An ever-growing library of guest lectures and interviews for solo lawyers and law students.
In Part 2 of this podcast, Jared and I continue our wild ride through the ethics of using Artificial (or Alternative) Intelligence in your law practice as we encounter AI hallucinations, pitfalls and legal traps. (We cover such a wide swath it takes up two podcasts). And, like is our tradition, we wander into some fantastical tangents on the future of AI, too. Join us and learn what you definitely need to know as you incorporate this powerful tool into your legal practice. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In this podcast, Jared and I take you on a wild ride through the ethics of using Artificial (or Alternative) Intelligence in your law practice as we encounter AI hallucinations, pitfalls and legal traps. We cover such a wide swath it takes up two podcasts. And, like is our tradition, we wander into some fantastical tangents on the future of AI, too. Join us and learn what you definitely need to know as you incorporate this powerful tool into your legal practice.future of AI, too. Join us and learn what you definitely need to know as you incorporate this powerful tool into your legal practice.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
How do you launch a new law firm? What is your 'go to market plan' for your solo practice? Or, if you are relaunching how do you tackle marketing in an effective way? Jared shares an abundance of information to help you meet your goals. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
You are not having problems with getting the work. But you ARE having problems getting the talent to help you produce that work, service these clients. It's not an uncommon dilemma. Post-pandemic it's become an employee-centric market meaning those who are out looking for the jobs have all the power. How do you hire in this environment? How do you get the quality talent? What do you have to offer to get the good people to help your practice grow. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Do lawyers needs to cold call? Seriously? Yes. In today's environment lawyers need to have a robust program for cold calling and how you can do it effectively and efficiently and without violating the rules against solicitation. Yes...listen to this. You will be glad you did.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We are concluding this incredible series of Days of Future Passed – Law Practice in 2025 discussing meeting clients’ new demands of you and your practice including implementing: Efficiences Data Security KPIs Analytics Collaboration Sharing Embedding Outside Counsel If you are looking to build your presence with a serious marketing effort that is progressive, you'll […]Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In part 1 we discovered the magic of KPIs, basically analytics for Attorneys. Sounds dry (even I thought so when Jared presented the topic) but I soon learned it isn't. It's quite fascinating because at the end of the day it is measuring whether what you are doing is working and it's not cookie cutter. You can create measurements for anything you are doing so it is also quite creative. So, let's get to it and learn more! Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
The acronym KPI (Key Performance Indicators) often strikes terror in the uninitiated lawyer. However, they are not only nothing to fear but a simple documentable measure you should embrace. KPIs are simply measurements of performance and they can measure anything you are doing; how many clients you close from leads, your collection rate, the number of cases you handle per month, etc. Once you understand you have all these measurable activities already available to you through the tools you use in your practice today (like your case management software) and actually start using them, your practice will only become more efficient and be more profitable. Put your fear aside, listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
It's that time of year...or any time of year you want and need to get away to regroup and refresh, spend time with family. After all, isn't this one of the perks of solo/small firm practice? Owning your own time? Listen as Jared gives his expert advice on how to take that well needed vacation.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In Part 5 of this great series, we will discuss what legal marketing will look like in the not too distant future. This will include: Paid Verification Video & Audio Content Short Form Content Virtual Reality Meta Verse(s) Community-Focused Networking Join us!Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
This is a MUST LISTEN podcast. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and now Generative AI has hit the world like a meteor and the consequences are and will continue to be profound. You may be more familiar with the term ChatGPT because it is spreading like a contagion. Today we are going to talk about how you can either take advantage of Generative AI, or be left behind. And you don't want to be left behind because when used properly, Generative AI can save you and your solo/small firm immeasurable amounts of time and money while making you more profitable. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In part four we are going to look at trends in law firm ‘employees' and we use the term very broadly. Why broadly? Because we need to look at the role of non-lawyers, AI (Artificial Intelligence) as an ‘employee', Technology as an ‘employee'. Yes, we have to expand the term ‘employee' because the world is changing rapidly. So, join us. It will be informative as always. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We are coming to the end of the 2nd Wave of Legal Tech. Yes, I know. You've only just started embracing the first wave of legal tech! But it is happening fast and you need to catch up. We will be discussing what is and will be happening in front office technology, consolidation of software, 'behavior' automation and so much. Join us!Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In Part 2 of our series, Days of Future Passed - Law Practice in 2025, we will discuss two critical topics; what will it mean to actually be a lawyer in 2025 and how will we price our services and collect on those fees. What are the clients' expectations of who we are and how they should value our services? It's a truly provocative and informative conversation. Join us!Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Enjoy our New Series - Days of Future Passed - What Will Law Firms Look Like in 2025, Part 1 In this first installment we will discuss the law firm business structure in all its incarnations, how this impacts your employees, vendors and much more. Will we see the Amazon model of law firms? It is more in-depth and surprising than you might imagine including sales people, referral fees. Will we see the demise of the solo practitioner? This is info you will need which ever direction you may go. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Lawyers fundamentally know the importance of networking. Newer lawyers growing in their practices these past few years know it in theory but haven't experienced the value of in-person events for making connections. In this pandemic/post-pandemic world are we losing something of value we don't realize in exchange for rationalizing the convenience (and some would argue safety) of connecting on line? This is an important discussion for lawyers, conference organizers, educators and more. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
This is a very 'sexy' topic, or we at least think so. How do you get great Search Engine Optimization (SEO) without paying for it. Let's face it, if you are just starting out you just can't afford it. It's cost prohibitive for your desired search terms or queries. We talk about some great workarounds to help you get there. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Should professionalism be defined by others...or by you? Jared and I dig into this important question and we come at it from our typical unplugged perspective. We believe you'll find it both enlightening and liberating. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We all think we are so busy all the time. We have no time for anything. We are exhausted.We abandon self-care, projects that need attending, And as busy as we are, we accomplish less and less. How does this impact your solo practice, your growth both personal and professional, your income? Is it classic avoidance? Lack of structure? Listen and learn how to avoid busy-ness and tackle the important tasks and feel accomplished in your solo practice..and your life.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Today's employee is not your father's employee. The hiring market is hot but do you know what employees want today? I'm guessing no. It's a whole new world out there and you had best understand the post-Covid hiring requirements for today's employees. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
What is your ultimate goal? To retain more of your earnings, right? Today Jared and I talk about six different strategies, not complex, which need to be consistently applied. Learn about these simple options you can execute on to make your financial goals a reality. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
This is such a forward-thinking podcast. We're talking professional law firm management, bringing in non-lawyers to do those business-growth tasks to take you to the next level in the 21st century. As always, we wander into the stratosphere and you will enjoy the ride. I promise.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Is creating a virtual workforce the future of law practice? Why is creating a virtual workforce not getting the attention it deserves in the legal community? Is it the lawyer's personality? The incessant need to micromanage employees? Is it not knowing how to manage a virtual workforce? But what do you do in a crisis, a hurricane, a wildfire, a pandemic? Does your practice just come to a halt? We discuss at length and in depth the pros and cons and then how to overcome the cons. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
If a global pandemic isn't enough to get you to reimagine your law firm, including your billing model, what are you waiting for? An asteroid strike? Clearly, now is the time to rethink your billing model and start creating a sustainable client-friendly billing model which will give you both profitability and client satisfaction. The models are out there and being reimagined on the daily. The time to revisit and change your model is now. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Jared and I discuss one of our favorite topics - the Initial Consultation. While the goal is to get a new client, what you are trying to accomplish is multi-layered and it changes over the course of your legal career. This is a podcast to bookmark and keep referring to over and over, again. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
What happens in a world of unexpected business interruptions, prolonged business interruptions, life-altering business interruptions and life interruptions. This podcast was recorded earlier during the pandemic but our conversation is timeless because it discusses how to make your practice hyper-efficient all the time. Even those who have worked from home previously, this has changed, too, in a major way. Jared and I discuss the changes and how to make your practice hyper-efficient. And then ask yourself, will you keep these new changes going forward regardless. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Every one you meet will have a differing opinion on how to market your law firm. It can be exhausting and confusing. But more importantly, it can make or break your solo/small firm practice. Truly. How do you differentiate yourself? And will you? Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We've all heard about Alternative Business Structures (ABS) and how they have been kept at bay, for the most part, from changing the legal profession. Well, guess what? We predict the fortress walls will be crumbling and we even hint at who the players will be who will be allowed entry. And maybe sooner than we think. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
How has the pandemic and the fallout from the pandemic changed your feelings about your solo/small firm practice? How has it changed how you will practice going forward? This is a very important discussion because, guess what? Your clients were changed, too. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
How do you create a turn-key law practice from the day you start practicing law? In this day and age of disruptions to society, from pandemics to snow storms to wildfires, how do you create a seamless practice which can handle these disruptions, change of personnel and more, and then be saleable by just 'handing over the key' to the practice? This is the million dollar question and the future of law practice for solo/small firms. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Every situation, good or bad, we face in life presents opportunities for those who can capitalize on what is happening. It is no different for those looking to venture out in solo practice. This last year shook up the world for practically everyone. Even if you are already solo, you had to rethink how you were approaching your practice. So, join us as we discuss the opportunities!Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We all know that this pandemic has really shaken things up – on both a micro & macro scale. The industry has changed, but so has day-to-day. When your dog is your coworker, your bedroom is your office and the lines of what used to be your workday are now blurred more than ever, life and work have definitely changed. But have you changed with it in order to meet client expectations? Many solo and small firms have been presented with a fight or flight scenario, and while it’s incredibly sad to see, the folks who were forced to try new things & pivot often found more success. And the overall goals haven’t changed for these solo and small firms – they want to create a sustainable business model & still have that desire for growth. Listen and Learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
By now you’ve heard about the lawyer who was videoconferencing on zoom with a federal judge and couldn’t remove a cat filter. It was funny, embarrassing, and went viral. To his credit, he kept his composure. However, it has opened up an important conversation about web conferencing best practices, security, audio and video settings, and […]Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
The pandemic has thrust virtual work into the spotlight. While for some it's no different than pre-pandemic work, for others it is a sea change in how they conduct business. It is showcasing the financial benefits and work-life perks of remote work. But, it is also laying bare the weaknesses in our solo/small firm practices and highlighting where we all need to improve. It is critical we start reimagining working virtually from acquiring new clients to the courthouse. What will it look like a year from now? What technologies will shine and others disappear? What technologies must you implement or upgrade to stay competitive? This is a fascinating guest lecture to help you start reshaping your future work world. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Did you know the World Health Organization has classified 'Burnout' as a health issue? Did you know that burnout is not based on the number of hours you work but the quality of those hours? Cynthia Sharp and Becky Howlett founded legalburnout.com, a resource to help solo and small firm practitioners navigate the emotional roadmap of solo/small firm practice to keep you healthy and grounded through a pandemic and the rest of your lives. This information-packed podcast will have you taking action immediately to help ground you and elevate you at the same time. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Many solos don't know how to value and sell their law firm because most solos don't understand the value of what they've created even when they are no longer a part of the firm. Listen and learn how to value and sell your solo practice. Know how to create a succession plan. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
What's in a name? Everything. How do you build your brand with your solo/small firm name? What limitations are there for law firms? Many! This is a very interesting discussion and, as always, we have fun as we teach. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
2020 is proving quite the year and we're only in the 2nd Quarter! What we are experiencing now is unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. Yet, life must go on and so must your practice. But how do you practice in the age of pandemics? Jared and I discuss the changes, the modifications, both technical and emotional. How do you pivot your marketing so as not to be insensitive but more human? What technology must you use now? How do you handle it all without falling apart? We answer these questions and more so join us. You'll be glad you did.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
In order to grow, solos will need to delegate legal work to paralegals, administrative staff, free lance lawyers and associates and any vendor you hire on your behalf. Even hiring a marketing firm! But do you really know the ethics surrounding delegation of work you are ultimately ethically responsible for as the the owner of your law firm? This is a critically important topic. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Is the billable hour in its final death throes? If so, how do we deal with this while we build our practices? Of course, people have been saying this since last century. Listen and learn Jared's unique take on this perennially hot button issue.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What Clients Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth how to be successful. Here is Part 5. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Jarred and I have recorded six free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What Clients Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. Here is the 4th installation. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What (Clients) Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. This is a great 6 part lecture series. enjoy Part 3 - Listen and Learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
(You can listen to Part 1 here.) Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What (Clients) Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth: How Legal Consumers Find Law Firms What Legal Consumers Want Marketing Requirements for a Modern Law Firm […]Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What (Clients) Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth: How Legal Consumers Find Law Firms What Legal Consumers Want Marketing Requirements for a Modern Law Firm Intake Procedures/Forms How Modern Law […]Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
There is a rhythm to growing a solo/small firm practice. Usually, around year three you finally feel comfortable and then it happens. You are swamped and you realize you need to grow. You are in a bit of a crisis. Listen and learn and we will share how to navigate the inevitable growing pains, not just in year three, but every other growth spurt you will experience.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Today Jared and I discuss the multi-millions being invested in legal technology, all of which is aimed to change the practice of law. How does this investment impact your practice? Is the tail wagging the dog? Are investors telling you how to practice based upon the technology they create? Listen and then share your thoughts.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Do you want to start a solo practice in a rural America? Do you want to learn how to be successful, understand the way to do it right?Who better to present a jam-packed guest lecture on this subject than Gary Bauer, lawyer and Chairman of the General Practice Solo Concentration for twenty years at WMU Cooley Law School. Gary feels very strongly there is so much potential for young (and not so young) lawyers to lives quality lives serving the legal needs of those in rural areas. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Technology competence and compliance are more important than ever today and new rules have been put into place which you must observe. Who better to discuss how to fulfill your obligations than Jarred Correia. Listen and learn as we talk about the challenges and the solutions to this 21st century mandate for successful practice.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
Going solo with intention and doing it the right way is going solo by design. Who better to present a jam-packed guest lecture on this subject than Gary Bauer, lawyer and Chairman of the General Practice Solo Concentration for twenty years at WMU Cooley Law School. Gary and I are kindred spirits. His information is purposeful, thoughtful and complete. Listen and learn.Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
We welcome back Cynthia Sharp, ABA/GP Solo Rock Star for her third and final podcast on The 6 Steps to Client Mastery which now walks us through the processes (and soft skills) necessary to handle difficult clients, get your fees, conclude the matter and turn your happy clients into lifetime referral sources. This is not to be missed. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel
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