Lawyerist Podcast

In episode 581 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Drew Bloom of Affinity Consulting Group about how artificial intelligence is evolving from assistants into agents that can act on a lawyer’s behalf. Instead of just suggesting edits or answers, agentic AI can redline contracts, search multiple documents, and connect across platforms to finish tasks before asking for approval.   Drew explains what this shift means for law firms, what tools are likely to appear in the next 12–24 months, and why preparing your data—through structure, metadata, and integrations—matters more than ever. He also shares practical ways to start experimenting with AI connectors in tools you already use, so you’re ready when agentic features become standard in everyday legal work.    Listen to our other episodes on AI in Law:  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN  #565: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use, with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: What Lawyers Need to Know About the Ethics of Using AI, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #538: AI Is Making Law Firms Obsolete, with Alistair Vigier Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  0:00 – Introduction & Conferences Recap  2:48 – From SEO to AEO: The New Search Frontier  6:34 – Meet Drew Bloom: AI for Law Firms  8:48 – What Makes AI “Agentic”?  13:47 – Assistants vs. Agents: How They Differ  16:00 – Redlining & Real-World Use Cases  20:41 – MCPs and Custom AI Connections  27:30 – The Future: Multi-Tool AI & Mobility  29:48 – Preparing Your Firm: Data & Metadata  34:38 – Where Lawyers Can Experiment Safely

In episode 580 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack sits down with Jake Soffer, CEO and founder of FirmPilot, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping law firm marketing. Forget generic blog posts and robotic content, Jake shares how FirmPilot uses AI and data science to build smarter, measurable strategies that actually attract clients.  You’ll hear how law firms can leverage AI beyond parlor tricks, why “moonshine marketing” doesn’t cut it anymore, and what lawyers need to know about AEO (AI Engine Optimization) versus traditional SEO. Zack and Jake also discuss the future of client search behavior, how to avoid overhyping trends, and why sticking to fundamentals will always matter.  If you’re curious about using AI in your practice, but don’t want to waste time on gimmicks, this episode will give you a roadmap to experiment wisely, protect your marketing investment, and grow sustainably.  Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Marketing, Growth and AI:  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis & Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN #434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind Apple | Spotify | LTN   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters:  0:00 – Introduction with Zack Glaser 1:27 – Meet Jake Soffer of FirmPilot 2:17 – How AI Is Changing Legal Marketing 3:12 – Data-Driven Law Firm Growth 4:46 – The Limits of ChatGPT Content 7:12 – Building Smarter AI Workflows 9:23 – AEO, GEO, and the Future of Search 11:59 – Why Fundamentals Still Matter 14:45 – Writing for AI vs. Writing for Clients 17:05 – First Steps for Lawyers Using AI 18:33 – Do Your Research Before Choosing Tools 19:10 – Where to Find FirmPilot

In episode 579 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how to manage your IOLTA accounts correctly and avoid disciplinary pitfalls. Stephanie Everett talks with Amy Woods, founder of IOLTA Consulting, about the most common mistakes lawyers make with trust accounts and what to do instead.  Amy explains why outstanding checks can create big compliance risks, what escheatment rules really require, and why three-way reconciliation is a must. She also breaks down why QuickBooks alone isn’t enough and how a few simple steps can keep you out of trouble. Lawyers will walk away with clear guidance to safeguard client funds, prepare for audits, and protect their law licenses.  Listen to our other episodes on risk management & ethics:  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #543: AI Ethics: What Lawyers Need to Know, with Hilary Gerzhoy Apple | Spotify | LTN #491 – Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  #447 – Managing Risk in Your Firm, with Allison Shields Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Bots in Job Interviews and Introduction  04:14 – Meet Amy Woods: IOLTA Consulting  05:14 – Why Trust Accounts Feel Like a “Ticking Time Bomb”  06:58 – Common Mistakes Lawyers Miss  09:22 – Escheatment & Outstanding Checks  12:30 – Penalties, Interest & Voluntary Disclosure  14:31 – Retainer Clauses & Small Check Workarounds  16:18 – Three-Way Reconciliation Explained  18:00 – QuickBooks vs. Legal-Specific Tools  21:43 – One Account, Many Clients: Why Details Matter  23:55 – Amy’s Compliance Review Service  25:08 – Real Consequences: From Penalties to Disbarment  26:26 – Final Takeaways

In episode 578 of Lawyerist Podcast, six-time USA Memory Champion and Grand Master of Memory Nelson Dellis shares practical strategies to strengthen recall, sharpen focus, and build a healthier brain. Far from the myth of “photographic memory,” Nelson explains how anyone can improve memory using techniques like memory palaces, visualization, and storytelling.  For lawyers, better memory means stronger courtroom performance, sharper deposition prep, and the ability to remember case law, client details, and names with confidence in moments where every word matters. Nelson also highlights how memory training reduces stress, supports long-term brain health, and helps professionals stay present in high-stakes moments.  Learn about actionable memory improvement techniques with insights on why training your brain matters more than ever in today’s fast-paced legal and technological world.    Listen to our other episodes on memory and mental performance: #405: The Diverse Ways People Think, with Temple Grandin Apple | Spotify | LTN #427: Better Decisions, Less Fatigue, with Nika Kabiri Apple | Spotify | LTN #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN   Links from the episode:Nelsondellis.com  Remember It!  Paxton.ai    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters:  0:00 – Introduction   7:50 – Legal Tech Spotlight: Paxton AI for Lawyers 17:56 – Meet Nelson Dellis: Memory Champion & Author 23:19 – How Anyone Can Improve Memory 27:40 – Visualization, Storytelling & Review Basics 33:42 – The Memory Palace Technique Explained 36:36 – Digital Tools vs. Training Your Brain 41:25 – Memory, Mindfulness & Staying Present 44:58 – Practical Memory Training for Lawyers

In episode #577 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how to use AI to drive firm growth, expand practice areas, and strengthen client relationships while avoiding the trap of treating it as a simple efficiency tool. Too often, conversations about AI in law stop at shaving time off tasks or reducing headcount, but AI holds far more potential than cost-cutting. Innovation strategist Sam Harden explains why firms should resist the temptation to view AI as a staff replacement and instead embrace it as a growth engine. By experimenting with generative tools and even “vibe coding,” lawyers can create new services, improve client experiences, and reach entirely new markets. Rather than narrowing practice, AI can open doors to expansion, innovation, and more sustainable business models—helping firms future-proof themselves in a rapidly evolving market.  Ideal for growth-minded lawyers, firm leaders, and legal innovators who want to use AI strategically to scale smarter, serve better, and stay ahead.  Links From the Episode:  https://samharden.substack.com/  https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/for-the-innocent/  https://tabs3.com/seetabs3/    Listen to our other episodes on AI & Legal Innovation:  #565: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell Apple | Spotify | LTN  #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple | Spotify | LTN  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN  #452: Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:    00:00 – Welcome & What Legal Talk Network Is  04:33 – Building a Modern Legal Tech Stack  10:33 – Meet Sam Harden: From Trial Lawyer to Innovator  16:38 – AI in Law: Efficiency vs. Growth  23:53 – The Risks of Replacing People with Technology  31:46 – Vibe Coding and the Future of Legal Tech  44:57 – Looking Ahead: Sam’s Vision as Innovation Strategist

In episode 576, learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and create space for growth by embracing both mentorship and sponsorship. Stephanie Everett talks with Michael Cohen, partner at Duane Morris and leadership coach, about what it really takes to inspire and support a team.  Mike shares his journey from employment litigator to building a training and coaching practice focused on culture, mental health, and leadership. He explains why sponsorship goes further than mentorship, how to adapt your style to truly know your people, and why allowing room for failure is essential to innovation.  Drawing on stories from coaching his daughters’ softball team and lessons inspired by The West Wing, Mike highlights how intentional check-ins, vulnerability, and empathy can transform leaders into authentic allies. You’ll leave with practical strategies to foster stronger workplace cultures, empower people to advocate for themselves, and lead with greater humanity in challenging times.  Listen to our other episodes on leadership & growth.  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #527 – Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | LTN  #499 – Conquering Self-Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN  #491 – Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Growth, AI & Leadership at Lawyerist  06:01 – Small Team vs. Large Team Leadership  08:10 – Meet Michael Cohen  12:05 – From Litigator to Leadership Coach  22:02 – Lessons from Coaching & Embracing Failure  34:46 – West Wing Parable & Final Takeaways

In episode #575 of  Lawyerist Podcast, learn how to move beyond daily overwhelm and lead your firm with clarity, confidence, and vision as Stephanie Everett talks with Lawyerist Lab business strategist Chad Fox. Chad explains why so many lawyers get stuck in the weeds of $20/hour tasks instead of focusing on high-value CEO work, and how a mindset shift can create immediate clarity and hope. Together they explore the journey from business operator to business owner, the importance of dreaming bigger than what feels “realistic,” and how to delegate effectively without guilt. Real-life success stories highlight attorneys who have built thriving teams, scaled their practices, and reclaimed freedom, offering both inspiration and actionable strategies for sustainable law firm growth.    Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Leadership:  #569 Your Head Is a Crappy Office, and Other GTD Principles for Attorneys, with David Allen Apple | Spotify | LTN  #564 The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender Apple | Spotify | LTN  #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze  Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction: Creating Space to Think Differently  06:16 – Meet Chad Fox  07:12 – The Overwhelm Stage  08:33 – Finding Hope Through Clarity  11:24 – Dreaming Big Beyond ‘What’s Realistic’  15:00 – From Operator to Owner  17:09 – Building Teams & Managing Perceptions  20:16 – The $20 Task Trap  23:44 – What Being a CEO Lawyer Looks Like  25:50 – Success Story: From Chaos to Growth  26:50 – Final Takeaway: It Doesn’t Have to Be So Hard

Most people facing legal problems don’t see them as legal at all—they see them as life problems with landlords, employers, or benefits agencies. That disconnect leaves millions without meaningful help, even when lawyers or courts are available.  In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with Professor Rebecca Sandefur (Arizona State University, American Bar Foundation) and Matthew Burnett (Georgetown Law, ABF) about their research on community justice workers and why people-centered solutions may be the key to closing the justice gap.  They explore how community justice workers operate in Alaska and beyond, why legal help doesn’t always have to come from lawyers, and how rules around unauthorized practice of law are evolving. You’ll hear evidence that trained non-lawyers can be just as effective—sometimes more so—than attorneys in resolving critical issues like housing or benefits.  Rebecca and Matthew also discuss what “success” really means: scalable, sustainable programs that meet people where they are, in their own communities, in their own language. And they argue that broadening access to justice isn’t just about legal services—it’s about strengthening democracy itself.  This episode is for lawyers, policymakers, and innovators who want to reimagine how legal help is delivered—and build a justice system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.  Additionally, Zack and Stephanie talk about the upcoming ClioCon 2025 in Boston, MA. Check out the conference and get your tickets at cliocon.com. Use the code “LawyeristxClioCon” for a $300 discount on your ticket.    Listen to our other episodes on Access To Justice:  #129: The Business of Public Access to Law, with Tim Stanley   Apple | Spotify | LTN  #228: The Real Access-to-Justice Problem and How We Might Solve It, with Rebecca Sandefur  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #440: A Path to Meaningful Regulations, with Rebecca Sandefur  Apple | Spotify | LTN  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Fall & ClioCon in Boston05:24 – Meet Rebecca Sandefur & Matthew Burnett06:50 – A People-Centered Justice Approach11:08 – Community Justice Workers Explained15:55 – Legal Help Without Lawyers20:31 – What Success Really Looks Like25:23 – State Models & Next Steps34:30 – Scaling Justice & Strengthening Democracy38:49 – Final Takeaways

Learn how to overcome busyness, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting adult friendships that enrich both your personal and professional life. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Kat Vellos, author of We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships, about practical ways to form new connections, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of community. You’ll discover strategies for moving beyond small talk, making the most of your time, and using Kat’s four “seeds of connection” framework to help relationships thrive.  Kat shares research-backed insights on why friendships matter for well-being, how to integrate connection into your daily life without adding more to your to-do list, and ways to authentically connect with neighbors, colleagues, and acquaintances. Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, reconnect with old friends, or foster deeper ties in your professional network, this conversation offers actionable ideas you can start using today.  Listen to our other episodes on Careers & Professional Development.    Episode #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert (leadership and professional growth) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #567 – From Quiet to Confident: Redefining Success as an Introverted Lawyer, with Heidi Brown (confidence-building for career success) Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #564 – The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode #520 – The Truth About Lawyer Self‑Care: Prioritize or Suffer (personal well-being integral to professional longevity) Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Links from the episode:    Learn More about LabCon  We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships    Chapters:  00:56 – Lab Con: Hands-On Business Building for Lawyers  04:43 – Meet Kat Vellos: Author & Friendship Expert  08:47 – Why Adults Have Fewer Close Friends Today  13:44 – Finding Time for Friends & the “Seeds of Connection”  16:20 – How to Meet Neighbors and Build Local Ties  18:53 – Moving Beyond Small Talk with Meaningful Questions  22:49 – Using Conversation Prompts to Connect at Work  26:30 – Committing to Local Friendships & Staying Connected

Learn how to navigate difficult conversations, manage risk, and lead with integrity in legal settings by building courage as a practical skill. In this conversation, Stephanie Everett is joined by Jim Detert, professor at UVA’s Darden School of Business and author of Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work.  Together, they explore why speaking up at work is so hard, how fear and stress shape behavior, and what lawyers can do to build confidence over time. Jim introduces tools like the “courage ladder” to help professionals take small, strategic steps toward more effective and values-aligned leadership.  Legal professionals will gain:  Skills to manage fear and prepare for high-stakes conversations  A framework for building everyday workplace courage  Insight into the cost of silence in legal practice  Guidance on how to align personal values with professional conduct Ideal for lawyers, firm leaders, and legal professionals who want to take more intentional action in their work and leadership.    Listen to our other episodes on personal leadership:   Episode 491: Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 494: How to Stop Procrastination and Conquer Your To-Do List, with Paul Unger Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 499: Conquering Self‑Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN  Episode 508: From Retreat to Rebrand, with Patricia Mancabelli Apple | Spotify | LTN    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  0:00 – Contranyms & Clarity in Legal Language  2:39 – Meet Jim Detert: Leadership Professor & Author of Choosing Courage  3:18 – Why Speaking Up at Work Feels So Hard  4:56 – Courage Is Not a Personality Trait: Debunking the Myths  6:28 – Practicing Bravery Like a Skill: The Importance of Reps  7:30 – Fear, Physiology, and Mindset: What’s Really Holding You Back  10:40 – From Performance to Growth: Reframing Stress and Risk  13:18 – How to Start Tough Conversations Without Fluff  16:39 – When Courage Gets Risky: Speaking Up in Politicized Professions  20:20 – Values vs. Aspirations: What Do You Really Stand For?  26:51 – The Long-Term Costs of Staying Silent  28:49 – Building a Courage Ladder: Start Small, Scale Up  32:34 – First Steps to Practicing Everyday Courage  33:34 – Final Reflections: Leading with Bravery at Work

Many law firm owners want to foster inclusive workplaces—but aren’t sure how to do it without missteps or performative gestures. Professor Tanya Hernandez of Fordham Law School joins Stephanie Everett to unpack what DEI really means, where it comes from legally, and how small firms can approach it with clarity and intention.  The conversation explores how unconscious bias shows up in hiring and evaluation, why culture fit can be a red flag, and how to implement practical guardrails that promote fairness without needing a big HR department. Tanya also clears up legal misconceptions about DEI post–Supreme Court ruling and offers smart, research-backed tips for making firms more equitable—without making a scene.  This episode is a thoughtful guide for law firm leaders who want to build stronger, fairer teams—one intentional decision at a time.   Listen to our other episodes on DEI & Belonging:  #450: The Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist   #105: How Small Firms Can Promote Diversity, with Dr. Heather Hackman Apple | Lawyerist  #242: Brave, Not Perfect, with Reshma Saujani Apple | Lawyerist  Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters/Timestamps:  2:09 – Meet Professor Tanya Hernandez: DEI Legal Scholar  2:44 – What DEI Really Means: The Civil Rights Foundation  6:41 – Why Small Firms Should Care: The High Stakes of Small Teams  9:46 – Culture Fit or Bias? Rethinking How We Hire  17:04 – Guardrails: Tools to Catch Your Own Bias  22:07 – Is Your Culture Inclusive? Rethinking Team Bonding  24:04 – Where to Start: Learning from the Next Generation  26:14 – Asking the Right Questions: Curiosity Without Burden  28:27 – DEI Is Not Illegal: Clarifying Misconceptions  30:54 – Skip the Slogans: Doing the Real Work Without Performative DEI

Your law firm isn’t just a business—it’s an evolving system. And what works in one stage of growth can sink you in another.  In this episode, Zack Glaser and Stephanie Everett introduce the new Lawyerist Small Firm Scorecard™, a tool that helps lawyers identify which stage their firm is in—and what to focus on next.  Stephanie breaks down the four key stages of firm development, shares the reasoning behind the Scorecard’s redesign, and explains how understanding your stage changes everything: from hiring to marketing to long-term planning.  Lawyerist Lab is evolving alongside the new scorecard, offering coaching clients a more personalized, stage-specific growth path. If you’re building a law firm with long-term goals, this episode will help you step back, recalibrate, and take the right action for where you are now.  Listen to our other episodes on Law Firm Growth :   #568: How to Build a Law Firm You Can Sell, with Victoria L. Collier Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist  #560: Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm's True Potential with Leticia Desuze Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist  #527: Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist  #522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:   0:00 – Episode Introduction and the Power of Unplugged Vacations  4:49 – Tabs3 Spotlight: Practice Management That Adapts to You  14:48 – Why the Small Firm Scorecard™ Got a Makeover 16:50 – Inside the New Scorecard: Defined Benchmarks, Real Clarity 19:10 – The Healthy Firm Model: The Six Pillars of Sustainable Growth 21:00 – Mapping Your Firm’s Stage: Launch, Build, Grow, or Exit 27:26 – Coaching Evolved: How the Scorecard Shapes Lawyerist Lab 30:58 – From Overwhelm to Focus: Coaching Like a Personal Trainer 34:38 – What to Do Next: Take the Scorecard, Get a Plan

Many lawyers feel overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, constant context-switching, and the mental clutter of trying to keep it all straight. In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with productivity pioneer David Allen, author of Getting Things Done (GTD), about how lawyers can break free from chaos and reclaim control—both personally and as a team.  David shares the five key steps of the GTD framework and explains why a “clear mind” isn’t a luxury —it’s a leadership necessity. You’ll learn how to stop relying on your brain as a filing cabinet, how to set up simple systems that actually stick, and how to build a law firm culture where everyone knows what to do next.  We also explore concepts from his new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, including how to reduce bottlenecks, clarify roles, and avoid burnout by working smarter not just harder.  Whether you’re a solo lawyer juggling everything or a leader scaling a team, this episode will help you create space to think, lead, and grow.    Listen to our other episodes on systems & productivity:  #419: Free Yourself from Productivity, with Oliver Burkeman Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #514: The Hidden Value of Doing Less, with Leidy Klotz Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #485: Unleash Your Law Firm’s Potential with an Internal Coach, with Robin Carberry Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist #516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist  Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction: What Is GTD and Why Lawyers Need It  00:46 – Staying Ahead of the Wave: Zack’s GTD Takeaway  02:18 – Brain Dumping for Clarity: A Lawyer Coaching Example  05:34 – Introducing the Small Firm Scorecard  09:54 – Meet David Allen: Creator of Getting Things Done (GTD)  13:47 – Mind Like Water: The Mental State of True Productivity  15:59 – Your Brain Is a Terrible Office: The 5 Steps of GTD  24:52 – From Inbox to Action: Making Systems Stick  27:06 – Avoiding Burnout with Weekly Reviews  31:25 – From High Performer to Dysfunctional Team  34:46 – The Soccer Analogy: Great Players Still Need Teamwork  39:28 – The Power of Saying No: GTD’s Boldest Lesson  42:32 – First Steps: Start by Capturing What’s on Your Mind

Most law firm owners build a business that depends entirely on them—then wonder why no one wants to buy it.  In this episode, we talk with Victoria Collier, founder of Quid Pro Quo, about how to build a firm that’s not only profitable, but truly sellable. Victoria shares what she learned selling her own estate planning and elder law firm after 18 years—and how she now helps other lawyers do the same.  You’ll learn what buyers actually look for (hint: it’s not just revenue), why your firm needs to run without you, and how a shift in mindset can create more freedom and future value. Victoria also shares surprising truths about law firm sales—like the possibility of getting cash upfront—and how AI is quickly becoming a key part of due diligence for buyers and sellers alike.     Listen to our other episodes on the selling your practice:  #369: Selling Your Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify |  Lawyerist  #326: A Succession Plan for Your Law Practice, with Tom Lenfestey Apple | Spotify | Lawyerist    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: The Mindset of a Sellable Law Firm  02:45 - The Dangers of Being the Bottleneck: Why Delegation Matters  06:58 - Lessons from a Successful Firm Sale: What Works and What Doesn't  09:22 - What Buyers Look For: Red Flags and Green Lights in Your Firm  21:52 - Surprising Realities of Selling a Law Firm: Financing and Debt  31:21 - AI's Role in Increasing Your Firm's Value  34:02 - Life After Law: Preparing for Your Next Chapter  36:46 - The Fundamental Mindset Shift: Owning a Business, Not Just a Job  37:50 - Taking the First Steps Toward a Sellable Firm

This episode of the Lawyerist Podcast offers a thorough exploration of understanding introversion, shyness, and social anxiety, and how these traits can be leveraged as strengths, particularly in the legal profession. You'll hear Zack Glaser's conversation with law professor and author Heidi Brown, who shares insights from her book, The Introverted Lawyer.  Heidi provides clarity on the distinctions between being an introvert—someone who processes information internally and recharges with solitude—versus shyness or social anxiety, which stem from a fear of judgment or criticism. Heidi Brown, a public speaker and author who identifies as an introvert, demonstrates that it's possible to be confident and professionally effective while embracing introversion.  You'll discover how introversion can be a "superpower," bringing valuable assets such as active listening, thoughtful problem-solving, empathy, sensitivity to nuance, and strong writing skills to any professional dynamic. The conversation also covers practical steps for introverts to show up authentically and confidently, including mental and physical reflection techniques, reframing negative self-talk, and developing pre-game and game-day routines for high-pressure situations.  Heidi offers perspectives on supporting introverted team members to foster a shared vocabulary around individual strengths. Learn how to recognize and harness your unique qualities, or those of your team, to excel in the legal profession.    Listen to our other episodes:  #564: The Gift in the Struggle: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Growth, with Sara Muender Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist     #506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist       Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 Introversion, Shyness, and Social Anxiety Defined   05:14 Internal vs. External Processing: Understanding Different Communication Styles 15:56 Introversion as a Superpower in the Legal Profession   18:32 Authenticity and Confidence: Mental and Physical Strategies   25:52 Embracing the Blush: Reframing Physical Responses   30:52 Building Confidence: The Power of Pregame and Game Day Routines   34:29 Supporting Introverts in the Workplace   41:36 Your Place in Law: A Message of Empowerment

What happens when a lawyer stops accepting inefficiency as “just the way things are”? In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with attorney and legal tech founder Katya Fisher about her journey from launching a solo practice during the Great Recession to building scalable tools for transactional lawyers.  Katya shares how her legal experience—spanning BigLaw, in-house, and solo practice—revealed pain points in the dealmaking process that technology still hadn’t solved. She explains how she went from identifying those issues to building software that brings clarity, organization, and efficiency to high-stakes legal work.  Along the way, Katya unpacks:  The scrappy start to her legal career  How working solo gave her an edge inside a global corporate group  What legal professionals need to know about scaling their ideas  Why tech tools fail lawyers—and how that can change  Whether you're a lawyer thinking beyond the billable or simply curious how innovation happens in the legal world, this episode delivers practical insights with an entrepreneurial twist.  Listen to our other episodes on entrepreneurship:   #411: Staying Entrepreneurial at a Bigger Firm, with Nick Pleasants  Apple Podcast |  Lawyerist  #268: Riding the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster, with Cameron Herold Apple Podcast | Lawyerist   #205: Entrepreneurial Poverty & Why Average Law Firms Lose, with Mike Michalowicz Apple Podcast | Lawyerist     Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.     Chapters/Timestamps:   00:00 Introduction: The Entrepreneurial Lawyer  01:02 Quarterly Planning: Intentional Business Growth  07:15 Solo Practice Origins: Scrappy Beginnings  13:36 The Competitive Advantage of Broad Experience  17:51 ADHD as a Superpower: Hyperfocus and Foresight  23:36 Accurately Identify a Business Problem  30:40 From Idea to Product: Building a Product or Workflow  36:10 Articulating Vision and Gaining Buy-In  41:14 Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Innovators

This special remastered episode of the Lawyerist Podcast features Stephanie's conversation with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader. We're re-releasing it due to positive feedback on the depth of this discussion, ensuring you'll gain new insights and "aha!" moments with every listen.  In this episode, we explore AI's transformative power, viewing it not as a threat, but as a liberator that enhances our work. We dive into the five core human skills to emphasize in an AI-driven world: strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and creation. We demonstrate how to leverage AI strategically, from evaluating business plans to acting as a growth-minded board member, and you'll hear how we're integrating AI into our own leadership meetings.  Geoff shares real-world examples of using AI as a "thought partner" to stress-test major strategic decisions, even creating an "AI board of advisors." He also provides practical applications for lawyers, such as using AI to review NDAs, stress-test legal arguments, and role-play closing arguments with AI as your jury. To guide your own AI journey, Geoff outlines his "CRIT" framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task) for effective prompting and highlights the importance of understanding AI model settings for data privacy and confidentiality.  Listen to our other episodes on the AI revolution:  #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist   #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist     #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalaki and Conrad Saam: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  The AI-Driven Leader   Chapters/Timestamps:  0:00 - Episode Introduction and Why This Remastered Version is Special   1:22 - AI as the Next Big Shift for Lawyers   6:28 - Geoff Woods: Redefining Leadership in the AI Era   9:11 - The Five Core Human Skills Enhanced by AI   10:36 - Strategic AI: Beyond Basic Tasks   14:24 - AI as Your Strategic Thought Partner   19:47 - Navigating AI: Threat vs. Opportunity for Lawyers   20:56 - Practical AI Applications: NDA Review and Valuation   28:51 - Building Your AI Habit: The "CRIT" Framework   32:19 - AI Security and Data Privacy for Legal Professionals   34:40 - The Risk of Inaction and Building the Future Firm

In this insightful episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, we invite you to explore the profound interplay between personal resilience and professional advancement. Join business coach Sara Muender and host Zack Glaser as they guide us through the essential process of reframing failure and leveraging hardships for significant growth.  You'll discover how encountering obstacles or experiencing a dip in professional momentum often reveals deeper, underlying emotional dynamics. We underscore the critical importance of emotional intelligence and the strategic prioritization of human experience over purely technical or strategic solutions. Sara shares how AI tools, while invaluable for streamlining operations like project management, also provide significant support in mitigating overwhelm and burnout, allowing you to shift focus from mere tasks to your overall well-being.  This conversation offers a compelling perspective on navigating your unique challenges, emphasizing that genuine resilience stems from directly engaging with difficulties, not from avoiding them. We'll discuss why comparing your professional journey to others can be unproductive and how embracing even uncomfortable emotions can become a potent catalyst for your development. If you're seeking to cultivate a more robust understanding of your professional hurdles and harness emotional intelligence for sustained success, this episode provides invaluable guidance.    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  #516: Flexing Your Discipline Muscle to Stay Motivated, with Sara Muender  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist    #535: Lawyer Burnout: 5 Hidden Signs You’re About to Crash, with Natasha Evans  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist    #506: Managing Stress & Avoiding Burnout, with Emily Nagoski  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist       Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction & AI's Role in Work  01:50 - AI for Project Scoping & Management  03:47 - AI, Client Feedback & Emotional Intelligence  04:40 - Overcoming Overwhelm with AI  07:10 - Finding "The Gift in the Struggle"  08:04 - Battling Burnout & Comparison Traps  13:53 - The Power of Slowing Down  16:11 - Embracing Failure & Building Resilience  22:29 - Failure as Data, Not Personal Worth  23:41 - Personal Tragedy & Finding Meaning  29:22 - The Relativity of Pain & Self-Improvement  34:35 - Facing Hard Truths & Growth

Step inside a real-world example of legal innovation as two Lawyerist Lab members, Rachel Allums and Allison Harrison, reveal how they partnered to create Safe Sendoff, a new company addressing common legal needs for young adults.   Rachel and Allison identified a need for legal documents like powers of attorney and HIPAA releases when young people turn 18. They decided to join forces, sharing costs and leveraging their individual firm experiences to develop a product that serves both young adults and their parents. Beyond providing crucial legal forms, Safe Sendoff also includes an "Adulting 101" course, which educates young people on the responsibilities and rights that come with turning 18, covering topics from employment rules to filing taxes.  Their discussion highlights a new service delivery model offering automated, cost-effective solutions. Rachel and Allison share how their experience running their individual law firms informed their approach to building Safe Sendoff, allowing them to expedite the process of defining their purpose, vision, and ideal client. They also emphasize the benefits of working with a shared coach through Lawyerist Lab, which helped keep them on track. You'll learn about their commitment to transparent, upfront pricing and their focus on delivering valuable legal support through recorded explanations and automated processes, making high-quality legal information accessible at a fraction of the cost.  If this discussion sparks questions about optimizing your firm's operations or identifying new opportunities, consider exploring the "free small firm scorecard" at lawyerist.com/scorecard. It's a quick assessment to help you get a data-driven view of your firm and identify areas for smart improvements as you embark on your own innovation journey.    Listen to our other episodes:  #407: Serving Clients Through Alternative Business Structures, with Mike Payne and Chad Huebsch Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist   #368: Using Strategy Intensives for Your Firm’s Success, with Anne Romanello Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist   #320 A Labster Call, with Aaron Thomas Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist    Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!    If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters/Timestamps:  9:31 - Introducing Safe Sendoff: A New Venture 11:49 - The "Adulting 101" Component & Why Young Adults Need These Documents 15:14 - The Partnership Journey: Challenges and Synergies 17:48 - Building a Second Business Differently 22:46 - The Business Model: Beyond the Billable Hour 25:24 - Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs 28:53 - What's Next for Safe Sendoff: Marketing and Growth

AI is here to revolutionize your law firm, moving beyond simple prompts to actively handling your tasks. This Lawyerist Podcast episode is your essential guide. Zack Glaser sits down with Dr. Charreau Bell, a senior data scientist and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, who's helping law students and faculty use AI in truly meaningful ways.  This isn’t just theoretical—you’ll get real clarity on what it means to use AI well in your firm, right now. We break down the crucial difference between merely using an AI model and actually "training" one, so you understand what's happening behind the scenes. You’ll also learn when it's safe (and risky!) to send client data into cloud-based AI tools, and how you can even run powerful AI models right on your own computer for ultimate privacy.  But here's where it gets really exciting: we explore how AI is evolving beyond simple prompts into "agentic systems" that can plan, reason, and act on your behalf. Think of AI not just as a tool, but as a proactive assistant that can break down complex tasks and execute them using various "tools" you provide. This isn't just about automating simple tasks; it’s about offloading work that previously required significant expertise, freeing you to focus on more creative and complex legal challenges.  If this episode sparks questions about the data in your firm and how you can leverage it, check out the “free small firm scorecard”. It’s a quick assessment to help you get a data-driven view of your firm and identify areas for smart improvements as you embark on your AI journey.    Listen to our other episodes about Artificial Intelligence:   #555: How to Use AI and Universal Design to Empower Diverse Thinkers with Susan Tanner Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist  #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist   #551: Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Lawyerist     Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction: Beyond Simple AI Prompts  03:20 - How Data Science Helps Lawyers  04:32 - Automating Document Review and Information Extraction  07:10 - Understanding How AI Models Work (Training vs. Using)  13:25 - Secure AI: Running Models Locally and with Cloud Providers  17:16 - Training AI Models with Limited Data (Transfer Learning)  28:16 - The Power of Agentic AI Systems  34:24 - Interacting with Agentic AI and Security Considerations  38:21 - The Importance of Data Organization in the Age of AI  43:46 - The Future of AI: Automating the Unwanted