A Different Practice

I recently sat down with Mathew Kerbis to kick off our new series on How to Run a Law Firm in 2025!

In this first conversation, we dove into a topic that trips up a lot of new solo attorneys: choosing the right business entity for your firm. We shared our own experiences—how I used Google to figure it out nine years ago (yep, really!) and how Mathew followed the lead of the firms he’d worked for and checked with his state’s Supreme Court. Spoiler: neither approach was perfect, but they got the job done.

Our message is simple: don’t let the hunt for the “perfect” entity stop you from getting started. Both of us began as single-member LLCs with pass-through taxation. I later switched to S corp taxation when it made financial sense, and Mathew is planning to make that move soon.

We also talked about some practical financial tips—like why it’s critical to work with a CPA, keep your business and personal finances separate, and build a financial cushion before you start taking regular payments from your firm.

The big takeaway? You don’t have to figure out everything upfront. You can start as an LLC and decide on S corp status later when it’s right for you (with advice from your CPA, of course).

Attorneys Lauren Lester and Mathew Kerbis kick off their joint series on How to Run a Law Firm in 2025!

In a candid discussion about choosing business entities for law firms, they emphasize that while the entity choice is important, new lawyers shouldn’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough when starting out. They stress the importance of working with CPAs for tax matters, maintaining separate business and personal finances, and building up a financial cushion before taking regular payments from the business. The key takeaway is that lawyers don’t need to choose S corp status immediately when forming a LLC, as the entity taxation structure can be changed later when it makes financial sense (in consultation with a CPA).

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Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠.

In this insightful conversation with Jessica Bednarz, Director of Legal Services and the Profession at IAALS (Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System), we explore emerging trends reshaping the legal profession. Jessica shares her perspective on new categories of legal service providers, innovative nonprofit law firm models, and the ongoing debate around AI regulation in legal services. We discuss how these changes might affect solo practitioners while uncovering opportunities for lawyers to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape. Whether you're curious about the future of legal practice or passionate about making legal services more accessible, this episode offers valuable insights into where the profession is headed.

Listen now!

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GO TO SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/trends-to-watch-how-new-models-and-tech-are-reshaping-legal-services-with-jessica-bednarz 

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at adifferentpractice.com/subscribe.

In this thoughtful episode, former law firm partner Murray Gottheil shares his candid perspective on the legal profession's challenging structure and culture. With 39 years of experience practicing business law, Murray discusses why he views big law as a "pyramid scheme" and explores its impact on lawyers' wellbeing, client service, and the profession's future. He offers valuable insights for lawyers considering their career paths and shares his definition of success that evolved from managing a law firm to finding fulfillment in retirement. Through authentic conversation and occasional humor, Murray challenges conventional wisdom about success in law while offering hope for positive change through alternative practice models.

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FREE DOWNLOAD → Six Pillars of Law Firm Optimization: https://adifferentpractice.com/optimize 

SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/the-trust-about-big-law-a-conversation-with-murray-gottheil 

In this special 50th-episode celebration, Lauren shares her favorite tools, routines, and resources that have improved her solo practice and life. From a game-changing weekly case review system to using AI for future casting, Lauren opens up about what's been working in her practice. She also discusses her morning routine, her favorite recent read on public speaking, and how her practice management software has streamlined her workflows. Hit play for practical strategies that can help you thrive.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOLO SUCCESS LAB: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe 

FREE DOWNLOAD → Six Pillars of Law Firm Optimization: ⁠https://adifferentpractice.com/optimize⁠ 

SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/my-cant-practice-without-tools-for-2024

In this episode, media consultant and TV host Mitch Carson shares invaluable insights on building a successful law practice through effective marketing and branding. Drawing from his experience helping his ex-wife transition from Big Law to solo practice, Mitch emphasizes the critical importance of customer service, discusses how lawyers can leverage their writing skills to build authority through books and publications, and reveals strategies for securing media coverage. Learn practical tips for establishing your professional presence while maintaining authenticity and serving your target market effectively.

Listen now!

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FREE DOWNLOAD → Six Pillars of Law Firm Optimization: https://adifferentpractice.com/optimize 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOLO SUCCESS LAB: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe

GO TO SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/marketing-your-law-practice-customer-service-content-and-media-coverage-with-mitch-carson

Marketing strategist Angela Gerber breaks down how solo and small firm attorneys can create effective marketing strategies without breaking the bank. Learn why you don't need to advertise on every bus in town, discover which marketing channels actually deliver ROI, and get practical guidance on measuring your marketing success. Angela shares invaluable insights on email marketing, social media presence, and creating a sustainable marketing plan that works for your specific practice. Perfect for attorneys looking to market smarter, not harder.

Listen now!

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FREE DOWNLOAD → Six Pillars of Law Firm Optimization: https://adifferentpractice.com/optimize 

CONNECT ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/adifferentpractice

GO TO SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/marketing-that-actually-works-a-small-law-firms-guide-to-ROI-with-angela-gerber 

Ready to transform your firm’s marketing game? In this action-packed episode, Lauren sits down with StoryBrand certified guide Angela Gerber to unveil the game-changing StoryBrand framework. Discover how to position yourself as the ultimate guide for your clients, ditch confusing legal jargon, and craft a compelling narrative that sets you apart in a crowded marketplace.

Learn the seven key elements of the StoryBrand framework and how to leverage them to create crystal-clear messaging that resonates with potential clients. Angela reveals common marketing pitfalls lawyers make and provides actionable tips to avoid them. Plus, get a sneak peek into how this powerful framework can be applied across all your marketing channels for maximum impact.

Whether you're a seasoned attorney or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you connect with clients on a deeper level and grow your practice. Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade your marketing approach and stand out in the legal market. 

Hit play now and start building a different practice!

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FREE DOWNLOAD → Six Pillars of Law Firm Optimization: https://adifferentpractice.com/optimize 

CONNECT ON LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/adifferentpractice

GO TO SHOW NOTES: www.adifferentpractice.com/cut-through-the-noise-storybrand-marketing-for-attorneys-with-angela-gerber