Scaling a law firm is no small feat, and it's during the leap from a handful of employees to a full-fledged team where the true test lies.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, guest host Daniel Struna exposes what it takes to build a standout law practice team as he interviews Steve. We discuss transitioning from hiring out of necessity to selecting individuals who share your firm's vision and ambition. Steve shares how his own experiences with misalignment led to a shift in his hiring philosophy and takes you through the trenches of leadership, where effective delegation becomes a cornerstone for success.

There's an art to knowing when to expand your team, and it's more nuanced than just crunching numbers. You’ll hear anecdotes showcasing Steve's advice on valuing your time and focusing on high-value tasks. We delve into “desk inventory” and how it can streamline your practice's efficiency, making room for growth and allowing you to do the work that sets your expertise apart. It's about understanding and leveraging the value of time, a principle that holds the key to expanding and cultivating a thriving team.

Finally, we wrap up with a law firm's growth culture. The pillars of a successful practice are found in its employees' skills and drive for personal and professional development. Steve touches on nurturing ambition within your team and how to assess potential hires for their growth mindset. Elevating both yourself and your team becomes the mantra for success.

Join us as we share these insights, providing the framework to build a team and create a powerhouse that propels your firm toward long-lasting achievement and fulfillment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Overcoming the growth plateau at the 4-6 employee mark in law firms
• The role of leadership and the importance of onboarding
• Steve's shift from hiring zombie employees to creating a team aligned with the firm's vision and his personal growth through a relationship with Samantha Long
• Valuing your billable time and leveraging it effectively to determine the right time for hiring additional staff
• Outsourcing domestic tasks
• The balance between control, societal expectations, and family dynamics
• Strategies for investing in employees who demonstrate commitment to personal growth and the firm's vision
• Categorizing team members and identifying self-motivated learners
• The need for personal growth and change among lawyers to develop a culture of learning and prevent the loss of top talent due to stagnation
• Reflection on the complexities of building a great legal team and insights that can assist others in team management

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If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Supporting Resources:

Daniel Struna: Certified Practice Advisor & Attorney: atticusadvantage.com/team/daniel-struna/

Law Firm Group Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching/

Team Leader Certification: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification/ 

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus – 062: Is Gratitude a Growth Strategy? with Daniel Struna: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/is-gratitude-a-growth-strategy-with-daniel-struna/ 

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.: a.co/d/eEiLCy0

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.