Best Oscar Michelen Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 149 Talking with Conrad Saam of Mockingbird Marketing 50:36

4+ y ago50:36

50:36

On this week's episode Oscar and Scott welcome Conrad Saam from Mockingbird Marketing. They discuss the importance of a website to your legal practice, what to look for in a website vendor and what every website should contain. Most importantly, hear the story of how "Zippy the Chicken" was invited to become a "Lawyer of Distinction.…

1
Episode 148 Long at Short Term Plans for Law Practices During the Covid Crisis 44:37

4+ y ago44:37

44:37

This Episode, Oscar and Scott discuss the potential timelines for law practices to financially recover from this crisis. They discuss short term and long term possibilities along with other informative information about how to run your practice during this crisis.

1
Episode 147 The Long Term Effects of Covid-19 on the Practice of Law 48:23

4+ y ago48:23

48:23

On this episode, Oscar & Scott discuss the probability that the Covid Pandemic will have serious effects on the practice of law until a vaccine is distributed and even beyond. They discuss mindset and how to get yourself and your practice in a position to succeed in this unprecedented situation.

1
Episode 146 Some Ideas for your Practice During the Pandemic 27:59

4+ y ago27:59

27:59

A few weeks into the Covid-19 Pandemic, Oscar and Scott talk about how they are handling their practices and the planning they are doing for the future.

1
Episode 145 Practicing Law in the age of Covid-19 36:18

4+ y ago36:18

36:18

After over a year absence, Oscar and Scott "Reboot" the podcast to discuss some of the issues they are facing as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. They discuss the changes in their practices and give advice on how to position your practice over the next few months.

1
Episode 144 The Impact of Technology on the Practice of Law 24:19

6y ago24:19

24:19

This episode Oscar and Scott discuss the impact of technology on how the solo and small practice are looked at by consumers. The ability to hold yourself out as an expert in many types of law is increasingly difficult. Client's want someone who specializes in their specific issue and if your website advertises that you are an "expert" in 7 types of…

1
Episode 143 Dealing with Bumps in the Road 32:11

6y ago32:11

32:11

As your practice grows and you enable more moving parts, sometimes these parts break down and you have to deal with a quick painful situation or a long painful situation. This week Scott discusses the stress of creating a new website for his practice while Oscar discusses an associate who left and the options for replacing him.…

1
Episode 142 Legal advice by Text??? 17:05

6y ago17:05

17:05

Oscar and Scott discuss Text-a-lawyer. Is it a service that can help those that can’t otherwise afford legal advice or is it an ethical mess that distorts attorney client privilege.

1
Episode 141 Next Level Ideas 25:31

6+ y ago25:31

25:31

When Oscar and Scott started the podcast they were truly “Rebooting” their law practices. Now over three years later they discuss the next level planning and ideas that they are initiating for their practices. They touch on speaking in front of groups, evaluating if a networking group is right for you and getting involved in thier local bar associa…

1
Episode 140 Website Revamp 22:18

6+ y ago22:18

22:18

As we know, your website is one of the most important tools you have to give prospective clients information about your firm. Scott gives a status update on the revamp of his website. He discusses the steps his design firm is taking to make the new site a success.

1
EPISODE 139 Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 19:09

6+ y ago19:09

19:09

In this episode Scott and Oscar talk about making sure you are not getting bogged down by handling small matters that do not properly compensate you for your time. Getting properly paid for your time is the key to a successful law practice. Handling small cases or charging really low fees or agreeing to just “write a letter” for a client for $200.0…

1
Episode 138 Be Client-Centric in All You Do 22:18

6+ y ago22:18

22:18

It’s important to have a sterling reputation in the legal community to develop your practice, and that will come if you consistently do good work. But it’s more important to be more concerned about your reputation and “brand” in the client community. Does your website and other marketing material speak to your target clients? Have you planned on ho…

1
Episode 137 Hodgepodge of Pet Peeves and Ideas 24:04

6+ y ago24:04

24:04

In this episode, the hosts discuss a variety of issues in their practice that irritate them (adversaries who don’t use email for example) and, building off the last episode, some new ideas they are implementing in 2018 (writing things down on paper) and some things they are not (getting an app for their law office).…

1
Episode 136 – Let This Be the Year 23:59

6+ y ago23:59

23:59

Planning and strategic thinking are important certainly. But at some point, you have to just pull the trigger. Scott and Oscar talk about how as 2018 gets going, this should be the year listeners Do Something! Whether its starting a blog, increase or decrease staffing, networking more, whatever it is. Let 2018 be the year that you take at least one…

1
EPISODE 135 - Revamp Your Website This Year 30:34

7y ago30:34

30:34

As we delve into the New Year, there are things we should be taking off our Practice Management “To Do” lists in 2018. Scott discusses how this year he is completely revamping and re-tooling his website. A high quality, effective website is a main tool in any solo or small firm’s arsenal. Too often, once we put one up, we don’t look at it again for…

1
EPISODE 134 – Make 2018 the Year You Commit to a Networking Group 25:20

7y ago25:20

25:20

Scott and Oscar have talked about the value of networking in many past episodes. This week they discuss why committing to networking should be on your 2018 New Year’s Resolution list. Whether it’s joining a BNI Networking Group in your area or signing up to become more involved in your local Chamber of Commerce, getting actively involved in some fo…

1
Episode 133 - Getting Your Name Out There 28:10

7y ago28:10

28:10

In advance of a presentation they are making to the Nassau County Bar Association, the hosts talk about ways to get your name out in social media and the community. Publishing articles; making presentations; blogging; and yes, even doing a podcast are all ways to put yourself out in the universe and the marketplace. Scott and Oscar talk specifics a…

1
Episode 132 – Law Schools Need to Address Financial Reality About Practicing Law 31:13

7y ago31:13

31:13

Scott talks about his recent attendance at a conference sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System where the subject was the future of law schools and the legal system. While there were some positive moments where there were discussions about making law school more client-centered; using apps to increase access to j…

1
Episode 131 Attending Practice Management Conferences – Part 2 Time & Data 24:33

7y ago24:33

24:33

Scott Limmer continues the discussion of the CLIO Cloud Conference. A large part of what was discussed involved time and data management. For ex.: at CLIO a speaker pointed out that out of an 8 hour workday only 1.9 of that time is collected upon. How can we increase the amount of time that actually puts money in the bank? What can the data we have…

1
Episode 130 – Attending Practice Management Conferences – Part 1 19:57

7y ago19:57

19:57

Fresh off his trip to New Orleans, podcast host Scott Limmer discusses attending the CLIO Cloud Conference while there. The conference focused on practice management for lawyers, highlighting of course, CLIO software products. But the hosts discuss the need for lawyers to engage in these conferences to learn about what’s out there for use in their …

1
Episode 129 – What You Can Get Out of a Conference 26:15

7y ago26:15

26:15

We’re all busy and we all have different demands on our time. But for attorneys trying to reboot or develop their practices going to a practice development conference can be key. You can learn about new technologies; meet people in a similar position as you; meet folks who have been where you are and have grown their practices. Let’s face it, law s…

1
Episode 128 – What Are Your Phones Telling You? 22:13

7y ago22:13

22:13

This podcast discusses something many of us take for granted – our phones. But let’s face it, this is how our clients come to us; yes they may email us first or message us from a website, but they will always want to call in and speak to someone live. Scott and Oscar talk about what systems they use to not just answer and return calls, but to mine …

1
Episode 127 – Using Technology to Grow Your Practice 23:13

7y ago23:13

23:13

We are all inundated by pop-ups and email messages from various sources telling us how to grow our practices using technology and social media. What’s real and what’s just hucksterism? This podcast focuses on what has worked and not worked for the hosts and what core messages we can take from those ads that are telling us what basic areas we need t…

1
Episode 126 – Dealing with Client Communication Issues 20:29

7y ago20:29

20:29

The podcast hosts talk about their woes in dealing with client communication. Some clients who after spending a lot of time with you, don’t retain you; others who don’t want to hear the information you are giving them; and still others who simply want to take up all of your time talking about things that are perhaps important to them but which don’…

1
Episode 125 Pros and Cons of Free Consultations 19:11

7y ago19:11

19:11

This episode discusses whether listeners should offer a free consultation to prospective clients or charge for them. Host Oscar Michelen recently started charging for initial consultations while Host Scott Limmer offers free consultations. The hosts engage in a spirited back and forth discussion as to why they chose each particular method and why w…

1
Episode 124 – Proper Marketing for Growth Requires Looking Backwards Sometimes 16:53

7+ y ago16:53

16:53

Oscar gets the discussion going this week talking about what he learned from a review of old files from his prior firm that had been in storage in his house for the past seven years. In talking about it with Scott, he discusses what he should have been able to see about his practice and its marketing efforts had he paid attention. That leads to the…

1
EPISODE 123 Reading is Fundamental 23:03

7+ y ago23:03

23:03

There are many sources of information available to you to help you grow your practice: books, magazine articles, blogs, podcasts like this one. The hosts talk about sources they use to get thoughtful advice on business development. The material does not have to be law-firm related, in fact its better that your first foray into reading to improve yo…

1
Episode 122 Keep Your Eye Out For “The Next Big Thing” 20:19

7+ y ago20:19

20:19

This week’s episode finds our podcast hosts both comfortably rested from Anguilla vacations and once again pondering what “The Next Big Thing” is for law practices. Scott and Oscar talk about how the Hollywood industry and Las Vegas both rose out of nothing, filling a void no one saw that was there to be seen. While in some sense LegalZoom and Avvo…

1
Episode 121 Yes it’s a Cliché But You Need to Step Out of Your Comfort Box 19:01

7+ y ago19:01

19:01

Clichés become clichés for a reason – they’re true. This week’s podcast analyzes the old cliché about “stepping out of your comfort box.” When you just do what you have always done and what you know best, you don’t get the chance to find out what you are truly capable of. Take a chance, try something new, something you are perhaps nervous or outrig…

1
Episode 120 Building a Practice While You Build Experience 29:28

7+ y ago29:28

29:28

What’s a young lawyer to do? Every client says they want experience but if you have just started your practice how do get those clients? What about if you are trying a new practice area but don’t have any successes in that area to tout? This week’s episode discusses ways you can build your practice while you develop the experience clients want. Foc…

1
Episode 119 Networking Takes Time to Pay Off 21:56

7+ y ago21:56

21:56

This week’s episode revolves around the need for expanding your network in order to get more referrals and a steadier stream of business. The hosts discuss how it may not be clear for some time that your networking events are paying off. Don’t expect that the first meeting you attend will produce results or that even every attempt you make at meeti…

1
Episode 118 Your Attitude Impacts the Clients Decision to Hire (or Not Hire) You 21:23

7+ y ago21:23

21:23

While Oscar is enjoying a well deserved vacation with his wife, Scott goes solo hitting on a number of topics. We first discuss the outreach for “Master Your Law Practice” the networking group we are starting on June 29th. We then discuss how important it is to understand the needs of your clients and how your attitudes affect their decision to hir…

1
Episode 117 Master Your Law Practice 25:23

7+ y ago25:23

25:23

Oscar and Scott discuss the networking group they are launching for Long Island attorneys. The 1st meeting of “Master Your Law Practice” will take place on June 29th at Seasons 52 in Garden City. Oscar and Scott discuss the beginnings of this idea and how it has grown into a different kind of legal networking group. They both are looking forward to…

1
Episode 116 Dealing with Tech and Its Problems 28:18

7+ y ago28:18

28:18

We have all gotten used to relying on our favorite tech aides – apps, calendaring programs, phone systems, etc. But what happens to our practices when they fail? In this episode Scott and Oscar talk about recent tech issues they have faced and how they addressed. They offer some insight and solutions to make sure that when a snafu happens your prac…

1
Episode 115 Why Do Big Law Firms Fail? For the Same Reasons as Solo and Small Practices Do! 25:37

7+ y ago25:37

25:37

This week Scott and Oscar discuss how the same issues that cause Solo and Small Practices to fail are the same issues that affect Big Law. The top three things affecting Big Law being, below average performance, internal dynamics (no leadership, incompatible goals and lack of planning) and external dynamics (competitive pressure related to firms cl…

1
Episode 114 Fully Communicate With Your Clients 28:07

7+ y ago28:07

28:07

Oscar was invited to Otisville Correctional Institute by the Tribeca Film Festival to be a speaker at the screening of Gideon’s Army, which follows a number of public defenders and their interaction with their clients. Before the movie the inmates had extremely harsh opinions about the attorneys that represented them. After they watched the movie t…

1
Episode 113 – PART 2 of Our Discussion About Avvo’s Lawyernomics Conference: SEO, branding, and the value of going to professional conferences 22:33

7+ y ago22:33

22:33

Scott and Oscar continue their discussion about Scott’s presentation and attendance at Avvo’s annual Lawyernomics conference in Las Vegas. The talk focuses on SEO and recognizing where your practice is at - brand new practices don’t have the same needs and opportunities as mature growing practices. The focus must be on what can best improve your pr…

1
Episode 112 Avvo’s Lawernomics Conference 30:06

7+ y ago30:06

30:06

One of the nice things about having “Rebooted” our practices and having started this podcast is the opportunity to share what we have learned with other attorneys. Avvo was nice enough to invite us to speak at their Lawyernomics conference in Las Vegas. Scott discusses some of what he learned including how all marketing should be done purposefully,…

1
Episode 111 Give a Presentation 22:55

7+ y ago22:55

22:55

This week Scott and Oscar discuss how giving presentations can be an important part of your practice. Not only do they show that you are engaged in topics that effect your clients and show your authority but are also a good way to network meet other attorneys. Although you may not be able to picture yourself speaking in front of others and may be a…

1
Episode 110 Always be Looking for Opportunities 29:34

7+ y ago29:34

29:34

Not only do you have an obligation as an attorney to keep track of the changes in your area of law but you should determine if any changes can be a business opportunity for your practice. Scott discusses new changes in New York criminal law one that he believes may be an excellent opportunity to expand his practice and one that may have a detriment…

1
Episode 109 Addition by Subtraction 24:14

7+ y ago24:14

24:14

This week Oscar and Scott discuss how some clients may be more trouble than they are worth Even though the money a client is paying you might be attractive at first, the amount of work, stress and frustration the case and client may bring may not be worth taking the case If you get caught up in a situation like this, you can’t complain about it bei…

1
Episode 108 Getting the Most Out of LinkedIn 18:16

7+ y ago18:16

18:16

This week Scott and Oscar talk about their experiences with the networking site LinkedIn. While both of the podcast hosts agree that all solos and small firm practitioners should have a Linked In profile, Oscar is the bigger fan of the site. That stems from his practice being largely a commercial litigation practice and Linked In being a social net…

1
Episode 107 Hiring An Office Manager – Case Study: Michelle and Anthony DiPaolo 19:32

7+ y ago19:32

19:32

This week, we continued our interview with Michelle and Anthony DiPaolo, discussing their decision to hire an office manager. We’ve often talked on the podcast about how to determine when the right time is to take on that first employee. The DiPaolos explain how their practice was ready for the hire and how bringing on an office manager has helped …

1
Episode 106 Married with Law Practice: What It’s Like Practicing with Your Spouse 23:17

7+ y ago23:17

23:17

This week Reboot Your Law Practice invites married law partners Michelle and Anthony DiPaolo to talk about how they balance their law practice with their home life. While most of us are not married to our law partners (though it sometimes feels that way) listeners can gain lots of insight into work/life balance and law firm organization and structu…

1
Episode 105 Giving a Client Bad News 20:47

7+ y ago20:47

20:47

Wouldn’t it be great if we won every motion, every trial, and every case? Or if we went through our entire legal career without ever making a mistake? Sure, but that’s just not realistic. If you make an error on a case or if you just did not get the outcome your client expected how do you deal with it? The podcast hosts not only discuss your need t…

1
Episode 104 – Dealing with Difficult Clients 26:51

7+ y ago26:51

26:51

Every lawyer and firm has come across a difficult client. But in a small firm or solo practice, lawyers don’t have the luxury of blowing off and ignoring difficult clients. You need to have a conversation with the client about the parameters of the relationship. It helps to give the client something to do- tasks - to help the case along – have them…

1
Episode 103 Some Quick Examples of Dos and Don’ts 27:17

7+ y ago27:17

27:17

Scott and Oscar discuss some recent encounters with lawyers that make for good examples of Dos and Don’ts to rebuilding your practice. On the “Do” side – Scott references a lawyer who used social activism to help develop business leads and eventually a successful law practice. On the Don’t side, Oscar discusses a lawyer who was lamenting that his p…

1
Episode 102 Balancing Practicing Law and Running a Law Practice 23:37

7+ y ago23:37

23:37

In response to a listener’s question about how to balance your time between legal work and administrative tasks, the host discuss how they strive to find time to do all that is necessary to practice law and run a law practice – two very different things. While discussing the various methods that they use, Scott and Oscar focus on three important po…

1
Episode 101 Your Credibility is Everything 27:51

7+ y ago27:51

27:51

In today’s world, with all its access to instant information, you must be careful how you tout yourself online. Scott and Oscar discuss a variety of real life cases where lawyers got into serious trouble for overstating their experience or outright lying about their credentials online. If you have no heavy experience to boast of, then build up your…

1
Episode 100 – Our 100th Episode! Don’t Let Things Get Stale! Keep an Active Eye on Your Practice 23:45

7+ y ago23:45

23:45

As the podcast hosts celebrate the milestone of their 100th Episode they do not rest on their laurels. Rather, they talk about the need to constantly re-check your website, online profile and other marketing material. It can be very comforting to just sit in a cocoon and think all is well and business is just down. It takes courage and fortitude to…

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