270: Build a Successful Law Firm and Run it While Living in Europe

This episode features an interview with a lawyer who went from helping build a multimillion-dollar firm to practicing law from coffee shops in Europe. Sheila Wilkinson helped build a highly successful law firm from scratch even before she went to law school. Crazy but true. And after law school, she created her own successful practice, which she still runs, often from coffee shops in the country of Brussels. Another focus for Sheila is providing what she calls "Socratic coaching" for lawyers. Specifically, those who feel frustrated in their practices. Sheila's message is: Law practice doesn't have to be unfulfilling and frustrating. You can transform your life, your practice, and your state of mind. Listen, and find out how to make major improvements to your law practice. In this episode, you will hear: The transformational journey of Sheila, who transitioned from building a million-dollar law firm to practicing law from various coffee shops in Europe. How Sheila Wilkinson leverages technology, practices Socratic Coaching for Lawyers, and benefits from digital nomadism. Sheila's approach to overcoming personal and professional hurdles by emphasizing clarity, confidence, and understanding one's mental processes. The significance of emotional decision-making and proper risk assessment in law practice. A deep dive into social conditioning and its impact on decision-making abilities. Resources from this Episode - Casemap software (by Lexis) - Richard Feynman blog post on hypnosis - Thinking Fast & Slow Book, Daniel Kahneman - Chaos Kings book - Quitting, by Annie Duke - Fooled by Randomness, by Nassim Taleb - Sheila's website - Sheila's podcast "What Would Sheila Say?" - Book a free call with Sheila - Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn - Sheila's Other Free, Fun Stuff General Resources Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/ Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice. Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Thanks to Our Sponsors Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.   Overture Law Overture Law is the first private attorney network enabling them to refer matters to one another and ethically share in referral fees.  Membership is free if you're accepted. Apply for membership at Overture.law Once you're accepted, you'll start getting valuable referrals and earn fees for matters you refer out. A powerful win-win for U.S.-based solo and small firm attorneys.   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.comLet them know we sent you.