15 Minutes Share Your Voice

Brandon Leavitt is the Managing Partner at the Leavitt & Eldredge Law Firm, a full-service law practice that focuses on intellectual property. The firm specializes in various forms of intellectual property law (IP law), including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and IP litigation services tailored to inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs. His journey into law was unconventional, initially venturing into biochemistry before pivoting to law, driven by a knack for detailed arguments and a desire for engaging career paths. Brandon's professional achievements are notable: securing multi-hundred million dollar federal contracts, reducing intellectual property costs for a multinational nonprofit, and ensuring regulatory compliance for a Fortune 50 company. Passionate about helping small businesses, he has experience working with a federal patent judge, serving as a lead editor for a business and entrepreneurship law journal, and securing venture capital for a tech start-up. Brandon is licensed to practice in Texas and has a background in biochemistry, adding a unique perspective to his legal expertise.

Can a background in science enrich a law practice? How does a scientific mindset contribute to legal innovation and success?

According to Brandon Leavitt, a biochemist turned lawyer, integrating his scientific background into his legal career has been transformative. He shares that moving from the structured world of biochemistry to the dynamic field of law highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary skills. Brandon credits his scientific training for his analytical rigor, which he applies to dissect complex legal issues with a distinctive perspective. He believes this fusion of precise scientific methodology and creative legal strategy has been integral to his success in intellectual property and business law, as well as in innovating the delivery of legal services.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen speaks with Brandon Leavitt, Managing Partner at Leavitt & Eldredge Law Firm. They talk about Brandon's unconventional path from a scientist to a leading attorney, his innovative approach to growing and diversifying the firm, and how his scientific background has provided a unique edge for understanding and protecting intellectual property. Brandon also shares insights on the entrepreneurial mindset essential for law firm success.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Kira Wissman, CAS Controller of the client advisory services department at KWC CPAs, based in Alexandria, Virginia. She explains how she has tried to change perceptions about the accounting world.

"The owner of the company I worked for initially was very passionate about people and really taught me the importance of motivation and how to get the best out of people," she said. "Accounting tends to be very nitpicky and pointing out the wrongs. So, I'm trying to flip that switch and point out what people do right more than the wrong so we kind of lose that stigma that has become attached to our profession."

The main topics of today's episode will be why it is important to reach out to a financial professional before you think you should. We will also discuss it is important to have a line of credit and why an entrepreneur should have a continual assessment of their financial goals.

Connect with Kira: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdw2200/

Check out KWC CPAs: https://www.kwccpa.com/

Recorded on 11/20/24

Adam Baugh is a Partner at Withey Morris Baugh PLC, one of Arizona's leading land use law firms. As a seasoned land use and zoning attorney, Adam specializes in navigating the complexities of development projects. He is adept at addressing the challenges faced by landowners and builders, often representing them in various legal scenarios, including neighborhood organizations, planning commissions, city councils, and appellate hearings. His expertise spans a range of areas, such as obtaining zoning and land use entitlements, liquor licensing, and dealing with infill development projects. Adam's notable achievements include securing rezone approvals, stipulation changes, variances, and use permits. He also handles intricate real estate matters like easements, development agreements, and code enforcement violations, making him a trusted advisor in the realm of real estate law in Arizona.

Navigating the complex world of zoning law and community development requires a unique blend of expertise and empathy. How does one successfully bridge the gap between legal challenges and community interests?

According to Adam Baugh, a renowned land use and zoning attorney, the key lies in fostering collaborative relationships. With a deep understanding of both legal intricacies and community dynamics, Adam emphasizes the importance of working alongside neighborhood groups, local businesses, and government entities. His approach involves not just advocating for his clients but also engaging in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. This method helps to resolve immediate zoning issues and contributes to long-term community development and trust-building.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen is joined by Adam Baugh, Partner at Withey Morris Baugh PLC, to delve into the art of zoning law and community development. They explore Adam's unique journey to becoming a zoning law expert, his strategies for tackling opposition in public meetings, and the vital role of building quick and effective relationships. This insightful conversation sheds light on the nuances of land use law and the importance of creating win-win solutions for all parties involved.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Amy Power, founder and CEO of The Power Group, a PR, social media and influencer relations firm in Dallas, where she is also president of the EO chapter. Amy tells us how she was inspired by her grandmother at a young age to become an entrepreneur.

"My grandmother, in hindsight, was an entrepreneur. She had her own seamstress shop in Jackson, Tennessee, and as a little child, when I visited her in the summers, I would watch her serve customers and mend clothing," she said. Growing up, I always knew that I was going to have a different path. And I did not want the 'nine-to-five job.' I just knew I would create something different for myself. I just didn't have the word entrepreneur in my vocabulary."

The main topics of today's episode will be how working for a toxic employer was a valuable learning lesson, teaching Amy what she did not want to create. We'll also hear how she learned how to delegate duties as her business grew after starting as a sole practitioner. Amy will also share how embracing tools such as social media and AI enhances her business rather than threatens it.

Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amypowerpr/

Check out The Power Group: https://thepowergroup.com/

Recorded on 11/17/23

Jonathan Kocienda is the Manager of Medical Malpractice Practice Group and Lead Trial Attorney at Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC, a firm known for its significant impact in personal injury law cases, including a record-setting $100 million jury verdict. With over 25 years of experience in litigation, particularly in the area of medical malpractice, Jonathan has managed a wide range of catastrophic injury cases, including those involving paralysis, death, and other severe injuries. His career spans both defense and plaintiff sides in medical malpractice, marking him as a prominent figure in the Connecticut legal arena. Jonathan is not only recognized for his legal expertise but also for his commitment to sharing his knowledge, having lectured nationally on key issues in medical malpractice liability and exposure.

Navigating the complex world of medical malpractice law requires a unique blend of legal acumen and a deep understanding of the medical field. How does an expert in this niche legal area approach cases that often involve life-altering circumstances?

According to Jonathan Kocienda, a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience in medical malpractice, the key lies in a profound comprehension of both legal intricacies and medical complexities. He stresses that bridging the gap between detailed medical knowledge and legal strategies is essential for effective case handling. Jonathan highlights the necessity of fully grasping medical procedures and standards to represent clients accurately and compellingly in a legal setting. His methodology involves clarifying complex medical terms and practices within the legal framework, ensuring that clients' experiences are understood and addressed appropriately in the judicial system.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Bela Musits speaks with Jonathan Kocienda, Manager of Medical Malpractice Practice Group and Lead Trial Attorney at Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC. They delve into the nuances of medical malpractice law, Jonathan's transition from defense to plaintiff representation, and the importance of a balanced perspective in legal proceedings. He also highlights the importance of experience in handling complex medical cases and the art of effective client representation in medical law.

In this weeks edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Jim Jacobs, CEO and Founder of Focus Insite, a nationwide market research firm. He explains how making a business plan and starting right away is the best path for entrepreneurs rather than waiting for the perfect conditions.

"You're gonna do half the revenue, and your expenses are going to be three times what you project on any spreadsheet, right? It just happens. But you have to be in the game and you have to swing the bat," he says.

In this episode we will hear about how Jim's business exploded during the pandemic because he pivoted from being a local recruiter to a nationwide recruiter. Jim share how working as a sportscaster helped him learn how to ask the hard questions. We will also hear about what happened when Jim went head-to-head at a town hall with Bernie Sanders to advocate for small businesses.

Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfjacobs/

Check out Focus Insite: https://focusinsite.com/

Recorded on 11/14/23

Karl Seelbach is the Founder of Skribe, an AI-powered platform that offers a modern alternative to traditional court reporting. He is a seasoned litigation attorney with over 17 years of courtroom experience, specializing in personal injury, business, and employment litigation. Karl's legal journey began at Winstead PC, one of Texas' largest law firms, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of top litigators, including former appellate judges. In 2015, he co-founded Doyle & Seelbach PLLC, a Texas law firm known for its expertise in civil litigation.

The intersection of law and technology is creating groundbreaking changes in how justice is delivered. How exactly are these advances reshaping the courtroom experience and the broader legal landscape?

According to Karl Seelbach, a seasoned attorney and tech entrepreneur, the integration of technology in legal processes is not merely a convenience but a fundamental shift. By leveraging tools like AI-powered platforms, legal professionals can now handle complex cases with unprecedented precision and speed. This evolution, Karl points out, is not only about making jobs easier for lawyers but also about making justice more accessible and transparent for clients. The technological advancements enable a more thorough analysis of evidence, facilitate quicker resolution of cases, and significantly reduce the costs associated with legal proceedings, ultimately democratizing legal services.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen sits down with Karl Seelbach, Founder of Skribe, to explore the evolving world of law and technology. They discuss Karl's journey of becoming an attorney, the inspiration behind Skribe, and its impact on litigation and legal accessibility. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of founding a law firm, the role of technology in modern legal practices, and strategies for making legal services more efficient and client-friendly.

Richard "Rick" Williams is a Partner at Gray•Duffy, LLP, a law firm specializing in representing businesses, insurers, policyholders, and individuals, with a focus on litigation and alternative dispute resolution. With a career spanning over four decades, Rick has extensive experience in complex litigation, including class action matters, and has tried over 40 cases to verdict in state and federal courts. His expertise encompasses a broad range of legal areas, such as personal injury, employment, business and contract disputes, intellectual property, and professional negligence. As a mediator, he has successfully resolved over 1,000 cases, contributing to his reputation as a skilled negotiator in collaborative mediation processes.

Navigating the intersection of law and mediation requires a unique blend of skills and experience. How does one transition from the adversarial nature of trial law to the collaborative environment of mediation?

According to Rick Williams, a distinguished lawyer and mediator, the key lies in understanding and managing the emotional dynamics inherent in legal disputes. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and confidentiality in mediation, noting that these elements create a more humane and effective resolution process. His approach, blending rigorous legal knowledge with a keen sense of human interaction, has proven successful in resolving a vast array of complex cases.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen speaks with Rick Williams, Partner at Gray•Duffy, LLP, about his journey from trial law to mediation. They explore the nuances of mediating legal disputes, the transformative power of understanding emotions in conflict resolution, and Rick's unique insights into the evolving landscape of legal mediation. This episode offers a compelling look into the art and science of bridging law and mediation.

Ryan Higgins is a Partner at Gaudry, Ranson, Higgins & Gremillion, a full-service law firm known for its expertise in insurance, business, and individual client matters. Starting his career at the firm in 2010 as an associate attorney, Ryan eventually became a partner in 2018. With over a decade of experience in civil litigation, transactions, and estate planning, Ryan also brings substantial jury and bench trial experience, having represented clients in commercial arbitration across various jurisdictions.

Admitted to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, including the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, his work spans a wide range of legal issues, from contract and business disputes to personal injury, construction, property damage, and more. Ryan's practice not only involves litigation but also extends to business matters such as contract negotiation, business formation, and mergers and acquisitions.

For aspiring attorneys, advancing in the complex field of trial law requires more than understanding legal codes and statutes. How exactly does one build a successful career in this demanding area of law?

Ryan Higgins, a seasoned trial attorney, highlights the crucial role of precision and adaptability, which are essential for a prosperous career in trial law. Drawing from over a decade of experience, Ryan emphasizes that trial law success goes well beyond understanding laws and regulations. It's about being meticulous in every detail and flexible enough to handle unexpected twists and turns in front of judges and juries. These skills are vital in navigating the challenges and nuances of courtroom battles, ultimately leading to growth and success in the legal profession.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen talks with Ryan Higgins, Partner at Gaudry, Ranson, Higgins & Gremillion, about his experiences and insights into trial law. They discuss the importance of being detailed and adaptable, how to handle the unpredictability of court cases, and the journey of professional development in the legal field. Ryan's insights provide a unique perspective on navigating legal complexities and building a successful legal career.

In today's podcast, we talk to Ben Herman, co-founder and CEO of Mad Fish Digital, a digital marketing agency and certified B Corporation with its roots in Portland, Oregon. He explains how watching the stress of having investors at his previous company made him take slow and deliberate growth in his own company.

"It's my wife's and my company, and that feels really good," he said. "It feels like we can make decisions for ourselves and we can make mistakes for ourselves and learn from them and not have a group of people that can take it away tomorrow or have to make a decision that might not be beneficial to the company."

The main topics of today's episode will be how working remotely expanded Ben's talent pool across the country and world, not just locally. We will also discuss the importance of taking care of your current client base while growing new business. We will also learn why innovation, rather than competition, keeps Ben up at night.

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benherman1/

Check out Mad Fish Digital: https://www.madfishdigital.com/

Recorded on 11/13/23