The Mostly Legal Podcast

Jessica VanTroost, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at McGlinchey Stafford, talks with Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner about what it really takes to build a thriving law firm culture where “fun is not illegal.”From McGlinchey’s famous “Ministry of Fun” to its nationwide “Snack Bracket,” Jessica shares how intentional culture-building drives engagement and inclusion across the firm's 18 offices. She also discusses her path from a chance babysitting gig to a leadership role at one of the country’s top firms, her game-changing ideas for legal support structure, her work with her beloved Jacksonville ALA chapter, and why her leadership philosophy starts with people, purpose, and play.Expect laughter, football banter, and some truth bombs about the future of law firm management. Tune in for practical takeaways, inspiring stories, and insights that will leave you rethinking how law firms can work, grow, and thrive.

Are you buried under emails, notifications, and open browser tabs? You’re not alone.In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner sit down with Paul Unger, founding partner of Affinity Consulting Group and author of “Tame the Digital Chaos: Distraction, Time, Task & Email Management in an Age of Information Overload."Paul shares how lawyers can reclaim focus, improve productivity, and bring calm back to their workdays. From AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to practical strategies for email management, time blocking, and centralizing firms’ data, Paul offers real-world advice for law firms drowning in digital clutter.You’ll also hear his personal insights on ADHD, self-care, and why he thinks time management is really about managing energy and living a healthier, happier life.Topics Covered:The evolution from analog lawyering to digital overloadHow to build your firm’s “digital house”AI’s role in productivity (and where lawyers get it wrong)Why multitasking is a mythPaul’s favorite tools and time management secretsTune in for a mix of humor, honesty, and practical advice you can use today!

In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, hosts Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner welcome William Washington III, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation.William shares his unconventional journey, from being a high school and college dropout, a young father facing eviction, and coping with personal tragedy, to rising to the C-suite of one of the world’s largest law firms. He explains how resilience, mentorship, and relentless focus on improvement propelled him forward.The discussion covers William’s approach to leadership as an introvert, the importance of professionalizing law firm operations, and his creative strategies for finding and developing talent. He also shares candid thoughts on AI in law firms, how technology will reshape the industry, and why leaders need to create space for every personality type to thrive.Along the way, you’ll hear stories that are both entertaining and insightful, including a surprise encounter with Brooke Shields and how William once applied Lean Six Sigma principles to shorten a church service.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and the business side of law firms.

AI is transforming the legal world, but where do law firms even begin? In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, hosts Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos talk with Melissa “Mel” Ballesteros, Manager of AI and Legal Technology Adoption, to explore her career journey from tech support to becoming an AI leader in law. Mel shares practical insights on:How law firms can dip their toes into AI without getting overwhelmedWhy training programs need to evolve into workshops and communitiesThe role of AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in everyday legal workWhy women in AI and cybersecurity need more support and visibilityIt’s part tech talk, part career journey, and all-around inspiring. Whether you’re an attorney, a law firm administrator, or just curious about AI’s role in legal, this episode is packed with insights (and a few laughs along the way).Remember to subscribe to The Mostly Legal Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of law, business, and technology!

Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos welcome Jessica Aries, CEO of By Aries and former attorney, for a candid conversation about what actually drives business development on LinkedIn and how AI can help lawyers do it faster. Jessica traces her path from in-house marketing leader to agency founder after a gutsy LinkedIn post during COVID sparked nine new clients in a day. She breaks down four essential content pillars (services with value, credible recognition, relationship-building, and thoughtful personal brand), explains why engagement beats follower counts, and explains how to use AI for first drafts, better hooks, plain-language edits, and repeatable workflows (even custom GPTs). The trio also plays LinkedIn Lawyer Bingo (goodbye, stock handshake pics) and an AI or Die lightning round before Jessica’s Pitch Your Passion on AI-enabled marketing teams and agents that cut through marketing inefficiency. Expect practical tactics, zero fluff, and a few laugh-out-loud moments. 

Basketball coach. Executive coach. Law firm operations leader. And the next president of the Association of Legal Administrator’s (ALA) New York City chapter.  In this lively conversation, Tirek Gayle shares how a coach’s mindset powers law-firm leadership—from building a true people-first culture to competing with big-firm brands in the heart of New York. We cover recruiting and retention, in-office vs. hybrid, mental health, white-glove client service (without $2k/hour rates), and how ALA NYC is evolving with new ideas and regional collaboration. What you’ll hear: - The backboard-smashing story—and what it teaches about breaking barriers - Coaching attorneys (and everyone else) with honesty, transparency, and readiness - Competing in NYC: boutique service, quality of life, and smarter pricing - PTO, flexibility, and empathy that’s actually lived, not laminated - ALA NYC’s plans, charity work, and Tirek’s “Let’s go” leadership mantra If you’re a managing partner, legal admin, or ops pro, this one’s full of practical energy. Subscribe for more insights each week!

What happens when a self-proclaimed "proud non-lawyer" takes the reins of a law firm? In this lively episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda sit down with John Bowers, CEO of Thompson Burton, to explore how leadership, transparency, and empathy are reshaping the future of law firm operations.John brings his signature mix of candor and humor as he shares:Why he embraces the term "non-lawyer" How a fully transparent, formulaic compensation model drives growth and accountability at his firmHis bold take on the role of CEOs and business leaders in lawThe powerful story behind the #LovedJenny movement and his fight to expand mental health support for all legal professionalsWhether you're a legal administrator, law firm leader, or passionate advocate for change in the profession, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe even a little fired up. Don’t miss it!

Ever wondered why your law firm’s bank account doesn’t match your revenue? Or what a K-1 really means? In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda are joined by Terrell Turner, CPA and founder of TL Turner Group, to make sense of the financial fog law firms often find themselves in.From translating accounting jargon into plain English to explaining why you probably shouldn’t rely on the legal drama, Suits, for legal business advice, Terrell shares real-world insights for law firm leaders, administrators, and accountants who want to get smart about their numbers. Plus, we talk trust accounts, how to avoid phantom income nightmares, and why “retainer” is the most misunderstood word in the legal world.

2025-2026 ALA President Travis Armstrong joins Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos for a high-energy, insightful conversation about climbing higher—both literally and figuratively. From running marathons and championing mental health to leading firm-wide technology upgrades, Travis shares the mindset behind his presidential theme, how he’s helping transform ALA’s volunteer structure, and why empathy and endurance are essential in legal leadership. He also dives into his recent experience spearheading a major document management system upgrade at his firm—how he secured stakeholder buy-in, used trusted team members as change ambassadors, and why bringing in a consultant helped turn a complex rollout into a success story. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, manage meaningful change, or find clarity on a trail run—this episode is for you. 

In this episode of Mostly Legal, Amanda and Rob sit down with John Byrne, President of the Legal Marketing Association and CMO of the mid-sized law firm Gould and Ratner, to talk all things legal marketing, from the basics of building a brand to avoiding “random acts of marketing.”John brings his trademark humor and deep industry insight to a wide-ranging conversation that covers:What small and mid-sized firms get wrong (and right) about marketingHow current clients drive 80% of new business and how to engage them betterThe difference between CRMs and ERMs (and why even your Outlook inbox holds untapped marketing value)How business development is evolving for younger attorneysAnd… a classic RFP horror storyWhether you're a legal admin, firm leader, or aspiring marketer, this is a must-listen conversation packed with practical tips, strategic guidance, and a few laughs.

Debbie Foster is back! She's the only guest to make a repeat appearance (so far!) on The Mostly Legal Podcast, and hosts Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner dive deep with Debbie on what law firms think they need when they say they're hiring a COO, and what they actually need.They explore what the COO title should mean, how to avoid watering it down, and why small firms in particular need to be strategic (not just aspirational) when giving out leadership roles.From governance structure shakeups to how real change starts with honest conversations, this episode offers practical advice, a little tough love, and plenty of laughs. Plus: thoughts on law firm innovation, ChatGPT vs Claude, art committees (yes, seriously), and how law firms can actually get ahead if they’re brave enough to change.

How do you go from answering phones to running the business side of a law firm? In this episode of the Mostly Legal Podcast, we sit down with Elyssa Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of RAM Law and 2025-2026 President-Elect of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), to find out. Elyssa shares her journey from receptionist to COO, the mentors who shaped her path, and how she advocated for a leadership role in a small firm. We also dive into career development, ALA's impact, the importance of taking responsibility for your career—and yes, Rob tries (and fails) to get Elyssa to sing. If you're a legal administrator, firm manager, or aspiring COO, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and laughs along the way.

Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos are BACK with The Mostly Legal Podcast - Season 4 and ready to share more behind-the-scenes stories of how law firms operate. If you're one of their seven or eight fans, here's a taste of what's in store! 

Can you believe this is the season finale for the Mostly Legal podcast season 3? We wanted to end this season the way it started...with a bang! This week we hosted Stefanie Marrone, a LinkedIn expert. Not only is she the queen of social media marketing, but she also runs her own blog, has impressive CMO experience, and is a public speaker. What is the butterfly effect exactly? One inconsequential thing could have a far-reaching impact on your life, your work, etc. Learn how Stefanie journeyed from an in-house marketer to a powerhouse entrepreneur by building her brand on social media and reinventing herself. She provides insights into the power of great social media and how storytelling allows you to both share the rights and wrongs, but as result, creates a humanistic approach and presence. We cannot believe this season is over, but what a great way to close out a fantastic season. Do not miss the finale of season 3! 

What if we shifted the way we thought of work-life balance to work-life integration or enrichment? We welcomed Lori Mihalich-Levin, an author, mother, podcast host, and founding principal, to the podcast to discuss the role of motherhood and its integration into the practice of law. She really can do it all!     The power of setting boundaries for yourself is a vital component of your success and personal growth. Lori walks us through the power of advocating yourself, with a focus on parental leave. She also explains her program, Mindful Return, and the resources and help it provides to employers around the globe to retain working parent top talent. Lori hates the term work/life balance but you'll have to listen to find out exactly why! 

On this week of the Mostly Legal podcast, Rob and Amanda host Geoffrey Williams (COO and CFO of Cunningham Bounds, LLC) and ALA International President-Elect 2022-2023. Have you ever thought about the differences between curiosity vs. judgment between one another? Geoffrey provides a thoughtful conversation around the impact of their experiences as a child and how it has influenced various parts of his life. Learn how Geoffrey has used many different ALA experiences towards his personal growth and how trying and failing can turn into trying and succeeding through time and effort. Did we mention that he also records and produces his own music too? There maybe is even some talk about the metaverse.

Did you ever think the ALA could bring you some of your best friends? This week, we welcome Jessica Daughtery, the Director of Administration at Wesierski & Zurek. Jessica opens up to Rob and Amanda about how the ALA is not just a place to swap business cards, but rather a place that, if you allow it, can provide you with deep and special friendships. A large impact is due to ALA members understanding what you are going through on a day-to-day basis. Listen to this week's episode to learn you can always find your tribe! 

Do we have a (Halloween) treat for you this week? On this episode, we welcomed the charismatic father and son duo, Alan and Rich Wilson as they dive into the power of storytelling. Now, this episode does not fall short of in-person storytelling too. From everything from Halloween stories to Alan taking Rob and Amanda through cheers. Also, Rich takes us through the impact of online storytelling through content creation. It is no mystery that social media and marketing are essential to a firm's success, so why not hear an industry update from an expert in this area? They also discuss their roles and contributions within the ALA. Learn about the Wilson's incredible Halloween haunted house that as a result has deemed the street, "Halloween Street".  And did we mention..there are moments that even leave Rob speechless? 

Has anyone ever bet on your failure? When Bill Lowman started ShuffieldLowman 19 years ago, partners at his former firm predicted he wouldn’t succeed. He was a young partner with a still-growing book of business who was notoriously bad at entering and billing time. But thanks to strong mentors, the ability to learn from his mistakes, and the willingness to admit what he didn’t know, Bill created an incredibly successful mid-size firm in Central Florida. He shares that story plus sage advice on creating work/life harmony, the secrets to lobstering and even dares to pick a favorite Marvel movie. As a bonus, you get to hear Amanda interview her boss and boy was she nervous!

This week, you are in for a real treat. We hosted Sarah Evenson, ALA President. Sarah is no stranger to the legal industry. As a previous law school student by day and MBA student by night, Sarah fills us in our her exciting career path and what led her to become the current ALA President. Have you heard of the pre-law scholar's program that Sarah is highly involved in? Learn how she helps the next generation of upcoming law school students. Rob and Amanda dive into superpowers, diversity, and talent pipeline with Sarah. And have you heard of lawyer pearls? You do not want to miss this!