As the year comes to a close, Stephanie Everett and Zack Glaser look back at the Lawyerist Podcast episodes that stood out most to them in episode 594 of the Lawyerist Podcast. From practical AI workflows and ethical guidance to mental health, communication, and leadership, this episode highlights the conversations that sparked new thinking and delivered real value. Stephanie and Zack revisit standout moments, share why certain episodes resonated, and reflect on the themes that shaped the year—while inviting listeners to share which episodes made the biggest impact and what topics they’d like to hear more about in the year ahead. Listen to some of the episodes highlighted this year: Episode #585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health and the Law, with Sumia and Jill — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #577 – Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #553 – AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use, with Catherine Sanders Reach — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #579 – Knee Deep in Escheating: Intricacies of Lawyer Trust Accounts, with Amy Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 539 – This VOICE HACK Will Transform Your Legal Career!, with Reena Cook — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 554 – Competence and Diligence in Light of Changing Laws and Regulations, with Craig Dobson — Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 & Year-End Reflection 01:35 – Why These Episodes Stood Out 01:56 – AI Tools and Practical Tech Takeaways 02:59 – Building Community and Adult Friendships 04:28 – Mental Health First Aid for Lawyers 07:06 – Ethics, Flat Fees, and Changing Scope 09:14 – Voice, Presence, and Communication Skills 11:46 – Becoming an AI-Driven Leader 14:36 – Rethinking Growth in the Age of AI 18:00 – Trust Accounting and Compliance Essentials 20:03 – Listener Feedback & Looking Ahead 21:07 – Closing Thoughts and Thanks
Not all clients are created equal—and some quietly drain your firm’s time, energy, and profits. In episode 593 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Affinity Consulting’s Jeff Krause about the hidden cost of bad clients and how law firms can use data to make better decisions about who they serve. Jeff breaks down his Moneyball-inspired profit formula to show how client quality impacts leads, conversion rates, revenue, and margins. They explore why discount-seeking clients create compounding damage, how setting clearer expectations can improve client behavior, and when it makes sense to let certain clients walk away. A closer look at the tension between profitability and access to justice, and how intentional business models can support both. Listen to our previous episodes about Client Experience & Law Firm Profitability: Episode #384 – Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #474: Moneyball for Lawyers, with Jeff Krause — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #560 – Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze — Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 05:12 – Meet Jeff Krause 06:51 – What “Moneyball for Lawyers” Really Means 09:08 – The Profit Formula That Drives Firm Growth 12:46 – How Bad Clients Damage the Numbers 15:30 – The Compounding Cost of Discounts 18:21 – Raising Rates vs. Chasing More Clients 19:45 – Can You Improve Mid-Tier Clients? 21:58 – Profitability vs. Access to Justice 24:19 – Building Intentional Service Models 26:48 – Trusting Your Data—and Your Gut 27:43 – One Step Firms Should Take Right Now 28:23 – Closing Thoughts
Episode 592 of the Lawyerist Podcast shows how strengthening your leadership can become the most reliable lever for firm growth. Stephanie Everett and service expert William O’Neal break down the communication habits, value alignment, and client-experience systems that help teams build trust faster, reduce friction, and perform at a higher level. William shares his Five Essentials of Leadership, unpacking why rapport drives efficiency, how consistent service builds loyalty, and what it takes to design a client journey your team can deliver every single day. They also explore the hidden costs of poor communication, the power of service recovery, and practical ways leaders can create more stability for both clients and staff. Links from this episode: https://www.williamoneal.com/ Listen to our previous episodes about Client Experience & Relationships. #462: Designing an Empathetic Client Experience, with Kirk Simoneau Apple | Spotify | LTN #347: How a Client Happiness Coordinator Increased My Firm Referrals & Reviews, with Ryan McKeen & Brittany Green Apple | Spotify | LTN #338: Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN #271: Client‑Centered Law Firms, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Intro 05:12 – Meet William O’Neal 06:15 – Leading with Joy 07:51 – Five Essentials of Leadership 09:01 – Heart for Service 12:41 – Knowing Your Value 14:07 – What Clients Want 16:35 – Building Rapport & Trust 18:55 – Culture & Consistency 20:30 – Empathy in Client Experience 22:10 – Lessons from Chick-fil-A 24:09 – Service Recovery 25:31 – Feedback & Improvement 27:36 – Adapting to Change 29:29 – Small Acts, Big Trust 30:18 – Learn More + Closing
Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority. Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online. Links from the episode: lawyerist.com/scorecard Zyppy.com Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law. #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Intro & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus
In episode 590 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how practical, everyday AI can help lawyers work smarter—not harder. Zack Glaser sits down with Graydon Trusler, a practical AI specialist and longtime law-firm operations pro, to explore how attorneys can use “productive laziness” to eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline case management, and reclaim valuable time. Graydon shares real examples from his family law firm, including how custom AI assistants help review discovery, prep hearings, analyze documents, and even support lawyers in the courtroom. Together, they break down privacy concerns, adoption hurdles, and simple ways to start using AI without getting overwhelmed. Discover why AI isn’t a distant future—it’s a powerful tool lawyers can start using today to improve workflows, reduce stress, and deliver better results for clients. Links from the episode: LexpertAI Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI & Law Firm Efficiency: Episode #562: Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #565: Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden — Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Karin Conroy — Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 08:45 – Meet Graydon 11:10 – Practical AI in Law Firms 16:40 – Myths, Fears & Privacy 19:00 – Real AI Workflows 23:00 – Productive Laziness 31:00 – AI in the Courtroom 34:45 – Faster Discovery & SOPs 38:50 – Flat Fees & the Future 45:13 – Closing Thoughts
In episode 589 of Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting to talk about the practical, real-world ways law firms can use Excel to save time, reduce errors, and streamline everyday work. Barron breaks down why Excel is one of the most underused tools in law firms and shares examples like expense tracking, probate calculations, medical bill summaries, date calculators, amortization tables, document automation, and even embedding live spreadsheets inside Word. If Excel feels intimidating, Barron explains how even simple functions can dramatically improve workflows across litigation, estate planning, family law, real estate, and firm operations. Listen to our previous episodes on legal tech tools and smarter workflows: #497: Real Talk About Artificial Intelligence in Your Office, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN #581: Agentic AI for Lawyers: Moving Beyond Enhanced Search, with Drew Bloom Apple | Spotify | LTN #587: Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton Apple | Spotify | LTN Listen to our previous episodes on Finances: #306: Getting to Know & Love Your Numbers, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN #583: From Survival to Strategy: Scaling Your Law Firm Finances, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Why lawyers should look at their numbers 4:17 – AI updates from 8AM (MyCase/Docketwise) 13:46 – Why Excel is the most underused tool in law 17:35 – What Excel can do that lawyers don’t expect 23:25 – Templates, formulas & real practice examples 31:27 – Using Excel for automation & mail merges 37:32 – Everyday lawyer workflows made easier with Excel 41:23 – Final takeaways
In episode 588 of the Lawyerist Podcast, discover how small shifts in mindset and management can make law practice less chaotic and more rewarding. Zack Glaser sits down with Jordan Couch of Palace Law to explore lessons from his book, 411 Tips for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers. They cover everything from client service and writing habits to creativity and innovation, offering real-world advice to help lawyers build stronger, happier firms. Listen to our previous episodes about Law Firm Innovation & Sustainable Growth: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN #553: AI Tools and Processes Every Lawyer Should Use with Catherine Sanders Reach Apple | Spotify | LTN #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 with Stephanie & Zack 05:52 – Meet Jordan Couch 07:12 – 411 Tips for Lawyers 09:48 – Pick Your Lane 13:51 – Client Service Matters 16:26 – Handling Client Frustration 21:12 – The Trial Is Always Happening 24:35 – Write Like a Human 34:20 – Practice Creativity 37:38 – The Future of Law 46:00 – Closing Thoughts
In episode 587 of Lawyerist Podcast, discover how your firm can stay competitive, efficient, and future-ready by embracing artificial intelligence. Stephanie Everett talks with Jack Newton, CEO and founder of Clio, about how small firms can leverage AI to streamline workflows, make smarter decisions, and outpace slower-moving competitors. Jack explains how Clio’s new AI-powered platform, Clio Work, is transforming the way lawyers practice—by integrating intelligent automation directly into everyday tasks. Together, they explore what it means to become an “AI-native” law firm, how to balance innovation with ethics, and why small firms are uniquely positioned to lead the legal industry’s next big shift. Learn how to use AI as a force multiplier in your practice—and why adaptability, not size, will define tomorrow’s most successful law firms. Listen to our previous episodes about AI & Law Firm Growth: Episode #584: “How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative” Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #577: “Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden” Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #565: “Becoming the AI Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods” Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode #562: “Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell” Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Introduction & ClioCon Recap 2:00 – Growth Stages of Small Firms 5:10 – Clio for Enterprise Explained 7:45 – Why Small Firms Have the Advantage 10:30 – How AI Is Changing Legal Work 13:15 – Making AI Adoption Effortless 16:00 – Trust, Data & the Hallucination Problem 20:00 – Building the AI-Native Law Firm 22:30 – Staying Competitive in the Age of Change 24:40 – Closing Thoughts
In episode 586 of Lawyerist Podcast, learn how lawyers can help safeguard democracy by defending the rule of law and protecting judicial independence. In this episode, Stephanie Everett talks with Bill Bay, Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association, about why these issues transcend politics and define the integrity of the legal profession. Together, they discuss how every lawyer can lead with grace, model civil discourse, and stand up for fairness, equality, and due process. Learn how you can join the ABA’s fight for the rule of law here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/rule-of-law/ Listen to our previous episodes about Leadership & Advocacy in Law: Episode 490: “How to Build a Powerhouse Firm with Internal Talent, with Ryan McKeen” Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 560: “Stop Doing Everything Yourself! Unlock Your Law Firm’s True Potential, with Leticia DeSuze” Apple | Spotify | LTN Episode 576: “How Sponsorship, Empathy, and Failure Shape Great Leaders, with Michael Cohen” Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – Introduction 1:00 – Law as Political, Not Partisan 4:40 – Sponsor Break: Tabs3 11:13 – Meet Bill Bay 12:20 – What the Rule of Law Means 14:40 – Threats to Justice & the Profession 21:55 – How Lawyers Can Take Action 23:40 – Grace & Civility in Practice 29:05 – Hope for the Next Generation 34:20 – Call to Action & Closing Thoughts
In episode 585 of Lawyerist Podcast, Soumya Palreddy and Jill Kluesner explain how Mental Health First Aid equips lawyers to recognize signs of burnout, stress, and crisis—before they escalate. Learn practical tools for building healthier teams, reducing stigma, and improving communication in high-pressure firms. Discover why legal leaders are embracing mental health training as a core business skill, and how a few key mindset shifts can protect both your well-being and your practice. Links from the episode: http://www.jillkluesnerconsulting.com https://www.soumyapalreddyconsulting.com/ Listen to our previous episodes about Legal Professional Wellness. #375: Taking Care of Your Team’s Mental Health, with Calvin Benton Apple | Spotify | LTN #469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban Apple | Spotify | LTN #473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 & ClioCon Recap03:45 – What Is Mental Health First Aid?06:10 – Training for the Legal Mind08:45 – Breaking the Stigma: Talking About Mental Health at Work11:32 – Signs, Symptoms & What to Notice15:55 – The First Aid Framework: How to Help19:20 – Leadership, Culture & Modeling Wellness22:58 – From Self-Care to Community Care26:40 – Practical Steps for Teams29:10 – Final Takeaways & How to Get Trained30:45 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
In episode 584 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser sits down with longtime legal marketing expert Karin Conroy of Conroy Creative Counsel to talk about the evolution of law firm marketing in the age of artificial intelligence. Karin explains why lawyers shouldn’t fear AI, but should learn to use it strategically. From the “Iron Man vs. Terminator” analogy to practical steps for improving your firm’s marketing funnel, she shares how attorneys can blend technology and human insight to build trust, attract the right clients, and stay ahead of the curve. They also dig into how AI is reshaping SEO, the importance of authenticity, and why marketing fundamentals still matter more than ever. Links from this episode: Conroy Creative Counsel The AI Marketing Cookbook for Lawyers Listen to our previous episodes with Karin: #559: The Imitation Trap: Lessons from 15 Years of Top Law Firm Websites , with Conroy Creative Counsel (Sponsored) Apple | Spotify | LTN #546: Unlock Law Firm Growth: AI marketing Secrets with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN 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 – The evolution of law firm marketing 3:50 – AI’s rise and the Iron Man vs. Terminator analogy 9:50 – Understanding your marketing funnel 12:00 – Why referrals are marketing 17:00 – Finding weak points in your strategy 21:00 – Adding AI without losing the human touch 25:30 – How AI is changing SEO and “Search Everywhere Optimization” 37:40 – The value of authenticity and human connection
In episode 583 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Bernadette Harris, business strategist and finance coach at Lawyerist, about how to move beyond “survival mode” and into strategic, scalable growth. Bernadette breaks down the financial metrics that define a mature, transferable law firm, what she calls the difference between working in your business and having your business work for you. Together, they explore the KPIs that show when your team, not just you, is generating revenue, how to measure leverage across roles, and how to build systems that make your firm valuable enough to sell or pass on. Bernadette also shares what succession planning really looks like for small firms, why client origination should be team-wide, and how to start laying the groundwork, no matter your current stage of growth. Listen to our previous episodes with Bernadette: #557: KPIs for Lawyers: Measuring Your Law Firm’s Financial Health with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN #523: Financial Red Flags: Are You Hiring Too Soon?, with Bernadette Harris Apple | Spotify | LTN #457: Healthy Profits: Understanding the Story Your Numbers Tell, with Bernadette Harris 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: Running and Community at LabCon 2:40 – The Power of Accountability and Growth Communities 5:40 – Advanced Firm Finances: Stage 3 & 4 Growth 8:45 – Shifting from Survival to Strategy 11:35 – Measuring Leverage: Who’s Doing the Work? 14:45 – Tracking Revenue by Role, Not Hours 19:15 – When Owners Should Stop Doing Casework 23:00 – Building Transferable Value 25:40 – Succession Planning and Client Origination 29:10 – Systems, SOPs, and True Scalability 33:20 – How to Reach the Next Stage 35:10 – Closing Thoughts & Resources
In episode 582 of Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Merisa Bowers, Loss Prevention and Outreach Counsel at the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping lawyers’ ethical duties. Merisa explains how deepfakes and realistic scams are creating new challenges for diligence and verification, why unregulated chatbots can accidentally create attorney-client relationships, and what disclosures lawyers should make when using AI tools. She also shares practical steps to maintain confidentiality, protect client data, and apply long-standing ethics rules to fast-changing technologies. Links from the episode: ABA Formal Opinion 512 - Generative AI ABA Formal Opinion 510 - Prospective Clients & Rule 1.18 Listen to our previous episodes about non-lawyer ownership: #354: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, with Lori Gonzalez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #355: A Look at the New Non-lawyer Firm Ownership Reform, Pt.2, with Allen Rodriguez: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Lawyerist #221: The State of the Legal Profession, with ABA President Robert M. Carlson: 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: 0:00 – ClioCon4:45 – Meet Merisa Bowers6:50 – Tech Shifts & New Ethics Risks9:10 – Deepfakes & Diligence13:40 – AI Scams & Fake Clients18:30 – Chatbots Creating Clients 23:40 – Ethical Chatbot Models26:45 – Should Lawyers Disclose AI?29:40 – Don’t Let AI Think for You34:20 – Protecting Client Data36:10 – Staying Ethical with AI37:40 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
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