In this powerhouse episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, Tom Tona of Tonalaw is joined by Charley Mann of They Don’t Teach This in Law School, for a candid, tactical conversation about one of the most impactful – and often painful – aspects of scaling a law firm: hiring the right people at the right time.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you're a law firm owner, partner, or legal entrepreneur navigating the chaos of team-building, this conversation dives into the real-world hiring struggles and strategies that have shaped Tonalaw’s growth into a leading New York personal injury firm. From the early hires to creating a pod model, to understanding the market value of roles, Tom and Charley dissect the evolution from generalist staff to seasoned specialists, all while addressing the human (and emotional) costs of growth.

Key Highlights for Legal Professionals and Entrepreneurs:

• Mindset Shifts: Why your discomfort with HR and hiring might be a learned limitation—and how to reframe it.

• Practical Hiring Frameworks: Understand how to define roles, allocate budgets, and determine market value before hiring.

• First Hire Mistakes & Solutions: Tom shares what he’d do differently if he started TonaLaw today.

• Generalists to Specialists: How your hiring strategy must evolve as your firm scales from solo to multi-seven figures.

• Fear and Investment: Why hiring isn’t about what you can afford, but what you’re afraid of.

• Org Charts vs. Accountability Charts: A smarter way to define and distribute responsibility in your law firm.

• Training and Onboarding: Why skipping this phase will sabotage even your best hires.

• Using Fractional Talent: How to access top-tier training and management without full-time overhead.

This is essential listening for attorneys, managing partners, and growth-minded firm owners who want to build resilient, high-performing teams that drive long-term success.

Links and Social Handles

• Tom Tona (Host, Lead Counsel Podcast)

  • Website: https://www.tonalaw.com

  • LinkedIn: Tom Tona

  • X: @NYPITrialGuy

• Charley Mann (Host, They Don’t Teach This in Law School)

  • Website: https://www.lawfirmalchemy.com

  • LinkedIn: Charley Mann

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

Attorneys, are you looking for a trusted partner for your New York personal injury referrals? Since 2001, TonaLaw has been the go-to New York personal injury law firm for attorneys and law firms across the United States.

At Tonalaw, we pay legal fee participation to referring attorneys in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. Refer us a case today and experience the TonaLaw difference.

Call us now to discuss how we can work together at 833-TONALAW or visit us at tonalaw.com. Mention Lead Counsel and you’ll speak directly with Tom.