Above the Legal Limit

If you've never worked a 2,000-hour year—where you hit 5:00 PM, look at your timesheet, and realize you still owe the firm another hour before you can go home, then you might not understand why flat-fee work feels like a breath of fresh air. David Bernard, founder of Precision Law Group, lived that grind. Defense firm life. Constant pressure. Putting out fires. Then everything changed when he realized: the goal shouldn't be the work. The goal should be the result. This week, David and Justin Chopin talk about: -Why hourly billing keeps you trapped -How flat fees create freedom for both lawyer and client -Why the bar association keeps trying to kill flat fees (and why they're wrong) The moment David knew he had to go out on his own. If you're a lawyer tired of chasing the clock—or a business owner who wants predictable pricing—this one's for you.

Will your insurance rates really go up if you file a claim? In this After 5 pm episode, lawyer Justin Chopin pours a glass of scotch and gives you the real, no-BS answer the insurance industry doesn’t want you to hear. If you’ve ever been in a car accident, worried about filing a claim, or felt unsure about what your rights actually are—this one’s for you. Hit play and get the truth.

Are you making this one mistake that keeps your law firm stuck? Most attorneys believe growth requires massive risk. The truth? Fear of delegating is the silent revenue killer holding you back from the firm—and the life—you actually want. In this episode, business coach Gary Mitchell reveals why your comfort zone is your biggest competitor and how expanding it—not escaping it—unlocks sustainable scale without burnout.

When kids dream of working in film, they usually name the same three jobs: Director. Actor. Influencer. But what about the set medic? The costume archivist? The people who build the worlds? In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Beth Burvant from The Cool Cooperative to reveal the hidden career paths in the film industry that most students (and parents) never see coming. From the largest film studio in Louisiana to hands-on learning that changes lives—this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Host Justin Chopin sits down with David Arato, CEO of Lexicon Legal Content, to reveal the one strategy most law firms are completely overlooking. In this episode of The Above the Legal Limit Podcast, Justin gets David to spill the tea on why "content freshness" matters more than ever, how AI is changing the game, and what you can do right now to future-proof your firm's visibility online. If you're a law firm owner or legal marketer trying to figure out why your content isn't ranking—this one's for you. 🚀

When Mardi Gras ends and the Lenten slump sets in, there’s still one reason to get out of the house. The Bayou Bluegrass Festival is back at Deutsches Haus on March 21st, and every beer you drink helps fund Special Olympics Louisiana. See why Grammy-winning bluegrass artists, Dolly Parton lookalikes, and cold lemonade are exactly what New Orleans needs right now.

On The Above the Limit Podcast, host Justin Chopin sits down with Andres Barcelo-Sanchez of Barcelo Gardens to explore how urban farming is literally planting seeds of change in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward. From revitalizing vacant lots to building accessible fresh food markets in food deserts, this conversation digs deep into community resilience, local sustainability, and why eating healthy shouldn’t be a luxury. Tune in to hear how one garden is growing hope—and tomatoes—in a neighborhood ripe for renewal.#abovethelimitpodcast #barcelogardens #urbanfarming #neworleans

“Before the parades roll and the king cake is sliced, the real magic of Mardi Gras begins in the dark—with masks, music, and a message.” On this episode of Above the Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Sunpie Barnes—musician, park ranger, former NFL player, and keeper of New Orleans’ deepest Carnival traditions. Discover how the Skull & Bone Gang wakes the city at 5 a.m., why skeleton masks are more than just costumes, and how the rhythms of jazz carry the spirit of over 200 years of history. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a backstage pass to the soul of Mardi Gras.

This is how a movement starts. From a 5-hour conversation to a bus carrying 42 kids on its first day—this is the story of a simple choice: become the solution. Discover the inspiring journey of Derrick Tabb, founder of Roots of Music, who faced a community problem and decided to build a future for it instead. What began as an idea exploded into a program serving thousands of young lives in New Orleans through discipline, music, and belief. This trailer is just the beginning. See what happens when you don’t just talk about change—you drive it.#socialimpacttrailer #becomethesolution #communitybuilding #rootsofmusicstory

What’s the one thing most people misunderstand about foster care? On this episode of Above the Legal Limit Podcast, host Justin Chopin sits down with Anna Palmer, Executive Director of Crossroads Louisiana, to uncover the real story behind the system, the kids, and what it truly takes to provide a safe, healing home. If you’ve ever wondered how foster care really works—or how you can help—press play.

In most cities, competition runs the show. But here, something different happens. When you put your heart into something real, this city meets you halfway — with open doors, loud cheers, and a community that actually shows up. From local businesses to big ideas, New Orleans doesn’t just talk about support… it lives it. But what makes people stay? What makes this city’s spirit so magnetic? That’s what Tara Hernandez unpacks — and it’s more powerful than you think.#neworleans #business #growth #podcast #abovethelegallimit #abovethelegallimitpodcast