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

The Butterfly Effect of Every Choice Looking back, would you change the path that got you here? Two lawyers open up about risk, regret, and the lessons behind every so-called mistake. Sometimes the hardest choices end up being the ones that build you.#businessmindset #legalpodcast #podcasting #lawyer #businesstips #abovethelegallimit

This episode blends a little medicine, a little law, and a lot of New Orleans charm. From balancing professional pressure to sharing stories that blur the lines between serious and funny, this conversation with Dr. Christopher Beck is full of sharp insights and easy laughs. It’s the kind of talk that reminds you why humor still belongs in hard work — and why perspective matters most.#neworleansculture #neworleansfestivals #lawyer #doctor #podcast #abovethelegallimit #chopinlawfirm

Most patients don’t realize they have full control over where they go for physical therapy — even when a doctor writes a referral to a specific clinic. In this eye-opening episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Dr. Ron Helwig to break down the misconceptions surrounding PT referrals, patient rights, and how some insurance practices quietly limit your choices. If you've ever been told you must go to one particular PT provider… this conversation will change everything.Watch now to learn how to take back control of your healthcare decisions.#healthcaretruths #patientrights #physicaltherapyfacts #abovethelegallimit

On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with world-renowned New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne to talk about the ultimate compliment an artist can receive — when fans love your work so much they make it permanent.Terrance shares the surreal moment he realized people were tattooing his art on their bodies, how it feels to see his creativity turned into lifelong expressions, and why he keeps a whole folder of tattoo tributes on his phone.If you love art, creativity, culture, or the real stories behind iconic artists, this podcast will pull you in and inspire you. 🎨🔥

What happens when a brand-new solo practitioner tries to launch a firm with no book of business and no money? On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with TJ Henry Jr, who breaks down why early-stage solos guard their margins—and why bringing him in can feel like showing up to a knife fight with a bazooka. If you’re building a law firm, scaling one, or just want a brutally real look at what it takes to grow with sophistication and maturity, this conversation is a must-listen.#legalentrepreneurship #lawfirmgrowth #solopractitioner #businessreality

Secrets Behind True Client Attraction On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin and guest John Exnicios break down what it really takes to stand out in a dog-eat-dog legal world—without crossing the lines of solicitation. From mastering authentic storytelling to developing a magnetic presence that draws clients in naturally, this conversation exposes the unspoken skills every lawyer needs but few actually talk about. If you’re in the legal game, the sales world, or simply curious about how top performers attract people without “selling,” this podcast is a must-listen.#legalindustryinsights #storytellingforsuccess #professionalgrowth2025 #abovethelegallimit

On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Sara Habetz, the powerhouse owner of Hype Haus Fitness, to unpack her revolutionary "no-judgement fitness philosophy." Forget everything you think you know about gym culture. Sara is debunking the myth that you have to be in shape to get in shape. She shares how she built a booming business not on punishment, but on celebration—a community where every BODY is welcomed, celebrated, and given the tools to show up exactly as they are. Watch or listen to the full conversation now to discover: • Why the energy you walk in with matters more than the reps you do. • How Hype Haus creates a genuine "third place" for its members. • The powerful story behind Sara's leap from a draining career to living her purpose. This is more than a podcast about business; it's a masterclass in building authentic community. Tap the link in our bio to experience the hype!#abovethelegallimit #sarahabetz #nojudgementfitness #hypehaus #fitnesscommunity

Ever feel like "authentic marketing" is just a buzzword?In this week's Above The Legal Limit, your host Justin Chopin sits down with production mastermind Armando Leduc of Leduc Entertainment. We're cutting through the noise to get real about what it actually takes to put yourself out there without the cringe. We talk about the journey from Bourbon Street to building a brand, and why the fear of being "embarrassing" is the very thing holding most lawyers and entrepreneurs back.This isn't about another scripted sales pitch. It's about finding the story only you can tell.#authenticmarketing #lawyermarketing #businesspodcast #abovethelegallimit

What’s the one thing that can transform a chaotic law practice into a streamlined, client-focused machine? It’s not a secret weapon—it’s The Secret Sauce Is Process.In this week's Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with the brilliant Amanda Butler Schley to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a successful law firm. They dive deep into the systems, the tech, and the operational shifts that fuel growth and create raving fans instead of frustrated clients.This isn’t just theory; it’s a real-world blueprint from two lawyers who have lived it. If you’re building a practice and feel stuck in your business instead of working on it, you need to hear this conversation.#lawfirmgrowth #legaltech #businessoflaw #lawyerlife #abovethelegallimit

We were told Hurricane Katrina was a "natural disaster." The truth is far more disturbing... On Above the Legal Limits with host Justin Chopin, Sandy Rosenthal of @LeveesOrg reveals the engineering failures and fatal cover-up by the Army Corps of Engineers that led to the catastrophic flooding of New Orleans. This isn't just history; it's a critical lesson in accountability and infrastructure safety that affects us all. Discover the story you were never meant to hear. #hurricanekatrina #neworleanshistory #abovethelegallimit #neworleanslawyer #chopinlawfirm #louisanalawyer #nola #rememberkatrina

You don’t have to cross the pond to find an authentic British pub & restaurant in New Orleans. At The Bell, the mission is simple: serve a perfect pint and incredible food. On this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Andrew Bell, Owner of The Bell British Pub, who reveals the 119.5-second secret to pouring a flawless Guinness. They talk about his journey bringing a true taste of the UK to the city, from their famous Fishmonger’s Pie to becoming a beloved local haunt. If you love great stories, proper pub culture, and discovering your next favorite spot, this episode is for you.#abovelthelegallimit #thebell #britishpub #foodie

How are AI, SEO, and digital trends reshaping the way law firms reach clients? On Above the Legal Limit, Host Justin Chopin sits down with marketing expert Will Scott to break down the shift from billboards and buses to Google searches and AI overviews. Discover how branding, reputation, and reviews can make or break your firm in today’s competitive landscape.#AboveTheLegalLimit #JustinChopin #WillScott #TheChopinLawFirm #LegalMarketing #AIandLaw

When cancer strikes, it takes more than treatment, it takes community, advocacy, and hope. In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, Justin Chopin sits down with Lori Watts and Phil Lorio to share how support networks like Hope Lodge change lives, turning hardship into healing. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and the fight for those who need it most. #AboveTheLegalLimit #JustinChopin #LoriWatts #PhilLorio #TheChopinLawFirm #CancerAwareness

What happens when a dedicated educator steps up to advocate for students beyond the classroom? 🎓✨In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Brielyn McLendon to explore the intersection of education, justice, and advocacy. From protecting student rights to leading with empathy and driving meaningful change, Brielyn shares how educators can empower students and transform systems from within.If you’re passionate about leadership in education, social justice, or the power of advocacy, this inspiring conversation will give you a new perspective on how education can truly change lives.👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into student advocacy, leadership, and creating impact through education.#AboveTheLegalLimit #JustinChopin #BrielynMcLendon #EducationLeadership

Singer. Advocate. Change-maker. In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, host Justin Chopin sits down with Casmè Barnes-Carter to explore how she channels life’s toughest moments into music, mentorship, and community impact. Listen to learn how purpose finds a voice. #casmebarnescarter #justinchopin #thechopinlawfirm #abovethelegallimit #purposedrivenlife #healingthroughart

Can lawyers save your music career? In this episode of Above the Legal Limit, Host Justin Chopin sits down with attorney Julia Holt to explore how artists, musicians, and creatives can protect their work, build their brands, and navigate the legal landmines of the entertainment industry. Whether you’re signing your first contract or defending your sound, this is the legal insight every creative needs.Listen now to uncover how beats and brands meet the courtroom.#abovethelegallimit #juliaholt #justinchopin #thechopinlawfirm #entertainmentlaw #legalprotectionforartists

Discover how creativity meets the courtroom in this eye-opening episode of Above the Legal Limit. Host Justin Chopin sits down with attorney Haley Jupiter to explore the world of fashion, copyright, and the legal challenges of protecting art in today’s market. Watch now to learn how lawyers are helping creatives protect their work — and why it matters. #haleyjupiter #justinchopin #thechopinlawfirm #abovethelegallimit #artandlaw #fashionlawinsights #sternbergnaccari &White