Legal Talk Network - Law News and Legal Topics

Every attorney dreads the day a crisis erupts. Because it will. But there are “good ways” and “bad ways” to prepare and react. Pretending it will never happen to you is the “bad way.” Speakers David Margulies and Bradley Adams are experts in crisis management and communication and spoke at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on what they’ve learned and how attorneys work with public relations teams both before and after a crisis erupts. Don’t hide, but speak only to the facts you know are facts Social media influencers and mainstream media outlets are part of life. How do you respond, react, and reach out? Is it OK to empathize, sympathize, and even (gasp) apologize? Hear how to accept a crisis could hit you and understand how early preparation and planning can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generation Z are the new up-and-comers in the legal world. What can we expect from them as they begin contributing to legal processes? From the Annual Meeting, Laurence Coletti talks with conference speakers Laura Graham and Jason Bloom, whose sessions focused on different aspects of Gen Z’s entrance into the legal system. Laura shares highlights from Gen Z: What Kind of Colleagues Will They Be?, delving into this peer group’s unique approach to the profession; and Jason recaps Jury Decision-Making and the Gen Z Juror, explaining how generational perspectives affect trial outcomes. Laura Graham is a professor of legal writing and director of legal analysis, writing, and research at Wake Forest University School of Law. Jason Bloom, the founder and President of Bloom Strategic Consulting, Inc., has been a jury consultant for over 20 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2022-2023 State Bar year marks a new chapter as Texas lawyers emerge from the pandemic and a sense of normalcy returns. Rocky Dhir talks with soon-to-be State Bar and TYLA presidents Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter about their plans for the coming year, particularly involving attorney succession planning, mental health and wellness, public education on legal processes, and much more. Laura Gibson is a member of Dentons' Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice and the Managing Partner of the Houston office and State Bar of Texas 2022-23 president-elect. Michael J. Ritter is senior counsel at Schmoyer Reinhard LLP and TYLA 2022-23 president-elect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the last episode of our The Life of a Lawyer Start to Finish series, we discussed Reprogramming a Lawyer’s Brain. In this episode, we move on to the next logical step: The Business of Law. Host Craig Williams is joined by attorney and law firm management consultant, and host of The Un-Billable Hour, Christopher T. Anderson from AndersonDodson, P.C.. Craig and Christopher discuss what goes into setting up a law firm, building a client base and positioning yourself to become a partner with a successful book of business, and ultimately how to become successful in the practice of law or however you’ve chosen to use your law degree. Mentioned in this Episode: The Un-Billable Hour Join the Un-Billable Hour's Community Round Table with Christopher Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine By Mike Michalowicz Who: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart & Randy Street Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Everett talks with clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, Dr. Sherry Walling, about dealing with grief in the workplace. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bar exam is a daunting obstacle, but it doesn't have to be. Joe and Elie chat with Rich Douglas, COO of Themis, about the bar exam and how to conquer it. Rich also tells us about the Themis Law School Essentials program of free review materials for law school courses and we discuss the impact the GRE is going to have on law school admissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why you shouldn’t just play the SEO long-game. Plus, a law firm’s surprising (and sketchy) use of Google review numbers. ----- Most marketing agencies tell you that SEO is going to take time. Well yeah, maybe, but it doesn’t ALWAYS have to. Gyi and Conrad reevaluate traditional “tempered” expectations and discuss how long SEO should take and whether marketers are just using SEO to lock you into long-term contracts. Then the guys dig into one of the cringiest law firm slogans, “Size Matters,” Morgan & Morgan’s new Google reviews marketing campaign. Is it legit, is it ethical, and does it breach Google’s rules? The News: Legal marketing podcast ranks own podcast #1. I guess that’s settled then. Big news: Google core update, get on it. Wordpress Update: a speed and security change that may affect your plugins. Mentioned in this Episode: Lunch Hour Legal Marketing now on YouTube Everest Legal Marketing Doug Bradley, how long should SEO take? Gyi: SEO Expectations for Law Firms Size matters, Morgan & Morgan Google Structured Data Guidelines Clio Legal Trends 2021 Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a lawyer who plays League of Legends late at night? A World of Warcraft warrior who engages in courtroom combat during your daytime gig? And have you ever wished you could break into esports on a professional level–whether you're armed with a game controller or a briefcase? Well, esports is a growing industry, and if you'd like to make it part of your legal practice, a background in gaming can help, says Justin M. Jacobson, author of The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming. Jacobson started in sports and entertainment law, and he says when representing musicians and athletes, knowing how to engage with your clients and speak in a vernacular they're accustomed to is key to forming a productive–and long-term–relationship with them. In this episode of the Modern Law Library, Jacobson speaks with the ABA Journal's Lee Rawles about his own career journey into esports management and legal representation, tips for law students on what classes could be useful for this practice niche, and the common mistakes he sees inexperienced clients make. When writing his manual, Jacobson wanted it to be useful not only to lawyers looking to practice in this area, but also people who are involved in the esports industry in other ways. In addition to a history of the video game contests that eventually developed into the multimillion-dollar esports industry, Jacobson breaks down the major stakeholders in the sector, including the event organizers, the game publishers, the teams and the talent. From contract writing to immigration issues, intellectual property disputes and tax write-offs, The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming touches on many different areas of law. Esports athletes or their friends, loved ones and business managers could also be served by Jacobson's clear breakdowns of issues that crop up for professional gamers. Tune in for Jacobson's advice for parents of talented young gamers who are looking to make a career in esports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your opening statement gets the jury interested in your client’s story. Many attorneys overpromise in their opening and risk losing the jury’s trust. John and Erich discuss effective strategies to make your opening statement a short, sincere conversation that defines your theme and convinces the jury that correcting this important issue is the right thing to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women often back down from conflict. It’s in our nature, but is it in our best interest? Today’s episode offers insight on when to stand down and when to stand your ground when a co-worker gives you a work product that doesn’t meet your expectations, a partner promises you a significant trial opportunity and then gives it to someone else, and opposing counsel is less than cooperative. Tune in for some spicy tips that will help you pick your battles and preserve your reputation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack and Kristin Tyler, of LawClerk, talk with Sarah Jewell and Jason Lawrence about their experience working together through the LawClerk platform. Listen in as they discuss the process, and thoughts behind hiring and working as a freelance attorney. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As litigators, we’re always looking for tips that will give us the advantage in the courtroom, at our jobs, and in life. The whole law school experience teaches us that being smart and working hard will lead to success. However, this week’s guest firmly believes (and life experience will confirm) that our network is actually the untapped advantage we have in life. Jordan Harbinger joins this episode to talk about: Why it really is all about Networking for Long-term Success, and the Importance of Having a “Can-Do” Attitude in Life. In this episode, Jordan also discusses his career in podcasting, his past as a lawyer, and how lawyers can build meaningful relationships and influence in the legal community. In this episode: Why it really is all about networking and people skills How to build relationships that brings in business The value of social capital The importance of having a “go for it” attitude in life Jordan Harbinger is a Wall Street lawyer turned podcast interviewer with an approachable style and knack for securing high-profile guests. His podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show, was selected as part of Apple’s “Best of 2018.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this episode to learn why your law firm can’t ignore website accessibility. As we continue to advance in technology, we must always remember to create our content, documents and websites in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities. Amber sheds light on many different areas of importance when it comes to accessibility. Amber is the CEO of Equalize Digital, Inc., a Certified B Corp specializing in WordPress accessibility, maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin, and lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup and WP Accessibility Day conference. Amber gives listeners actionable tips on: [2:00] Why ignoring website accessibility is a bad strategy [4:10] Developing the Accessibility Checker Plugin Amber and what it checks for [7:40] The importance of accessibility online when it comes to disabilities [17:40] What people are getting sued for for not being accessible online [23:40] Amber’s book recommendation Resources mentioned in this episode: Structured Negotiation by Laynie Feingold Connect with Amber here: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook https://equalizedigital.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

If remote work is part of your new normal, it’s best for your colleagues and clients if you have an audio setup that makes your communications clear and professional. Dennis and Tom welcome David Tewksbury to talk through the steps of creating an effective workspace that meets your audio needs. 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. David Tewksbury works with Product and Application Sales Support at Harman International. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After two years of hosting an entirely virtual event, the State Bar of Texas will be returning to an in-person Annual Meeting for 2022! Rocky Dhir talks with Bar president Sylvia Borunda Firth and executive director Trey Apffel about how this year’s conference will be run, taking into consideration all current CDC guidelines. They also chat about the exciting professional and social offerings for 2022 attendees. Sylvia Borunda Firth is a solo practitioner in El Paso and president of the State Bar of Texas. E.A. “Trey” Apffel III is executive director of the State Bar of Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie talks with a serial legal entrepreneur, Jay Ruane, about integrating systems in your law firm. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"PODigal"... get it? Whatever. The original Thinking Like A Lawyer hosting team is back for a limited engagement! With the team depleted by holiday vacations, Joe is joined by Elie Mystal of The Nation to talk about the Supreme Court, touching on everything from Shinn -- deciding that "actual innocence isn't enough" when it comes to getting people off death row -- to the coming Bruen opinion that will stifle even the mildest of gun regulations across the country. We may even have a little to say about leaking draft Supreme Court opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A reporter requests information on your case. Do you have an ethical responsibility to respond to their inquiry? Are there benefits to be gained from pre- or post-trial publicity? Or is “no comment” always the best response? This episode reviews ABA rules on comments to the media and explores on and off-the-record responses, providing information for background and how to weigh media requests while keeping your focus on serving your client's best interest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A potential client believes their company or institution is defrauding the federal government. What should you know before you take the case? Business litigation attorney Tony Simon offers strategic insight into whistleblower cases including the extent of the relayer’s personal knowledge of fraud, considerations for filing the case, how the government’s involvement will impact the litigation, and to what extent your potential client may or may not be protected, and what you and your client may receive as compensation. Government fraud impacts us all, so tune in and get a few tips on this important area of litigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Joanne Doroshow is the founder and executive director of the Center for Justice & Democracy, a national consumer organization dedicated to protecting our civil justice system. She shares a new report from the Center’s Emily Gottlieb, “System Letdown: Worker Safety, Harm, and Compensation in the Age of COVID-19.” The report examines the role of industry and the government during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects on workers including illness, deaths, and worker safety violations. From the start of the pandemic, the Center found businesses mishandled the situation and put front-line workers in peril. But issues didn’t end there as government protections, Workers’ Comp, and the civil justice systems continued to fail workers. Go beyond data to the tragic personal stories as promised protections were pushed aside. Were the working people who kept the U.S. fed and supplied with goods – often lauded as heroes and essential – intentionally put in harm’s way in the name of profit? Who got stuck with the tab, and what did we learn? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack talks with the CallRail team about leveraging data and reporting to increase your marketing ROI and help you invest more deliberately. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, that Margaret Atwood—famous author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and tons more, is really here on The Legal Toolkit! But first, Jared chats with Matthew Gibson about how innovations involving video, audio and LongPen robotic pens are giving e-signatures the ability to truly meet legal standards worldwide. Later, Jared gets to talk with Margaret Atwood, the inventor of the LongPen, about the development of this unique e-signature technology and stories from her illustrious career. Matthew Gibson is president, CEO, and a co-founder of Syngrafii Inc. Margaret Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, teacher, environmental activist, and inventor. ----- In honor of our special guest and world-famous author, Margaret Atwood, here's a playlist of some songs related to books and writing! ----- Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. The music for the Legal Trends Report Minute is I See You by Sounds Like Sander. Our closing track is All Over You by VAULTZ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the justice system continues to digitize, more data is collected and accessible. This information is often a record of some of the darkest hour. The panel of privacy and data security experts discuss how the shift from paper file storage trades risks to losing the hard copies for unpredictable risks to loss of personal privacy and data being used in unexpected and potentially harmful ways long after their legal issue is resolved. The speed of innovation in data collection is outpacing the creation of data policies and cybersecurity practices. What are the additional implications to under-served and marginalized communities? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even though we are well into 2022, it’s important to keep up with the latest social media trends. It’s why Katie Brinkley joins me on the podcast this week, to talk all about her projections for the rest of this year. I loved Katie’s approach to social media, in that she doesn’t believe you need to hop on every and all trends. Katie Brinkley is a Social Media Strategist and Social Audio Expert with over 18 years of experience in the social media space. She has been featured on Fox, Ticker News, Medium, Voyage Denver, and more sharing her strategies on how to gain a consistent strategy to gain new leads using social media. Katie specializes in finding the right social platforms for entrepreneurs to focus on so they can grow their online presence without the overwhelm. Katie gives listeners actionable tips on: [1:00] How Katie begins to figure out the trends [2:45] Why social media is important [4:00] Why trends even matter [5:30] Creating micro communities [15:10] How audio experiences like Clubhouse changed with the Pandemic and what we learned about watching trends [22:50] Social audio vs. Social media [26:20] Katie’s book recommendation Resources mentioned in this episode: Storybrand by Donald Miller Connect with Katie here: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook https://www.nextstepsocialcommunications.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

In the wake of the Supreme Court draft leak, many are questioning what ramifications its language could have on a number of past court decisions, as well as Americans’ rights in a variety of other areas. Law Student Podcast host Meg Steenburgh gets perspective on these issues from Vice Dean Keith Bybee. They examine the interplay of courts, politics, and the media, and discuss our nation’s legal processes throughout history. Professor Keith Bybee is Vice Dean and Paul E. and Hon. Joanne F. Alper ’72 Judiciary Studies Professor at Syracuse University College of Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A good home-school program provided a nurturing environment that was lacking in elementary education, and the experience helped build confidence for law school, says Haley Taylor Schlitz, a 2022 graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In light of recent developments at the U.S. Supreme Court, we’ve decided to offer a revisit to a classic episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer— in fact, the very first episode of this show. Nearly 17 years ago, when this show began, many things were different. For one, this show wasn’t even called Lawyer 2 Lawyer; it was Coast to Coast. Our first episode, entitled Roberts’ Rocky Road, discussed the nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court of John Roberts, then a DC Circuit Appeals Court Judge, now Chief Justice. Even then as now, a great deal of attention was focused on the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade. But as we approach that likely reality with the Dobbs case, and as we see more and more attention focused on both the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the role of its Chief Justice, we here at Lawyer 2 Lawyer want to re-share this conversation from our archives to provide you a glimpse into the talking points surrounding his nomination in 2005. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID pandemic changed our understanding of remote work with new technologies and more efficient management. But does that remote employee need to be in your town, or even country? Guest Brett Trembly is cofounder of Get Staffed Up, a growing firm that provides talented, English-proficient, remote professional legal support staffers from around the world. Some 700 law firms around the U.S. profit from offshore legal support. Look beyond the limited – and highly competitive – talent pool in your region. Limit costs by working with staffers in countries with less expensive economies. Never considered offshoring? Now’s the time, as technologies and attitudes about remote work open new ways to expand your business, tackle new projects, and delegate support services so you can focus on results that matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), our guests believe legal organizations want to do what’s best. But they don’t know where to start, or even have the data tools to point out shortcomings. The issue can seem so overwhelming the process falls into analysis paralysis. But as host Carl Morrison hears, even beating a problem so overwhelming can be done with the right tool, one bite at a time, like eating the proverbial elephant. Where can firms get the data they need? Where to start? Guests Mark Harris and Emmanuel Smith of JusticeBid explain how data from JusticeBid analytics helps the legal community progress, build diversity, and leverage available talent by expanding opportunities to all. And because one of our guests is an NFL Super Bowl Champion (hint: Smith), we hear what the legal community can learn from the NFL’s struggles with DEI and the so-called “Rooney Rule” that’s been in the news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition, host Jonathan Amarilio and co-host Trisha Rich are joined by Colonel Yevgeny "Eugene" Vindman, who served as a deputy legal advisor on the National Security Council (NSC) and came to national prominence after he and his twin brother, Alexander Vindman, jointly reported former President Trump to the NSC for attempting to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for negative information about his then political opponent, Joe Biden. Colonel Vindman is a JAG Officer and an expert in the law of armed conflict, military law, government ethics, and national security law. He joins the podcast to provide an overview of rules-based international law and the law of war in the context of Russia's War in Ukraine, as well as the United Nations' role in preventing wars of aggression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack Glaser talks with our product director here at Lawyerist., Ashely Steckler, about common project management mistakes and how to avoid them. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve struggled to afford cyber insurance, you’re not alone. In the past year, prices rose by 30 to 40 percent, and some law firms, especially solos and smalls, were forced to cancel or downgrade coverage in the wake of sudden price hikes. Additionally, inadequate cybersecurity in a firm may lead to a denial of coverage altogether. So, what’s going on? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Judy Selby to get a handle on the rapid changes in the cyber insurance industry and what firms should do to maintain coverage in this difficult market. Judy Selby is a partner at Kennedys and a member of their global cyber team. She primarily serves as cyber coverage and monitoring counsel to insurers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yale. Again. Everything keeps coming back to New Haven. Conservatives are doxxing law students for saying they might not party with FedSoc anymore. Professors are whitewashing Alito opinions. Alums are attacking the press. Why can't this school chill out a little? Also a Biglaw firm needs some lessons in collegiality and Elon Musk is trying to make his own law firm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a lawyer, Michelle Good spent years investigating the trauma that Canada’s residential school system inflicted on Indigenous people. As an author, it took her nine years to write her first novel about the lives of five teenagers who leave a church-run school and coalesce in Eastside Vancouver, British Columbia. For Good, it was imperative that she took her time to get the story right. Her patience paid off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our final episode on Tips for Deposition covers issues that may arise during the depo such as evasive witnesses, speaking objections, and preserving the record. We also discuss strategies for forming more effective questions, boxing in the witness, and reinforcing statements that support your case. Keeping these tips in mind will help you find the facts you need to paint a clear picture for the jury and create a rock-solid record for the judge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Thompson from expert service provider DeeGee Rehabilitation Technologies addresses life care planning reformation and the potential impact on claims in the US and Canada. Life care planning focuses on meeting the needs of chronically ill and disabled persons. Special thanks to our sponsor, AM Best Company, Best’s Insurance Professional Resources, including Qualified Member attorneys, adjusters and expert service providers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

File the motions. Schedule the depos. Read the records. Prep the exhibits. When should you write your open, directs, crosses, and close? Who is getting the hotel for the expert? And why should you write this all down? This episode outlines key items for your trial prep checklist starting at 60 days, 30 days, two weeks, and one week from the trial date. These scheduling tips will help you reduce stress, meet your deadlines and make time to build your strongest case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conrad and Gyi tackle an (ahem) unusual marketing move by an attorney using TikTok video streaming. Plus, five big referral tips. ----- Wouldn’t it be great if your clients left you a good review online? Why wait? Why not just videotape them as you’re coming out of the courtroom? It’s “Marketing vs the Client’s Best Interest” in the bizarre case of a lawyer using the video streaming platform TikTok. The attorney in question is getting lots of views and attention, but is he using his client? The guys vigorously debate whether these short videos might cross an ethical line. But, even if kind of skeezy, maybe it’s generating a referral network of sorts, so…worth it? Plus, five big tips on building business through referrals. Still waiting for new clients to be breaking down your door? Sometimes you need to give to get, so start putting yourself out there and reap the rewards of good business karma. The News: MyCase buys Docketwise. Google Analytics 4 is coming soon—update your analytics now! How’s that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial going? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where do initial consultation calls go wrong? Consultation calls are an important part of building your practice and firm, but are there crucial mistakes you should be aware of? Liz Wendling joins me to talk about where most consultations go wrong, and how to fix it. Liz is the rainmaking attorney coach and the author of The Rainmaking Mindset and Consultations That Convert. Attorneys nationwide seek Liz out when they want to discover how to maximize their business development skills and win more business. Liz understands the challenges that attorneys are facing when selling their legal services in today's competitive and post-Covid-19 environment. Using a straightforward and practical approach, Liz teaches attorneys the business development skills they don’t teach in law school. Liz gives listeners actionable tips on: [2:10] How to know where consultation calls are going wrong [7:00] Tips for positioning yourself on consultation calls and navigating client questions [12:10] How long a consultation call should take [17:45] Why you need to be selling [20:20] Recommendations Liz makes when doing an audit [24:10] How to highlight your expertise in your bio without being wordy [33:50] Liz’s book recommendation Resources mentioned in this episode: Consultations that Convert by Liz Wendling Connect with Liz here: LinkedIn www.therainmakingcoach.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

The pandemic made many things change at a rapid pace, but even with this evolution, the same competency areas are still needed to thrive in the practice of law. On Balance hosts Molly Ranns and JoAnn Hathaway welcome Cat Moon to discuss the practice, process, and people skills that make up the Delta Model, which helps lawyers bring self-awareness and growth to their work and personal lives. Cat shares examples of the Delta Model in action in the lives of legal professionals and students and recommends all lawyers rethink how they work to discover a more joyful career experience. Caitlin “Cat” Moon is the Director of Innovation Design for the Program in Law and Innovation at Vanderbilt Law School. Special thanks to our sponsor Embroker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk might buy Twitter, and a lot of people aren’t sure if that’d be good, bad, or bonkers. Dennis and Tom give their two cents on the possible takeover, hashing out the changes Musk might bring to the platform and whether users might just call it quits en masse. Later, treachery! Some lawyer is claiming that collaboration tech is bad for him and his fellow attorneys. Gasp! Don’t worry, your favorite authors of The Lawyer's Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies are here to hash out whether this guy has a point or is just plain uninformed. 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. Special thanks to our sponsors, Posh Virtual Receptionists, Clio, and Embroker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime friend of Legal Talk Network Carolyn Elefant – author, mentor, blogger, and solo practitioner – joins host Adriana Linares with a huge update to her hit book “Solo by Choice.” Get a one-stop-shop overview for any new solo practitioner. The pandemic, social media, online content, and business generation trends are shaking the legal practice bedrock. The online conferencing and virtual offices of the pandemic are challenging the need for a formal office. Billing practices and options are shifting. Virtual assistants and freelancers are the norm. Clients are looking to new sources for attorneys. Of course, you still need paying clients. Hear ideas on how to fully commit to your practice, find your niche, and build business from day one. Plus, business practice requirements, customer relationship programs, insurance, licensing, cybersecurity, and legal tech software. There’s no better time for new solo practitioners to ask for what they want – and get it. What’s ahead for the legal profession? Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at [email protected] Topics: Guest, lawyer and author Carolyn Elefant shares tips for the modern era from her newly revised book, “Solo By Choice.” All you need to know about starting a solo or small practices, from software to cybersecurity. What’s new for the legal profession in a post-pandemic world? New Insights Veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. Question 4: “How do I get my dad to be open to change when his favorite phrase is ‘We do it that way because that’s the way we’ve always done it’” Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Avoiding a data breach should be amongst your top priorities, and understanding threats and causes helps you improve your preventative measures. Sharon Nelson and John Simek welcome back Craig Hoffman to unpack the findings of BakerHostetler’s 2022 DSIR Report. They outline the security mishaps that just won’t go away; talk about ransomware and companies’ interactions with “reliable” vs. “unreliable” threat actors; discuss the enhancement of security through training, training, training; and much more. Craig Hoffman is a sought-after digital risk advisor who co-leads the Digital Risk Advisory and Cybersecurity team at law firm BakerHostetler. Special thanks to our sponsors CaseFleet, Clio, Embroker, and PInow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie talks with the Professor and Director at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Marjorie Aaron, about how lawyers can deliver bad news to clients. If today’s podcast resonates with you and you haven’t read The Small Firm Roadmap yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Thanks to LawPay, MyCase, and Posh Virtual Receptionists for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition, host Trisha Rich and co-host Jennifer Byrne are joined by immigration attorney, author, Forbes contributor, and former UN correspondent, Andy Semotiuk, to discuss the history of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the international laws that are implicated by Russia's actions and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted. Special thanks to our sponsors: InfoTrack, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC, Embroker, and Smokeball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the new Texas social media law banning platforms from moderating content really require you to listen to this episode? Well, it's on Twitter so now you're compelled! Frustratingly, this reasoning is just as stupid as the Fifth Circuit's crayon-scratched opinion rubber stamping the statute. It's an opinion so bad that Justice Alito immediately swooped in to get the appeal rolling. Meanwhile, we also talk about the changing nature of in-house counsel and the growth of "legal operations" as the chief operating officers of legal departments, a judge with a penchant for handcuffing lawyers, and the latest law school dean hypocrisy. Special thanks to our sponsor, Posh Virtual Receptionists, LLC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part Two of our depo discussion offers 15 additional tips on strategy and goal-setting during prep, including opening the door to admit evidence, preparing exhibits, and doing your homework on your witness. We also discuss how to improve your depo outline (yes, you should have one!) and what you should add to keep your focus on the witness and not on your legal pad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facial recognition software is becoming a greater part of our everyday lives. But the technology is controversial and not without its critics. Questions about its accuracy—especially relating to recognizing minority faces—remain. Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications and Smokeball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Her house is bigger. He did an expert depo and you haven’t. She’s got four trials in the next two months and you only have one. Does it really matter? Will attaining that thing actually make you happy? And why do we compare ourselves to others and suck the joy out of our own accomplishments? Prepare to examine your own vulnerabilities as we discuss upward and downward comparisons, personal priorities, and strategies to keep unproductive comparisons from living rent-free in our brains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Half-assed marketing plans not really working for you? Jared’s got Cady Darago here to nudge (or shove, nicely, if needed) you in the direction you actually need to go. They chat about effective, fun approaches to marketing your law firm, customizing plans for a niche practice, and how CRM software will seriously change your life for the better. Then, Jared has come up with yet another new game: “Philly Fanatics,” where Cady must identify which crazy fan behaviors were actually committed by wacked out Philly sports enthusiasts. Also, Jared shares the Big 4 software tools every law practice needs and why. Cady Darago is a Principal at ESQuisite Marketing, LLC. ----- In honor of the Big 4 software tools being discussed, here's a playlist of great songs by quartets. ----- Our opening track is Two Cigarettes by Major Label Interest. The music for the Legal Trends Report Minute is I See You by Sounds Like Sander. Our closing track is There Will Be Another Day by Alessandro Gugel. Special thanks to our sponsors TimeSolv, Clio, Scorpion, and Alert Communications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices