Counsel Cast

In this episode, Jonathan Steele, a Chicago-based divorce attorney and partner at Behrman LLP, shares crucial insights on cybersecurity tailored for law firms. The discussion covers prevalent digital threats like phishing attacks, business email compromises, and domain security issues. 

Jonathan stresses the importance of identifying suspicious emails, employing preventive measures such as DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records, and the vital role of modern techniques like pen testing. The conversation highlights the generational challenges in adopting security practices such as zero trust and multi-factor authentication, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, updated security systems, and proper training. 

Practical advice on protecting sensitive client data and personal information from identity theft and data brokers is offered, alongside a recommendation for Michael Basil's 'Extreme Privacy' book. This episode provides a well-rounded approach to maintaining robust cybersecurity in the evolving digital landscape.

Jonathan gives listeners actionable tips on:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Extreme Privacy by Michael Bazzell

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In this episode, John P. David, president of the David PR Group, discusses how law firms can prepare for and manage public relations crises. He outlines the importance of having a media policy, preparing for predictable and unexpected crises, and ensuring a single, clear point of communication during such events. 

John also emphasizes the role of PR professionals in handling crises effectively, by understanding media dynamics and delivering consistent messaging. The conversation provides vital insights into crisis management planning for law firms, including addressing regulatory challenges and the significance of updating privacy policies. Finally, the discussion touches on the importance of hiring experts for crisis situations and includes a book recommendation for personal reading enjoyment.

John gives listeners actionable tips on:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

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In this episode, Mark Stern, CEO of Custom Box Agency, discusses strategies for enhancing client engagement and optimizing the customer journey to drive faster results and better experiences. 

The conversation covers the application of marketing funnels, the importance of physical experiences, and how to create premium customer interactions. Mark emphasizes the role of strategic client engagement in driving revenue, particularly for law firms, and illustrates the impact of customized box experiences in different stages of the marketing funnel – acquisition, delivery, and retention. He provides practical examples of how this approach can improve client onboarding, educational efforts, and long-term client retention.

Mark gives listeners actionable tips on:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan

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In this episode, Paul Counts and Shreya Banerjee return with excitement to discuss the evolution of SEO and its critical role in marketing strategies for law firms. 

They delve into the concept of 'Social SEO', which emphasizes creating keyword-focused content to improve search engine visibility on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The episode also compares past and present SEO practices, such as the shift from using purely hashtags to incorporating relevant keywords in social media posts. 

More practical advice includes the importance of writing for human readers rather than AI, using tools like Google and Instagram's search features to find popular keywords, and having a critical 'above the fold' section on websites that captures visitor attention. The discussion also covers the foundations of conversion rate and sales optimization (CRSO), with an emphasis on understanding customer pain points, designing powerful calls-to-action, and using tools like Inspectlet to track site performance. 

Paul and Shreya gives listeners actionable tips on:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy

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In this episode, Cindy Chang, a personal brand coach and marketing strategist, discusses sustainable client relationships and strategic branding for business owners, particularly those in service-based industries. 

Cindy shares insights from her experience working with Fortune 500 companies and running her own business, The Hustling Heart. Key points include the importance of distinguishing oneself from the company, the role of problem-solving and thought leadership in branding, and practical strategies for maintaining client relationships. The discussion also touches on utilizing one's network effectively, the value of feedback, and balancing reputation with personal connections. 

Cindy gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

01:36 Transitioning from a Firm to Your Own Business

03:37 Establishing Your Unique Identity

07:07 Gathering Feedback and Building Reputation

09:45 Maintaining Client Relationships

13:45 The Value of Personal Connections

15:17 Starting and Sustaining Your Own Business

23:31 The Role of Referrals and Networking

25:05 Thought Leaders Library: Book Recommendation

33:16 One Big Takeaway

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grit by Angela Duckworth

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In this episode, writer and lawyer Kevin McGoff discusses the complexities and best practices surrounding law firm exits. Drawing from his extensive legal career, Kevin emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, and seeking professional advice when contemplating a career change. 

The conversation also delves into the ethical considerations and strategic planning necessary for both leaving the legal field and starting a new firm. 

Kevin McGoff is the author of Find Your Landing Zone – Life Beyond the Bar, published in 2023. He is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. Kevin is also an avid cyclist and inveterate traveler. During his career, Kevin worked for a state agency, ran a solo practice, and started a law firm. Later he served as General Counsel to a large midwest firm.

Kevin developed a successful program to complement his book designed to motivate lawyers and other professionals to progress from thinking about what’s next in life to creating a personal plan to make it happen.

Kevin gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

06:49 Understanding Your Strengths and Interests

09:53 Taking the Leap: Transitioning Careers

13:16 Starting Your Own Law Firm: Financial Planning

17:45 Ethical Considerations and Client Relations

22:56 Setting Up a New Firm: Practical Advice

31:05 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

36:38 One Thing That Works

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

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In this episode, Aurora Winter joins me to talk about the importance of appealing to the 'croc brain' to grab attention, using social proof for validation, and delivering messages concisely. 

Aurora explains the significance of storytelling, particularly the hero's journey structure, for making messages memorable and engaging. She discusses common pitfalls in communication, provides practical templates for enhancing engagement, and highlights the profound impact of effective storytelling. The episode also touches on the value of making reviews and testimonials compelling. Aurora challenges listeners to focus on improving their communication skills by being mindful of their words and structuring their messages strategically.

Aurora Winter, MBA, is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, TV writer-producer, and the founder of www.SamePagePublishing.com. Her award-winning books include "Turn Words Into Wealth" and “Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse.” Using her expertise in film and neuroscience, she helps people tell memorable stories that build brands, books, and businesses.

Aurora gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

02:38 Common Communication Mistakes

05:45 Understanding the Croc Brain

08:37 The Power of Social Proof

12:15 Crafting Effective Messages

14:27 The Hero's Journey in Storytelling

21:01 Connecting with Empathy, Translating Neuroscience into Effective Messaging

23:48 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

26:48 Crafting Memorable Reviews and Testimonials

31:02 Book Recommendation 

32:41 One thing that works

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer by Michael Stockham

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In this episode, Nicki Sciberras from Digital Exchange shares insights on how law firms can leverage Meta ads to grow their businesses. The discussion covers the importance of understanding marketing funnels, the types of Meta ads and how they work, common mistakes in ad campaigns, and the significance of website optimization. 

Nicki emphasizes the need for proper testing and targeting in ad campaigns, highlights the impact of a positive money mindset on marketing budgets, and provides practical advice for improving conversion rates. The episode also underscores the role of agencies in achieving optimal results from Meta ads.

Nicki is a Meta Ads and SEO strategist and coach. An expert in her field, she helps online businesses profitably grow and scale their brand so they can live life on their own terms.

Monica gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

01:06 Understanding Meta Ads

03:07 Exploring the Marketing Funnel

04:25 Types of Ads and Their Purposes

07:56 Retargeting Strategies

11:53 Common Mistakes in Ad Campaigns

14:33 Optimizing Your Website for Conversions

18:58 The Importance of Testing and Optimization

24:22 Budgeting and Money Mindset

31:31 One thing that works

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode, Monica Pitts, founder of MayeCreate Design and host of the 'Marketing with Purpose' podcast, shares insights on transforming a non-performing website into a powerful business tool. 

She discusses the evolution of website design since 1998, emphasizing the importance of a website acting as a virtual salesperson. Topics covered include understanding client awareness and interest, the importance of mobile-first design, avoiding stock photos, compliance issues, and regular website auditing. Monica also stresses the importance of including FAQs, using Google Analytics to measure performance, and ensuring team coherence. 

Monica is a techy, crafty, aerial dancer with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Monica possesses a rare combination of design savvy and technological know-how. She puts her down-to-earth problem solving skills to work providing solutions to marketing and communication challenges through technology. When she’s not running her business she’s raising her two daughters, 9 and 13, petting her puppies, traveling with her husband, Mike, dancing in air or digging in the dirt!

Monica gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

00:47 The Evolution of Websites

01:16 Websites as Sales Tools

02:49 Understanding Your Clients

05:46 Common Website Mistakes

07:33 Mobile Optimization

10:08 Compliance and Privacy Policies

12:00 Using Analytics to Improve Performance

13:00 The Importance of Authentic Imagery

21:17 FAQs and User Engagement

23:16 Book Review: The Power of a Positive Team

25:37 One thing that works

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Power of a Positive Team by Jon Gordon

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In this episode, Gert Mellak joins me once again to talk about the crucial importance of online reputation and referral growth for law firms. The discussion revolves around common misconceptions law firms have about separating word of mouth from marketing, and how a firm's reputation is inherently part of its marketing strategy. 

Gert elaborates on the insights from his book 'Fix Your Online Reputation,' explaining how to manage and improve online reputation through proactive measures such as generating positive reviews and strategically using ads. The conversation also touches on the role of SEO, knowledge panels, and social media in shaping a firm's online presence and credibility. We conclude by stressing the importance of maintaining a clean brand profile and the potential financial impact of neglecting online reputation.

Gert gives listeners actionable tips on:

00:00 Intro

00:50 The Importance of Online Reputation for Law Firms

02:12 Understanding and Managing Negative Reviews

04:22 Strategies to Improve Online Reputation

11:42 Google Knowledge Panel and Business Profile

17:21 Leveraging AI and Consistent Information

21:54 Starting the Internal Audit

23:59 Quick Fixes to Save Money

24:49 Common Mistakes in Reputation Management

26:57 Proactive Strategies for Positive Reviews

31:24 Thought Leaders library

35:14 Managing Social Media and Personal Life

42:08 One thing that works

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

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