technology has changed the legal profession. She'll also share her great advice on email efficiency, time management, client rapport, boundary setting, and using LinkedIn for business development. In this
294: Google NotebookLM (plus AI in the Courtroom)
This episode discusses Google's NotebookLM, an AI research assistant designed to handle groups of complex documents. Listen and learn about its amazing features, such as generating summaries, citations, and FAQs. You can also hear the "audio overviews" feature, in which two bots discuss a recent case (Matter of Weber) involving the use of AI in the courtroom. Here are details of what was covered
293: Want to Travel the World While Practicing Law? Here's How Brian Dixon Made It Happen
Believe it or no, it's possible to work as "digital nomad lawyer" and spend all your time traveling the world. Our guest Brian Dixon knows this first hand. In this episode, you'll learn about his journey from a traditional law practice to fulltime globetrotter. Listen and learn which practice areas are best suited to this kind of life, and which tech tools are most important to adopt. In this epi
292: The Keys to AI-enhanced Legal Writing (with Ross Guberman)
Explore the cutting edge of legal writing with Ross Guberman, the founder of a company called Legal Writing Pro. In this episode, learn interesting ways that generative AI can help lawyers write better briefs and contracts. In this episode, you will hear: Generative AI tools for stress-free, effective legal writing Insights on creating influential legal writing resources Exploration of BriefCatch
291: Judge Scott Schlegel Explores the Use of AI in the Court System
In this episode, you'll hear Judge Scott Schlegel explain why he believes that lawyers and judges should know as much as possible about how AI tools work. And why they should gain this understanding by using the tools as much as possible. In this episode, you will hear: Judge Scott Schlegel's career journey from finance to tech-savvy appellate judge. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Llama, Grok, an
290: 3 Keys to a Smooth Running Practice
Building a successful law practice is a lot easier when you focus on the right things. And that's exactly how attorney Elise Buie built a thriving practice that's both financially lucrative and immensely enjoyable. In this episode she shares her top three secrets to massive success. In this episode, you will hear: Building a successful law practice with controllable elements and technology Import
289: The Best AI Note-Taking App for Lawyers
Every lawyer should use an AI note-taking app, but now there are dozens, so which one should they use? In this episode, we examine the top two apps and compare features so you can make a fully informed decision. In this episode, you will hear: Introduction to AI note-taking apps Personal experiences and insights on the effectiveness of these tools for attorneys. Detailed comparison of features, r
288: ABA Ethics Opinion on Lawyers use of AI
The ABA's new ethics opinion on lawyers' use of AI is a must-read, but this episode will give you the key takeaways you need to be aware of. We'll also discuss the provocative statement in the opinion that "AI can help lawyers predict how judges might rule on a legal question based on data about the judge's rulings." Listen now to learn more. In this episode, you will hear: Discussion on the AB
287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers
Social media marketing is easy and inexpensive if you approach it right. Being authentic is one key to success, but there's another word that's even more important. And that's what this episode will explain and discuss. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging social media for attorneys The importance of relationships in social media marketing The pitfalls of chasing viral content and the value
286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work
Modern lawyers need new workspaces optimized for remote work, virtual collaboration, and asynchronous communication. In this episode, you'll find out which two software tools are the best online workspaces and why popular cloud-based practice management software does not compete with these new options. In this episode, you will hear: Modern online workspaces for remote collaboration Choosing the
285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)
Kristen David is an amazing lawyer who believes there are 6 fundamental systems that every law practice needs. She learned this when she needed a way to escape stress and burnout to gain massive fulfillment and freedom. For the past decade, she's coached lawyers on how to develop, maintain, and refine systems. And in this podcast episode, she shares her best tips that you can start systematizing
284: Get Better Clients Using Conversational Emails
If you want better clients, you need to convey that you are very special, not like most attorneys. How you convey that message is everything. You can't communicate in cliches or brazen claims. You must come across as sincere, thoughtful, and truly considerate. In this session, we'll discuss how to do that using simple, easy-to-write emails. In this episode, you will hear: Marketing tactics f
283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)
Gabriel Marous is a New York business lawyer who runs his firm, making extensive use of VAs based in the Philippines. He had to figure out for himself how to recruit, hire, train, and manage his team of 10 VAs. Now, he helps other lawyers and business owners do the same. In this episode, you'll learn how he started doing this, what mistakes he made and overcame, and how you can take advantage of o
282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)
How can you be more productive and enjoy doing so? Merely checking off boxes on a To-Do list isn't the answer. Attorney David Sparks has the best answer I've come across, and he explains it very well. David is exceptionally productive in juggling a mind-boggling number of responsibilities. Listen and learn David's incredible secrets to being productive in a way that enables you to accomplish a
281: The 5 Biggest Mistakes in Using Technology (and How to Avoid Them)
As we all know, modern technology can create powerful leverage in any business. Unfortunately, it's complex and rapidly changing, which creates big challenges—especially for lawyers. Most lawyers lack the instincts to know what to focus on and prioritize, so they often make big mistakes when using technology. Fortunately, the five biggest mistakes can be avoided if you know what they are and
280: Update on Generative AI Chatbots & How Lawyers Can Use Them Safely
AI Chatbots powered by GPT-4 technology are improving rapidly so the opportunities are expanding for lawyers who want to leverage this to improve aspects of their practices. But which GPT4 chatbots are best? And what are the best opportunities for using them in your practice? That's what we'll cover in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: The emergence of generative AI chatbots and
279: LinkedIn Networking: How to "Work the Room"
LinkedIn is a goldmine for professional referrals. Think of it as a 24-hour networking event that runs 365 days a year. You can "attend" asynchronously and easily generate new referrals without spending a lot of time "working the room." In this episode, you will hear: 24/7 receptionist and chatbot services Unlocking LinkedIn's potential Crafting effective taglines for lawyers Optimizing Lin
278: How to Get More Out of Podcasts You Listen to (Snipd)
Podcasts are valuable troves of knowledge. And yet it's notoriously challenging to capture insights and take notes on things you want to remember. But now there's a magic solution that you'll definitely appreciate knowing about that you'll learn all about in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging podcasts for professional growth Essential features for podcast listening Featu
277: Traction Business Coaching for Law Firms (w/ Kellam Parks)
In this episode, you'll learn how a Virginia lawyer found the best business coach to help his firm implement principles from the popular book "Traction" (by Gino Wickman). Listen as Kellam Parks shares the process he used to research and vet candidates, and why he says the decision to hire a coach was "transformative." He also explains exactly why the principles in Traction are so helpful in g
276: Privacy vs Security: Top Tips to Avoid Hackers
Hackers repeatedly use the same common ploys to fool most people most easily. Avoid becoming a victim by learning about these ploys and by using a tech tool that too many people do not know about (or use if they do know). In this episode, you'll learn about six excellent recommendations the AARP believes can protect people online. And learn more about the one that's most beneficial for everyone wh
275: Frictionless Scheduling (with Calendly, etc.)
Traditional ways of scheduling appointments have too much friction, so lawyers should now adopt automated scheduling technology like that offered by Calendly. When you use this type of tool, you'll be able to do more deep work without being bogged down with scheduling appointments or getting interrupted during peak work time. In this episode, you'll learn exactly why automated scheduling will help
274: The Year of Ninja Lawyering
The year 2024 is the year of Ninja Lawyering for solo and small firm lawyers who want frictionless efficiency, financial freedom, and flexibility to work less and enjoy life more. The key is leveraging technology strategically by focusing on a few key tools, the first of which we'll discuss in this episode. If you start using this tool, your practice will start to transform itself in mind-boggling
273: Digital Nomadism - Part 2 (with Megan Hargroder)
In Part 2 of our discussion of "Digital Nomadism," Megan Hargroder shares more insights on the art of living and working from anywhere. She highlights the use of platforms like Trusted House Sitters as an alternative to using AirBnb. And we also discuss safety tips while traveling abroad. Finally, we cover money management strategies, which are critical as well. Whether you're considering a full-b
272: Legal Malpractice Insurance Made Easy
In this episode, we delve into a detailed conversation with Rio Peterson from Alps Insurance. We explore the intricacies of malpractice insurance and discuss how solo and small law firms can protect themselves not just against malpractice, but also cyber attacks and employment claims. We also delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in law practice, shedding light on how
271: Automating Documents & Productizing Your Services (with Dorna Moini)
In the latest episode, attorney Dorna Moini explains how her product, Gavel, enables full intake and workflow automation. She also explains how lawyers can document their expertise and turn that into revenue-generating products. In this episode, you will hear about: The importance of automating repetitive tasks, which begins with recording and analyzing repeatable tasks. How innovative document
270: Build a Successful Law Firm and Run it While Living in Europe
This episode features an interview with a lawyer who went from helping build a multimillion-dollar firm to practicing law from coffee shops in Europe. Sheila Wilkinson helped build a highly successful law firm from scratch even before she went to law school. Crazy but true. And after law school, she created her own successful practice, which she still runs, often from coffee shops in the country o
269: Master of Tech, Deficient in Delegation (Interview with lawyer Brandon Siegal)
This episode is a deep dive into the law practice of solo attorney Brandon Siegal, a seasoned Canadian tax specialist who is comfortable using technology but finds delegation more challenging. The discussion was informed by answers he provided in taking my comprehensive Law Practice Assessment. We talked about software tools he uses, such as Clio, RingCentral, Microsoft Bookings, Email efficiency
268: Modern Note-Taking for Lawyers with Obsidian
Digital note-taking for lawyers is no longer just about transcribing ideas—it's about weaving them together. Enter the world of "Personal Knowledge Management" (PKM), a realm where Evernote once reigned supreme but now faces more powerful contenders. Obsidian is the best note-taking app for lawyers who want a powerful, user-friendly tool that also happens to be completely free. With its intercon
267: Getting The Most out of Microsoft 365 - Part 2
This episode continues a discussion on how to get the most out of Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, these tools help streamline the most common workflows in your law practice. I invited Ben Schorr to explain the ins and outs of 365 software. Ben works at Microsoft as a senior-level product manager for content, so he has major insight into
266: Getting The Most out of Microsoft 365 - Part 1
This episode is about how to get the most out of Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, these tools help streamline the most common workflows in your law practice. I invited Ben Schorr to explain the ins and outs of 365 software. Ben works at Microsoft as a senior-level product manager for content, so he has major insight into how to get the m
265: Digital Nomadism for Lawyers (with Megan Hargroder)
Step into the extraordinary world of digital nomadism with my wanderlust-filled guest, Megan Hargroder. Megan, a seasoned digital nomad, has been living out of her suitcase and working from the picturesque locales of Europe for the past eight months. Join us for a riveting conversation that explores the exhilarating freedoms and intricate challenges that come hand-in-hand with her unique lifestyle
264: The Legal Singularity - How A.I. will Improve Our Profession (with Ben Alarie)
Let's journey into the fascinating world of law and technology with our extraordinary guest, Ben Alarie. He's not just a law professor, but also an entrepreneur and author who has put his expertise in an excitingly accessible format through his AI product, Ask Blue J. This ingenious tool simplifies tax law navigation, transforming complex databases into question-answering platforms. We also shed l
263: New Tech Effectiveness Assessment for Lawyers
In this episode, we revisit a persistent favorite topic - Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). We understand there are many recurring issues that may concern you, but which ones are the most pressing? We are on a mission to resolve these sticking points. A common challenge for attorneys is determining the technology that could bring the most significant improvement to their practice. Given the un
262: Essential Tech Tools & Tips (with Adriana Linares)
What if you could revolutionize your legal practice with technology? This provocative question led to an enlightening chat with legal tech consultant, Adriana Linares, who shared insights on how transitioning to cloud-based services and leveraging tools like TextExpander and ChatGPT can significantly enhance productivity and writing skills. That's not all, folks. Join us as we share personal anec
261: Overture.law - An Innovative New Way of Getting & Making Referrals
Imagine a world where getting quality referrals is not just possible, but easy and ethical too. That's the pioneering world Arya Firoozmand, co-founder of Overture Law, is building. In this enlightening conversation, Arya takes me through his journey into law practice and how he and his partners invented Overture Law, an innovative platform that fills a service gap by linking attorneys and clients
260: Technology vs. Natural Growth
Discover the secret to unlocking human growth and genuine connections in our increasingly digital world. This episode promises to reveal the power of face-to-face interaction and why it's crucial for personal and professional success. Let me take you on a journey through our experience with Laurel Street Music in New Orleans, where an inspiring story of community events and real-world connection u
259: A Celebrity Actor Shares Law Practice Insights (Surprise Guest)
Ever wondered how the 80-20 principle applies to a Hollywood actor's life and career? I have an exclusive chat with the legendary Tom Hanks, shedding light on the topic and sharing his personal experiences! But there's more than meets the ear – my friend and computer forensics expert Craig Ball joins me to reveal the cutting-edge AI technology from ElevenLabs that made our "interview" with Tom
258: Streamlining Operations using Agile Methodology (John Grant)
Are you ready to revolutionize your law firm's operations and witness a substantial boost in productivity and profitability? Join me for an enlightening conversation with John Grant, a renowned lawyer and consultant who has mastered the art of streamlining law practices for maximum success. Together, we explore the Kanban method for visualizing workflows, the concept of Kaizen for continuous inc
257: Using Airtable Databases to Help Run a Small Law Firm (Jess Birken)
In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jess Birken, a small firm law owner who specializes in helping nonprofits. As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a tech-savvy approach, Jess shared her insights on how technology has revolutionized her practice and how others can optimize their own businesses. One of the key topics we discussed was the use of Airtable, a cloud-
256: Get Staffed Up with Remote Workers in Latin America (Guest: Brett Trembly)
In this episode, Brett Trembly, a business lawyer and founder of Get Staffed Up, shares how his company helps law firm owners hire talented virtual assistants from Latin America. He discusses his new book, which sets forth a 24-month game plan for hiring seven specific positions. He also explains the best practices for working with virtual assistants, including repeatable tasks, daily check-ins,
255: A Practicing Lawyer's Perspective on ChatGPT (Enrico Schaefer)
Discover the transformative power of ChatGPT technology in the legal industry as Ernie sits down with Enrico Schaefer, an attorney with over thirty years of experience in technology and IP law. Learn how Enrico leverages AI tools and third-party applications to revolutionize his practice, streamline communication, and optimize his workflow. Join Ernie as he explores Enrico's journey into the world
254: Gumbo, ChatGPT & Systems (with Matt Granda)
In this episode I briefly discuss gumbo, ChatGPT and a new development in my Systems program. You'll also hear from Matt Granda, the managing partner in a P.I. law firm who is serious about systematizing and improving his firm's operations. Show Notes Matt Granda's LinkedIn page Claggett & Sykes website (Matt's law firm) Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80
253: Hiring & Working with Overseas VAs (with Joey Vitale)
Joey Vitale practices trademark law in Chicago and got so busy he needed to hire overseas VAs from the Philippines. Then he started teaching other lawyers the benefits and methods of working with overseas VAs. Learn the best ways of hiring and working with remote VAs in law practice. And discover the "Holy Grail" metric for uncommon law firm success. Show Notes GlobalVettedVAs.com (Joey's Sky
252: Building Accountability Charts & Tracking Portals (with Melissa Shanahan)
Business coach Melissa Shanahan discusses how she helped a small group of law firm owners build a dashboard for tracking key metrics in their practices (i.e., a "tracking portal"). She also showed them how to define the various roles for work done in the firm (now or in the future) through an "accountability chart." Show Notes Velocity Work (Melissa's website) Law Firm Owner (Melissa's podcast)
251: The Future of Lawyer Work is Here
The legal profession is changing rapidly, and lawyers must adapt quickly. Discover the best way to work and thrive in the modern world. (hint: trial & error is the worst way). Show Notes Click to download the list of Best Systems & Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to Substack newsletter: The 80/20 Principle General Resources The 80/20 Principle (my email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powere
250: Modern Systems for Virtual Law Practice - Part 2
Lawyers increasingly work remotely or in virtual environments. That means we need new ways of better organizing, communicating, and collaborating in this digital/virtual world. The first part of two that examines how to make this happen, so our practices run more smoothly. Show Notes Click here to download the PDF list of recommended tools (and other webinar resources) Subscribe to Substack news
249: Modern Systems for Virtual Law Practice - Part 1
Lawyers increasingly work remotely or in virtual environments. That means we need new ways of better organizing, communicating, and collaborating in this digital/virtual world. The first part of two that examines how to make this happen, so our practices run more smoothly. Show Notes Click here to download the PDF list of recommended tools (and other webinar resources) Subscribe to Substack ne
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The Holistic Spiritual Counselor’s Podcast
The Psychology of Money: Why Smart People Make Dumb Financial Decisions
My MoneyLife
Dear Dr. Tracy
Richard Syrett's Strange Planet
Beyond Broken Vows | Christian Marriage, Adultery, Pornography Addiction, Sexual Betrayal, Infidelity
The iLLogical Sense Podcast
GROWING IN TRUTH
