Bootstrapped Solo Podcast

About Jessica Pride: Jessica Klarer Pride is the managing partner at The Pride Law Firm, where she has dedicated over fifteen years to representing victims of sexual violence. At prestigious firms such as Girardi-Keese and CaseyGerry, she secured millions in verdicts and settlements for her clients. An advocate for fairness, Jessica has been recognized with numerous awards, including San Diego's Business Journal's Best of the Bar and the American Association for Justice's NLD Colton Award. Active in volunteer organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she believes community service is a duty and privilege for every attorney.   In this episode, Pratik and Jessica Pride discuss: Challenges and strategies in growing a two-person firm Dealing with sexual violence cases Balancing business and personal life Networking and community involvement   Key Takeaways: Choosing a niche you are passionate about, such as sexual violence litigation, can lead to a fulfilling and successful law practice, even if it is not initially popular or lucrative. Building strong community ties and professional networks is crucial for gaining referrals, support, and maintaining a positive reputation in your practice area. Starting lean and mean, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and expanding only when necessary can help manage risks and ensure sustainable growth for your law firm. Providing trauma-informed care and support for clients, especially in sensitive cases like sexual violence, can enhance client satisfaction, trust, and case outcomes, ultimately contributing to the success of your practice.  "Doing sexual assault litigation is a whole different type of, it's not just practicing law, it's being someone's counselor." — Jessica Pride   Connect with Jessica Pride:  Website: https://www.survivorlawyer.com/ & https://www.pridelawfirm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-pride-sexual-assault-attorney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicapride.esq/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicapride.esq   From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Scott Snellings: Scott Snellings is the founder of Snellings Law P.L.L.C. in Frisco, Texas, dedicated to advocating for personal injury victims due to negligence. With a background in medical studies from Baylor University and legal expertise from Baylor Law School, he has honed his skills to support clients in cases ranging from motor vehicle accidents to product and premises liability. Scott's journey from defending auto manufacturers to founding his firm, coupled with his personal experiences like receiving a kidney transplant, fuels his passion for not only legal justice but also community involvement through various charitable endeavors.   In this episode, Pratik and Scott Snellings discuss: Strategies and mindset for success as a business owner Tips on building a successful law practice Implementing EOS and business growth strategies Leveraging tools and technology for law firm efficiency and growth   Key Takeaways: Life as a business owner can feel like a perpetual seesaw between triumphs and setbacks, but mastering the art of resilience ensures you weather the storm and keep moving forward. Success in the legal profession hinges not just on legal expertise but also on building strong relationships, maintaining a humble yet confident attitude, and being proactive in learning and growth opportunities. The journey of implementing EOS and growing a business involves strategic hiring decisions, such as bringing in a marketing agency, fractional CFO, and other key team members, to support sustainable growth and efficiency. Constantly evaluating tools, technology, and processes is crucial for business growth and efficiency, as seen through the adoption of AI, strategic marketing, and system improvements like Trainual for SOPs and training. "It's all about relationships; and when I say that, I mean, if you develop a relationship with somebody, be the first one to provide value, not by sucking up." — Scott Snellings   Connect with Scott Snellings:  Website: https://snellingsinjurylaw.com/ Show: The Driven Crowd: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-crowd/id1614081155 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snellings-6b950a3/   From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Adam Oremland: Adam Oremland is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Oremland Law Group P.C., renowned for his expertise in personal injury cases in New York City. Specializing in representing those severely injured in accidents, Adam has secured over $40 million in compensation for his clients since establishing his firm in 2013. With a dedicated team of 12, Adam's practice continues to flourish, driven by his personal understanding of the impact of injuries and his strategic negotiation skills. Alongside his legal prowess, Adam is also the creator behind the popular and humorous @lawbulldog Instagram account, with over 1.6 million followers, where he shares entertaining and insightful content about the legal world.   In this episode, Pratik and Adam Oremland discuss: Transitioning from corporate law to personal injury practice Utilizing creativity and social media for legal marketing The intersection of social media, comedy, and legal practice Navigating branding strategies and business growth   Key Takeaways: Establishing a thriving law practice often involves navigating diverse legal experiences, embracing hustle, fostering a supportive team environment, and maintaining a clear sense of purpose beyond financial gain. Embracing risk and self-awareness can lead to unexpected career shifts, like transitioning from a prestigious corporate law career to running a comedic legal practice, highlighting the importance of following one's passion despite societal expectations. In a world where personal connection and trust are paramount, leveraging social media authentically not only amplifies one's reach but also fosters genuine relationships, ultimately transforming the landscape of legal marketing. Effective branding strategies may not always offer easily trackable metrics, but investing in diverse marketing avenues, learning from expensive mistakes, and staying true to one's strengths while embracing calculated risks can pave the path to long-term business success, even amidst unpredictable challenges.  "I stay true to myself, and by doing what I thought would be not just fun, but also productive has turned into a ton of business." — Adam Oremland   Connect with Adam Oremland:  Website: https://oremlandlaw.com/ Email: adam@lawbulldog.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawbulldog1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawbulldog   From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.   

About Alreen Haeggquist: Alreen Haeggquist is the Managing Partner at Haeggquist & Eck, LLP, with two decades of dedication to advocating for victims of sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Her personal journey, recounted in the best-selling book "Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma," fuels her empathetic approach and trauma-informed service. Alreen's commitment to justice transcends high-profile cases, embodying her ethos of breaking silence and empowering others to stand against abuse and injustice, a purpose she passionately pursues every day.   In this episode, Pratik and Alreen Haeggquist discuss: Exploring the journey of overcoming adversity Navigating the transition from big law to solo practice Managing finances and case selection Balancing entrepreneurship and legal practice   Key Takeaways: Sharing your story and standing up for yourself can turn a negative experience into a powerful tool for empowerment, resonating deeply with both clients and your own healing journey. Starting your own law firm requires scrappiness, patience, and a realistic understanding that success takes time, with financial stability often taking around five years to achieve, but the journey is ultimately rewarding. Building a successful business requires resilience and strategic planning, ensuring financial stability and continuous growth while navigating the complexities of case selection and competition in the legal field. Overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure is key to unlocking your potential; embracing the journey, seeking mentorship, and being open to various tools for personal and professional growth pave the way for success.  "Everybody has experienced the same thing at some point, and maybe they can provide a tip or two that might help you." — Alreen Haeggquist Connect with Alreen Haeggquist:  Website: https://www.alreen.com/ & https://haelaw.com/ Book: Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma: https://www.amazon.com/Fired-Up-Fueling-Triumph-Trauma/dp/1544541708 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alreen-haeggquist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alreenh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreen/   From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.     

In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind our name change from "Bootstrapped Solo" to our current title, "From Solo to Scale." Beyond the initial struggles of starting a solo law practice, our show now aims to address the diverse stages and challenges of scaling a law firm. We'll cover topics like hiring, training, marketing, case selection, and team management for law firms of all sizes. Plus, we'll have guests from diverse backgrounds sharing insights useful for scaling any business. Join me as we navigate the journey of growth and success together!   From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About John Cerasani: John Cerasani, a Chicago-based venture capitalist, author, and podcaster, is a serial entrepreneur and business expert who made millions before the age of 40. Despite early success in corporate America after attending prestigious universities like Northwestern and Notre Dame, he discovered the illusions of the corporate world and ventured into entrepreneurship, ultimately selling his kitchen-started company for tens of millions. With experience spanning various industries and roles, including founding Glencrest Global and serving on the boards of Quicket Solutions and OSDB SPORTS, John continues to revolutionize business landscapes through his innovative approach and insightful leadership. In this episode, Pratik and John Cerasani discuss: Exploring the nuances of business niche specialization The art of business diplomacy Strategies for maximizing business value Navigating entrepreneurial growth mindset   Key Takeaways: In the journey from the corporate ladder to entrepreneurship, finding your niche and mastering it can lead to unprecedented success, even amidst industry giants. Maintaining professionalism and integrity, even in the face of adversity or tempting opportunities, not only preserves relationships but can also safeguard against future conflicts, illustrating the importance of playing the long game and prioritizing reputation over short-term gains in business dealings. Having a clear exit strategy and understanding the potential value of your company early on can lead to significant growth opportunities and strategic decisions that maximize long-term profitability. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are focused on personal and professional development can create valuable networks, opportunities, and energy that propel success in various endeavors.  "You shouldn't even look at raising money from any outsiders until you've done at least something with nothing." — John Cerasani Connect with John Cerasani:  Website: https://2000percentraise.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johncerasani Book: https://www.amazon.com/2000-Percent-Raise-John-Cerasani/dp/1977260128 Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2000-percent-raise/id1646496547 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpXOoAApNV-ihylvYFaq1g LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncerasani/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/johncerasani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johncerasani/ From Solo to Scale Information and links Website: https://www.esquiretek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquiretek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquiretek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireTek Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Tune in as Chris Earley, founder of Earley Law Group, engages with our host, Pratik, sharing a wealth of insights. Chris unpacks strategies honed through experience, emphasizing precise case selection methods, the power of continual improvement through the Kaizen philosophy, and the pivotal role of leadership within mastermind groups.   Exploring themes of time management and delegation, Chris highlights the significance of mindset shifts, embracing abundance, and the value of networking. He champions calculated risk-taking, resilience amidst setbacks, and fostering a growth-oriented culture within legal entrepreneurship. Chris urges a decisive leadership approach while cultivating a positive, growth-centric environment in the legal landscape.   NOW AVAILABLE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Media and YouTube. Link in bio!   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bostonpersonalinjurylawyer/ https://www.instagram.com/earleylawgroupinjurylawyers/ 

Ali Razavi is the founder and managing attorney of Razavi Law Group. Join our host, Pratik as Ali shares the challenges he faced while growing his firm over the last seven years.  Ali's approach involved taking calculated risks, fostering a positive company culture, and embracing growth throughout the process.   Through trial and error, Ali became an expert when it came to advertising his firm. Listen as he discusses how simplifying a billboard ad captured the attention of Gen Z and Millennials, and why it's important to reinvest revenue into marketing. Tune in to find out how Ali leveraged marketing at Razavi Law Group to reach his goal of becoming a household name.   Links: https://www.instagram.com/yourlawyerali/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-razavi-esq-77ab418b  

Meet Dylan Ruga, the Founder of Stalwart Law Group and Co-Founder, President, and Chief Legal Officer of Steno.  On Episode 25 of The Bootstrapped Solo, Dylan speaks with host Pratik Shah and shares insights from his 15+ years in practice, discussing the challenges he faced when starting his law firm, dealing with cash flow issues, and the journey of building and managing a team. Tune in to learn more about how Dylan identified a need in the legal industry, created a successful business model to address it, and balances his time between his law firm, managing Steno, and trying cases.   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ruga-649abb13/ https://www.instagram.com/stalwartlawgroup/  

Ashley Rae Rawlins, also known as "Car Crash Ash," is the Founder and CEO of Rawlins Law, ATC.  Join host, Pratik Shah, for an engaging conversation with Ashley on Episode 24 of The Bootstrapped Solo Podcast. During this episode, Ashley shares her journey from her small-town roots in Massachusetts to the establishment of her successful law firm in California. Ashley imparts her wisdom on becoming an approachable legal advocate, managing client expectations, taking on insurance giants, adhering to ethical strategies, and leveraging the power of social media for education and branding. Are you curious about the story behind the name "Car Crash Ash"? Tune in to discover the story behind it!  Links: https://www.instagram.com/carcrashash/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/carcrashash/ https://therawlinsfirm.com/  

Keith Bremer is Senior Partner at Bremer, Whyte, Brown, and O'Meara LLP, an established law firm operating for 26 years with over 200 members and 9 offices throughout the Western US. Join host, Pratik Shah, in a conversation with Keith, an esteemed attorney with an impressive 30-years of experience in the legal field. In this episode, Keith imparts his wisdom on finding the perfect partners, the importance of diversification, the art of empowering others and the value of learning from others. Don't pass up this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned attorney and find out why honey attracts more bees!   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bremer-95928b124/  https://www.instagram.com/kbeezysenior https://bremerwhyte.com/  https://www.instagram.com/bremerwhyte/  

Jake Heller is a former litigator and CEO of Casetext, a legal AI company that develops one-of-a-kind technology for lawyers. Casetext was acquired by Thomson Reuters for $650 million cash, which is a testament to the company and technology that Jake and his team has built. This episode was recorded prior to the announcement. Listen in as Jake talks with host Pratik Shah about Casetext's origin story, how AI is leveling the playing field for smaller firms, the evolution and future of the technology, growing a startup and so much more.     

Daniel Morgan, Global Managing Partner at Morgan & Morgan, joins host Pratik Shah on Ep 21 of The Bootstrapped Solo. Tune in to gain insights from the largest personal injury law firm in the United States, employing over 900 attorneys, and get inspired by his family's shared value of hard work. Dan started working at Morgan & Morgan's call center at 17 years old, working nearly every position from investigator (before electronic signatures existed) to paralegal and case manager. Listen in to hear more about the importance of data analysis, developing systems for growth, creating internal goals and trusting the process to fulfill your passion. Links: https://www.forthepeople.com/ https://www.instagram.com/forthepeople/ https://www.instagram.com/danmorganesq/ 

Brian Panish, Founding Partner at Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP, has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in U.S. history.  Join host Pratik Shah as Brian shares insights from his early days and some of the wisdom he's gained through his decades in law. They discuss the importance of accountability and reputation, lessons learned from cases you don't take, attributes of a successful attorney and the things to keep in mind when scaling a law firm. As one of the top trial lawyers in the country, Brian has received an extensive list of honors in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to trial advocacy. This is an episode you don't want to miss!   Links: https://www.psbr.law/ https://www.psbr.law/panish.html  https://www.instagram.com/panishsheaboyleravipudi/ https://www.facebook.com/PanishSheaBoyleRavipudiLLP  https://www.linkedin.com/company/panish-shea-boyle-ravipudi-llp/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpanish/     

Ross Jurewitz started his 34-person personal injury practice, Jurewitz Law Group, back in 2000. In this episode, Ross unpacks his early days of networking via fax, the battle of the ego, settling his first seven-figure case, as well as the impact of the recent passing of Florida's tort reform bill.   Links:   'How to Start and Build a Law Practice' by Jay Foonberg ‘Ego Is the Enemy' by Ryan Holiday Jurewitz Law Group  

Yanni Bohren started his personal injury firm, Bohren Law, in 2014 and has been growing strong, coast-to-coast, ever since. Join host Pratik Shah as he dives into Yanni's journey navigating the early years, conquering imposter syndrome, and how he built his unique and highly entertaining social presence that reels in new clients.   Links mentioned:   Bohren Law Instagram @getyanni TikTok @getyanni  Episode 5: You Get More With Honey  

Tim Mott left his position at a prominent defense firm to start Valiente Mott alongside his partner, Mike Valiente. Tim joins host Pratik Shah to share how he decided to leave big law and the lessons he learned along the way.   Tune in as we unpack the priorities when growing a new practice, adjusting to being a business owner, dealing with hiring and firing, and the importance of asking for referrals.    Links mentioned: Episode 16: It's Not About A Free Lunch! Rand Fishkin Books by John Morgan ‘Hire Slow Fire Fast' by Grant Styles Valiente Mott Email Tim tim@valientemott.com

In this episode of Bootstrapped Solo, host Pratik sits down with attorney Mike Valiente, who runs an 18-person firm out of Las Vegas. Mike shares his journey from law school to building a successful practice and the importance of mentorship and coaching in his growth. Whether you are just starting out in law or are looking to grow your practice, this episode offers valuable insights on finding mentorship and building strong relationships as a new, and growing, attorney.

Danny Abir, founding partner of ACTS Law, is proof that there's not a standard blueprint to starting your own practice. He joins host Pratik Shah on this episode to discuss his venture into the legal space that ultimately led to running a 70-person firm, and why treating your practice like a business is a key component to success.

When Art D'Egidio first started his law firm, the fax machine was in the living room while his business partner ran the phones out of his house. Fast forward to today, he's grown and scaled his practice to one of San Diego's top personal injury law firms. Join host Pratik Shah on this episode of The Bootstrapped Solo as he sits down with Art to discuss his journey to success – and the humble beginnings that helped paved the way.

Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert is no stranger to the start-up life. In 2013, she launched her firm as a one-woman show and learned two major things that changed her entire mindset: Check your ego at the door and hire up. Join host Pratik Shah on this episode of The Bootstrapped Solo as he and Jennifer break down her law firm journey and the life-changing tools that helped pave the way to her success.

Kris Mukherji started his firm out of his one-bedroom apartment (that he shared with his wife) doing whatever was necessary to secure referral sources and build his network to make it the successful law firm it is today.

From finding employees who were simply willing to show up to being sued by another law firm, Arash Khorsandi's journey to solo success was anything but a walk in the park. Pratik and Arash chat about the lucrative personal injury firm that Arash now oversees and the little AM radio show that helped him get there.

Sherif El Dabe worked at two large firms, and was so disenchanted by the experience, he decided to leave it all behind to build a solo practice. Now, almost 20 years later, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is stronger than ever and Sherif and his team couldn't be more content with their new work/life balance. Hear his story on the latest episode of The Bootstrapped Solo.

In the early 90s, the idea of a woman launching and running her own law firm was a stretch of the imagination. But Genie Harrison was on the case — paying her dues, honing her skills and building lasting relationships. Then in 2013, The Genie Harrison Law Firm was born and quickly grew into one of LA's predominant go-tos for employment law.

Jonathon Farahi emerged from the shadows of two of the most brilliant legal minds in Southern California to launch his solo practice in 2018. Now, just over three years in, he has 20 employees and a thriving personal injury law firm. This is the story about how the self-proclaimed "world's worst associate" became a successful entrepreneur.

Alex Comley was paid $40 for appearances, but after deducting gas and parking fees, that dropped to around $18. However, Alex didn't give up. After years of pounding the pavement and pressing flesh, Alex finally found success as a solo practitioner in Southern California. He went from practicing on Craig's List to working in a big office with a view.

While getting started in 2017, Brett Sachs had to sell his car and skip out on family events to make ends meet. But with some unwavering resilience and the unconditional support of his better half, he was able to build a large, successful law firm in less than five years. Find out how the MVP (and his better half Chelsee) made it all happen on the latest episode of The Bootstrapped Solo.

Reza Torkzadeh went from practicing out of a spare bedroom and maxing out his credit cards to running a successful law firm that staffs 50+ employees, now in its eleventh year. His unique and sometimes turbulent journey even inspired him to write a book on building and running your own practice — The Lawyer as CEO.  

“Ten years into a cush gig with a large law firm, Jeremy Tissot decided it was time to leave the land of the lost and launch his own solo practice. Jeremy doesn't hold back as he describes exactly how he made the transition from winging it to winning it on the latest episode of The Bootstrapped Solo. AVAILABLE NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Media.”

Bob Simon and his brothers rented a small office for $1750 a month, lived on a steady diet of Subway and held a celebratory toast to each measly $15,000 settlement. But they never would have built an 8-figure law firm if they didn't roll the dice on going solo. Self-promotion and mentorship rule the day on the latest episode of The Bootstrapped Solo.

From being invisible in a large firm and going solo, to starting a partnership only to go solo again, Derek Tran, of The Tran Firm, has seen it all and rolled with the punches on his climb to legal success. On this episode of The Bootstrapped Solo, Pratik and Derek cover all the twists and turns on the rollercoaster of law.

In this inaugural episode of Bootstrapped Solo, Pratik Shah welcomes Abbas Kazerounian, one of the founders of Kazerouni Law Group. What started on a broken laptop in coffee shop with a $400 budget soon brewed into a venti, 50-employee law firm in Costa Mesa, California. Pratik and Abbas share some good laughs over the lengths one must go to make their law firm succeed.