New Solo

Podcast, “American Bar Association Law Practice Podcast”

Podcast, “Stuff Your Accountant Isn’t Telling You”

Ready Player One: The Life Of A Video Game Lawyer

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Drop a quarter in the slot and dig into the nontraditional career of Chrissie Scelsi who specializes in the law of video gaming. Scelsi forged her own way, untangling the intersection of entertainment, marketing, technology, and law.

Games aren’t all fun and games. Scelsi deals with licensing, advertising, intellectual property, transactions, e-sports, content clearance, privacy law, and even influencer relations. “I lean something new every day, and that’s great,” she says. Throughout her career, she’s become a self-described legal Swiss army knife (and she’s a master at Pokémon Go).

Among the topics she encounters both in her practice and as the first woman president of the Video Game Bar Association is the impact of AI, from game development to game play. Working independently, hear how Scelsi has found her community, networks with others, and keeps current on the latest issues affecting not only legal aspects but also trends across the video gaming industry, an industry expected to approach $200 billion in annual revenue this year.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

Have a passion? There’s a legal field for that! Hear how guest Chrissie Scelsi turned her love for entertainment and video gaming into a full-time practice.
Video gaming is big business not just in the U.S. but around the world, and that means a web of legal needs to help game developers and marketers navigate copyright, legal protections, liability, and intellectual property issues.
In a rapidly evolving field, it’s important for solo practitioners and consultants to build a community through associations, conferences, and networking to share ideas and understand ever-changing legal issues and challenges.

Getting Up and Running With the Help of a Coach and Today’s Tech

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0000

Meet Alyssa Vachon Daigneault, a new Massachusetts attorney who benefitted from a chat with lawyer and law coach Kellam Parks, an amazing guest from our previous podcast. Hear how Daigneault launched her law firm as a second career after years teaching high school chemistry and hear what she learned from Parks as she beefed up her technology.

Daigneault launched her own firm less than two years ago in the busy Boston area, specializing in real estate, land use, and property matters, all fields she was already well versed in.

A session with a coach helped Daigneault fully frame the vision and direction of her practice, craft policies, and understand onboarding new hires. Starting a new solo firm is hard, do you need help cutting through some of the steps and learning from those who went before you?

Daigneault is an advocate for learning about and investing and experimenting in tech, AI, and other tools before worrying about office space. As a new solo, tech can save time, build efficiencies, and let lawyers do what they do best.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

A new solo, embarking on a second career as an attorney, took some tips from one of New Solo’s earlier guests, attorney and legal practice coach Kellam Parks.
Not all tech and AI are the same, it takes time and research to understand what works for you. Lining up the right tools makes a difference.
In today’s legal environment, tech is becoming king. But if you can manage it, the right support staff and office space can push you forward and keep you growing.

Resources:

Previously on New Solo, “Six To-Dos Every Firm Can Embrace in 2026,” with Kellam Parks

The Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts

Previous appearance on New Solo, “Tech, Automation, and Cybersecurity: A Pioneering Attorney’s Perspective”

Six To-Dos Every Firm Can Embrace in 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Where do you want your firm to go in the new year? Do you have a plan to get there? Intentional firm design and strategy trumps reactive growth every time. Don’t let your firm run you; take charge today!

Guest Kellam Parks is a partner with the metrics- and technology-driven family and cybersecurity law firm Parks Zeigler PLLC, and he runs the coaching program “The Motivated Lawyer,” helping firms craft a path to a successful future. Hear how he recently took on one new client pro bono to demonstrate how his coaching helps lawyers visualize and achieve their goals.

Parks began his own Virginia Beach firm as a “paperless” entity nearly 15 years ago, incorporating emerging tech to maximize efficiencies. As the firm developed, tech tools have helped his team automate the routine and focus on the most important and demanding tasks. He is a regular speaker and provider of CLE programs for attorneys and firms and produces educational videos and a popular newsletter packed with tips.

Do you need help building out your technological capacities and marketing? As Parks points out, “Nobody knows everything.” Always be learning and open to new ideas.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Too many solos start out with no intentional plan, opting instead to gather as many clients as they can then scrambling to keep up. A recipe for stress and inefficiency.
In 2026, think about what you actually want from your firm. Then create an intentional plan to get there, step by step.
Technology is not an option. Use the tools available to you. But remember “technology does not fix chaos.” It all starts with your plan, your established systems, and understanding what you’re doing (and why).

Mentioned in This Episode:

Previous appearance on Legal Talk Network’s Digital Detectives, “Cybersecurity: Getting to Good for the Small Law Firm”

Ben Glass, Great Legal Marketing

Gino Wickman, “Traction”

Allie K. Miller, understanding AI

“Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire,” by Dan Martell

Hear the original episode with Lee Rosen

Creating a Referral Network That Actually Works with Lee Rosen | First Flight #12

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

When family lawyer and podcaster Lee Rosen talks about referrals, he doesn’t call them a network. He calls them friends. He explains why you only need about 20 trusted relationships to sustain a thriving practice, how genuine curiosity and consistency outperform traditional “networking,” and why lawyers make some of the most powerful referral partners across practice areas. Lee also shares how thoughtful gestures, not referral fees, build long-term goodwill and how social media can strengthen real-world connections when used with intention. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to cover the risk-management side of referrals, including documentation best practices, appropriate thank-you gifts, when to decline referrals, and why every solo should have a backup attorney and succession plan in place.

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Have JD, Will Work Remotely. Contract Attorneys Fill Gaps When Firms Have Short-Term Needs.

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Let the record show, records were meant to be corrected. In this episode, we revisit something we mentioned that might not have been the full story, the role of the remote attorney and the freelance attorneys provided by LAWCLERK.

Guest Kristin Tyler is a lawyer and co-founder and chief brand officer at LAWCLERK, which supplies contract attorneys for growing, busy law firms under an arrangement where freelance attorneys work under the supervision of a client’s in-house attorneys.

From discovery to document review to deposition management, contract attorneys can manage routine tasks at rates designed to be affordable for growing firms. Why hire a part-time paralegal when you can hire an actual attorney at a comparable rate?

Whether you’re a growing firm or an attorney looking for part-time work, hear why this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

Contract and part-time remote attorneys can help busy, growing firms find affordable legal assistance when things get hectic.
Why hire a remote paralegal when you can hire an actual, licensed attorney at a comparable cost? Do your best and outsource the rest! Special for our listeners, for your first hire from LAWCLERK, use the promo code NewSolo25 for a $100 rebate.
Hear how the arrangement works, including ethical and licensing policies, confidentiality, state-specific availability, and even hiring attorneys who are experts in the exact area of law you need.

Resources:

Previous appearance on Legal Talk Network, “Clio Cloud 2022: Hire for Success – Best Practices for Growing Your Team”

Previously on New Solo, “Checking In! Four Years Later, Solo Practice Aloha Divorce Is Thriving”

Hear the original episode with Nate Cade

Creating a Tech-Driven Solo Practice with Nate Cade | First Flight #11

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

When Milwaukee attorney Nate Cade left big law, he wasn’t just starting a firm — he was rebuilding his entire work life around flexibility, technology, and intention. He shares how shedding committees and tradition helped him design a virtual, modern practice from day one, why an iPad and curiosity turned him into a tech-first lawyer years before it was common, and how testing every tool himself led to a streamlined firm that serves clients better from anywhere. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to explore what remote-first solos must plan for, how discipline and smart systems act as your “secret” backup plan, and why supervision, cybersecurity, and dedicated hardware matter even more when your whole team works from home.

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Security. There Is Nothing More Important in Law Firm Tech

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Security, security, security. In your law firm’s tech package, there is probably no more important word than security. Your clients depend on it. Your business depends on it.

You and your firm can get hacked. It happens. Bad people want to get into your firm. They can dig through your email. They can get into your Microsoft 365 One Drive or Google accounts. Guest Adam Alexander, president of the Orlando-based IT firm Internetwork IT, explains two recent breaches, how they happened and how much damage hackers can do.

Once inside, hackers can hold your business – and your reputation – for ransom. The scary part? While evil doers are worming through your data, you may not even know it.

In this important episode, even if you think you know all about security, take a moment to get your head around the latest threats and safeguards. What’s an admin account? What’s two-factor authentication? Who holds the key to your kingdom? If you haven’t thought about this for a while, today’s the day.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com,

Topics:

Cyber security should be your firm’s top priority. If you think your firm is “too small” for hackers to target, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Authentications, password management, and encrypted emails are the rule, not the exception. Security is everybody’s business.
The tools you probably use today, including Microsoft and Google, include advanced security options. How to take advantage of them.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Previous appearance on New Solo, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers”

Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence

Microsoft 365 Premium

“Set up multifactor authentication for Microsoft 365”

Google OAuth

1Password

RoboForm

American Bar Association, “Insurance Strategies to Mitigate AI and Cyber Risks”

Hear the original episode with Matthew Moeller

Building a Business-Minded Law Firm with Matthew Moeller | First Flight #10

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

When Matthew Moeller launched his New Orleans law firm, he wasn’t just becoming a solo attorney— he was stepping into entrepreneurship. He shares how he turned lessons from a high-school retail job into business instincts for running a profitable practice, why he ditched file cabinets for the cloud, and how technology and specialization keep his firm agile and client-focused. Then, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins host Adriana Linares to unpack why business training, specialization, and tail coverage matter for every new solo.

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How Solid Workflows Can Save Your Solo Practice from Chaos | First Flight #9

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Starting your solo firm means building good habits from day one and that begins with your intake process. In this episode of New Solo: First Flight, host Adriana Linares revisits her conversation with Chad Burton, co-founder of Modern Law Practice and CEO of CuroLegal, about how thoughtful workflows create better client relationships and fewer headaches.

From conflict checks and engagement letters to managing matters in Clio and working with virtual assistants, Chad shares how documenting your processes can help your firm grow smoothly and ethically. Plus, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine from ALPS Insurance break down why consistent intake procedures and clear engagement letters are key to avoiding malpractice claims and protecting your peace of mind.

Hear the original episode with Chad Burton

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Getting Serious About Well-Being in the Legal Profession. Are You OK?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

How are you doing? No, really, how are you doing? Guest Chris Newbold is not only the COO of ALPS Insurance – a leader in malpractice insurance for solo and small legal practices – he’s also a recognized driver in the nationwide movement to ensure well-being in the legal profession.

Over the past decade, there’s been a focus on mental health, stress, and substance abuse in the profession. Meeting deadlines, satisfying clients, and the sometimes-confrontational nature of the job can take a toll, especially on lawyers in small practices or rural area where support can be lacking.

Newbold shares insights from ALPS’ recent report, “The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” which he helped deliver. The study made a special effort to include small and rural practices. A healthy lawyer is a good lawyer, Newbold says. Taking care of yourself helps you better serve your clients.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

- Attorneys in solo or small firms are uniquely susceptible to the effects of stress. It’s a hard job. But the right tech, paired with a mindful approach and managed workload, can reduce that stress. Taking care of yourself ultimately benefits your clients.
- Practicing in a solo or small firm or in rural areas can have its benefits, and surveys show those attorneys are finding job satisfaction and taking time off when needed. But there are also unique stresses and the potential to feel alone or overburdened.
- Workload and cash flow are among the biggest stressors facing attorneys. Stress can lead to mistakes (and malpractice), so be mindful of where you are and how much you can handle. If you own your own practice, don’t let your practice own you.

Resources:

“The State of the Solo: Positive Trends in Solo Attorney Well-Being,” ALPS Insurance

“The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change”

Previous appearance on the Legal Talk Network, The Digital Age podcast, “The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice”

Mental Health Resources, American Bar Association

Law Student Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, ABA

The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers’ Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success
Lawmatics
ABA Techshow 2026
Gyi Tsakalakis legal marketing
Lunch Hour Legal Marketing with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam
Mycase
“How to Buy a Domain Name,” Cloudflare
Life Care Planning Law Firms Association
Actionstep legal software
Clio Cloud Conference 2025
Clio Legal Trends Report
Microsoft Lift

Checking In! We drop in on previous guest Andrew Schierberg and see how he’s doing as he went from a police officer to a lawyer.

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Guest Andrew Schierberg is a former police officer and a police chief who opened his own solo law firm two years ago and has been growing it ever since. What does he miss from his first career, and what has he learned as a lawyer?

As the firm has evolved, there has been some rebranding and the addition of new attorneys, employees, and tech tools. Today, Schierberg specializes in elder law at his firm Stages Elder Care Law.

Hear how Schierberg has learned to hire associates so he can focus on “buying back his time” to grow the business. Understand your strengths, find areas where your time is wasted, and delegate or apply tech solutions to make your firm run more efficiently.

Schierberg picked a niche – elder care law – and has made it his home. It’s what he cares about, helping seniors and families create estate and care plans and address all of those “what ifs” as they arise. Hear how he adapts everything from his corporate colors to his daily wardrobe to make clients comfortable and create a strong, memorable, and trusted brand.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

We’re checking in on Andrew Schierberg who finished his first career as a police chief and then opened his own law firm two years ago.
Time wasting pinch points can siphon off your energy and productivity. Identify those areas and address them.
Finding a niche service area can set your firm apart and create a sense of satisfaction that keeps you focused and helps you work on important, big picture goals.

Resources:

Shared Spaces, Separate Firms: How Conti Moore and Barbara Leach Built a Unique Solo Partnership | First Flight #8

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

What does it look like when two solos run completely independent practices—but still share staff, expenses, and even office celebrations? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares revisits her interview with Orlando attorneys Conti Moore and Barbara Leach to unpack how they crafted a “work wife” arrangement that saves money, boosts efficiency, and provides daily collaboration without merging firms.

From splitting receptionist hours and copier leases to balancing friendship with professionalism, Conti and Barbara explain how their shared setup helped them avoid loneliness, strengthen their brands, and keep their autonomy while enjoying the benefits of teamwork. Later, ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine joins Adriana to highlight the risks and rewards of these unconventional arrangements and why clear boundaries, role definitions, and coverage conversations are key to making them work.

Hear the original episode with Conti Moore and Barbara Leach

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Heard it on the Podcast: Guests Share How New Solo Got Them Started, Kept Them Going

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Checking in with returning guests Dean Blachford and Ella Sui, who started the Blachford Tax Law firm in Ottawa, Canada in 2021. Blachford is the tax lawyer and Sui is the clerk, paralegal, and more, forming a small tag team specializing in Canadian tax law.

This is a fun episode because before they hung out a shingle, Blachford and Sui listened to the entire New Solo podcast library, building an understanding of a solo practice as host Adriana Linares and her guests discussed the challenges, and solutions, new practitioners encounter. Soon after they opened, the duo joined Linares for a podcast to share what they found to be the most impactful episodes.

So, how did that work out for Blachford and Sui? Four years later, hear what they learned from New Solo and how they put it all to work their firm. Bookkeeping, accounting, systems and processes, collections, clear goals, and careful documentation are all part of the firm’s success.

The firm considered hiring a junior attorney but instead leaned into tech by hiring a remote assistant (in the Philippines) and a human resources consultant. And (of course) this wouldn’t be a New Solo podcast with a whole bunch of cutting edge legal tech solutions.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Guests Dean Blachford and Ella Sui started their New Solo practice by listening to the catalog of New Solo episodes. Four years later, hear how that worked out and how they learned to incorporate processes, procedures, remote help, and the latest tech.
In a small firm, it’s important colleagues’ workloads. People may not always tell you when they are overloaded. Know when it’s time to bring on help, whether in person, with a remote assistant, or through better technical tools and programs.

Don’t wait to document and establish clear processes, and stress those to new assistants. The things you put off early never get done. Document and follow your processes in the moment, don’t procrastinate.

Mentioned in This Episode:

New Solo podcast, prior episode, “Marco Brown’s Eight Commandments for Getting Paid”

New Solo podcast, prior episode “Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets”

Hear the original episode with Kristin Rizzo

Strategic Shifts: How Kristen Rizzo Transitioned from Litigator to Full-Time Mediator | First Flight #7

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

When is the right time to rebrand your legal practice and how do you actually pull it off? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares talks with Kristen Rizzo, a former employment litigator who built a thriving solo practice before making a bold, calculated shift to mediation and impartial workplace investigations.

Kristen shares how she planned her transition from Rizzo Law to Rizzo Resolution, the value of becoming a subject-matter expert, and how she used branding, visibility, and pro bono work to launch a neutral practice with intention. Adriana is later joined by ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine to explore how preparation, professional boundaries, and proper coverage help lawyers lower risk during big career pivots.

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Checking In! Four Years Later, Solo Practice Aloha Divorce Is Thriving

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Let’s get back in touch with a favorite guests from past episodes, friend of the podcast Cassandra Koenig, formerly Cassandra Michel, founder of the amicable family law and divorce firm Aloha Divorce.

It’s been a few years since we talked, and the firm is thriving (so is Koenig). How did she fare in the past four years, building her own family and a law practice? Hear how she’s built a practice and supplemented her client work with contracted, side jobs to fill in slow spots. It’s all part of running a true solo practice.

Hear how Koenig new from the start she wanted to run a solo practice and stayed true to her aims, all without burning out. She’s built a firm on her own terms, focusing on helping families move on in their own direction on good terms. Her practice makes her feel happy and fulfilled, she only works with clients she feels good about, and she keeps humming along. Thinking of going solo? Koenig’s story will inspire you.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

It can be done. Guest Cassandra Koening knew she wanted to run a solo practice, and checking in four years later we hear how she is making it work.
Technology and outsourcing are key components in a true solo practice. Learn how to source and maximize tech (and as we’ve said before, don’t try to be your own bookkeeper).
Not every day is packed with client meetings. Sometimes it takes a little contracted side work to keep the wheels spinning, and that’s OK.

Resources:

Previous appearance on New Solo, “How This New Lawyer Branded Her Firm With Aloha and Built a Happy Practice | First Flight #4”

Previous appearance on New Solo, “A First Year Recap From a New Family Law Practitioner”

Lawclerk.legal

ARAG

Google Analytics

Canva marketing materials

Previous episode: “What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective”

Hear the original episode with Andrew Schierberg

Building a Practice with Purpose: How One Former Police Chief Built a Client-Centered Law Firm | First Flight #6

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

What does it take to pivot from a career in law enforcement to launching a solo elder law practice? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares sits down with Andrew Schierberg, a former police chief who retired after 20 years of service and started a second career in law. Andrew shares how he found his passion for elder law, why he chose a holistic service model, and the systems he put in place to build a client-centered firm in Northern Kentucky.

From his decision to practice law on his own terms to hiring a care coordinator as his first team member, Andrew's story is one of intentional design, service-driven values, and entrepreneurial smarts. Later in the episode, Adriana is joined by ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine to talk about hiring smart, supervising staff, and how the right technology and documented workflows help safeguard your growing solo firm.

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Summer Assignment: Get Comfortable With Video and Launch Your Content

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Guest Jared Correia of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting helps law firms run better and helps lawyers live their best lives. In addition, he’s both an attorney and an avid podcaster and writer. In this episode Correia and good friend, host Adriana Linares, dive into how law firms can leverage video content to build their business and how to outsource tasks and maximize technical efficiencies.

Correia explains step by step how lawyers can get in the video content game. Buy a tripod, fire up your cell phone, and get started. Modern platforms are your friend, from YouTube to LinkedIn, Loom to VideoAsk, even Zoom.

Make mastering the art of video your goal this summer. Hear where you can find subject ideas, edit and publish, and use AI to turn recordings into articles.

Plus, managing remote contract workers to streamline your business, creating “role-based access” to your files, automating tasks and workflows, and getting the most out of the software that’s already on your desk.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

If you’re not leveraging video content to build your business, you’re probably losing out to someone who does. Make mastering video production and distribution your summer goal (hear how to get started).
Make use of the newest tech tools – and learn how to use the tools you’re already paying for – to automate, streamline, manage, and outsource your daily tasks.
Plus, a special guest, Legal Talk Network producer Adam Lockwood drops by to share some pro podcasting and video tips for beginners.

Resources:

YouTube

Loom video

VideoAsk

Riverside.fm video editing

Microsoft Office tools

Acuity scheduling

Kevin Stratvert on YouTube

Legal Toolkit podcast, Legal Talk Network

Legal Late Night podcast

Above The Law podcast

“How Law Firms Can Leverage Video Content To Drive Business”

“How Remote Staff Can Help Small Firms Punch Above Their Weight”

“Helping Hands: The Value Proposition Of Remote Work For Law Firms”

Previous appearance on New Solo, “Solo, But Not? Shared Office Space (Plus, Chatbots and A.I.)”

Previous appearance on Legal Talk Network, Un-Billable Hour, “Separating The Wheat From The Chaff In Legal Tech (And AI)”

Redefining Success: One Immigration Lawyer’s Path from Burnout to Balance | First Flight #5

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Can a young lawyer balance motherhood, burnout, and building a solo practice? In this episode of New Solo’s First Flight series, Adriana Linares talks with immigration attorney Kim Felton, whose legal career was born from necessity and built with purpose. After facing rejection while pregnant and being let go from a hostile firm, Kim turned to contract work and eventually launched her own immigration practice and consulting company, Innovation Litigation.

Kim shares how she carved her own path using legal tech, project management tools, and an unshakable drive to create a family-friendly law firm not just for herself, but to help other attorneys do the same. Later in the episode, Adriana and ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine discuss how documenting procedures, adopting the right case management system, and creating a positive work culture can protect your practice and your peace of mind.

Hear the original episode with Kimberley Felton

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Case Management and Accounting Tech: Implementation, Migration, and Integration

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:07:00 -0000

Take a deep dive into today’s case management and accounting tech with one of the leading voices in legal technology, Allan Mackenzie, the founding partner of the firm Efficient Legal.

Moving from older systems and into the cloud can open lots of doors, affordably. Even small firms can dig into today’s modern technology to help manage documents, accounting tasks, and more.

Iron out the wrinkles in your data management, connect platforms, and work seamlessly and efficiently. Case management systems have evolved to include dashboards, workflows, document assembly, phone call and text messaging systems, and even accounting tech and credit card processing. Hear what Mackenzie looks for when he sets out to build the right-sized system for a law firm, whether that’s a solo practice or a large organization.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Think your legal software and systems are fine because they’re what you’ve always used? Think again. Six months is an eternity in legal tech, and if you haven’t reviewed and renewed your software suite, you could be leaving money on the table.

Integrate everything, including your billing, collections, and your phone calls, into every part of your firm, from information management to confidential storage and efficient search and recall.

Your clients are texting more than ever. Today’s case management systems incorporate technology to securely receive, sort, and store text messages.

Resources:

Previously on New Solo, “Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To Modernize But There’s One Holdout”

MyCase

Smokeball

CARET (formerly Zola)

Previously on New Solo, guest Peggy Gruenke, “What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective”

Previously on New Solo, guest Amanda Moore, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals”

Here the original episode with Cassandra Koeing

How This New Lawyer Branded Her Firm With Aloha and Built a Happy Practice | First Flight #4

Thu, 08 May 2025 14:30:00 -0000

Can your law firm be both professional and personal? In this episode, host Adriana Linares revisits her conversation with Cassandra Koeing, a solo family lawyer who launched Aloha Divorce straight out of school and found success by leaning into her personality and values.

From creating a business plan with heart to growing a referral network through community events and Instagram, Cassandra shares how authenticity helped her attract the right clients. Plus, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine from ALPS Insurance break down how choosing the right tech, building good habits, and learning when to say no can keep your practice and your peace of mind on track from day one.

Learn more about ALPS Insurance

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Turning Tech Into Profit for Your Small Firm

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Want to help your small firm flex its muscles? Think tech. Guest John K. Phoebus is a highly regarded personal injury and criminal defense attorney practicing on the eastern shore of Maryland. He is a founding partner of the Anthenelli, Phoebus & Hickman, LLC boutique law firm that he turbocharges with the latest technology.

Hear how Phoebus struck out at first on his own, then partnered with trusted colleagues and built a reputation so strong in their region they are known largely either by their last names or by Phoebus’ nickname, “The Crab Lawyer.”

To manage a heavy case load in a boutique firm and sift through massive piles of evidence, even decades of medical records for a single case, Phoebus leans into tech, often tinkering with new products and pushing for greater capabilities when taking his small firm into battle against much larger, deep pocket firms.

Technology can help you market online, take clients from inquiry to retainer, and create repeatable, dependable case management systems that deliver a consistent experience to clients, build your reputation, and maximize outcomes time after time.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

For small firms, a strong tech arsenal (and yes, that means AI as well) turns Davids into Goliaths. Go toe-to-toe with the biggest firms with a robust stable of tech tools, even sort through decades of medical records, sort multiple body camera videos, and help you read a brief through the eyes of a judge and jury.
Owning multiple online domain names can help you extend your reach without creating more work, they can all point back to the same website while protecting you from “poachers” who want to latch onto your reputation.
How do you know you’ve “made it” in the legal world? When you’re known only by your last name. That’s a reputation.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Clio Grow intake software

Google NotebookLM

10 Kanban Board Examples

CoCounsel AI legal software

Microsoft 365 for business

MDEC, Maryland Electronic Courts

“Jake Heller Interview With Artificial Lawyer: ‘We Never Planned For This’”

Eastern Exposure: A Chesapeake Story Documentary on Crisfield, Maryland

Scorpion marketing

Hear the original episode with Philip Mauriello.

How a New Solo Lawyer Built a Thriving Practice in Just 3 Months | First Flight #3

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Starting a law firm straight out of school? Meet Philip Mauriello, an attorney who wasted no time launching his solo practice just three months after passing the bar. In this episode, host Adriana Linares revisits her conversation with Philip, who shares the smart, scrappy strategies that helped him build a successful business from the ground up. From freelancing to build startup capital to picking the right tech stack before day one, Philip shares real-world strategies for getting up and running fast. Plus, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine from ALPS Insurance break down why thinking ahead, specializing early, and planning your growth can reduce risk and lead to long-term success.

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Going Solo (and Staying Solo!) Tips From a Veteran Solo Practitioner

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Get inspired and stay inspired as a solo legal practitioner. Guest Paige Greenlee started her firm, Greenlee Law PLLC, in 2014 and is still going strong on her own. Hear how she does it. Keeping the lights on, and keeping track of cases, business, even contract help is a full load, but you can do it.

Having worked for large firms, Greenlee realized she wanted to control her own business, use the technology that worked for her, and manage her own calendar and cases. But as so many have noted, you learn the law in law school – not business management.

Hear how Greenlee leaned on family experiences, mentors, and her own trial and error to keep the lights on, keep the cases coming in the door, and stay organized and efficient.

Here’s a hint, a lot of running a solo practice comes down to making a business decision and then outsourcing the implementation. Greenlee learned to delegate tasks, including accounting and technology management. And as she started to build her practice, she learned to find and hire the right assistants to manage day-to-day duties. She relies heavily on tech tools – the right tools, not cheap imitations – to eliminate the forest of paper documents that comes her way daily.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Hear how a successful solo law firm founder learned to practice law, enjoy her life, and take care of the day-to-day chores it takes to run a business
It’s easy to fall into the habit of trying to do everything yourself. Learn when to “outsource,” turning over business issues such as bookkeeping and administration to contract employees and firms.
When it comes to your tech, don’t skimp. If you need it, get it. “Good enough” is rarely good enough.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Microsoft 365 for Business

NetDocuments

ScanSnap

Gliss Marketing and Consulting

TrialPad

Florida Bar Association

Hear the original episode with Heidi K. Brown.

Harnessing Quiet Strength: A Roadmap for Shy and Introverted Attorneys | First Flight #2

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:00:00 -0000

Introverted and shy attorneys, this episode is for you! Discover the key differences between introversion and shyness, gain practical tips to overcome performance anxiety, and learn how to harness your natural strengths to thrive in the legal profession with episode highlights from Heidi Brown, professor at Brooklyn Law and author of The Introverted Lawyer. Plus, don’t miss the heartfelt conversation with Rio Lane from ALPS Insurance on why “fake it till you make it” isn’t always the best approach and how lawyer wellbeing is essential for success.

Flat-Fee Billing? Yes! A “Super Episode” With the Host of Lawyerist

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

In this “Super Episode,” host Adriana Linares is joined by Stephanie Everett, a host for the Lawyerist podcast on the Legal Talk Network and the chief growth officer, lab coach, and speaker with Lawyerist, a firm dedicated to helping solo and small legal practices flourish in every area including marketing, finance, staffing, and legal tech. Twice the hosting! Together, they tackle the transition to flat-fee billing and explain how it can sometimes be a better solution for lawyers and their clients.

Clients are used to the traditional billable hour, but in reality, they aren’t paying for your time, they are paying for results. They are paying you for what you achieve. So why not bill that way?

This doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some jobs can be better handled with a straight up, flat fee or a subscription model. Others may still require hourly billing. Or maybe one part of the case is a set amount, with hourly add-ons if the case drags on.

The goal is never to see your practice earn less revenue, but flat-fee billing can benefit both client and lawyer. Think of how many times clients were afraid to call you or chat a bit to build a relationship because they worried the clock was ticking. Hear how you can try it out, “play with” a rate shift. Maybe even present clients with an option. If you’ve been curious about how flat-fee billing can work, this is the episode for you.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Flat-fee billing? It can be done, and it can offer advantages to both clients and law firms. Clients are paying for results, not “hours.
How you price your services doesn’t have to be one way or the other. It can be both. Some tasks can be set for a straight up, transparent flat fee. Others may work best at an hourly rat
Explaining fees to clients is a new concept. But clients often warm up to new ways of doing things if they’re given the chance and understand their options. It starts with honest, clear conversations. (Don’t forget to help your own staff understand, too.)

Mentioned in This Episode:

Previously on Lawyerist podcast, “#547: Legal Tech You Need for Flat Fees, with Adriana Linares”

Hear the original episode with Marco Brown.

How Specialization and Structure Can Prevent Future Headaches for Lawyers | First Flight Series

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

To soar as a solo attorney, you need financial stability, a clear flight plan to attract the right clients, and a reliable system that delivers the best ROI, while setting you apart from the competition. In this first episode of the First Flight series, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine dive into the essential habits that can make or break a solo practice. Inspired by Marco Brown’s "Eight Commandments" for solo attorneys, they discuss the importance of structuring your practice from day one, managing trust accounts responsibly, and developing good financial habits before unsustainable ones take hold.

They also explore why specialization can help streamline your firm and even lower malpractice insurance premiums. Plus, they tackle imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship, and how technology can lift the burden of running a law firm.

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Coming Soon: New Solo’s First Flight Series

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:30:00 -0000

Welcome aboard New Solo: First Flight! In this special series, hosts Adriana Linares and Rio Laine of ALPS Insurance are your captains, guiding you through the ups and downs of launching your own law firm. Before takeoff, leave your emotional baggage from law school and big law behind—this journey is all about charting your own course as a solo practitioner.

Buckle up as we cover essential topics like choosing the right tech, working with a practice management advisor, and finding networking opportunities. Our first episode lands on February 13th. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a moment of the ride! ✈️

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Learn More About ALPS Insurance

A Deposition Queen’s Tips for Overcoming Fear and Standing Tall During Litigation

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Most of us aren’t born with a powerful courtroom presence and a reputation for extracting crucial information in tense depositions. But we can learn.

Guest Tara-Jane Flynn has been called a “Princess Warrior” and “The Deposition Queen” for her tough, compelling courtroom manner. But the veteran California personal injury litigator says she started out as a shy girl too overwhelmed to give a classroom speech in school.

She taught herself to be strong and to be the strength her clients need. She got involved in theater and public speaking. She guest hosted podcasts. And she developed a strong social media presence. You can, too.

In this episode, you’ll hear valuable tips for winning depositions, learning how to leverage social media, and being the lawyer your client needs to believe in from a Los Angeles attorney at home battling for 8-figure verdicts. Get ready to be inspired.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Overcoming shyness to become a force of nature in the courtroom doesn’t always come naturally. Learn what you can do intentionally to build your presence and your confidence.
Social media? It’s not as hard as you think. Find an attorney with a social media presence you admire and do what they do. How’s that for easy? Really.
Extracting valuable evidence in a deposition can feel intimidating, but there are things you can do. Hear how to let the deponent talk, ask follow-up questions as simple as why or why not, and prepare, prepare, prepare.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Toastmasters

Previous episode, “T.V. Advertising: What to Expect” with guess Conti Moore

The Wayback Machine

Previously on Legal Talk Network, The Lawyerist Podcast, “How Lawyers Can Maximize Word, With Barron Henley”

The Secret To Better Documents Is Right In Front Of You

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:45:00 -0000

Want better documents and better use of your time? You only need to master what you already own, that includes your Microsoft tools. The solution you didn’t even know you were searching for is right there in front of you (you just didn’t know it).

Let’s fix that. Guest Barron K. Henley is a self-proclaimed “nerdy lawyer” who helped found the Affinity Consulting Group, a team of “recovering lawyers” dedicated to helping attorneys maximize productivity through technology.

Hear how Henley and his team teach lawyers about Microsoft “styles,” voice to text solutions, formatting, and importing and synchronizing Excel data and tables.

Save time, minimize errors, and stop feeling frustrated. You won’t come across these solutions by accident, but you can invest a little time in learning. It’ll pay you back in the long run.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

The solutions to better document creation and management are probably right there in front of you
An investment in training yourself, and your staff, in the ordinary everyday tech you use, such as the Microsoft 365 suite, pays you back exponentially
Voice to text tech is vastly underrated for some tasks. People can speak at 180 words a minute, converting that into text automatically saves you a block of time that can be better used on real, creative efforts.

Mentioned in This Episode:

“Customize or Create New Styles” by Microsoft

Microsoft Voice to Text

“How to Merge Word Documents” by Microsoft

“Get Started With Voice Access” by Microsoft

Netdocuments (Netdocs)

Excel Templates by Microsoft

Dragon Legal

Previously on Legal Talk Network, Digital Detectives, “ Cybersecurity: Getting to Good for the Small Law Firm”

Tech, Automation, and Cybersecurity: A Pioneering Attorney’s Perspective

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:45:00 -0000

Technology and automation are vital when it comes to helping a new firm blossom in today’s environment. Guest Kellam Parks started out in a relatively large firm after law school, but his desire to go paperless and incorporate technology drove him to launch a solo practice that has grown to a three offices in the Virginia Beach area. The firm, Parks Zeigler PLCC, incorporates technologies from case preparation to presentation and to create seamless communication channels among attorneys, staff, and clients.

Parks and his partner grew the firm and expanded into new locations and specialties by inviting like minded attorneys with a book of business who may not be happy in their current situation to join the firm.

Learn how a practice management system and outside professionals can help you manage and direct your success. Your time is best used practicing law, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help, from tech administration to financial management, to coaching.

Don’t be afraid to join professional groups, get involved, and learn from other attorneys who have been there and done that. If you’re a new solo interested in growing your firm, you can’t miss this episode.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Technology can be a critical part of your firm. It creates efficiencies, encourages collaboration, improves cybersecurity, and builds your business (and yes, you can do this)
Pay for professional help when you need it. You might be a great attorney, but you can’t do everything. Recognize when you’re doing so well that you need a professional, whether that’s a technology consultant or a financial officer or tax pro.
When you’ve done all you can getting your firm up and running and don’t know how to take the next step, consider hiring a business coach, someone who can help you recognize opportunities and chart your path forward.

Mentioned in This Episode:

“Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business,” by Gino Wickman

Stephanie Everett, “The Lawyerist”

The Lawyerist

Affinity Consulting

EOS Worldwide

Previously on New Solo, guest Debbie Foster, “Winning the Battle: When It’s Time to Modernize but There’s One Holdout”

Previously on New Solo, guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson, “Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets”

Ernie’s Inner Circle

Ernie The Attorney

Caret Legal

Microsoft 365 for Business

Lawmatics

Adobe

HotDocs legal documents

Dialpad VoIP

Lawyer on the Beach, Facebook

1Password, password manager

SentinelOne cybersecurity

Virginia State Bar Special Committee “Technology and the Future Practice of Law”

Florida Bar Association

What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Guest Peggy Gruenke is an expert in the accounting management tools tailored to small law firms. Gruenke is the founder and co-owner of CPN Legal, helping small and solo firm lawyers manage and grow their business through legal software solutions and outsourced financial management and bookkeeping services.

Let’s talk about your firm’s finances and profitability: how are you keeping track of your business? Hear what’s new in automated accounting packages – but don’t give up on Quickbooks, and don’t cut ties with your bookkeeper.

Online accounting services are great. But they are not meant to replace a professional, especially as your firm grows. You’re not a bookkeeper, you’re a lawyer. But these tools do help with the basics of money management. The challenge is mixing and matching.

Operational efficiencies and financial planning are part of running a successful firm. Don’t shortchange the importance of bookkeeping and managing your income, marketing ROI, expenses, and taxes. It’s vital you keep your finger on the pulse of your business, and there are tools and people who can help you. As Gruenke says, “Treat your business with respect.”

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

If you’re a small or solo firm, you’re a business. Every business must track their finances, their expenses, and their taxes. Hear about the latest tools that help you track every part of your firm’s financial life.
Repeat after us: Lawyers are not bookkeepers. This is why you need not only software but someone who tracks your business performance, watches your bottom line, and keeps you ready for tax time.
Security, checks and balances, and financial snapshots are all vital. It’s a lot to keep up with, but investing the time and money to assemble the tools you need will help you grow (and profit).

Mentioned in This Episode:

Previously on New Solo, “Oh, The Messes We See”

Previously on New Solo, “New From Clio: Legal Practice Management Including Legal Accounting”

Previously on New Solo, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals”

Chase Business credit cards

Capital One Business credit cards

ABA Techshow

Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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 NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

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:

“8 Great TextExpander Alternatives”

FancyHands

Lawclerk legal assistants

Perplexity.ai

New From Clio: Legal Practice Management Including Legal Accounting

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Clio, the longtime, long-trusted software tech provider for lawyers, has plunged into the accounting game. Time and case management, billing, payments, and simply keeping track of your bottom line all take up time when you could be doing something else, like, you know, serving your clients’ needs.

Now Clio has baked that accounting service directly into its practice management software package.

Frankly, attorneys – especially new solo practitioners – may have been taught very little about running a business. Being a good lawyer is only part of the game. Lawyers also need to know how to manage money and accounting. That’s where software and money management programs can help, including tax prep, accounting for ongoing work in anticipation of payment, capital distributions, and handling funds your clients have entrusted you with.

Hear why legal-specific accounting is so important (hint, legal accounting is not like any other accounting, and mistakes can truly hurt your practice). Plus, the top five features that must be part of any legal accounting platform.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Law schools and legal training may overlook the importance of accounting for a new law firm. It’s not intuitive. Hear how legal practice management firm Clio is incorporating legal-specific accounting functions into its platform
Practicing law is what you signed up for, but managing money is what will keep your firm running. Never forget, your firm is a business that depends on accounting.
Tax management, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow management are not only crucial, but very weirdly specific in the world of legal accounting.

Mentioned in This Episode:

2024 Legal Trends for Solo and Small Law Firms

Clio Accounting and Demo

New Solo, “Oh, The Messes We See”

New Solo, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals”

New Solo, “Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To ‘Modernize’ But There’s One Holdout”

cpnLEGAL

Affinity Consulting

Joshua’s Previous Appearances on Legal Talk Network:

Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To “Modernize” But There’s One Holdout

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Guest Debbie Foster is the CEO at Affinity Consulting, delivering custom business strategies for legal teams. With her years of experience helping law firms modernize, she explains how to overcome internal roadblocks to modernizing. How do you recognize, and overcome, bottlenecks?

It comes down to how people, often unintentionally, keep firms from using the best available new tech. It can be anyone from top leadership to support staff. But by understanding the reluctance, you can win them over.

The world of legal tech offers myriad solutions. True they cost money, but that should never hold a firm back if there’s ROI on the other side. Modernizing a firm’s tech can advance a firm, create efficiencies, and push the firm ahead. But fear of the unknown, and not understanding an investment’s potential, even if that’s coming from a single person, can hold everyone else back.

Hear how “absolute clarity” and a laser focus on what your firm needs can clear those roadblocks by helping you explain exactly what solutions you need and how new tech will meet them. Fear and uncertainty are the enemy. Start with defining a problem, then educate everyone on how a solution will solve it and how you will support the adoption process.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Today’s legal tech is getting better, and faster, and more efficient. But sometimes a “this is how we’ve always done it” from a single person – anyone from a managing partner to a bookkeeper – can block upgrades.
Don’t let one person hold back an entire firm. Hear how it all starts with identifying a problem and helping your “human roadblocks” overcome their concerns and get onboard.

Fear of the unknown is real. Fear of looking “dumb” in the face of a tech upgrade is real. Fear of overspending is real. Empathize. Educate. Elevate. Help those resisters feel empowered and excited.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Ben Schorr, LinkedIn

Microsoft Designer

Microsoft Bookings

“Legal 3.Oh!” podcast archives

Affinity Consulting

“Pardon the Interruption: 2023 Edition,” Kennedy-Mighell Report

“Prioritizing Progress: Building a Roadmap for 2024, with Debbie Foster,” Lawyerist Podcast

AI, Legal Tech, and Ethics: The Florida Bar’s Groundbreaking Guidelines

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Two friends of the podcast return for this episode of New Solo to talk all things legal tech and the latest in AI services for lawyers. Guests Renee Thompson and Liz McCausland are both accomplished mediators and solo practitioners who depend on tech to boost productivity and keep up with their busy lives.

AI is an emerging technology that is finding its way to more and more law offices. McCausland and Thompson served on a Florida Bar committee to draft an advisory opinion laying out ethical guidelines for the use of AI in legal practice.

With ethical guardrails published, what’s next? A best practices guide and clear definitions and examples of AI for legal services. Client consent, the impact on fees and confidentiality, and even how judges view the use of AI and informing the court that AI played a role in your presentation are all pieces of the puzzle.

It’s a brave new world. Where can attorneys new to AI find mentoring, what will clients and courts expect, and what about billing?

Plus, hear about the Florida Bar’s Solo & Small Firms Section and how other solo and small firms are incorporating legal technologies. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but if you take in all these new tools step-by-step, you’ll quickly find yourself up to speed and exploring new frontiers.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Hear from two lawyers who helped the Florida Bar Association develop ethical guidelines for attorneys adopting AI technologies into their practice.
New tools are emerging at a rapid clip. But if you take it step-by-step, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Every small and solo firm is different. There’s no single “right way” to incorporate legal tech into your practice, but the days of a legal pad and pen are in the past. Stay current or fall behind. Help is out there, and you can do this.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 24-1, Jan. 19, 2024

“Lawyer Cites Fake Cases Generated by ChatGPT in Legal Brief,” Legal Dive

Damien Riehl on LinkedIn

Jerry Bui on LinkedIn

InfoTrack

San Diego County Bar Association Member Benefits

Miami Dade Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez

Clients Care About Legal Tech: Dig Into Legal Tech and Tech Related Careers.

Thu, 30 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

A new survey finds that clients care deeply about their attorney’s tech tools and tech skills. The numbers don’t lie: Legal tech matters. An efficient, integrated system is no longer “nice to have.” It’s table stakes, from case management to client communications to online filing and billing.

As a lawyer, guest Dan Lear found himself gravitating to the field of legal tech, including stints at Microsoft and Avvo and now as vice president of partnerships at InfoTrack, helping software developers provide the tech today’s lawyers, and their clients, want.

If you’re running your own firm, hear what clients say about their attorney’s tech skills and their expectations and how you can explore and implement the latest tools.

And if you’re a law school graduate who has found you aren’t truly attracted to traditional legal work, hear about the fascinating opportunities for lawyers in the field of legal tech development and consulting.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

A new survey finds clients care (deeply) about their attorney’s tech and tech skills. And they expect those attorneys to use that tech to efficiently manage their cases
Legal tech tools are advancing rapidly. Today’s tools can integrate every facet of a law practice, from case management and scheduling to digitally filing briefs, seamlessly.
There are opportunities for law school graduates who don’t want to practice traditional law, instead helping tech firms develop new tools and helping law firms understand and implement those tools.

Mentioned in This Episode:

InfoTrack Attorney Competence and the Client Experience

Previous episodes featuring guest Dan Lear, On the Road, “Legalweek 2024: The Future State of the Industry”

“Newish Solo,” After A Year Or Two On Your Own, What Next?

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:40:00 -0000

You’ve opened your firm, hung out the shingle, and taken the leap. Now that you’ve made it a year or two, what’s next? There’s no step-by-step guide for small and solo practitioners, but you can learn from those who established a solo practice and made it through the first few years and how they’re moving forward. Hear guest Joanne Martin’s story, how she learned to hire, add relevant tech, and build on her success.

Martin is the founder, managing director, lawyer, and accredited mediator at Align Family Law, a boutique law practice based in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hear how she joined professional organizations, expanded her marketing, and drove her practice to the next step.

As you grow, you can build a network of like-minded professionals, ask clients for a Google review, manage and improve your branding and website, and hire a pro when you need technical help (and even personal coaching). You’ll learn as you go, but you can also learn from others.

Once you get your feet under you, it can be tempting to be overly cautious with your emerging practice, but growth is essential. Spend the money when you need to, hire when the practice demands. Get better and bigger.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Launching a solo firm is hard. But so is taking that firm to the next level. Hear tips for growing beyond a one person show
Adding associates and support staff may sound challenging, but making the right additions builds your business and takes routine tasks off your shoulders.
It’s OK to spend on the tools and professionals you need, such as legal and practice management software and professional help optimizing your tech, even professional coaching.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Collaborative Family Separation Professionals

Legends Legal Marketing

AlignFamilyLaw.ca

Clio (Grow, Manage, Documents, and Payments)

Melissa Shanahan, Velocity Work coaching

DivorceMate

Adobe

Previous appearance, “A Second Career: Building a Solo Law Practice Later in Life”

Previous episode, “Productivity Boost: Real Uses of AI in the Software You Already Have”

Previous episode, “Google, Maps, And Business? This is YOUR Episode”

Previous episode, “A Better AI, Built For Lawyers: Results You Can Finally Trust?”

Productivity Boost: Real Uses of AI in the Software You Already Have

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0000

In our previous episode, we talked about getting the most from the software you already pay for and use, especially those Microsoft tools. Now, we’re going deeper into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how these tools help you be more productive and profitable. Don’t be scared, be ready.

AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different.

Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformatting.

Zoom offers AI “note taking” and post-meeting summaries (even a takeaway “to do” list for each participant). So does Microsoft Teams. How about turning a Microsoft Word document into a PowerPoint? Hear how we learned to stop worrying and love the AI.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

AI isn’t going anywhere. The technology is weaving its way into products you already pay for and use. Learn how to take advantage.
Computer software advances are nothing to be afraid of. Increase productivity, cut repetitive tasks, and free yourself.
But AI isn’t magic, and it isn’t as smart as you. Learn to build guardrails and know where you can’t fully trust it. A hammer is a great tool, but it won’t build a house. AI won’t run your practice, but it can help.

Resources:

Adobe Acrobat AI

Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft 365 AI Tools And Applications

Microsoft OneDrive

Zoom AI

PC Guide, “What Is ChatGPT And What Is It Used For?”

Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

Tech Talk: New Microsoft 365 Tools You Can Use (Today!)

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Is it time to review the tech tools you use every day? Are you getting the most out of your online services (or are you using the right ones?)

A lot has changed in the way Microsoft tools interact with the world of legal tech in the past year or so. So, we’ve got a special episode on tech. A back-to-school session where host Adriana Linares offers some no nonsense tutoring to help you get the most out of your Microsoft subscriptions and tech and be more productive.

Start with understanding your Microsoft account and the types of available add-ons and subscriptions. Take a deep dive into the types of Microsoft accounts: personal/family, work, and third-party accounts. Dig into available AI and how they apply to your business. And learn about security options, and why they are so important.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Understand the array of Microsoft accounts and services. Business or personal? Security? Plus, add-ons and subscriptions.
Learn why you should never mingle your personal and private accounts.
Get the latest on AI add-ons such as Microsoft Copilot (and understand the security around these new tools).

Mentioned in this Episode

Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”

Microsoft 365 Pricing

Create an Outlook email account

Microsoft Copilot

Create a Gmail account

Google Workspace

Godaddy.com

Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

AI And The Terms Of Service. Know What You Are Sharing!

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

AI, artificial intelligence, is super cool. But it’s not perfect, and it can get you into trouble. Start by reading the terms of service. Understand if you’re getting something for free, you get what you pay for. And finally, be careful.

ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and all the new, exciting versions of artificial intelligence, AI, are exciting. But have you read the “terms of service?” Guest Daniel Whitehouse is a lawyer who practices in the areas of IT and digital security. He says even lawyers forget to read (really read) the terms. And that’s a mistake.

Do you know who owns the data you input? Is it being absorbed into the AI’s own machine learning and shared with the public? Broadcasting your information into the world, for everyone to see, can be as easy as a checkbox you clicked on.

Not to make you paranoid, but … be a bit paranoid. Even if you’re using Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, do you know if you’re using the professional or personal version (hint: there is a difference).

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

AI is a miracle but remember, it’s a “continuous learning model.” What is it learning from you? What are you sharing with these products?
If you can’t find something you’re looking for in the terms of service, ask why that information is so hard to find. Be suspicious. Terms and service provisions should be clear and easy to read.
Understanding how AI uses information, and how accurate it is, is especially vital in the legal world.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Previous appearance on New Solo: “Did You Really Read Those Terms of Service?”

Previous appearance on New Solo: “Data Security and Florida Breach Notification Law”

Bob Ambrogi, LawNext.Com

Damien Riehl, LinkedIn

Carolyn Elefant, My Shingle

Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”

Microsoft OneDrive

Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers”

Microsoft Copilot

Windows Security Center

Microsoft Defender XDR

AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

The world is changing, technology is changing, and the threats to your private files and security are changing. The evolution of AI is making it hard to keep up.

But don’t lose hope. It’s been a while since we’ve had IT expert Adam Alexander with us, but he’s back with more tips for solo practitioners and small practices. Alexander and his firm, InterNetwork IT, help attorneys identify, deploy, and manage security solutions and keep firms running efficiently.

AI is shaking up everything. We’ll talk about Microsoft AI “Copilots” and how Microsoft is integrating AI into your entire PC experience. You’ll be surprised at how this combination works for both Windows and Macs.

Learn how to check security settings. Breaches are real and can be costly. Hear why it’s so important (and easy) to back up your files offsite

We’ve seen some tremendous tools in both productivity and security. If you aren’t keeping up, you might be missing out on some time saving hacks (even a way to convert handwriting to text built into your Snipping tool). Get the scoop on this episode of New Solo. .

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

AI is changing a lot, including the simplest tasks. In our latest tech talk, dive into AI products that plug right into your web browsers.
Why file security is so important (and protecting your files is easier than you think … if you pay attention).
Some daily activities require specific security efforts, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) security and even, if you work with medical information, HIPAA security. But you can do it.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”

Microsoft OneDrive

Copilot for Microsoft 365

Microsoft Copilot for Windows

Windows Security Center

Microsoft Defender XDR

LawPay

Previous episode, “A Short Primer on Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, and SharePoint”

Microsoft HIPAA products

Previous episode, “The All-Mac Edition: The Episode For Mac-Curious Attorneys”

Previous episode, “HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help

Out Of School And Hanging A Shingle? Build Your Brand!

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Personal injury attorney Joshua “Josh” Bonnici left his first job out of law school to launch his own firm. Starting from scratch, just nine months later he hired his first employee and has been growing ever since. Bonnici built on his own love of cycling to focus on bicycle accidents and injuries, helping bicyclists in the bustling city of San Diego.

Now he’s known as “The Bike Guy” and stands out in the crowded personal injury field by specializing in an area he’s passionate about. He’s an example of specializing in something you love, and he’s sharing his story with new lawyers just starting out.

Bonnici walks us through, step by step, how he took advantage of an available incubator system, learned on the job from a mentor, and built his practice and his reputation. Hear how he got started, networked, built a brand, made himself memorable, and hired an assistant to make himself more productive. Real lessons from real life.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

“Follow your passion” is common advice. But in the case of guest Josua Bonnici, his passion for bicycling helped him stand out in the crowded personal injury field.
Hiring your first employee. Why it’s scary and why it’s necessary.
How to develop a website and social media presence with a library of videos and testimonials.

Resources:

California Lawyers Association

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

San Diego Bar Association

Joshua Bonnici previous appearance on Legal Talk Network’s “On The Road” podcast

How It’s Done: The Story Behind A Solo Practice

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

This inspiring episode tells the true story of a gutsy dad who started his own legal practice from scratch with no clients, no office, and no partner.

Guest Michael Mendoza is an Orlando solo practitioner specializing in family law. After graduating from law school with a growing family, Mendoza knew he wanted work/life balance instead of burying himself in a big firm with long hours. For Mendoza, the practice of family law is personal, having witnessed his parents’ contentious divorce.

Hear how Mendoza started with nothing, rolled up his sleeves, and launched a practice from putting together his tech to building his client base. How did he find clients? Did he advertise? What about a website? Or office space?

It’s been tough. But the combination of running his own practice and the satisfaction of helping families through a difficult period has proven rewarding. Mendoza’s story is a guide for young lawyers who want to hang out a shingle (he even has an employee now).

Nothing is easy. Nothing is perfect. It’s scary. But you can do this.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Starting your own law firm is anything but easy. But it can be done. Hear first-hand from one attorney who did just that, from the ground up.
Software? Office space? Clients? Employees? Financials? There are a lot of balls in the air once you start juggling.
What are the best and worst decisions you can make starting out? (Hint: find a mentor).

Resources:

Florida Bar Association

Florida Bar Association, Legal Fuel assistance

Seminole County (Florida) Bar Association

San Diego County Bar

Nebraska State Bar Association

Mycase legal software

LawPay legal software

George C. Young American Inns of Court

A Better AI, Built For Lawyers: Results You Can Finally Trust?

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Let’s talk AI. Guests Nina Steinbrecker Jack and Ed Walters worked from the start to build Fastcase, now merged with international legal research firm vLex, striving to make legal research faster, better, and cheaper. Digging through law books is so 2010. Under the merger, incorporating generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), lawyers today have fingertip access to not only U.S. case law but also international law.

We’re witnessing a revolution in the use of generative AI, often producing results so good that it’s hard to determine what was written by a human and what was generated by the program. This is becoming the bedrock of legal research, saving attorneys time and money, allowing them work on strategy and building cases instead of hunting for case law.

But regular, layman’s, AI is still experiencing some hiccups, “hallucinating” incorrect information as it struggles to learn. Breaking news only on New Solo: Coming soon to vLex and Fastcase, an AI Lab is developing a new class of AI built just for law, globally, called (for now) “Research Assistant.” This new level of AI will be so up to date it will include cases decided in as little as 12 hours prior to each request, fully vetted and referenced.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great tool, but it’s also prone to errors. One popular tool, ChatGPT, is fun, but it’s not for legal research. Can lawyers trust an AI program to create bullet-proof results?
Breaking news on New Solo: Coming soon, vLex and Fastcase legal research together have built an AI Lab developing a new class of AI honed just for law, globally, tentatively called “Research Assistant.” AI results you can trust.
AI is not going away. If you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. Get involved and stay current. The world of computer assisted legal research is blowing up.

The Brief-Writing Ninja: Tips You Need To Write Better Briefs.

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

You know the legal writing classes you took in law school? There’s a lot more to learn, and with a few steps, you can get better – and get better results. Guest Chris Schandevel is the “Brief-Writing Ninja” and passionate writing clear, simple, concise legal briefs that win over courts.

Courthouses are busy places. Judges and clerks deal with a lot of distractions and competing demands. Make your briefs stand out boy making them easier to read and follow. Any jargon, excessive footnotes, parentheticals, and asides just add to the chaos and detract from your argument. Good writing, formatting, and attention to detail matter.

Schandevel has created an easy-to-use, three-page style guide for legal writing and clear formatting. You don’t need to use fancy words to sell your case. Clear, simple language and a clean story help the court understand your argument and see your point.

Take a deep dive into the art and artistry of writing and presenting a legal brief at the highest levels, and get some tips you can start using today. (Plus, do you know the official preferred font of the U.S. Supreme Court?)

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Judges aren’t impressed with fancy words and jargon. A clear, easy-to-read legal brief is easier to follow to the conclusion you want your reader to reach.
Learn to remove barriers to the reader such as excessive footnotes, lengthy sentences and changes in “voice.” And do use the Oxford comma!

What is the “cleaned up parenthetical?” (And how is it being adopted at the highest levels of the law?) Find out.

Mentioned in this Episode:

BriefCatch software

“Think Commas Don't Matter? Omitting One Cost A Maine Dairy Company $5 Million”

“Cleaning Up Quotations” by Jack Metzler in The Journal of Appellate Law Practice and Process

“Legal Writing: Font Matters,” Thomson Reuters

Legal Office Guru

Legal Office Guru’s Deborah Savadra on New Solo, “Word Up 2: Creating Tables of Authority with Ease”

The All-Mac Edition: The Episode For Mac-Curious Attorneys

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

The episode you’ve been waiting for. An all-Mac special with real Mac experts. More and more lawyers are using Apple Mac tech, including iPones, iPads, and laptops.

In the past, there were challenges shifting between Mac and Microsoft, but today’s practice management programs can work on both systems. You like Macs? Then go for it, there is less and less to hold you back.

Why Mac over PC? Cost, battery life, integrations between iPhones, the Apple watch, and iPads, as well as security are considerations. Only 15% to 20% of lawyers use Macs, so you do need to think things through and ensure you can share information with your Microsoft colleagues and opposing counsel. There are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you understand every aspect.

There are some basics to getting started. Maybe most important is to not “cheap out” when you’re getting your computer system set up. Our guests explain what you need, including processor speed and memory. It all matters. Law is your business, your computer is your tool. If you’re investing anywhere, it’s here. RAM? ROM? Gigs? Ports? What do you need?

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Lawyers use Macs. Yes, it happens, and it can go well.
Know what kind of needs you have and learn how to use your Mac to your advantage. Speed, cross-platform exchanges, and even weight matter.
Programs abound for Mac lawyers. It’s not like the olden days when Microsoft programs only worked on Microsoft platforms. Adobe, Word, Excel all can work smoothly on a Mac.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Macs In Law Offices

Jeff Richardson’s prior appearances on Legal Talk Network

Brett Burney’s prior appearances on Legal Talk Network

Textexpanders for Lawyers

Setapp for Mac

Ulysses app for Mac

Quick Look for Apple

Yes You Can! Starting Your Solo Practice As A Second Career

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Guest Andrew Schierberg retired from his first career after 20 years as a police officer, investigator, and chief in Northern Kentucky. Then he asked, “What next?” With a law degree and a lifetime of working in tense situations with people during their most stressful moments, Schierberg started a law practice with a focus on helping families by specializing in elder law and estate planning.

He wrote his own business plan, shadowed established attorneys, sought educational and business development support, found shared office space with other lawyers, and developed a holistic approach that lets him to build relationships with his clients and work not only as an attorney but also as a trusted advisor.

Learn how he set up his practice, selected case management software, established a flat-fee subscription plan for his clients rather than hourly rates, and developed an understanding of the needs of both elder clients and their families as they navigate a new stage of life.

If you’re well into a first career, you might be surprised at how much your “real world experience” can translate to a solo law practice.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Starting a solo practice as a second career and putting your “old job” skills to work in your new venture.
The importance of selecting the right practice management and office equipment tools, learning about marketing, and asking for help when you don’t know.
The value of finding a niche that lets you focus your energy on the kind of law that matches your passion.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Fearless Paranoia podcast

Life Care Planning Law Firms Association

Maximum Lawyer podcast

The 80/20 Principle podcast

The Law Entrepreneur podcast

Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast

Peggy Gruenke on Legal Talk Network podcasts

eDiscovery: Not just for large firms!

Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Take a deep dive into eDiscovery for small and midsized firms with an old friend and frequent New Solo contributor, guest Brett Burney, a lawyer and longtime consultant who’s passionate about legal tech. Facing a mountain of electronic documents from PDFs to spreadsheets to emails to texts in discovery? You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to understand the basics, the traps, and the available tools.

Start by accepting that electronic files aren’t paper files. They are inherently different and aren’t meant to be printed out. Embrace the format and treat electronic documents as what they are. If you print electronic documentation out, or you accept a printed version, you’re not getting the full picture, and you’re letting potentially valuable information slip through your fingers.

It's a digital world, and litigation is more likely than ever to include emails, smartphones, voice mails, social media posts and comments, and texts.

If you’ve been wondering if you’re doing the best job possible with eDiscovery, this is the episode for you.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Electronic discovery (eDiscovery) involves electronic files that are inherently different than paper discovery. What you need to know and mistakes you may be making.
Metadata included in electronic documents can offer valuable clues that help you prepare your case, but it’s easy to contaminate that data.
Understand the available tools that organize, preserve, and prepare digital evidence, including extracting text messages, voice memos, and emails from smartphones and tablets.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Previously on New Solo, with guest Brett Burney

LegalWeek New York

iMazing

“Forensic Image,” Science Direct

Synctech

Synctech SMS Backup and Restore

X1 Search

Page Vault

Pagefreezer

WebPreserver vs. Pagefreezer

NextPoint blog, “eDiscovery with Outlook: 3 Reasons Why Outlook is NOT a Document Review Tool,”

What Your Practice Management Advisor Can Do for You!

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0000

Quite a few bar associations have practice management advisors (or perhaps someone in a similar role), but a whole lot of lawyers aren’t aware of how this free member service could help them change their practice for the better. Adriana Linares chats with fellow practice management professional Catherine Sanders Reach about the services they provide to attorneys — from consulting on technology and ethics to starting a new business and so much more.

Later, the term “legal operations” might seem like it only applies to the “Big Law” end of the spectrum, but a solo or small firm should be just as keen on having well-planned operating procedures for their business from the get-go. Adriana and Catherine talk through easy-to-use tools that help law firms big and small operate with efficiency.

And, last, Microsoft 365 is rolling out Copilot, and Adriana and Catherine are watching its progress with great anticipation. Tune in for their thoughts on how this and similar tech could impact your legal practice.

Catherine Sanders Reach is director at the Center for Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association.

Topics:

Tapping into the knowledge your bar association’s practice management advisor has to offer.
Legal operations for solo and small law firms.
Microsoft 365 Copilot’s potential for lawyers.

Mentioned in this episode:

Catherine’s From the Center Blog

NCBA Center for Practice Management

ABA Legal Technology Resource Center

Lisa Crosbie - YouTube

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot

Solo, But Not? Shared Office Space (Plus, Chatbots and A.I.)

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0000

For solos sharing office space with other attorneys, there are advantages, but also potential headaches. How do you navigate this arrangement?

Guest Jared Correia is a podcaster, lawyer, and full-time business management consultant, sort of the lawyer you know who knows how to run a business. For clients, he digs into law firm management from the very high-level strategy to the nuts and bolts of tech and daily operations.

Shared offices create issues with malpractice insurance, shared practice management software, and clearly communicating your solo status while working in what to a client may appear to be a firm.

Plus, the important distinctions between website chat capability, automated chatbots, and the emergence of true artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT. Learn where each product can fill gaps in your practice and turn leads into clients. Tech that may make your solo practice work like a larger firm.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Practice management problems attorneys in a shared office space encounter.
Incorporating online chat and chatbots on your website, capture more leads.
And where does the latest – ChatGPT artificial intelligence – fit?

Resources from This Episode:

Nebraska Bar

Florida Bar

San Diego Bar

Book, “The Of Counsel Agreement” by Harold Wren

ABA, Of Counsel defined

ABA Techshow

ABA Legal Technology Resource Center

Formilla

Apex remote assistants

Smith remote assistants

Special Solo Episode! A Full Review Of The Legal Tech You Need Now

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:10:00 -0000

Hanging up a shingle takes more than a law degree. Today’s legal tech and software helps solo and small practices be more productive and organized than ever. “Good enough” isn’t good enough. Know what you need, and get it!

Adriana runs through the tech foundation of a successful firm: from the computers to the office software to the case management software and add-ons that can streamline your practice and better serve your clients.

Adriana names names, provides recommendations, and answers the questions she hears from clients regularly. This is the personal consultation you have wanted … for free!

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

PC or Mac? Does it matter?
Office management tools? Make sure everything integrates, from your accounting software (hint, most accountants use QuickBooks) to your PDF creation tools. Don’t be cheap!
Case management tools and “add-ons” save time and organize your practice. And when it comes to labeling files, don’t be clever, be clear and concise. You have 256 characters to name a document, use them all so you can share work.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Google, Maps, And Business? This is YOUR Episode.

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:00:00 -0000

What’s this about Google My Business? Well, for starters it connects your business to the Bible: The real Google Maps page. If you’re in business, you need to understand this. It’s not hard, but it takes a bit of work, and it’s a must.

Create a system, understand the process, and don’t be shy about asking for Google reviews, they matter.

(BTW, you can’t cheat or lie about a physical location. Google sends a postcard to verify. Who knew? So, you need to figure it out. Here’s how, even if you work out of a co-working facility. Do you need a sign? Yes, you do. Google has a lot of weird rules.)

And for Heaven’s sake, if you tell Google you’ll accept messaging through Google, you need to answer your messages or risk bad reviews and cranky customers. Do or do not. There is no try.

NAP? It’s got to be consistent across the web. If you don’t know it, you need to listen to this episode. This is everything you need to know about Google mapping and why it’s so important.

Plus, ranking factors, keywords, call answer rate, and profile info. Google 101.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Google Maps: Why they are so important to your business.
Everything you need to know about Google’s weird ways and specific language.
Give up on trying to trick Google. Play fair, play hard, play to win.

Building A Successful Law Firm: The “Triangle” and “Polaris”

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:15:00 -0000

Is the secret to your law firm’s success a triangle?

Guest Christopher T. Anderson is a law practice management consultant (and host of the Legal Talk Network’s Un-Billable Hour). Anderson shares the “triangle” of a successful law firm: Acquiring clients; Producing the results you promised; and Achieving and Measuring the impact and success of your firm.

Anderson’s unique take on law firm management is built on thinking of law as a real business first. Why are you doing what you do?

Acquiring new clients means building on referrals, creating relationships, and paid marketing. Know and tell your story.

Producing results translates to setting client expectations (and meeting them), and doing your best work. Establish a “North Star” for every case.

And then there’s achieving and measuring the results for your business stakeholders. Where do you want to be? What separates good law firms from great ones? A law firm is a business, it’s OK to admit that.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Building a law firm is building a business. Don’t forget that!
There are three “sides” to building a firm: attracting clients, satisfying clients, and achieving business success.
Every part of your legal career is intentional, it’s not luck. Know what you are trying to achieve.

Networking, Marketing, ABA Techshow – How they are all closely interconnected.

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:30:00 -0000

The ABA Techshow isn’t just for tech wizards; rather, it should be a vital part of every solo lawyer’s networking plan! Guests Jeannine Abukhater Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis are co-chairs of the upcoming ABA Techshow, the home of all things tech and your opportunity to see what’s new, and what you’re missing.

Both guests serve unique corners of the legal world and found their paths through different methods. Lambert covers large policy areas through academia, and Tsakalakis is a leader in employing tech into legal marketing, making the most out of any firm. No matter what area of the legal world your career leads you to, knowing how to network and market effectively is vital to your success.

What’s frightening is how many lawyers, across the field, say “tech competence” isn’t relevant. Not only is it relevant, it’s table stakes. If you aren’t confident of your firm’s – or your own – tech know-how, the ABA Techshow can open your eyes, open new pathways, and help you better serve your clients.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Not everyone who graduates from law school ends up practicing law. There are many little corners of the legal world.
The upcoming ABA Techshow is your gateway to catching up and latching on to the latest in legal tech AND building your network.
Gyi offers listeners some advice on how to start thinking about marketing, even from a young point in one’s career.

A Second Career: Building a Solo Law Practice Later in Life

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:20:00 -0000

Guest Joanne Martin is an inspiration to anyone considering a career change later in life. She’s a family law attorney in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. While she vigorously represents her clients, she strives to create a respectful and collaborative environment when settling family law issues, including divorce and separation, especially when children are involved.

Martin had a successful career in film and television, as well as a husband and four children, when she returned to school to earn her law degree. It can be done. Second careers do happen.

After law school and working with a firm, Martin launched her solo practice, Align Family Law. Hear how she built a firm based on her values and understanding of the family dynamic, striving to help divorcing clients work toward respectful solutions. She also offers valuable insights into how she set up her office, built a website, developed written content, selected practice management software, developed a transparent pricing model, and learned to establish virtual video client consultations that work.

As a bonus, even established solo practitioners may pick up some tips from Martin’s innovative approach to initial consultations, client intake, retainers, and avoiding potential conflicts.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Later-in-life career changes can and do happen. Hear from an attorney who went to law school and established a solo practice after building a family and a successful career.
A thorough, honest intake process not only keeps potential clients from wasting time, but also helps you weed out clients who may not appreciate your values and approach.
Plus, learn why you should NOT buy Microsoft 365 through a third party, such as GoDaddy (you may need a pro to undo that misstep).

Mentioned in This Episode:

New Solo, “A Short Primer on Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, and SharePoint”

CRM: What’s In It For You?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:30:00 -0000

Still think your small or solo practice can go it alone without a client relationship platform (CRM)? Maybe you don’t have all the facts. From intake to holiday cards to referrals and repeat business, learn how a CRM propels your practice.

Guest Matt Siegel is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and the CEO of Lawmatics. He believes that a good CRM should free information from “data prisons,” integrate client onboarding, track client data, build relationships, and even manage holiday greetings and follow-ups. It’s all about automation and flexibility, freeing attorneys to do what they do best: practice law.

Stop thinking about being a law firm and start thinking about being a business. You do law, a CRM does client management. Don’t miss this episode.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

A CRM isn’t just for big firms. Solo and small firms can get a big boost from an affordable platform.
Even after the case is closed, relationships matter. From repeat business to referrals, it’s about staying in touch.
The smallest details, like sending holiday cards, gobble up valuable, billable hours. Why not have a management system simplify and speed up those tasks?

A Small Family Firm With Just One Client and No Website?

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:01:00 -0000

Guest Ana "Ani" P. Rodriguez-Newbern is a “do-gooder,” a Florida lawyer dedicated to service both to the state of Florida and to the public good. She serves on multiple legal committees while her small family firm, Tangel-Rodriguez & Associates, represents the Florida Department of Revenue in child support matters. She shares how working with both her mother and brother blends every aspect of professional and family life. (Not to mention, her father is a retired judge).

Rodriguez-Newbern’s firm has only one client, the State of Florida, through a contract for the past 30 years. The firm specializes in child support cases in Orange County, Florida, working for the state on behalf of residents receiving public assistance. The state contract makes up the firm’s entire book of business.

Interested in a government contract? Both city and state websites are a good place to look, as well as networking to learn when contracts may be coming up.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Learn about how a small, family, firm has prospered for 30 years with just one client: the State of Florida.
Working in a firm with family members can be a challenge, but it can be rewarding as well. Family and professional life blend into one.
Small, niche firms can always find ways to integrate technology, even if that’s at a careful, slow pace.

Putting Yourself Out There, Key to Your Solo Practice

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Guest Levi Barlavi is a “niche practice” solo attorney, focusing on the needs of medical providers. He started his own practice just three years after law school, and, yes, it can be done.

But being a solo, no matter how good you are, requires insights into the available legal tech tools, and it’s OK to ask for help. They don’t teach you this stuff in law school. So how did Barlavi grow a solo practice, learn to plan, create a vision, and incorporate tech and marketing?

Hear how networking, curiosity, conferences, public speaking, and following his passion helped Barlavi develop a practice that excites him and grows by the year. As Barlavi says, get personal, go outside your comfort zone, dive into social media, and “exercise your boldness.”

Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

Guest Levi Barlavi shares how he followed his passion as a solo practitioner and found a unique niche in healthcare services.
Get outside your comfort zone and express your personality through public speaking, networking, and social media.

Hear how sharing information and being open to conversations builds your reputation, your brand, and your practice.

Mentioned in This Episode: