From Esq. to Owner (Powered by Atticus)

This week on The LEI'D Back Life, I sat down with Jennifer Gillman, the founder of Gillman Strategic Group, LLC, who’s helping lawyers live better lives on their terms. Jennifer’s built her entire business around helping lawyers move from burnout to balance, matching them with law firms that actually get work-life harmony (yes, they exist!)

We talked about what makes lawyers stay too long at the wrong firm, why making a move doesn’t have to mean starting over, and how to know if the problem is you or just the firm you're in. Jennifer shared her own story of leaving Big Law and some surprising stats on how many lawyers say they’re unhappy but never take the next step. Whether you're actively looking to leave or just feeling stuck, this episode gives you real talk about what's possible in your legal career.

Tune in next week, where I’ll be joined by the CEO of GOLDLAW, Craig Goldenfarb, to talk about making time for what and who matters.

Check out Jennifer Gillman and Gillman Strategic Group, LLC:

www.gillmanstrategicgroup.com

gillmanstrategicgroup.com/resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gillman-law-firm-matchmaker/

In this episode, I sat down with Gyi Tsakalakis—lawyer-turned-digital marketer and the founder of AttorneySync—to talk all things marketing, mindset, and making real connections. We discussed the marketing traps lawyers fall into, the importance of authenticity in building your brand, and why “shiny object syndrome” can wreck your long-term success. 

Gyi also dropped gems on how to pick the right marketing channels (hint: not all of them) and what it really takes to stand out online and offline. If you're feeling overwhelmed with marketing or wondering where to start, this one’s for you.

Tune in next week, where I’ll be sitting down with Jennifer Gillman, the founder of Gillman Strategic Group, LLC, to build the 6 pillars of a great life.

Learn more about Gyi Tsakalakis and AttorneySync:

https://www.attorneysync.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyitsakalakis/

This week, we're pausing from guest interviews and diving into something I believe is essential for building a business and life you love: the organization of a great life. Inspired by the concept of “mind like water” from David Allen’s Getting Things Done, I break down how to actually live with a calm, focused, and productive mindset.

I share the real structure I use to manage multiple businesses, stay present with my family, and enjoy life without dropping the ball—or my sanity. From weekly meetings and monthly reviews to brain dumps and two-minute rules, this episode gives you the playbook to streamline your mental inbox and start creating the life you actually want. If you're overwhelmed, overbooked, or just over it, this is the episode for you.

Tune in next week, where I’ll be joined by Gyi Tsakalakis, founder of AttorneySync, to talk about stoicism in our everyday life and business.

Visit my website to subscribe to my weekly newsletters and learn more about the community coaching program that you can be a part of!

Let’s connect!

https://linktr.ee/LawyerWithALife

In this episode, I chat with Beau Atkins, founder of Evolve Law and a family law attorney who’s flipping the traditional firm model on its head. We dig into Beau’s personal and professional transformation, starting with the realization that he was investing more in his business than in himself. From there, Beau walks us through how he began building his life first, from flat fee billing to emotional intelligence to structuring his own personal Level 10 meetings.

Beau keeps it real about what it’s like to grow a firm without losing your mind—or your relationships. If you’ve ever felt like your business was thriving at the cost of your personal life, this one’s for you.

Tune in next week, where I'll be discussing how to organize your way to a great life!

Learn more about Beau Atkins and Evolve Law:www.evolvelaw.ca

https://www.facebook.com/evolvefamilylawSK/

https://www.facebook.com/beau.atkins.1

https://www.instagram.com/evolvefamilylaw/

https://www.instagram.com/beau_atkins/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolve-family-law-sk/

www.linkedin.com/in/beau-atkins-105a273b

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Andie Herrick—an executive and systems strategist who helps people create sustainable success by designing lives and businesses that actually work for them. She is the founder and co-owner of Untied Business Solutions firm Her superpower is helping people bridge the gap between where they say they want to go and what they’re actually doing day to day.

We dive into what it really means to live a great life—not with cookie-cutter formulas or rigid rules, but by building systems tailored to who you are. Andie shares the two most universal systems everyone needs: one for self-improvement and another for evaluating how closely your actions align with your intentions. We also talk money, mindset, and how the right systems give you the freedom to enjoy both work and life without the burnout.

Learn more about Untied Business Solutions below:

www.untied.work

In this episode of the LEI'D Back Life, I sit down with Russell Knight, an experienced family law attorney with a unique approach to running his practice. We dive into the realities of growing a law firm, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and how marketing plays a crucial role in building a successful legal business. Russell shares his insights on standing out in a crowded market, the importance of content creation, and how he’s leveraged online platforms to establish his brand.

We also talk about the struggles lawyers face when scaling their firms—hiring, delegation, and making time for life outside of work. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your practice, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who’s been through it all. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation that might just change how you look at running your law firm.

Join me next week, where I'll be talking about the systems needed for a LEI'D back life with founder and co-owner of Untied Business Solutions firm, Andie Herrick.

Connect with Russell Knight and the Law Office of Russell D. Knight:

https://rdklegal.com

https://www.facebook.com/LawOfficeofRussellDKnight

https://www.instagram.com/divorceattorneyknight/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-office-of-russell-d-knight/?viewAsMember=true

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-d-knight/

In this episode, I sit down with Ron Payne, an attorney who recently transitioned from running his own firm for 13 years to joining a new law firm. We dive into what that transition has been like—shifting from being fully self-employed to an "eat-what-you-kill" model where he has support but still manages his own business. Ron shares the challenges of adapting to a new work environment, switching from Mac to PC, and learning new systems, all while keeping his practice running smoothly.

We also discuss what it means to be a "non-traditional" lawyer in today’s legal world and how finding the right firm culture can make or break your experience. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step away from firm ownership but still keep your autonomy, this episode is for you. Tune in for some great insights on firm transitions, autonomy in law, and the evolving legal industry!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuggle-duggins/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payneron/

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kristen David, the powerhouse behind Up Leveling Your Business, a coaching group designed to help business owners create scalable, sustainable success. Kristen splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and France, proving that you don’t have to be tied to one location to run a thriving business.

We explore what it takes to build a company that operates smoothly no matter where you are—systems, delegation, and the mindset shifts that make it all possible. If you've ever dreamed of running your business from anywhere in the world, this episode is for you. Don’t miss out on Kristen’s expert insights! 

Complete a mini systems self audit using the link below:

https://www.uplevelingyourbusinesssystems.com/mini-systems-audit-email-link

Connect with Kristen David here:

www.uplevelingyourbusiness.com

https://www.facebook.com/UplevelingYourBusiness

https://www.facebook.com/The.Kristen.David

https://www.instagram.com/uplevelingyourbusiness/

https://www.instagram.com/thekristendavid/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-kristen-david-upleveling-your-business

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendavid

In today’s episode of The LEI’D Back Life, I sat down with Rho Thomas, attorney, financial coach, and host of the Personal Finance for Lawyers podcast, to talk about something every business owner needs to master—money and mindset. We dive into financial freedom, smart money management, and how entrepreneurs can take control of their finances instead of letting their finances control them.

Rho shares insights on building wealth with intention, making better business decisions, and the mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs scale without stress. If you want to create a profitable business and a life you love, this episode is packed with actionable financial strategies you don’t want to miss!

Next week, I’ll be joined by Kristen David, a former trial lawyer who empowers other attorneys to build a law firm that is self-managed, to discuss how to live the LEI’D Back Lifestyle from the road.

Learn more about Rho Thomas below:

https://www.rhothomas.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamrhothomas

Rho is also giving away a free copy of her guide ‘5 Mistakes that Keep Lawyers in Debt’ for all listeners! 

https://www.rhothomas.com/jordan

In this episode of the LEI’D Back Life, I sit down with Elise Buie, founder of Elise Buie Family Law, to talk about the balancing act of entrepreneurship, leadership, and life outside of work. We dive into scaling a business while maintaining personal freedom, how to build a strong team, and the mindset shifts that make all the difference.

Elise shares her experiences in growing her law firm, the challenges of delegation, and why having the right people in place can completely transform how you run your business. If you’re looking for ways to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that supports the life you actually want, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Tune in next week, where I’ll be joined by attorney, financial coach, and host of the Personal Finance for Lawyers podcast, Rho Thomas, to discuss how to spend money the RIGHT way.

Learn more about Elise Buie:

https://elisebuiefamilylaw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-buie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/elise-buie-family-law-group

https://www.facebook.com/elisebuiefamilylaw

https://www.facebook.com/elise.buie

https://www.instagram.com/elisebuiefamilylawgroup/