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Unconventional advice on leveraging technology to achieve breakthrough results. Using the 80/20 Principle is about strategic minimalism, which means focusing on a few tools that have an extraordinary impact—things that are tried and true, not fancy and new. Also, tools that are "Stone Age simple" to set up and use. Bottom line: managing a modern law practice doesn't have to be complicated or frustrating if you adopt the right approach and use the right tools.
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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 ef…
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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 E…
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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 …
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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 ab…
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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'l…
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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 practi…
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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 cri…
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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 in…
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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 anal…
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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 st…
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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, …
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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 …
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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…
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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 cont…
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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 challenge…
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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…
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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 signi…
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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 …
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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 fi…
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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 sto…
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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…
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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 wor…
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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 topic…
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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 assistan…
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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 Er…
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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 Bes…
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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 succes…
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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 (Meliss…
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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 Learn more about the Law Firm Systems Workshop…
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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 oth…
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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 oth…
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Last week's release of GPT-4 has stunned people because of its amazing new capabilities for interpreting requests, finding and synthesizing information, as well as writing coherent summaries. It even scored in the 90th percentile on a bar exam, which means it can handle legal information as well. In this episode you'll find out what GPT-4 is and ho…
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If you can create an information product for potential clients to get a meaningful result, they will trust you more and possibly hire you later for full-scope work. Many lawyers are now productizing their legal services, and in this episode, we discuss why you should do this, the best way to start, and the small hurdles to surmount to make it happe…
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Cybersecurity is essential in all fields, but especially in law firms, where there is so much sensitive information stored on computers. Learn how to protect yourself in this episode. Show Notes The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Richard Koch on Mastering the 80/20 Principle (Tim Ferriss's interview with Ri…
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Chris Earley had no idea how to run any business when he graduated from law school in 2004. But he figured it out through a series of strategies and tactics, which you'll learn about in this episode. Show Notes Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, book by Adam Grant Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at…
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Managing a law practice doesn't have to be as hard as many lawyers make it. I've gotten some interesting questions about this topic, so in this episode, you'll learn more about how to make major improvements more easily. Show Notes The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Richard Koch on Mastering the 80/20 Princ…
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The 80/20 rule can help practicing lawyers. Listen and learn how one family lawyer in Tennessee used it to become more profitable and much happier in his practice. Show Notes Click here to see Patrick's Standard Engagement Contract. Patrick Slaughter's Magic Law Practice (Episode 48) Business Coaching for Lawyers with Patrick Slaughter (Episode 54)…
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Many lawyers succumb to burnout or stress at various points in their careers. It's easy to assume that this is just something we have to accept. But the truth is, we don't have to endure stress or burnout if we understand the root causes and optimal solutions. Show Notes How to Optimize Productivity (While Working Less), Mark Manson (80/20 article …
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Many lawyers who entered the practice of law in the 1980s ignored technology or dismissed its potential for making law more efficient and easier to practice. But not Monty McIntyre, a San Diego trial lawyer who adopted technology and remains open-minded and curious about leveraging it to improve his practice. Show Notes Monty McIntyre’s California …
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In this episode, you'll meet Brian Payne, a solo attorney who practices law in Nashville, Tennessee. Brian was initially lured to Nashville because he's a songwriter. He was encouraged to go to law school by someone he admired, and that's how he wound up with a law degree. He has a solo practice focused on real estate law. And he's interested in im…
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Artificial intelligence is gaining ground rapidly in many areas, including better note-taking by creating accurate transcripts and recordings at the same time. Tools like Otter.ai allow you to do this using any modern smartphone. Every lawyer should at least try Otter.ai to understand the power of note-taking powered by artificial intelligence. In …
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Tracking your firm's revenue and expense numbers gives you helpful insight into which areas of your practice are more profitable or which staff members or contractors are truly valuable. Melissa Shanahan, a top-notch business coach for solo and small firm attorneys, joins Ernie to discuss how best to track these metrics. Show Notes The Law Firm Own…
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To succeed in big ways today, it's best to think in multi-dimensional or multi-disciplinary ways. That has been the key to attorney-businessman Charlie Munger's success and many others. In this episode, we'll talk about what it looks like to do this and how you can start to do it as well. Show Notes The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More…
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The power of 80/20 analysis can help lawyers achieve higher incomes and get better clients. But gathering and analyzing key data is essential (as it was for the Oakland Athletics baseball team, as depicted in the book/movie "Moneyball"). Two KPIs, in particular, are of paramount importance for lawyers with solo/small firm practices. Show Notes The …
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The 80/20 principle is powerful and can help bring about a massive change in any business —including a lawyer's practice. But it's hard to wrap your head around this idea when you first come upon it. One natural reaction of lawyers is to think, "this is too good to be true." But the fact is that it's absolutely true and powerful, as I'll explain in…
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Marketing, when done effectively, is powerful. And the best approach is to communicate with people authentically, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. Show Notes Read This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See, by Seth Godin (the best book on marketing) My 'Inner Circle' - a private online discussion group for solo & small firm l…
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Many lawyers have misconceptions about marketing and then fail to leverage its power. Others try too hard to get attention and fail to earn the trust of prospective clients. Marketing, when done effectively, is powerful. And the best approach is to communicate with people in a natural, authentic manner. Show Notes I recommend reading This Is Market…
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It's vital to learn new ideas that help you run your law practice better, more efficiently, and more profitably. And there are many books that can help you do this, but reading them takes time. Unless you learn how to employ an 80/20 leverage tactic that I call "speed learning." It's very easy to do, and it will enable you to extract valuable infor…
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If you don't know about the 80/20 Principle, you should. Understanding it is the easy part. Implementing it is where the work starts, and in this episode we'll talk about how to leverage the 80/20 principle to create extraordinary transformations in your practice. Show Notes The 80/20 Principle: How to Achieve More with Less, by Richard Koch The Fo…
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The happiest lawyers are those who spend more of their time thinking creatively and solving interesting high-level problems. They also get paid more than ones who are stuck doing low-level drudgery. So happiness in the practice of law is about more than just money, and I'll share some personal experiences about why that's true in this episode. Show…
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