Founding Partner Podcast

148 Episodes

Reverse

Your Hit By a Bus Plan with Jonathan Hawkins

2026-09-1516:44

What happens to your law firm if you suddenly cannot run it?In this solo episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Jonathan Hawkins breaks down what he calls the “Hit By a Bus Plan,” a practical approach for protecting your clients, family, employees, and firm if death or disability takes you away from the practice unexpectedly.

The Truth About Law Firm Growth with David Vicknair

2026-09-0859:14

Does every law firm really need to scale?In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Jonathan Hawkins sits down with New Orleans personal injury attorney David Vicknair to talk about building a firm on your own terms. David shares how intentional growth, memorable client hospitality, bold marketing, and investing in the right people helped shape his firm, and why growth only works when you know what you actually want to build.

Build the Firm You Actually Want with Michelle Dellino

2026-09-0159:15

What does it take to grow from a new law firm owner hiring an attorney off Craigslist to leading one of Washington’s largest family law practices?In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Michelle Dellino shares how confidence, calculated risk, hard-earned lessons, and a willingness to let go helped her build Dellino Family Law Group. She also opens up about the difficult seasons behind the growth, why founders need a clear vision, and what it really means to build a firm around the life you want.

Four Essentials Every Law Firm Partnership Needs with Jonathan Hawkins

2026-08-2509:42

A law firm partnership can work on trust and a handshake, until it doesn’t. In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Jonathan Hawkins breaks down four essential issues every law firm partnership agreement should address before disagreements, departures, or unexpected changes put that partnership to the test.He also shares a practical bonus tip for structuring partner compensation so it can evolve without reopening the entire partnership agreement.

Building a Brand That Lasts with Erik Pelton

2026-08-1857:14

What happens when a young lawyer combines an entrepreneurial instinct with an early fascination for technology? Erik Pelton turned that combination into a trademark practice that has continued evolving for more than 25 years.In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Erik shares how flat fees, technology, education, content, and a willingness to learn from failure helped him build a distinctive firm. We also explore why lawyers need to advocate for themselves, how delegation changes a founder's role, and why Erik believes some of his greatest successes began with mistakes.

#box-pro-ellipsis-179002730295812{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Founding Partner Podcast