Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

David Noll and Jon Michaels, authors of Vigilante Nation, discuss the reemergence of state-supported vigilantism. Noll and Michaels explain the vigilante methods, from anti-abortion bounties to book bans to the January 6 attack on the Capitol. They also provide a path forward, outlining what needs to be done to stop these efforts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the most out of today’s tech products that are specifically created to save you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on getting results for your clients. Guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson’s biz tech consulting firm helps small and solo firms apply tech solutions without being overwhelmed and learn the “80/20 Rule,” getting more output with less input. When it comes to efficiencies, automation plays a big role. In a solo or small firm, resources come at a premium. Learn to reduce wasted input through standardized, repeatable operating procedures and automation. (There are even tech products that help you create written standard processes learning from and organizing the work you’re already doing). Imagine speaking into an app as you “brain dump” and having those thoughts come out organized and notated for later use. Imagine dictating legal work into an app and having AI organize your dictation, even correct it. You don’t need to type everything in today’s tech world. Maximize downtime. It’s all about training yourself to think “automation first.” Even when a virtual assistant (VA) located in another country can fill gaps in your practice, learn your preferences, match your brand, and help you be your most efficient you without hiring a full-tie employee. Today’s most successful law firms are high-tech hubs. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at [email protected] Topics: There’s no reason for a solo practitioner or small firm not to engage in today’s tech. Leverage technology to get a lot of results without a lot of effort. Learn how the “80/20 Rule” helps you get more done with less effort. If you’re a lawyer, time spent marketing is time spent not lawyering. Automation can perform repeatable marketing tasks (even social media, newsletters, and referral marketing) to help you bring in new business while you focus on results for your clients. Virtual assistants, or VAs, are remote workers, often in another country, who can perform the routine tasks that are eating up your time while you focus on practicing law. Mentioned in This Episode: ABA Techshow Loom Zoom Clips Otter.ai Fireflies.ai Letterly Cleft Windows dictation Text Expander “8 Great TextExpander Alternatives” FancyHands Lawclerk legal assistants Perplexity.ai Prior appearances on New Solo Ernie the Attorney podcast Ernie the Attorney blog “Blogging in One Hour for Lawyers,” by Ernie Svenson “Adobe Acrobat® in One Hour for Lawyers,” by Ernie Svenson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Craig is on vacation, we’re re-airing one of our favorite episodes from the Lawyer 2 Lawyer library so you can re-listen or be introduced for the first time if you’re a new subscriber. As many of you know, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are currently stranded in space due to a problem with the Boeing Starliner and will now be rescued in February of 2025! This brings up many questions pertaining to the legal arena of space law. In this archived episode, originally recorded in September of 2019, titled, Space Law, Craig spoke with Attorneys Michelle Hanlon and Mark Sundahl as they discussed pertinent space case law, and other related legal issues in the space law arena. Craig will be back soon with all new episodes of Lawyer 2 Lawyer. As we await his return, you can also get caught up on In Dispute, Craig’s new podcast, about 10 famous trials that changed history. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Lawyerist podcast, Stephanie talks with Labster Jennifer Zahradnik, about the essential insights for avoiding costly mistakes when taking over a law firm. Jennifer shares her journey of inheriting a deceased attorney's practice, emphasizing the importance of institutional knowledge, organized client files, and the role of law practice management software. Listen to learn how she navigated the challenges of transitioning clients to new technology and the significance of due diligence in acquiring a firm. Links from the episode: If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the moment of conviction, the incentive to safeguard evidence diminishes in the eyes of the Criminal Justice System. That’s why it is critically important to act quickly to ensure evidence remains available for future appeals. Without it, your fight for freedom could be over before it even begins. In this episode, host Michael Semanchik is joined by Raquel Barilla, former Staff Attorney and Volunteer Coordinator at the California Innocence Project; Alissa Bjerkhoel, former Litigation Coordinator at the California Innocence Project; and Alex Simpson, former Associate Director and Resident Expert for Evidence Preservation at the California Innocence Project. Together, they discuss methods for preserving evidence. Tune in to learn what to do if the unthinkable happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob van Akelijen, P.E., CFEI from expert service provider S-E-A addresses industrial automation and control systems and mitigating potential failures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do professors think everyone has to personally experience the facts to understand the law? ----- Hardcore porn shows up in a law school lecture. You know, the rest of us managed to learn the relevant standards for obscenity laws within the context of the First Amendment without visual aides. Also, Diddy's lawyers forgot how track changes works with embarrassing results. And Judge Aileen Cannon doesn't know her Founding Fathers... how a flubbed disclosure form speaks to Originalism's cynical lie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is dedicated to Amy Gunn’s beloved Sun Bun Gunn, who recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’ll talk about the special place pets hold in our lives and why we think every dedicated trial attorney should consider a pet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Barton spent the first decade of her career working as a journalist, with the Associated Press Stylebook always at hand to determine word usage and punctuation choices. But when she became an attorney, she says, she realized that there was no single equivalent style guide when it came to legal writing—and she had to adjust to using the Oxford comma. As a professor of legal writing at the University of Miami, she also began to notice a contrast between the classic 19th and 20th century court opinions her students were being given to read and the style of writing coming out of the U.S. Supreme Court in the 21st century. Standards were changing at the highest court of the land, but the wider legal community wasn’t necessarily aware of it. Barton spent five years analyzing more than 10,000 pages from Supreme Court opinions, and The Supreme Guide to Writing is the result. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Barton and the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles discuss her findings, and what some of the bigger surprises were. One of her biggest takeaways is that the justices are not a conservative bunch when it comes to writing style. For example, during most of Justice Antonin Scalia’s tenure on the court, he was a strident opponent of contractions—can’t, don’t, shouldn’t were always cannot, do not, should not. But in his final years, Scalia did sprinkle in a few contractions, and his replacement, Justice Neil Gorsuch, is “King of the Contractions,” Barton says. The justices were willing to depart from grammar rules if adhering to them caused stilted writing, Barton found. Chief Justice John Roberts uses commas based on cadence rather than simply following strict English grammar guidance. All the justices showed a marked preference for active verbs and shorter, simpler phrases. They have adapted to using pronouns that match litigants’ gender identities, and to using the singular “they” rather than “he or she.” The Supreme Guide to Writing notes when the court shows unanimity in a usage rule, and when there is disagreement. While each justice shows internal consistency with how they show a possessive when a singular noun ends in “s,” there is no group consensus on apostrophe-s versus a single apostrophe. Barton discusses her research process, offers more insight into the way legal language is evolving, and shares how practitioners can use her book to modernize their own writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Gyi, Conrad, and a roomful of attorneys got together for a Q&A session addressing real lawyers’ most pressing legal marketing queries. Every law firm has different resources, assets, liabilities, niches, advantages, connections, etc. So, how do you take your uniqueness and make your firm stand out? This episode showcases highlights from their session, where the guys offered tactical advice on the marketing issues that are consistently top of mind for law firms. The News: Big money flying around in the agency world — Scorpion acquired Get Noticed Get Found. Here’s the news bit: Scorpion Strengthens Commitment to Legal Industry with Acquisition of Get Noticed Get Found, Advancing its Consolidation Strategy. And, Conrad’s thoughts: What to do when your Agency is Purchased by Scorpion. Filevine has big news… and we beat Bob Ambrogi to the punch—ha! (Oh, you know we love you, Bob.) Now, what news, pray tell? Filevine’s got a lot going on: Even better end-to-end automated workflows AIFields: Instant Legal Document Analysis & Insights Filevine Revolutionizes Depositions with Depo CoPilot, an AI-Powered Second Chair for Litigation Attorneys Mentioned in this Episode: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legal experts discuss their research into civil legal services and initiatives for addressing the access to justice crisis. Stanford’s Rhode Center is partnering with the Legal Design Lab and the Superior Court of Los Angeles County to collaboratively research, design and implement innovative, evidence-based approaches to improve access to justice for court users. Also, a look into the history of auto clubs shows how UPL has evolved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Shaun Jardine is an unapologetic disrupter in the world of pricing and billing by lawyers and law firms. He’s leading the charge to move from traditional billable hour pricing – charging for time – to the emerging revolution of value-based pricing. Charge for the results you achieve for your clients, not the time you spent getting there. Are you still charging for time? Why not base your pricing on your experience, your wisdom, your education, the outcomes your clients want, and everything you bring to the table. Clients don’t want your time, they want their problems solved. It’s not “the way we’ve always done things,” but Jardine explains why change is inevitable. As technology, notably AI, accelerates the practice of law, why should a lawyer charge less – fewer billable hours – for achieving results faster and more efficiently? The move to value-based pricing isn’t like flipping a switch. It will take effort, and it will involve your entire team, from HR to marketing, to lawyers and paralegals. But in a changing world, sticking with the old ways may not be an option. This fascinating conversation will ignite your curiosity and challenge you to think differently. Mentioned in This Episode: Charles Proteus Steinmetz “Ditch The Billable Hour! Implementing Value-Based Pricing in a Law Firm,” by Shaun Jardine American Bar Association Rule 1.5: Fees RACI methodology of change management (free download) Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark Stern, CEO of Custom Box Agency, discusses strategies for enhancing client engagement and optimizing the customer journey to drive faster results and better experiences. The conversation covers the application of marketing funnels, the importance of physical experiences, and how to create premium customer interactions. Mark emphasizes the role of strategic client engagement in driving revenue, particularly for law firms, and illustrates the impact of customized box experiences in different stages of the marketing funnel – acquisition, delivery, and retention. He provides practical examples of how this approach can improve client onboarding, educational efforts, and long-term client retention. Mark gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Middle of the Funnel Tactics 02:38 Effective Use of Swag and Creating a Box Experience 03:53 Examples of Middle Funnel Strategies 04:47 Physical vs Digital Experiences 09:37 Drip Driving Revenue 13:41 Retention Strategies 20:14 The Importance of Clear Guidance 22:55 Reinforcing the Client Journey 23:47 The Role of Content in Client Education 25:55 Acquisition Strategies for Law Firms 31:44 Book Recommendation 36:20 One Final Takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan Connect with Mark here: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook https://customboxagency.com/ Connect with me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Karin on Twitter Karin on LinkedIn Conroy Creative Counsel on Facebook https://conroycreativecounsel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Piquing curiosity in legal technology is the first step to helping lawyers engage with and acquire modern tech for their practice. Dennis and Tom welcome Caitlin McCabe to hear her perspectives on inspiring interest and enthusiasm for technology in the legal world. Caitlin discusses her role at BARBRI and how they continue to leverage technology to help law students study for the bar exam. She talks about her career path and her excitement for innovation and learning in the practice of law. As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation that you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Caitlin McCabe is a project manager at BARBRI Global. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #374 A Segment: Fresh Voices in Legal Tech with Caitlin McCabe B Segment: More with Caitlin McCabe Parting Shots: Stay Curious Bone Conduction Earbuds by Shokz Braves New Words by Salman Khan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody wants your data, from companies to hackers to governments. Guest Lexi Lutz is senior corporate counsel, and privacy watchdog, at Nordstrom. She advises the company on the legal implications of AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. As computers get smarter and capabilities expand, it’s more important than ever to maintain legal guardrails and understand potential pitfalls. Lutz starts with keeping up with the slew of developing state privacy laws and international regulations. Corporations handle massive amounts of data, much of it confidential. Privacy disclosures, terms of service, customer service, data breaches, and transparency are all factors. It’s a lot for any legal team to manage, and the field is only getting bigger. Hear how Lutz got her start in corporate data and privacy law, how she approaches her duties, and how she helps the rest of the corporation understand where the vulnerabilities and minefields lie. As a lawyer, you understand your duty to maintain confidentiality. But as computing capabilities surge, and in the murky and evolving world of AI, there’s a growing need for attorneys who understand and stay on top of lurking challenges to privacy and data security. Everything from massive customer database hacks to simply sending an email using a coffee shop’s WiFi can create data security issues. (And Lutz reminds us, change your passwords frequently). Resources: Microsoft Outlook email encryption Google Gmail encryption “Twenty Years Ago, AIM Chatbot SmarterChild Out-Snarked ChatGPT,” TechCrunch ChatGPT “’She Hooked Me’: How an Online Scam Cost a Senior Citizen His Life’s Savings,” Wall Street Journal Justin S. Daniels at Baker Donelson, videos American Bar Association American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie and Lawyerist Lab finance coach Bernadette Harris discuss the financial red flags to watch for when considering hiring for your law firm. Listen to discover the signs that indicate your firm is ready to expand and the importance of strategic planning. You’ll also learn about the hidden costs beyond salary, like taxes, benefits, and overhead, and why having savings or a line of credit is essential. Links from the episode: If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dear lawyers, software integrations exist to help you make life easier, make work faster, and much more. So, get on board as Jared takes us on a magical journey of understanding, helping lawyers everywhere grasp the versatile, customizable integration possibilities in legal practice. Jared explains the differences between direct, indirect, and DIY integrations, and gives real-life, legal-centric examples of how to amp up the usefulness of your software in almost innumerable ways. Next, there are definitely some issues with our current legal ethics rules, but is there really any way to clear up the confusion? Jared welcomes legal ethics expert Jayne Reardon to talk about some of the inconsistencies at play, antiquated rules, inconsistent enforcement, and all sorts of other ethics questions worth examining in view of the current climate of the profession and needs of consumers. While Jared wants to burn it all down, Jayne offers constructive criticism vital to the future of legal ethics. And, finally, the Rump Roast, of course! Jared and Jayne play a round of trivia called “Questionable Ethics”. Which philosopher had a penchant for being swaddled like a baby? Yikes. Jayne R. Reardon is a Partner and Deputy General Counsel at FisherBroyles LLP, a distributed global law firm. ----- This week, Jared shares the playlist he turns to for help making the "right" choice. Proceed with caution. ------ Our opening song is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing song is Something Else by Nu Alkemis$t. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is bigger better? ----- Law firms are merging like crazy with announcement after announcement after announcement. What's driving this big push and is this just going to be the way of the future? Also a judge invites us to meet the new racist, same as the old racist and we discuss the next must have for anyone taking depositions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long-time host Jon Amarilio reflects on his six-year tenure and introduces the new hosts: Tracy Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices; Nikki Marcotte, a litigation associate at Kirkland Ellis; Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC; and Kellie Snyder, an associate attorney at The Law Offices of Lane & Lane. (Don't worry, Trisha Rich and Maggie Mendenhall Casey are sticking around to show them the ropes!) Each new voice brings unique backgrounds and expertise, from personal injury law to innovative legal practices. Stick around this season for entertaining interviews and unique conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As managing partner at St. Louis based Brown and Crouppen, Ed Herman has grown the firm by shrinking in strategic ways. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about life and business with Ed and his son Brody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much has been made of the gigantic access-to-justice gap in this country. One possible way to help bridge the gap is to expand the pool of people eligible to practice law. Of course, that raises age-old concerns about unauthorized practice of law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting your law firm’s name in front of prospective clients is essential to your success, but it’s not always easy to make it happen. Craig Goldenfarb shares simple, easy to execute ideas for attorneys looking to market their law firms in creative ways. Craig shares tips for social media, community outreach, newsletters, swag, and more. Craig Goldenfarb is founder and CEO at Gold Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirty shots fired in thirty seconds at the O.K. Corral left three men dead and three more wounded and turned into a month-long trial with some thirty witnesses in late fall 1881. Since then, their legendary gunfight with the Clantons and McLaurys has kept the town of Tombstone, Arizona alive and has been the source of inspiration for many books and films over the years. 125 years later, many questions are still left unanswered: Were the Clantons and McLaurys cattle thieves deserving of their death? Why was Doc Holliday, a gambler and notorious gunslinger, deputized by Virgil Earp? Why did the coroner’s inquest not issue a verdict? And this 1880s criminal trial asked the original Star Wars question: who really fired first? LINKS: Sign up for our newsletter so that you’re the first to know when new episodes drop! Listen to J. Craig Williams’ other podcast, Lawyer 2 Lawyer. Tell us what you’re looking forward to the most for this show on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram! Purchase the e-book. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS: David Woodham as Wyatt Earp Scott Well as Wesley Fuller Jeremy Brown as Ike Clanton Ken Sutherland as Prosecutor Lyttleton Price J.D. Freedman as Defense Attorney Tom Fitch Jamie Duarte as Sheriff Johnny Behan Hon. Franz E. Miller, ret. as H.F. Sills Wylie Aitken as Judge Spicer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our military and public service veterans deserve our best. Guest Alex Dell is a longtime Workers’ Compensation and Veterans Affairs compensation attorney, often representing injured public servants or military veterans. He’s also a former Division One hockey referee. In both roles, Dell explains how taking a broad view is crucial. The key, he says, is to avoid “tunnel vision.” Learn to see issues from multiple angles. Take in the whole picture. In hockey, keep an eye out for penalties behind the play, and when a worker is hurt, especially a military veteran, watch for multiple claims to pursue as you seek to best represent your client. When we talk about veterans’ claims, we’re looking at three areas: pension benefits, compensation for injuries, and “DIC” benefits, the dependency and indemnity claims for families who lost a loved one or who have a loved who was disabled. It can get tricky, and there are unscrupulous “representatives” eager to trick potential clients into making payments that are already covered by the compensation programs. Representing public servants and veterans is nuanced. Some disabilities aren’t physical. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not be evident at first but can manifest itself later. That’s still a real disability, and vets deserve compensation to help them recover. Some veterans may not even know help is available even a decade or more after service. And clients may also not understand a VA “denial” isn’t the end of the road. There are alternatives and appeals. Do you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Contact us at [email protected] Mentioned in This Episode: Pro Hac Vice Article, “Presumptive Evidence Of Causation In Workers’ Compensation Claims Related To World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery And Cleanup Operations” “Your Intent to File a VA Claim,” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “The Michigan Goal,” YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like all discretionary authority, the pardon power is only as virtuous as the person who controls it. Kimberly Wehle, author of the new book, Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works - and Why demonstrates that it can be a righteous tool to remedy wrongful convictions, but it also can be used to obstruct investigations, benefit political allies, and reward the President’s friends and family. As the author of What You Need to Know about Voting—and Why, Kim also challenges efforts to distort or disrupt the U.S. electoral system for selecting the president and warns that vigilance is necessary, locally and nationally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurence Colletti welcomes Jordan Berman to discuss her path from attorney to podcaster. Jordan’s interest in both current events and the law drove her to launch Unbiased, a podcast that strives to provide impartial analysis and education on the latest items to hit the news. She describes her podcasting process, social media approach, and her hope to inform her listeners with balanced, factual information on current events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years, the power of music has been an integral piece in energizing a crowd, whether through a specific song used at a political rally or in a campaign video on social media. However, there are legalities when it comes to the use of songs, especially when the musician doesn't want to be tied to a specific political candidate or a candidate uses a song without the musician’s permission. Back on August 29, 2024, deputy director of communications for the Trump campaign, Margo McAtee Martin, posted a short clip on X of Donald Trump boarding a plane, set to the opening riff of the widely popular song, “Seven Nation Army” by the band The White Stripes. In response to the post, guitarist and lead singer of the rock duo, Jack White, wrote on his Instagram page, “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists…“Lawsuit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your five thousand others..)” On September 9th, Jack & his bandmate, Meg White, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Trump & company for the “flagrant misappropriation” of their song. In this episode, Craig is joined by Joseph Fishman, Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University School of Law and Professor at the Blair School of Music, as they discuss The White Stripes' recent lawsuit against Donald Trump for the unauthorized use of their song "Seven Nation Army". Craig & Joe will talk about copyright infringement, and the legalities behind the use of songs in campaigns. Mentioned in This Episode: Donald Trump Infringed ‘Electric Avenue’ By Using Song In Campaign Video, Judge Rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the past year, AI propelled change in almost every corner of the legal tech industry, but has it proven to be of great use to lawyers at this stage? Gyi Tsakalakis talks with Ryan Anderson of Filevine to discuss the latest trends in tech and what types of AI tools are actually creating new and better approaches to legal work. They also discuss the variability of KPIs across different practice areas and which ones may be major indicators of success in a law firm. Ryan Anderson is the founder and CEO of Filevine, a project management and collaboration tool for lawyers and consumer professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The buying and selling of a law firm is a complicated transaction, and changes in certain areas of the legal industry are driving new sales. Seth Deutsch and Fred Litwiniuk talk through notes from their session on how to approach this process, with insights on both sides of the transaction. They discuss how to assess the strength and saleability of your firm, what data to leverage, and other elements essential to a successful sale. Seth Deutsch is the President of US Operations for Litco LSO. Fredric Litwiniuk is Chief Growth Officer at Litco LSO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luis Vargas was wrongfully convicted after three separate witnesses misidentified him as the “Teardrop Rapist.” Sixteen years later, DNA linked to the uncaught serial sex offender was found in one of the victim’s clothing from the crime. But for that evidence being preserved, Luis Vargas would have spent the rest of his life behind bars. This is his story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie dives into "The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges," featuring insights from Mike Paton, a seasoned EOS implementer. Discover how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can revolutionize your law firm by introducing structure and accountability while maintaining your entrepreneurial spirit. Links from the episode: Check out CosmoLex: The best legal software for modern law firms EOS Worldwide Traction by Gino Wickman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Predicting your law firm's revenue each month is tricky business for many attorneys, but it can be done with an informed approach and the right tools. Laurence Colletti welcomes Jacqueline Bretell to hear highlights from her conference session on forecasting business income. Jacqueline offers insights on leveraging your law firm’s metrics to effectively predict earnings and make better, more profitable decisions for your team. Jacqueline Bretell is an attorney and CEO of Bighorn Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode of Thinking Like A Lawyer is all about the wild decisions made by federal judges. First up is a Trump judge doing Trump judge things -- but don't tell him that. There's a Ninth Circuit judge that keeps using his dissents to make political stump speeches, much to the chagrin of his colleagues. And the Second Circuit comes out against libraries, because we live in the dumbest timeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opposing counsel is telling you all the problems with your case for the 800th time. When he starts up again (yes, we think it’s a guy thing) should you shut it down or lean in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Rank Number One!”—an all too easy promise made by SEO agencies, but probably only deliverable while they’re standing in your lobby. What happens when you walk down the block? The guys talk about real, meaningful ranking results with Local Falcon. How is your law firm showing up in local search? Gyi and Conrad give an extensive explanation of Local Falcon, their go-to data visualization tool for seeing how your firm shows up in the local map pack (those three neatly featured business profiles you see at the top of your search results). You’ll learn how to figure out who your main competitors are, how to use Local Falcon metrics to make ranking improvements over time, and insights into the many effects of proximity and your area’s geography on ranking factors. Later, the guys dig in even deeper to explain how Local Falcon can be used to help you figure out whether you ought to open another office, or, perhaps, close one down. They hash out how to assess your metrics to determine the success (or lack thereof) of your investments. The News: A very long, drawn-out Google Algo Update is finally done, and it was big—according to people who care about that stuff. Yelp has never been fond of Google, and the recent ruling against the Googs gave them the ammo they needed for a lawsuit – Yelp sues Google for antitrust violations - The Verge. And, the compulsory AI mention: Semrush Launches AI Overview Tracking in Organic Research. Mentioned in this Episode: Local Falcon Does My Website Suck? | Law Firm Website Teardown - LHLM Episode The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are the latest AI advancements going to impact your law firm? Laurence Colletti talks with Filevine Legal Futurist Dr. Cain Elliot about highlights from his AI-centered session on implementing AI to improve the quality and delivery of legal services and increasing profitability. They discuss reliable go-to tools available in the legal tech sphere and what legal professionals should be doing to engage effectively with this quickly evolving technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dean Andrew Perlman of Suffolk Law School joins host Cat Moon for a discussion of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and legal ethics on Talk Justice. Perlman authored an article in February of this year, “The Legal Ethics of Generative AI,” which describes how lawyers can use generative AI while satisfying their ethical obligations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is it time, and how do you know, to step back from your busy, often hectic, law practice and move on to a new chapter. And how do you prepare? Guests Charla Stevens and David Soley have both been highly successful attorneys in New England. Stevens moved on from her work at a law firm to establish a consulting firm, Charla Stevens Consulting. Soley continues to work at the firm Berstein Shur and is the author of the American Bar Association book “Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement.” Soley says lawyers should start preparing now. Being a trial lawyer is a passion, but it’s important to regularly take stock and reflect on your situation. How do you feel? Are you still excited? What would you do if you were no longer a lawyer? It’s important to stay in touch with yourself and create a plan for your second act so that you’ll have an “escape hatch” when you realize it’s time to go. Don’t wait for the last minute. Stevens’ former firm even encouraged litigators to think ahead and understand how many hours they want to work. Hear how she learned to recognize the factors that nudged her to step away and engage in something new. The loss of empathy, stress even outside the workplace, headaches, and even lack of sleep can all be warning signs. We know good litigators are “Type A,” people. And our guests agree a rocking chair isn’t the answer for many of us. Hear how you can identify your other passions, outside the law, and pursue them. Make a list, make a plan, get excited. Consulting, writing, travel, sports, volunteering, teaching? They can offer a fulfilling way to engage and excel. There is life outside the courtroom. Resources: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Bernstein Shur website American Bar Association “Real Estate Litigation Handbook” by David Soley “Transitioning to Happiness: Type A Lawyers and Retirement,” by David Soley Charla Stevens Consulting website American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode’s discussions around the Community Table: Growing pains. As you bring on new clients, it can be hard for an overburdened team of lawyers and paralegals to manage client communications. Hear how texting can help bridge communication needs, how a virtual receptionist can fill gaps, and how a standing schedule of update calls and a task assignment system can ensure clear communications between lawyers and clients. ·What is the “rhythm/parking lot” method for managing client communications? Combined with allowing clients to schedule their own appointments online and chat functions, this system can take pressure off your staff. Be honest and direct with your clients. Set expectations and ask clients if your expectations and theirs align, so they know how the case will proceed. And if a client “emergency” arises, be sure your staff asks the right questions and fully understands the situation so they can provide clear details to the attorney. Mentioned in This Episode: Clio Legal Trends Report Clio For Clients app Cliocon 2024 (discount code, “actfast”) Google Chat Vonage Join the next Community Table live. What’s on your mind? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee return with excitement to discuss the evolution of SEO and its critical role in marketing strategies for law firms. They delve into the concept of 'Social SEO', which emphasizes creating keyword-focused content to improve search engine visibility on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The episode also compares past and present SEO practices, such as the shift from using purely hashtags to incorporating relevant keywords in social media posts. More practical advice includes the importance of writing for human readers rather than AI, using tools like Google and Instagram's search features to find popular keywords, and having a critical 'above the fold' section on websites that captures visitor attention. The discussion also covers the foundations of conversion rate and sales optimization (CRSO), with an emphasis on understanding customer pain points, designing powerful calls-to-action, and using tools like Inspectlet to track site performance. Paul and Shreya gives listeners actionable tips on: 00:00 Intro 01:33 Understanding Social SEO 02:52 Evolution of Social Media and SEO 05:49 AI and Social Media Search 06:47 Finding the Right Keywords 08:41 Common Mistakes in Social SEO 08:58 Importance of Human Touch in SEO 11:29 Conversion Rate and Sales Optimization (CRSO) 15:32 Effective Website Strategies 23:27 Call to Action and User Engagement 25:05 Book Recommendation and Final Thoughts 28:51 One Big Takeaway Resources mentioned in this episode: The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy Connect with Paul here: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook https://www.marketingcounts.com Connect with Shreya here: Instagram LinkedIn Connect with me Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Karin on Twitter Karin on LinkedIn Conroy Creative Counsel on Facebook https://conroycreativecounsel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between forty and seventy percent of all malpractice claims and disciplinary proceedings are directly related to untreated mental health or substance abuse issues. Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway discuss the intersection of wellbeing and professionalism/civility rules with Joan Vestrand and Tim Lessing. Wellness is necessary to a lawyer’s ability to conduct themselves professionally, but things may break down if wellness is compromised. They discuss the inherently adversarial system lawyers work within and outline strategies for mindset shifts that allow attorneys to live and practice law in ways that positively support mental health and wellbeing. Joan Vestrand is Dean of Students and Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Tim Lessing is principle at Lessing Law, PLLC, where he specializes almost exclusively in trial/litigation practice in both civil and criminal law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Conroy has found that communicating the “why” behind data science is critical to helping lawyers understand and appreciate what role it can play in legal practice. Dennis and Tom welcome Amy to discuss her expertise in data, legal AI, and many other aspects of legal technology. Amy shares insights on problem-solving tactics for everyday tasks, the rise of data-driven legal practice, collaboration tools, and much more. As always, stay tuned for the parting shots, that one tip, website, or observation you can use the second the podcast ends. Have a technology question for Dennis and Tom? Call their Tech Question Hotline at 720-441-6820 for the answers to your most burning tech questions. Show Notes - Kennedy-Mighell Report #372 A Segment: Fresh Voices on Legal Tech with Amy Conroy Law School 2.0 Mishcon de Reya B Segment: More with Amy Conroy Parting Shots: Don’t wait to innovate Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds Time Team TV Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is no way to truly prepare a client for life following a criminal conviction, and the aftermath of a defendant’s guilty verdict can be incredibly complex. Rocky Dhir welcomes Professor Lee Kovarsky to learn from his wealth of expertise on post-conviction law, mitigation investigations, capital defense teams, and more. They discuss nuances in this area of the law to help attorneys understand processes and needs for clients navigating this segment of our justice system. Lee Kovarsky is the Bryant Smith Chair in Law and the Co-Director of the Capital Punishment Center at the University of Texas School of Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett and Law Firm GC founder Jonathan Hawkins dive into essential lawyer protections that every law firm needs to avoid common legal pitfalls. Jonathan shares expert advice to safeguard your practice from client, staff, and third-party risks. Discover how to draft solid retainer agreements, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and implement robust conflict processes and cybersecurity measures. These strategies are crucial for any law firm aiming to thrive. Plus, learn about the importance of written policies and wellness support for attorneys. Links from the episode: Golden Rules Retainer Agreements Subscribe to our Youtube channel If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re not marketing your law firm well, you’re sitting on a whole lot of untapped potential for income and growth. Jared talks to Ashley Robinson of Green Cardigan Marketing about the need she saw in the legal world for honest, straightforward marketing tactics that help law firms bring in new clients and greater profits. She explains engagement strategies, effective intake processes, essential marketing technology, and more. Later on in the Rump Roast, Jared and Ashley play “Don’t Sweat It!”––a delightful round of sweater-related trivia. And, it might seem like Sheryl Crow got a late start to her music career, but she was deeply involved in the music industry for many years before her breakthrough solo album, “Tuesday Night Music Club” rocketed her to fame at age 31. That first album was pretty fun, but Sheryl’s perfect album came later with “The Globe Sessions.” Jared digs into the exceptional appeal of this deliciously hard-edged pop/rock album. ----- Yes, Jared does have a playlist of his favorite Sheryl Crow songs. ----- Our opening song is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. Our closing song is Golden Light by Reveille Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School, clerkship, family and friends all demand your time and attention in law school. How can you create a successful balance between work, life and you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Berkeley Law Dean, author of No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States asks the provocative question - is it time to consider drafting a new constitution? Is it absurd to think that a document drafted in the 18th Century can still protect democracy and individual rights in the 21st Century? Join the SideBar discussion about the challenges under the constitution to protect free speech, a democratic electoral system, diversity in higher education, and the status of the Equal Rights Amendment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, co-host Alan Pierce shares his thoughts on an auspicious occasion, celebrating his 50th year practicing Workers’ Compensation law. Alan’s son and law partner, Judson Pierce, interviews his father. Fifty years of anything is a long time. Alan passed the bar in 1974 and began practicing Workers’ Comp law. He’s seen a lot. Incremental changes seem to pass slowly, but over half a century, Alan has had a front row seat to what’s become a revolution, from his start as a claims adjuster to attending law school at night to founding his own Workers’ Compensation law firm. Since its introduction more than a century ago, Workers’ Comp evolved into a specialized, and highly complex system aimed at making injured workers whole and getting then back on the job while controlling costs, rehabilitating workers, and understanding and managing ever-changing workplace environmental challenges. Today’s “gig economy,” artificial intelligence, the influence of business lobbying, and the decline of union political influence are ongoing issues that will shape Workers’ Compensation rules as the system heads into its second century. Hear Alan’s perspective on the changes he fears may ultimately harm workers if we don’t continue to uphold our long-held moral obligation to protect each other. Do you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Contact us at [email protected] Mentioned in This Episode: Michael Duff, “How the U.S. Supreme Court Deemed the Workers' Compensation Grand Bargain ‘Adequate’ Without Defining ‘Adequacy’” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule to “ promote competition by banning noncompete agreements nationwide, protecting the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation.” Noncompetes are agreements that prohibit workers from leaving their employers to join a competitor or start a rival business for a specific period of time. However, the ban has been met with opposition. On August 14th, a federal judge in Florida ruled against the FTC’s proposed ban on most noncompete agreements. Back in July, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas temporarily blocked the FTC’s new rule. On August 20, 2024, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown found that the FTC lacked the statutory authority to issue the rule, set to go into effect on September 4th, 2024, blocking the rule nationwide. In this episode, Craig is joined by Sandeep Vaheesan, the legal director at the Open Markets Institute, as they discuss the Federal Trade Commission's ban of noncompete agreements. Craig & Sandeep look at the recent court rulings to block the FTC's ban, the impact of the ban, and what this new ruling by Judge Brown means. Mentioned in This Episode: Democracy in Power: A History of Electrification in the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Lawyerist Podcast, explore the critical truth about lawyer self-care with Zack and Leticia DeSuze. Discover how neglecting holistic self-care can lead to suffering, as they redefine success by prioritizing physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Leticia first talks about the importance of setting boundaries and the misconception that self-care is selfish. Listen and learn why self-care should be a fundamental part of your law firm business plan. Grow your firm by understanding the balance between personal well-being and professional success. Become a part of the Lawyerist community to access insights and resources that will help you organize your practice and become more agile and productive. Take the Small Firm Scorecard to evaluate your current practices. Links from the episode: Subscribe to the Lawyerist Youtube Channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices