#569: Your Head is a Crappy Office, and Other GTD Principles for Attorneys, with David Allen

Many lawyers feel overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, constant context-switching, and the mental clutter of trying to keep it all straight. In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with productivity pioneer David Allen, author of Getting Things Done (GTD), about how lawyers can break free from chaos and reclaim control—both personally and as a team. 

David shares the five key steps of the GTD framework and explains why a “clear mind” isn’t a luxury —it’s a leadership necessity. You’ll learn how to stop relying on your brain as a filing cabinet, how to set up simple systems that actually stick, and how to build a law firm culture where everyone knows what to do next. 

We also explore concepts from his new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, including how to reduce bottlenecks, clarify roles, and avoid burnout by working smarter not just harder. 

Whether you’re a solo lawyer juggling everything or a leader scaling a team, this episode will help you create space to think, lead, and grow. 

 

Listen to our other episodes on systems & productivity: 

#419: Free Yourself from Productivity, with Oliver Burkeman Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist

#514: The Hidden Value of Doing Less, with Leidy Klotz Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist

#485: Unleash Your Law Firm’s Potential with an Internal Coach, with Robin Carberry Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist

#516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist
 

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Chapters/Timestamps: 

00:00 – Introduction: What Is GTD and Why Lawyers Need It 

00:46 – Staying Ahead of the Wave: Zack’s GTD Takeaway 

02:18 – Brain Dumping for Clarity: A Lawyer Coaching Example 

05:34 – Introducing the Small Firm Scorecard 

09:54 – Meet David Allen: Creator of Getting Things Done (GTD) 

13:47 – Mind Like Water: The Mental State of True Productivity 

15:59 – Your Brain Is a Terrible Office: The 5 Steps of GTD 

24:52 – From Inbox to Action: Making Systems Stick 

27:06 – Avoiding Burnout with Weekly Reviews 

31:25 – From High Performer to Dysfunctional Team 

34:46 – The Soccer Analogy: Great Players Still Need Teamwork 

39:28 – The Power of Saying No: GTD’s Boldest Lesson 

42:32 – First Steps: Start by Capturing What’s on Your Mind