Time management for lawyers isn't just a productivity hack, it's the key to freedom. What if you could take around 200 days off a year without your firm collapsing, and actually increase law firm profitability in the process?

That's exactly what Arizona probate, trust, and estate litigator Attorney Kent Berk has pulled off. In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life., Kent joins Steve to share how he went from overwhelmed and burned out, ready to walk away from his law practice, to leading a focused, profitable firm built on smart law firm business strategy and intentional law firm leadership. You'll hear how coaching, accountability, and a handful of mindset shifts helped him protect his time, reduce stress, and drive serious law firm growth.

Steve and Kent break down the operational side of that transformation: revamping human resources, tightening law firm hiring practices, building an in-house training engine with AI-driven modules and real assessments, and aligning compensation with clear KPIs. With support from Practice Advisor Daniel Struna and the Atticus team, Kent redesigned his law firm operations so his team can train, make decisions, and move cases forward even when he's not in the office.

From rethinking compensation structures and productivity metrics to embracing healthy conflict as a leadership tool, Kent's story is a practical blueprint for attorneys who want to step into a more intentional role, whether that's CEO, marketing director, or true firm leader. He shows how grit, clarity, boundaries, and a strong law firm culture can lead to exceptional client experiences and a life you actually enjoy.

Whether you're overwhelmed or simply ready for your practice to support a better life, this episode delivers concrete strategies for attorney success, healthier law firm management, and meaningful, sustainable change.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Kent Berk's transition from burnout to a balanced, profitable legal practice
• Strategies for reducing stress through delegation, in-house training, and AI-enhanced operations
• The importance of a growth-oriented mindset and redefining roles within a law firm
• Enhancing firm efficiency by refining human resources, aligning compensation with performance, and leveraging technology
• How to connect traditional pricing models with clear productivity metrics to improve financial performance
• Embracing conflict and mistakes as opportunities for team growth and improvement
• The benefits of taking significant time off to enhance creativity, focus, and firm profitability

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Supporting Resources:

• Kent Berk: berklawgroup.com/team/kent-berk
• Berk Law Group: berklawgroup.com
• Daniel Struna, Esq., Practice Advisor & Attorney: atticusadvantage.com/team/daniel-struna
• Law Firm Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching
• Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification
• The Berk Brief (YouTube Series): www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4HbIYjUOpFG9W1JbnMlqBZ3M8YkwMxb_
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
• Blog "Why Law Firms Lose Top Talent (And How to Fix It)": atticusadvantage.com/blog/why-law-firms-lose-top-talent
• Onboarding Guide: atticusadvantage.com/worksheets/new-hire-onboarding-guide

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley breaks down one of the toughest challenges in law firm leadership: the feeling that you're failing when life and work start to pile up. Using the story of Kay, a team leader pushed to her limits, Steve explains why overwhelm is rarely a personal flaw and more often a sign that your systems, habits, or support structures need to evolve.

Steve reframes failure as feedback, the kind that helps attorneys recognize when they've outgrown the strategies that once worked. For anyone juggling client demands, running a practice, or navigating the pressures of law firm management, this perspective shift is a breath of fresh air.

To help legal professionals regain clarity, Steve shares the CPR approach: Cut, Protect, and Refocus. By cutting unnecessary commitments, protecting essentials like sleep and focus, and reviving the priorities that matter most, attorneys can reduce stress and strengthen time management for lawyers without sacrificing performance.

Drawing on insights often found in law firm business coaching, Steve illustrates how even a thriving attorney can outgrow their current "container," much like a Bonsai pushing past the limits of its pot. When that happens, the discomfort is a sign of growth, not failure.

This episode offers simple, actionable steps that help lawyers reclaim control, reset expectations, and build momentum toward a healthier practice and a more grounded life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Transforming failure into a tool for growth and success

• Reframing failure as feedback, not personal inadequacy

• The CPR technique: Cut, Protect, and Refocus

• Kay's story, a team leader overwhelmed by life's demands

• Importance of pruning unnecessary commitments for personal growth

• Emphasizing sleep and focus to manage life's challenges

• Encouragement to make intentional choices for a balanced life

Follow and Review:

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If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Supporting Resources:

• Steve Riley
• Worksheet: The CPR Weekly Refocus™
• Bonsai Tree Photos
• Sleep Research: Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society
• Sleep Research: Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition
• 11 Minutes a Day Study
• [email protected] - If you'd like to personally connect with Steve.
• My Great Life Focus

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know needs support in the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, appellate attorney and Florida Bar leader Robin Bresky joins host Steve Riley for a candid and deeply human conversation about building a thriving law practice and a meaningful life after unimaginable loss.

Robin's story shines a light on lawyer mental health, resilience, and the power of purpose. She shares how she grew from running a solo home office to leading a seven-lawyer appellate firm and eventually merging with a New York powerhouse. Her success wasn't built on cold calls or advertising; it was fueled by community involvement, bar leadership, and genuine relationships grounded in trust and service.

After the tragic loss of her son to suicide, Robin found herself drawing on the very tools she had developed through years of Atticus coaching. Time management, planning, and focus became lifelines as she rebuilt one day at a time. Her experience highlights how intentional structure and clear boundaries can help lawyers navigate grief and return to their practice with clarity and strength.

Robin also shares why lawyer mental health needs open, stigma-free conversations. In 2018, she founded the Attorney Wellness Exchange, which has helped countless professionals make wellness a priority. She discusses how physical fitness, mindfulness, and self-care can sustain emotional well-being in high-pressure careers and why checking in with struggling colleagues can truly save lives.

This episode is about more than overcoming tragedy. It is a masterclass in transforming pain into purpose. Robin reminds us that community builds referrals, wellness builds strength, and courage builds a life worth living.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importance of wellness and self-care in the legal profession

• Creation and impact of the Attorney Wellness Exchange

• Building a referral engine through genuine relationships and community involvement

• Destigmatizing mental health and the challenges of grief

• Role of mentorship, community support, and professional development in overcoming adversity

• Embracing resilience and intentional living for personal and professional fulfillment

Subscribe & ReviewNever miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Robin Bresky: ssrga.com/attorney/robin-i-bresky

• Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP: ssrga.com

• Attorney Wellness Exchange: www.awe.law

• My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com

• Join the Trail Lawyer Group: atticusadvantage.com/contact-us/

• Learn How to Support Those Struggling with Their Mental Health: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

If you're interested in becoming a mental health advocate in your community, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org for more information.

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

Financial stress can linger even in the most seemingly prosperous lives.

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley sits down with Jacquette Timmons, a nationally recognized financial behaviorist, to explore the power of a financial mindset for lawyers. Together, they examine why even successful attorneys can feel financial stress, and how beliefs, habits, and emotional patterns shape the way you manage money—personally and professionally.

Financial success isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about clarity, confidence, and control. Jacquette and Steve unpack the hidden factors, like childhood messages, cultural expectations, and firm dynamics, that influence your money decisions. By understanding these patterns, you can start to make financial choices that align with your values and goals.

Through reflective exercises and real-world stories, Jacquette shows lawyers how to identify the emotions driving their financial behaviors. She introduces tools to help reframe limiting beliefs, reduce money anxiety, and create habits that foster long-term stability and satisfaction.

By cultivating a stronger financial mindset, you can build not just a great practice, but also a more peaceful, intentional, and fulfilling life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The emotional and behavioral aspects of financial success with financial behaviorist Jacquette Timmons
• Debunking the myth that wealth automatically eliminates stress and challenges
• Understanding the influence of family, culture, and workplace on financial decisions
• Cognitive biases and inherited beliefs that impact financial habits
• Shifting responsibilities in retirement planning from employers to employees
• Encouraging a proactive mindset shift for meaningful financial success and personal growth
• Practical tools like the "financial flywheel" for aligning financial actions with personal goals.

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Jacquette Timmons: www.jacquettetimmons.com
• Podcast: More Than Money with Jacquette Timmons: www.jacquettetimmons.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquettetimmons
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquettemtimmons
• Atticus Newsletter: atticusadvantage.com/newsletter
• My Great Life Focus: atticusadvantage.com/books/my-great-life-focus

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

What if you could transform a legacy law firm while staying true to your personal goals?

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, attorney Lauren Presser reveals the law firm growth strategies that transformed her practice, creating clarity, balance, and sustainable growth. After buying out her uncle's 50-year-old family firm in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Lauren partnered with Atticus to modernize every part of her practice. The result was a 35% increase in revenue within one year, without sacrificing her family time or her sanity. This is a compelling narrative of courage, mentorship, and strategic innovation in a traditionally static industry.

Lauren's transformation began with a clear why: she wanted to be fully present for her children while leading a thriving practice. Every change she made flowed from that intention. With coaching and focus, she trained her legal assistants to lead initial consultations, replaced discounts with fixed-fee packages, and introduced structured scheduling: no walk-ins, time templates, and set client touchpoints. Lauren's story is a masterclass in law firm growth strategies that actually work.

Her firm's culture evolved too. Lauren implemented a simple bonus structure built around three measurable KPIs, aligning her team and inspiring accountability. The result was a calm, collaborative environment where everyone knew what success looked like.

Lauren's story proves that growth doesn't require burnout. By setting boundaries, empowering her team, and leading with purpose, she built a profitable firm that supports her life instead of consuming it. Her journey is a powerful example of what's possible when you pair intentional leadership with practical systems and a reminder that success at work means little if you miss the moments that matter most at home.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lauren Presser's transformation from associate to principal owner of a 50-year-old law firm
• Strategies for achieving a 35% revenue increase while maintaining work-life balance
• Implementation of fixed pricing models and bonus structures based on key performance indicators
• Overcoming challenges in a family-run firm and navigating systemic changes with the help of mentorship
• Strategic moves, such as relocating to a larger office space to accommodate a growing team
• Importance of setting boundaries to ensure personal well-being and professional success
• Empowering non-lawyers to conduct initial consultations and the benefits of adopting innovative business practices

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Lauren Presser: apelderlaw.com/about/our-attorneys
• Ayres Presser Elder Law: apelderlaw.com
• Mark Metzger: atticusadvantage.com/team/mark-metzger
• Julianna Maria: atticusadvantage.com/team/julianna-maria
• Practice Growth Diagnostic: atticusadvantage.com/practice-growth-diagnostic
  • Code: STEVESENTME to get it for free!
• DISC assessment: atticusadvantage.com/disc-assessment
• Workshop: The Path to a Great Practice & Great Life: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-path-to-a-great-practice-great-life
• Is It Possible for Non-Lawyers to Do Initial Meetings? with Patti Paz: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/train-your-team-members-for-client-intake
• Lawyer Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching
• My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com
• The Summit: atticussummit.com
• Atticus Newsletter

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, psychologist Dr. Deborah Day joins Steve Riley to explore the realities of law firm stress, and the practical ways attorneys and legal teams can manage it. Drawing from decades of experience working with high-performing professionals, Dr. Day explains the difference between acute and chronic stress and how each affects your mind, body, and work performance.

She shares actionable tools to help lawyers navigate their demanding schedules, including better sleep hygiene, structured prep time, and clear boundaries that keep work from overtaking personal life. Whether you're a litigator in the courtroom or part of a law firm's support staff, these strategies offer tangible ways to reduce stress, protect your health, and sustain long-term success.

Steve and Dr. Day also unpack the psychology behind law firm stress; from the intensity of client conflict to the emotional weight of constant decision-making. They discuss how mindfulness, intentional routines, and healthy interactions can transform the way legal professionals experience pressure. Dr. Day emphasizes how simple daily habits like exercise, nutrition, and time for recovery play a powerful role in maintaining focus and avoiding burnout.

They also spotlight an often-overlooked part of stress management: training and supporting legal support staff. Dr. Day shares how setting boundaries and preparing team members for emotionally charged cases can protect morale and improve the firm's overall performance. Her perspective on resilience, trauma recovery, and emotional regulation gives listeners a roadmap for staying steady in the face of adversity.

This episode offers lawyers and legal professionals alike a grounded, evidence-based approach to mental health, resilience, and high performance. Dr. Day's compassionate, practical advice is a reminder that managing law firm stress isn't just about surviving the job, it's about building a sustainable, fulfilling career.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Managing stress in the legal profession, including distinguishing between acute and chronic stress

• Techniques for better sleep hygiene, focus restoration, and structuring work to prevent burnout

• Setting boundaries to keep work stress from impacting personal life

• Differences between forensic and clinical psychology in legal contexts, especially in high-stakes cases

• Strategies for self-care and maintaining mental health, emphasizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise

• Empowering legal support staff to handle stressful client interactions with assertiveness and clear boundaries

• Importance of resilience and self-compassion in overcoming challenges and trauma

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Dr. Deborah Day: www.psychologicalaffiliates.com/deborahdaypsyd

• Psychological Affiliates: www.psychologicalaffiliates.com

• Subscribe to the Atticus Newsletter: atticusadvantage.com/newsletter

• Aces Aware Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults: www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/debdayma

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/debdayma

• X: x.com/deborahdayma

• The Path to a Great Practice & Great Life Workshop: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-path-to-a-great-practice-great-life

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley welcomes personal injury attorney Shannon Sagan, better known as The Dash Cam Lawyer. Shannon shares his incredible story of how niching for lawyers, done with purpose and creativity, transformed his career from a defense firm associate into a standout personal injury attorney with a national reputation.

Shannon's journey proves that when you lean into what makes you different, you can dominate even the most competitive markets. His passion for dash cams became more than a tool for evidence, it became the foundation of a powerful personal brand. By combining his legal expertise with smart, memorable marketing, Shannon created The Dash Cam Lawyer, a name clients remember and trust.

Through niching for lawyers, Shannon built a thriving practice rooted in authenticity. Instead of chasing every case, he focused on organic referrals and strategic branding. That focus helped him rise above large firms, earn recognition, and even launch his own custom dash cam on Amazon. He discusses the process of trademarking his brand, using social media to amplify his message, and balancing creativity with credibility.

Beyond branding, Shannon opens up about the habits and mindset that fuel his success. He credits his morning routine, ongoing coaching, and consistent self-discipline as keys to maintaining growth in a fast-paced, competitive field. Together, Steve and Shannon explore how focus, perseverance, and a clear niche can elevate both your practice and your life.

This episode is a masterclass in standing out through specialization. Whether you're just starting your firm or ready to redefine your brand, Shannon's story will inspire you to find your own lane and own it.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Shannon Sagan's transition from defense lawyer to The Dash Cam Lawyer and niche marketing success
• Importance of niche marketing in the legal field and how it differentiates Shannon in a competitive market
• Benefits and usage of dash cams in legal disputes and personal injury cases
• Shannon's journey in entrepreneurship, including launching a custom dash cam on Amazon
• The role of social media and innovative branding in expanding Shannon's legal practice
• Personal growth practices, such as morning routines, and their impact on professional success
• Advice for young lawyers on networking, marketing, and establishing a unique legal niche

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• The Summit: atticussummit.com
• Shannon J. Sagan: thedashcamlawyer.com/shannon-j-sagan
• The Dash Cam Lawyer: thedashcamlawyer.com
• The Driven Agenda Podcast by The Dash Cam Lawyer: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-driven-agenda-with-shannon-sagan/id1783176264
• The Dash Cam Lawyer Social:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedashcamlawyer
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonsagan
  • YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thedashcamlawyer
  • TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thedashcamlawyer
  • X: x.com/dashcamlawyer
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedashcamlawyer
• Dash Shield Pro by The Dash Cam Lawyer: a.co/d/fBzpx4Y
• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine (Entrepreneurship Simplified) by Mike Michalowicz: a.co/d/0bNIwfe
• Ep 106: Building an All In Team with Mike Michalowicz: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/building-an-all-in-team-with-mike-michalowicz
• The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod: a.co/d/bktO7f2
• The Summit: atticussummit.com
• My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Steve Riley talks with Emily Sorbi about how law firms break through growth ceilings by developing a strong team leader. Emily rose from the front desk to Director of Operations and now manages a team of 30 across multiple states. Her story shows what happens when owners invest in values-driven talent and give them the tools to lead.

Emily shares ten insider secrets for building leverage through people, systems, and standards so lawyers can focus on revenue work. You will hear how to empower a team lead publicly, set daily check-ins that keep work moving without micromanagement, and protect high performers from burnout. She explains why team leads should not own client files, how to shift them into growth and efficiency projects, and how to handle mistakes without derailing momentum.

The conversation gets practical on decision rights and transparency. Emily walks through involving your team lead in hiring, promotions, benefits, and tough personnel calls, including when a high-output but toxic team member needs to go. She also makes the case for giving your team lead access to budgets and key financials so they can make smarter staffing and compensation decisions, even if that transparency feels uncomfortable at first.

For owners wondering where to find a team lead, Emily explains why hiring for values and developing internally outperforms bringing in outsiders cold. If you are a firm owner or a rising team lead, this is a practical playbook for scaling with accountability, trust, and clear roles.

Team Leader Workshop at The Summit!If you're ready to develop your team leader, join us in Orlando for The Summit 2025 (Nov 6–7). Lead by Patti Paz, this Day 2 workshop maps directly to this episode and gives you tools to execute now. Details here: Team Leader Advantage: Growing Yourself, Growing Your Law Firm. (Use code PAZ200 for $200 off)

In this episode, you will hear:

• Emily Sorbi's path from front desk receptionist to Director of Operations of a multi-state law firm
• Ten proven secrets to effective team leadership and breaking growth barriers
• Balancing professional roles and personal life as a wife and mother
• Involving team leads in strategic decision-making and financial transparency
• Developing internal talent and nurturing future leaders through mentorship programs
• Empowering team leads with authority, accountability, and protection from burnout
• Building trust and accountability within teams to enhance law firm operations and growth

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Legacy Counsellors, PC: legacycounsellors.com
• Emily Sorbi: legacycounsellors.com/about
• The Summit: atticussummit.com discount code: PAZ200 for $200 off
• Law Firm Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching
• Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification
• Interested to learn more about the Case Flow Focuser? Schedule a call with us and we'll walk you through it.: atticusadvantage.com/schedule
• The Path to a Great Practice & Great Life Workshop: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-path-to-a-great-practice-great-life
• Subscribe to the Atticus Newsletter

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Steve Riley sits down with Calgary family law attorney Lonny Balbi to explore how he shifted his consultations from free to paid, and why that change became a game-changer for his practice.

Lonny's innovative Balbi Marital Assessment package breaks away from the traditional free consultation model. Instead of giving away time, he designed a structured, paid service that delivers real value to clients and positions his firm as a leader in a crowded market. The result? Clients feel cared for, lawyers reclaim their worth, and the process sets the tone for long-term relationships.

Moving from free to paid wasn't just about billing; it was about mindset. Lonny and Steve unpack how value-based billing transforms the lawyer-client relationship. By prioritizing transparency and focusing on impact over time, attorneys can build stronger connections, reduce stress, and elevate client satisfaction.

This episode also goes into the practical side of packaging services. From creating clear client expectations to handling emotional family law cases, Lonny shares how structured offerings can guide clients through their hardest moments. He explains how AI and innovation support lawyers in delivering personalized services without losing the human touch that matters most.

Lonny's journey proves that rethinking consultations is more than a financial decision, it's a leadership decision. By shifting to this method, lawyers not only strengthen their firms but also create practices that serve both their clients and themselves better.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lonny Balbi's innovative approach to legal consultations with the Balbi Marital Assessment package
• Transition from traditional free consultations to a structured, paid service model
• Value-based billing over hourly billing to enhance client satisfaction
• Strategies for client selection and engagement using a structured matrix
• Importance of personalized, packaged services in family law to improve client experiences
• Overcoming resistance to adopting new billing models and legal processes
• Enhancing legal practice through client-centered services and clear value propositions

Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐

Supporting Resources:

• Lonny Balbi: familylaw-balbi.com/lonny
• Balbi & Company: familylaw-balbi.com
• Balbi Assessment: familylaw-balbi.com/legal-advice
• Learn the Matrimonial Assessment Process: familylaw-balbi.com/contact-us

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.

What happens when a father-son duo takes on the challenge of revamping a struggling law firm? On today's episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Carl and Brent Doré share their extraordinary journey of transforming the Doré Rothberg Law Firm into a thriving practice, along with the invaluable support of partner Lisa Rothberg, who was instrumental in stabilizing and growing the firm.

After a record-breaking year, momentum reversed and the firm hit a breaking point with cash-flow issues and weak processes. Instead of giving in, they embraced a series of bold, strategic changes. Their story is a masterclass in law firm growth strategies. You'll hear how they moved operations to the cloud, revamped their onboarding process, and used a unique financial metric they call "DRL hours" to stabilize the firm's finances.

These law firm growth strategies were truly tested when they made the ambitious decision to hire seven new attorneys in just six months. This move, backed by a powerful paralegal team, not only expanded their capacity but also boosted productivity and profitability across the board. Their philosophy is simple: revenue follows capacity. Invest in your people and processes, and the revenue will come.

Carl and Brent also share how they navigated the complexities of a family-run business and the challenge of succession planning. Their "shareholder pipeline" strategy creates a clear path for career progression, serving as a powerful tool for hiring and retention.

Their journey is a rich tapestry of lessons on firm culture, adaptability, and the power of personal and professional integration. It proves that with the right mindset, you can build a practice and a life you truly love.

We are thrilled to have Carl and Brent Doré as Game Changers at this year's Summit! With transparency, humility, and a touch of humor, they'll show how tough conversations, bold hiring decisions, and investing in the right infrastructure and people helped them turn chaos into clarity and scale for the future.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Doré Rothberg Law Firm's transformation journey focusing on strategic changes for success
• Innovative strategies for stabilizing cash flow and enhancing team dynamics, including transitioning operations to the cloud
• Importance of family dynamics and clear communication in succession planning and leadership transition within a family-run business
• Hiring strategy in 2022, expanding the team with seven new attorneys, and implementing unique compensation models
• Development of DRL hours as a key performance indicator to balance productivity across hourly, fixed, and contingency pricing models
• Challenges and successes of building a resilient and client-focused law firm, emphasizing work-life balance and ethical practices
• Insight into creative problem-solving as a core value and refining client intake processes to better align with long-term strategic goals

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Supporting Resources:

• Carl Doré Jr.: www.dorelaw.com/our-team/carl-dore-jr
• Brent Doré: www.dorelaw.com/our-team/brent-dore
• Dore Rothberg Law, P.C.: www.dorelaw.com
• Lisa Rothberg: www.dorelaw.com/our-team/lisa-rothberg
• Law Firm Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching
• My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com
• The Summit: atticussummit.com discount code: DORE200 for $200 off
• Subscribe to the Atticus Newsletter: atticusadvantage.com/newsletter

If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected].

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