Lawyerpreneur: Recent Episodes
Jeremy W. Richter
Lawyerpreneur is the podcast where we discuss the alternate paths that allow lawyers to engage their entrepreneurial spirits and distinguish themselves from others. Lawyerpreneur is about encouraging you to explore your entrepreneurialism and creativity both within and outside of your law practice, because being a lawyer doesn't have to mean doing business as usual. Do you envision yourself as a lawyer-entrepreneur? Or just want to be inspired by others who are? Then this is the show for you.
After more than two years of doing the Lawyerprenuer podcast, I've decided to hang it up to make room for other things. In this finale episode with Barbara Hinske, she and I talk about strategic quitting and the next venture that she and I are embarking on together.
Support the show
Bonnie Kistler is our guest in Episode 66 of Lawyerpreneur, in which we discuss her most recent thriller novel, The Cage, and how she came up with the story concept. We talk about the influence of our legal careers and experiences on our fiction writing (mine is done under the pen name, J. W. Judge). And Bonnie talks about her appearance on the game show Jeopardy! in May 2022.
Support the show
Suzan Hixon is the founder of Legally Blissed, the coaching business she uses to help lawyers structure a practice that suits their needs. In our candid conversation, Suzan talks about her own mental health struggles and how that enabled her to shine a light on mental health issues within the legal industry. She has not only become an advocate for others, but through her business is showing other lawyers how to advocate for themselves.
For other conversations about mental health in the legal profession, check out past episodes with Brian Cuban (Ep. 14) and Annie Little (Ep. 64).
Support the show
For Episode 64 of Lawyerpreneur, Annie Little and I had one of those conversations that I thought about for a long time afterward. She is a career coach who helps other lawyers understand and recognize the skills that they have developed and put those in the context of how they fit in the job market. What really stood out to me is how ineffective we tend to be at self-assessment and the value someone else can provide in identifying for us what we don't see in ourselves.
When Annie Little figured out that practicing law wasn't the best use of her unique skill set, she had to figure out what was. Now she spends her time helping others do the same thing.
You can find Annie at her website, jdnation.com, and sign up for her weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Lawyer Love Letters.
Support the show
In Episode 63 of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with Kevin Pratt about why he focuses on bringing out the humanity of lawyers in his podcast, The Human Lawyer. Kevin talks about having a bias toward action (a topic we also discussed with Colin Levy in Episode 62) and how that has driven him through his legal career and added him in navigating an unsuccessful business.
You'll note that my conversation with Kevin Pratt starts somewhat unconventionally as it actually carried over from our pre-recording conversation. But it was pertinent enough that I didn't want to leave it out.
Support the show
In Episode 62 of Lawyerpreneur, Colin Levy talks about having a bias toward action, career evolution and non-linear paths, being a legal tech evangelist, and being open on social media about difficult circumstances.
Support the show
In Episode 61 of Lawyerpreneur, with Margo Weinstein about navigating the intersection of law practice, parenthood, and wanderlust. We also trade some travel stories and discuss Weinstein's new travel memoir, Jalan-Jalan: A Journey of Wanderlust and Motherhood (link). This is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about Weinstein at her website.
Support the show
In Episode 60 of Lawyerprenuer, Professor Jonah Perlin of Georgetown Law Center talks about the feeling of putting billable hours behind him when he entered academia and began teach legal practice and advanced legal writing. We discuss the changes in classroom instruction that have developed out of the pandemic and the ways in which he works to build and maintain relationships with his students. Professor Perlin talks about his motivation for launching an interview-based podcast, How I Lawyer, and unexpected outcomes from having the podcast. M.C. Sungaila returns to co-host the episode.
Support the show
In Episode 59 of Lawyerpreneur, I talked with Norman Bacal and M.C. Sungaila in what felt very much like an extraordinary after-dinner conversation. We discussed the importance of teaching the business of law practice to the next generation of lawyers, and how they teamed up to write a series of articles for The American Lawyer on that topic. We talked about the current climate of lawyers changing firms, which is something that I've done within the last six months.
But my favorite part of our conversation was about failure. It's something that is both stressful and inevitable. And both Norman Bacal and M.C. Sungaila shared insights about finding success on the far side of their failures.
Support the show
As the managing member of Levine Family Law Group and the CEO of Hello Divorce, Erin Levine is the prototype of the kind of lawyerpreneur that this podcast has always sought to highlight. She is also using her platform and entrepreneurship to help provide access to justice to those in need. Levine is a founding member of the recently-launched Justice Technology Association, where my co-host today, Maya Markovich, is the executive director.
During the interview, Levine talks about experiencing burnout with her business and law practice, and coming out on the other side of it. A part of the burnout she experienced was the disintegration of the meaning and satisfaction she derived from problem-solving for others in her family law practice. When she realized that traditional family law approaches weren't meeting people's needs, she reached for a new method and a new model. And Hello Divorce was born, allowing Erin Levine to incorporate her creativity back into a business that would meet the needs of more people.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Several weeks ago, I was listening to an episode of Freakonomics Radio about specialization, and particularly about the long snappers in professional and collegiate football. Pennsylvania lawyer and NFL agent for long snappers Kevin Gold was interviewed as a part of that episode, and I knew that I had to have him as a guest on Lawyerpreneur.
On Episode 57 of Lawyerpreneur, Kevin Gold and I continue the recent trend on this show of discussing niche markets by talking about how he became an NFL agent for long snappers and how he has developed that alongside his law practice. We discuss the ways in which being an effective agent and business manager for his NFL clients arise from the same marketing, branding, and business practices that have enabled him to have a successful law practice.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 56 of Lawyerpreneur, M.C. Sungaila and I interview Todd Smith and Jody Sanders of the Texas Appellate Law Podcast. We talk about the launch of their podcast, the Connector (to borrow Malcolm Gladwell's term) who brought them together, and the perseverance required to record and publish more than 100 episodes over the last two years.
As much as I enjoy the What (What are you doing?) and How (How did it start and how it is going now?) of these interviews, the Why is far more meaningful to me. Todd Smith and Jody Sanders discuss why they started the podcast and why it has been an integral part of the law practices -- spoiler alert: a lot of that has to do with networking, marketing, and branding.
We also talk about something that has become a staple of Lawyerpreneur -- niche markets. Smith and Sanders have taken the niche topic of Texas appellate law and developed ways of reaching an audience that far exceeds the scope that the title of the title might suggest.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
If you're a lawyer and a parent (or not yet a parent, but hope to be some day), there is someone advocating for you. And that's nice to hear because sometimes, it feels like working parents are on an island. Lori Mihalich-Levin has written the book on returning to work after parental leave (literally -- Back to Work after Baby). Her company Mindful Return consults with other businesses for developing and implementing their parental rights strategies.
Among these topics, we also talk with Lori about turning her writing and speaking platform focused on on topics of work-life integration, the transition back to work after parental leave, and mindfulness for busy professionals, into a full-time business.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
When I think of Maya Markovich, I can't help but think of the song from Hamilton, "The World Turned Upside Down," because she's exactly the kind of person with the vision and audacity necessary to effect those kinds of changes.
In Episode 54 of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with Maya Markovich about doing really hard things, how behavioral economics can apply to lawyers and law practice, and how lawyers can effectively use change management within their firms. We also discuss the non-linear trajectory of Maya's career and the roles she has taken on.
The episode is co-hosted by M.C. Sungaila, who was first on the podcast in Episode 16, Developing Your Business and Your Reputation. While M.C. will be co-hosting a few episodes with me here, she has also launched her own podcast, The Portia Project.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Joel Oster is our guest in Episode 53 of Lawyerpreneur. Joel practices constitutional law and runs Comedian of Law, a CLE company that uses humor to liven up its materials. He also hosts a podcast called Debriefing the Law. He is also the author of UnDue Process: Exposing the Good, the Bad, and the Funny of the Law. Among other things, we talk about how he gave himself a bridge between his law practice and his other projects to chase his creative pursuits.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
For going on two years, Michael Young has been my go-to example of the benefits of using unconventional marketing methods to establish your brand and build trust equity with others in your profession. Because of that, his appearance on Lawyerpreneur is long overdue. Young is a regular contributor on LinkedIn discussing insurance coverage and bad faith topics.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
For Episode 51, we talk with Tripp Watson of the Watson Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama. Tripp started is own firm right out of law school and began marketing his firm as the Entrepreneur’s Law Firm. Tripp talks about Birmingham's entrepreneurial roots and how the city's business foundations have evolved over the last 150 years. He answers questions about whether having niche law practice focused on business owners made it more difficult to get started and get a foothold.
Watson also talks about managing client relationships and why his firm website has a page that lays out in great detail what they can expect when working with your firm. Don't miss this interview with Tripp Watson about being an entrepreneurial lawyer.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Brian Gibbons is a partner in the New York office of the civil defense litigation firm Wade Clark Mulcahy. He hosts the interview-based podcast, Call Your Next Witness, and is an active member of DRI. He has used his involvement in DRI and other industry organizations as a platform to help build and grow his law practice. Gibbons has also used his podcast and other out-of-the-box marketing to expand his professional network.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In the past 18 months, we keep hearing that "everyone has a podcast now." It's become a running joke as hundreds, possibly thousands, of podcasts have been born out of a global pandemic. Most have since gone comatose, but others has continued on.
Robert Ingalls, founder of LawPods, is encouraged by the continued prevalence and popularity of podcasts. He sees podcasts as a way for lawyers and firms to give clients and potential clients a look behind the curtain. It enables clients to get to know their lawyers on a personal level and establishes a platform for lawyers to exhibit their expertise.
So while not everyone has a podcast ... yet, Ingalls hopes that more lawyers will continue to see the value in a medium that looks like it's here to stay.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Episode 47 of Lawyerpreneur starts off a little differently than most. Beth starts off asking me about my work, which I tell her about. And if you've been listening for any length of time, you may have heard before. But it leads us right into her work as a lawyer and what she has been doing outside of law practice.
I hope you enjoy this interview that touches on everything from food science to creativity and finding fulfillment within a career.
While Beth George hasn't entirely left the practice of law behind, she spends most of her time consulting with bagel shop owners for her business BYOB Bagels. When Beth's son had dietary sensitivities that required a lot of experimenting, she found herself on a path that would lead to her being a bagel-based business consultant. Because she was raised in a home with a family-run business, Beth George was prepared for both the joys and struggles of being her own boss.
You can find Beth George at BYOB Bagels, on Instagram at BYOBbagels, and on LinkedIn.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In this newest episode of Lawyerpreneur, Lisa M. Lilly (previously on Episode 19) returns to the podcast to interview me in my role as J. W. Judge, author of the new dark fantasy novel Vulcan Rising.
In this role reversal interview, Lilly asks me about my writing process, my inspiration for the novel, and why I chose to write fiction under a pen name.
Learn more about Lisa either by listening to Episode 19 or by going to her website lisalilly.com.
Find out more about my fiction writing at jwjudge.com, or purchase it wherever you like to buy your books.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Despite the limiting beliefs and self doubts she was experiencing, Angela Han gave herself permission to start a business that she felt compelled to start. In Episode 46 of Lawyerpreneur, listen to Angela talk about why ambition isn't greedy, giving yourself the freedom to pursue opportunities, and how relying on a business coach's belief in the right choice for content creation contributed to her success.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Tahmina Watson is the founder of Watson Immigration Law in Seattle. She is the author of the books, The Startup Visa and Legal Heroes in the Trump Era. Tahmina is one of the founders of the legal network, Airport Lawyer. You can also find her on her podcast, Tahmina Talks Immigration, and on her weekly column for Above the Law.
Tahmina Watson is both an immigrant to the United States and an immigration lawyer. And as you might expect, there is some correlation between those things. Tahmina has worked tirelessly over the last four years not only to aid those affected by immigration policy under the Trump Administration, but also to affect change so that the United States stops losing talented would-be immigrants to other countries.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 44 of Lawyerpreneur, David Lat and I talk about the early days of Underneath Their Robes, the predecessor to Above the Law. He tells the story of why he decided to come out from behind his anonymity, and how that led to Above the Law. David tells us what he's most proud of ATL having accomplished. We also discuss his motivations for these endeavors, David's view of himself as a creative person, his state of his recovery from COVD-19, and what's next.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 43 of Lawyerpreneur, Amanda Doucette (who blogs and podcasts about tax issues under the title, "The Tax Chick") joins me to discuss a number of topics. One of her focuses in her law practice is distinguishing the value of her services to her clients -- what does that mean and how do you do it? We talk about the transformative experience Amanda has had in working with a business coach.
As has been a running theme through a number of recent interviews, we talking about the importance of surrounded yourself with like-minded people and finding a community. Amanda and I also discuss how she has fun producing content about tax law and makes it more consumable for her audience.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 42 of Lawyerpreneur, Damien Black and I discuss laying the foundation for effective processes and communication, the importance of delegating tasks, the value of early and effective case evaluation, and building a book of business.
This is the second of two episodes of Lawyerpreneur that features me as the interviewee. This episode first aired on Litera TV's program "Inside the Firm" in December 2020. You also can watch the interview on Litera's YouTube channel.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Lawyerpreneur Episode 41, Lisa Lang and I discuss why it’s important for in-house lawyers to continue to develop their personal brand. Lisa talks about the value to in-house counsel to see the marketing and branding that outside counsel and vendors are doing. We talk about how the business relationships that are formed marketing, personal branding, and business communities can evolve into personal relationships.
We discuss the opportunities that branding and marketing give you to practice your expertise in public. And finally, Lisa Lang talks about being fulfilled in your career, even when it takes turns others think or inexplicable.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 40 of Lawyerpreneur, Damien Black and I discuss a smattering of topics that I wrote about in Level Up Your Law Practice, including abundance mindset v. scarcity mindset, approaching a healthy mindset with intentionality, facing your fear of rejection, and attempting to establish boundaries for a functional work-life balance.
This is the first of two episodes of Lawyerpreneur that feature me as the interviewee. This episode first aired on Litera TV's program "Inside the Firm" in August 2020.
You can purchase Level Up Your Law Practice wherever you prefer to buy your books or get it free by supporting the show on Patreon.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Even the most well-intentioned of us get cranky sometimes. It's one of life's inevitabilities. But there may be ways to corral and manage our crankiness that give it a kind of usefulness. Steven Joseph has developed the CrankaTsuris method that guides us toward a more effective version of crankiness.
In Episode 39 of Lawyerpreneur, Steven Joseph and I discuss his children's book Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris, in which he introduces the effects of too much complaining. He has also just released the book for adults, A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness:: The Crankatsuris Method.
During our conversation, Steven Joseph tells wonderful stories about how both his upbringing and adult relationships colored his philosophy about crankiness.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Before our official recording session started, Steven Joseph and I talked about the relationships between running, writing, and creativity. I'm sharing it with you as a preview of the great conversation Steve and I had that will air later in the week.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 38 of Lawyerpreneur, John Hart talks about how the depth of storytelling culture in the South has been integral to his writing. He tells the story of bailing on his criminal law practice to give himself the opportunity to write a successful novel and the path that led to his first published novel, The King of Lies, making the New York Times bestseller list.
John Hart discusses how being a criminal defense lawyer played an important role in his understanding of crime and society, and how those experiences continue to mold his writing. We talked about why it's important to Hart to write thrillers with depth and authenticity. And we discuss his new book The Unwilling that is set in Charlotte, North Carolina in the 1970s.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 37 of Lawyerpreneur, Barbara Hinske and I have a great conversation covering a broad range of topics. We start with how recovering from breaking her neck led to the launch of her author career. Hinske talks about why she first decided to write under a pen name, which is a relevant conversation for many lawyers who are pursuing side hustles.
Barbara Hinske shares how her book Guiding Emily has enabled to help those in the blind community. We also discuss how networking with purpose (which is how her book The Christmas Club became a Hallmark movie), being prepared for opportunities, and investing in yourself and your work can increase your likelihood of success.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 36 of Lawyerpreneur, Natasha Hazlett and I discuss several of the themes of her inspiring business self-help book, Unstoppable Influence. Natasha is a former Memphis lawyer who has built a successful Nashville-based, business coaching enterprise with her husband. In my favorite parts of our conversation, Natasha shares the genesis of her transition from being a lawyer at a firm to founding an internet business; living on purpose and with purpose; and being the co-creator of your life.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 35, I talk about the goals that I achieved in 2020 and those that I failed to achieve. I discuss accomplishments that I had counted on. And I look ahead to my goals and what I want to accomplish in 2021.
Links from the show:
- CLAW Alliance
- Becki Lee's Do You Draw Pictures?
- Scarlet Oak Press
- J. W. Judge'sVulcan Rising
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 34 of Lawyerpreneur, Becki C. Lee returns to walk us through the common trademark, copyright, and other intellectual property issues that entrepreneurs might encounter when launching their businesses. It turns into an episode in which we discover all the things I did incorrectly as I launched my various side hustles.
Becki was previously on Episode 27, in which we discussed her children's book about intellectual property, Do You Draw Pictures?
In this episode, we also discuss the interviews I did with M.C. Sungaila (Episode 16) and Haley Altman (Episode 31), both of which are great conversations with extraordinarily accomplished lawyers.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 33 of Lawyerpreneur, Patricia Baxter and I talk about the importance of setting client's expectations for how you will work together and how that works to the benefit of both you and your clients. We talk about Baxter's podcast "The Defense Never Rests" and the new book she colloborated on, #Networked, in which 20 women talk about their careers and the relationships they forged during a pandemic.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
A short stint in private practice left Mark Bassingthwaighte feeling unfulfilled. So he pursued an opportunity that has turned into a career in risk management at ALPS Insurance, which has given him the chance to write expensively, develop his public speaking skills, and even get into screenwriting. But more importantly he has adopted a mindset to put himself in uncomfortable positions, because that's where we stretch ourselves and grow.
Before I interviewed Mark on Lawyerpreneur, he interviewed me on Episode 53 of the ALPS In Brief podcast. Since we reference that interview several times, I wanted to give you an easy way to find it.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Haley Altman had just become an equity partner at her firm when she announced to her husband that she was resigning to pursue an opportunity that she knew she'd regret passing up. In one of my favorite interviews yet, Haley Altman talks about her transition from a law practice to the CEO of a startup.
[Note: We had some audio difficulties in recording, so there may be a bit of wonkiness with volume levels. But I think I ironed most of it out.]
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Michael La Ronn is an author (of 55 books since 2012!), podcaster, insurance professional, and law student. To make time for his writing business, he dedicates time in the morning to write and also fills the small cracks that might otherwise be wasted with writing time. Michael and I also talk about diversity in fiction writing and the importance of being your authentic self.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 29, I talk about exploring new solutions by thinking like a child, challenging conventional approaches to problems, and refusing to play your opponents games. This episode is a snippet of two chapters of my second book, Stop Putting Out Fires, which you can purchase from your preferred retailer.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Claire Parsons discusses how her mindfulness practice has helped her be a happier person and a better lawyer. We talk about how writing and speaking about mindfulness and struggles she has experienced has opened up a new community to her. And we discuss the importance of getting comfortable with your own weirdness.
You can find and follow Claire on LinkedIn and on her YouTube channel.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
When you love your work as an intellectual property rights lawyer and you're an artist at heart and you have small children, that might all culminate into writing a children's book to help children understand what intellectual property is from an early age. Or at least that's what happened for Atlanta-based lawyer, Becki C. Lee.
After writing a poem about what patents, trademarks, and copyright are so that young entrepreneurs, creatives, and tinkerers could be educated and empowered to understand their IP rights from an early age, Becki enlisted the help of her former bandmate, Walter Jaczkowski, to illustrate the book.
This interview is all about Becki C. Lee's journey as a person, the development of her new book Do You Draw Pictures?, and what's next.
Buy the bookfrom your preferred retailer: Do You Draw Pictures?Visit Becki C. Lee at littlegavels.com.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
For as long as I've had the idea for Lawyerpreneur, Marc Randazza was always on the list of people I wanted to talk to. Sometimes when you've been thinking about something for so long and built up an expectation for it, you find that the thing can't actually live up to it.
But that wasn't the situation with Marc Randazza. Here's a list of topics we discussed:
- Getting started in 1st Amendment work
- Why writing articles and opinion pieces has been important for Randazza
- Representing people on the fringes of society
- Using the press to help build your platform
- Marc's advice for entrepreneurial lawyers
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Be authentic. Be true. Present your successes. Talk about your failures. Discuss your struggles. Provide useful content. Develop relationships, not networks. These ideas are the core of Alex Su's social media marketing success. But they aren't just principles he applies, they are a part of who he has formed himself into.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 24 of Lawyerpreneur, Sam Mollaei talks about the importance of being virtual, scalability, and automation in his law practice.
For a while after my interview with Sam, I was thinking about our conversation (and there was a lot to think about). I was struck with a line from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, when Butch says, "I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals." That's what it was like talking with Sam. He's applying proven business principles that five years from now, other lawyers will still be arguing with themselves that those ideas just wont work in their law practices. Sam's got vision while so many others are wearing bifocals.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
After a career in corporate America, Ruth Kaufman launched into her second act, leaving the security of her day job behind. Kaufman had been acting and doing voice work for two decades, a long enough runaway that she was confident in her ability to succeed in the creative work she was prepared to make her day job. In Episode 23 of Lawyerpreneur, Kaufman and I discuss her second act of acting, writing award-winning novels, and other creative work.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
This is the Lawyerpreneur episode that I should have recorded yesterday. That I should have released yesterday. But I didn't. You want to know why? Because I chickened out. Because this episode is about how personal relationships are central to our businesses and necessary for our long-term success. And it's somewhat personal, so I bailed on it.
So I've tried to redeem myself today. This episode is about the business of personal relationships and our obligation to use our platforms to help elevate others.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Our regularly scheduled programming got derailed by both life and work this past week. So Episode 21 of Lawyerpreneur is a short episode with updates about various projects I'm working on both on my own and with other lawyers, and how you can interact with them.
My "What I'm Doing Now" page: jeremywrichter.com/now/
Do You Draw Pictures? by Becki C. Lee and Walter Jaczkowski.
Articles about the business and craft of writing at expectantwriter.com.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In today's episode, I discuss what to do if your big break never happens and the myth of the overnight success story. But I'll go ahead and spoil the surprise, most "big breaks" are the culmination of years of hard work and determination by people who kept showing up every day and doing their work.
Portions of this episode are an excerpt from my book Stop Putting Out Fires.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 19 of Lawyerpreneur, Lisa Lilly and I discuss her transition from full-time lawyer to having an author business as the primary source of her income. We also talk about how operating her own firm gave Lisa the confidence to know she could successfully run her indie author business.
Lisa Lilly: https://lisalilly.com/
Lisa's Writing Blog: https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/
Lawyerprenuer: https://www.jeremywrichter.com/lawyerpreneur/
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 18 of Lawyerpreneur, Jay Harrington and I talk about distinguishing yourself from your competition and his path from corporate bankruptcy lawyer to business consultant. But my favorite part of our conversation was where we talked about having a vision for your work (Episode 13), goal-setting, and selling yourself time (Episode 6) to do your most important work.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 17 of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with Stephen Embry about how he has transitioned from spending most of his time practicing law to writing and consulting about legal tech because it's the work that recharges him. We discuss the importance of networking and building trust equity with clients and potential clients during an absence of in-person meetings. Finally, Embry talks about how remote working environments may give law firms an opportunity to decrease overhead and even ... wait for it ... decrease billable hourly rates [gasp].
Doing the work that keeps you charged up (~12:30). Working remotely and embracing change (~25:00). Building trust equity and networking in the time of coronavirus (~32:30). An opportunity to decrease hourly rates (~41:00).
Jeremy W. Richter - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/
Stephen Embry - https://www.techlawcrossroads.com/
Contact - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/contact/
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 16 of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with M.C. Sungaila about developing your business and your reputation. We also explore the topic of operating out of an abundance mindset, rather than a place of fear and scarcity. Out last topic is how writing books and being a client has helped M.C. be a more empathetic lawyer.
Jeremy W. Richter - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/
M.C. Sungaila - https://mothersthoughtsfortheday.com/
Contact - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/contact/
Mother's Thoughts for the Day by M.C. Sungaila.
More Mother's Thoughts for the Day by M.C. Sungaila.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 15 of Lawyerpreneur, I speak with Steven Arango and Dani Barondess about an initiative they're launching called Law Clerks for Diversity. They are developing a program that will pair former federal law clerks as mentors to law students to help create more diversity -- gender, racial, and cultural diversity -- in the federal judiciary.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Marine Corps, Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Since beginning his recovery from cocaine and alcohol addition in 2007, Brian Cuban has become a leading advocate for awareness and change within the legal community of mental health and substance abuse. He is the author of two books, Shattered Image, which chronicles his struggles with body dysmorphia disorder, and The Addicted Lawyer, a book about his and other lawyers’ substance use issues and recoveries.
In Episode 14 of Lawyerpreneur, we discuss not only Brian's addiction and recovery but how he built a business so that he can help the greatest number of people. And Brian tells us that he wants to help as many people as possible, there is great value in helping one person at a time and being a link in their chain to recovery.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 13 of Lawyerpreneur, I discuss ideas about making sure your law firm is working for you, having a vision for your law practice, developing S.M.A.R.T. goals to see your vision through to achievement, and implementing metrics to monitor your progress. All of which is necessary for you to have a meaningful and sustainable practice that is successful on your own terms.
Jeremy W. Richter - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/
Contact - https://www.jeremywrichter.com/contact/
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Countless lawyers have said, "I'm going to write a novel some day." I am included among them. There's something innate, particularly among litigators, that compels us toward storytelling. But Robert Dugoni has actually made the transition and written not one, but more than 20 novels.
In Episode 12 of Lawyerpreneur, we sit down with best-selling thriller author Robert Dugoni and talk about his writing career. He shares real, practical wisdom about making career choices and gets personal about when he knew he had to make a change from litigation to pursuing his vision for himself of being a writer. Finally, Dugoni shares that succeeding at writing requires the same diligence and perseverance as a legal career, and what that looks like on a daily basis.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Fear is a powerful inhibitor. Fear of rejection and failure can keep you from fulfilling your ambitions. You can't afford for that to happen. In this episode, I talk about some of the fears I've faced in launching this podcast and how I've forced myself to overcome them so that I can achieve my goals.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 10 of Lawyerpreneur, Keith Lee tells us how a non-traditional career has provided a different kind of fulfillment and has continued to evolve into new roles and opportunities over the years.
What started as a law student's law blog in 2010 has evolved into a business that has allowed Keith Lee to transition out of the practice of law and meet the needs of a new set of clients. Associate's Mind has been providing valuable information to lawyers for a decade. Then in 2016, Keith launched LawyerSmack, an online community for lawyers to have a place to talk shop and hang out together. Most recently he's taken on the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Case Status.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Primary care law is a vintage (and all but forsaken) form of law practice under a new name that Melissa Hall has coined to convey her intent to the community she serves. Melissa's "cocktail party" law practice serves a niche community in Seattle. At its essence, she has transported a small town practice to the big city.
In Episode 9 of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with Melissa Hall about what it means to have a primary care practice, gaining the trust of the queer community that she serves by being involved in the community, and how her unique payment structure gives clients the opportunity to leave her tips.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Episode 8 of Lawyerpreneur is about not only my transition from publishing my books through a traditional publisher to indie publishing. but also about opening up my publishing imprint, Scarlet Oak Press to publish the works of other lawyers, giving them the same opportunities I have to explore their entrepreneurialism and creativity through an author business.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 7 of Lawyerpreneur, David Kempston and I talk about his two books, That's Why They Call It Practicing Law and Lessons Learned on the Run; the importance of having a restorative place to recharge; how writing a book about lawyering led to opportunities he hadn't expected; and more.
David Kempston has been running and practicing law for most of his life. Now his written books about both of those pursuits. While we discuss both of those things in this interview, perhaps the most important thing we talk about is what of person goes running when it's -29 Fahrenheit with howling wind when a polar vortex hits Minnesota.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Today's episode of Lawyerpreneur is an excerpt from Level Up Your Law Practice, which was originally scheduled for release today, before I released it early to give people mindset tips that would help them cope with the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected all of our workflows and stress levels.
Billionaire lawyer and real estate mogul Charlie Munger realized one day that he was his most important client. So he decided to sell himself an hour each day. Early each morning, he set aside time to work on construction projects and real estate deals, before working for his clients. Munger advises, "Everybody should do this, be the client, and then work for other people, too, and sell yourself an hour a day."
This episode is about not only selling yourself some time but also not sacrificing your creativity to your law practice.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 5 of Lawyerpreneur, I talk with Frank Ramos about his using LinkedIn, mentoring other lawyers, and how being a Latino lawyer has affected his law practice. Frank has mastered the art of maximizing the benefits of using LinkedIn as a platform to connect with people and raise his profile for the purpose of helping other lawyers along their journey. I think of Frank as a Seth Goden-like figure for lawyers because of his commitment to daily posting in the form of a microblog. Some of his posts are inspirational while others are really grounded in the realities of law practice. But every day they are intended to edify and strengthen his readers.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In Episode 4 of Lawyerpreneur, Mike Whelan and I talk about the personal experiences that resulted in his systems thinking and the culprit that affects so many lawyers, which he names The Churn. We also discuss Whelan's transition from small-town law practice to consultant, author, and entrepreneur in the legal support sector.
Most people who have big ideas either do not have the practice experience or the business acumen to actually implement them. Mike Whelan is not among them. In Lawyer Forward, Whelan explains his ideas about changing up the law practice paradigm by lawyers implementing systems to more effectively manage their law practices. We discuss those and other ideas in this interview.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In today's episode, we talk with Ross Guberman, founder of Legal Writing Pro and creator of BriefCatch, about his career in the legal support sector. Ross built his consulting business from the ground up and was eventually able to leave his law practice and job as a law professor to work for himself full time. Having survived the recession a decade ago, Ross shares insights on persevering and persisting through difficult times.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
In today's episode of Lawyerpreneur, we talk with Los Angeles attorney Steven Chung about his niche law practice that focuses on helping businesses and individuals with their taxes and on providing solutions to people with large student loan debt. Chung has also been writing about his practice areas for Lawyerist and Above the Law since 2014; we discuss what effect this has had on his practice. Chung often gives ideas for staying on top your top-of-mind marketing efforts during a time of social isolation.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)
Lawyerpreneur Podcast host, Jeremy Richter, introduces the ideas that having an entrepreneurial spirit helps us fill our creative wells and excel in our work, because being a lawyer doesn't have to mean doing business as usual.
There are four alternate paths that allow lawyers to engage their entrepreneurial spirits and distinguish themselves from others:
- The lawyer who creates an entrepreneurial practice;
- The lawyer who engages in practice-adjacent entrepreneurialism;
- The lawyer who creates a side hustle as an additional income stream; and
- The lawyer-entrepreneur whose entrepreneurialism is a pathway out of law practice.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/lawyerpreneur)