Welcome to episode 317 of Grow Your Law Firm. On today's episode, Ken sits down with Dennis Meador, CEO and founder of the Legal Podcast Network, to unpack why podcasting has become one of the highest-ROI marketing tools available to law firms today. The conversation explores how authority-based podcasting builds trust before a potential client ever picks up the phone, why evergreen audio and video content compounds over time, and how attorneys can turn a single recording session into dozens of marketing assets without adding more work to their plate. Dennis also explains why most lawyers fail when they try to podcast on their own and how professional production protects and elevates a firm's brand. What you'll learn in this episode:

1. Authority Podcasting vs. Traditional Shows - Why trust-driven, client-focused content outperforms casual interviews - How podcasts position attorneys as experts before the first consultation
2. Podcasting as a High-ROI Marketing Asset - How evergreen episodes keep working long after they're published - Why podcasts compound value unlike ads or one-time campaigns
3. Turning One Recording Into Dozens of Assets - Repurposing podcasts into short videos, audiograms, and social posts - Staying visible across platforms without paid ads
4. Common Mistakes Lawyers Make When Podcasting - How poor audio and video can damage credibility - Why production quality matters as much as the message
5. Building Know, Like, and Trust at Scale - Why clients feel connected before they ever call - Using podcasts to attract clients, referral partners, or both

Resources: Website: thelegalpodcastnetwork.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dennismeador Facebook: facebook.com/legalpodcastnetwork.lawyers Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 316 of Grow Your Law Firm. In this episode, Ken is joined by Allison Williams, a longtime practicing attorney turned law firm growth coach and founder of Law Firm Mentor. Allison shares her personal journey from burnout and near disaster to building multiple seven-figure businesses by systematizing every part of her firm and eliminating what she calls "crushing chaos." The conversation explores why being a great lawyer has little to do with being great at running a business, how lack of systems keeps firms stuck in overwhelm, and why working harder is often the worst possible strategy. Allison and Ken dig into practical, realistic ways law firm owners can regain control of their time, improve profitability, and build firms that support both professional success and personal life. The discussion also tackles AI's growing role in law firms, where it adds leverage, where it creates risk, and how it can dramatically reduce training time and operational costs when used correctly. What you'll learn in this episode:

1. From Burnout to Breakthrough - Why hustle and long hours eventually fail law firm owners - How a single wake-up call led to building scalable systems
2. Systematizing Without Overwhelm - A simple method to get processes out of your head and onto paper - Why improving systems by 10–15% beats starting from scratch
3. Diagnosing the Real Source of Chaos - Identifying whether marketing, people, or operations cause the most pain - Focusing first on the problems that cost the most time and money
4. Using AI to Create Leverage, Not Liability - Where AI boosts efficiency in training, workflows, and documentation - Why AI must be used carefully in legal work and decision-making
5. Pricing, Profitability, and Long-Term Stability - How raising prices can improve client quality and firm performance - Designing solutions that reduce today's stress and prevent future burnout

Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/law-firm-mentor-llc Facebook: facebook.com/LawFirmMentor Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 315 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com. Colleen shares her journey from building Lawyer.com into an 8-figure legal powerhouse to how the company is leveraging AI to revolutionize legal intake and marketing. The conversation dives into the dual-sided marketplace Lawyer.com offers, where consumers can easily find lawyers, while law firms get powerful tools to grow smarter and faster. Colleen explains how the integration of AI into the intake process has helped firms improve client conversion, rescue lost leads, and better track their marketing spend. The discussion also touches on the growing role of branding and technology in law firm success and the changes the legal industry will face in 2026. What you'll learn in this episode: 1. How Lawyer.com Helps Law Firms Thrive - Connecting consumers with the right lawyers - Tools for law firms to improve marketing and streamline intake 2. Leveraging AI for Legal Intake - How AI agents are enhancing intake efficiency - The balance between AI and human involvement for optimal results 3. The Future of Legal Technology - Why AI is crucial for law firms' future success - How AI is transforming client conversion and case handling 4. The Power of Branding and AI - The role of branding in the age of AI search engines - How branding and technology work together to stand out in the market 5. Adapting to Change in 2026 - What's next for law firms as AI and technology continue to evolve - How law firms can remain competitive in an increasingly tech-driven market Resources: Website: lawyer.com LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/colleenjoyce Facebook: facebook.com/lawyerdotcom Instagram: instagram.com/lawyerdotcom Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 314 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by brothers Hayden and David Haskins, co-founders of SPEED.AI, a platform built to solve one of the most expensive and overlooked problems in law firms: lost leads during intake. The conversation dives deep into how AI can finally give law firm owners real visibility into what actually happens on intake calls, why traditional call audits fail at scale, and how missed details on a single call can mean losing six- or seven-figure cases. Hayden and David explain how SPEED.AI analyzes every intake call in real time, flags "lead leaks," rescues rejected cases, and gives firms a second chance to capture revenue they already paid to generate. What you'll learn in this episode:

1. Intake as a Hidden Revenue Leak - Why firms lose valuable cases during intake without realizing it - How small mistakes on calls can cost six- and seven-figure fees
2. AI-Powered Lead Rescue in Action - Identifying rejected or mishandled calls that should have been signed - Recovering high-value cases within minutes of the intake ending
3. Why Traditional Call Audits Fall Short - The limits of manual reviews and CRM records - How AI provides real visibility into what actually happens on calls
4. Improving Intake Performance at Scale - Using call analysis to coach agents and spot training gaps - Tracking performance trends without listening to hours of recordings
5. Maximizing Marketing ROI Through Intake Optimization - Protecting the leads firms already paid to generate - Why intake efficiency matters more than ever in a competitive market

Resources: Website: https://speed.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryspeedai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tryspeedai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryspeedai Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 313 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Eric Sanchez and Stacie Monahan of Maestro Strategic Partners for a practical conversation about what it really takes to scale a law firm without breaking the business. They dig into the role of a true second-in-command and executive team, why "yes people" and echo chambers quietly stall growth, and how firms have to re-engineer systems as they move from a small shop to a larger operation. Eric and Stacie also share what they're seeing in the market around technology and AI adoption, and why execution, culture, and strong middle management become non-negotiable as headcount and complexity rise. What you'll learn about in this episode:

1. Why law firm growth requires "second-in-command" leadership - How strong executive teams unlock the owner's highest-value work - Why avoiding "yes people" prevents echo chambers and stalled success
2. Scaling changes everything - Why what worked at 30 people breaks at 70, 100, and beyond - How intake and operations must be re-engineered as volume increases
3. What Maestro Strategic Partners actually does - Fractional leadership, advisory support, and vendor selection guidance - Helping firms cut through "AI snake oil" and adopt tech that fits
4. The real issue with "lifers" and blockers - Why longevity isn't the same thing as loyalty - Options: restructure, scaffold, isolate, or part ways to protect culture
5. Culture and execution as competitive advantages - Why execution beats ideas and values help make hard calls fast - How technology is becoming mandatory for survival, not just growth

Resources: Website: mstratpartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/maestro-strategic-partners Facebook: facebook.com/maestrostrategic Book: amazon.com/Invested-Leadership-Empower-Your-Heart/dp/1544547218 Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 312 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On today's episode, Ken sits down with Eric Sanchez, Managing Partner of Maestro Strategic Partners and former CEO of one of North Carolina's largest PI firms. With a background that bridges law and technology, including designing legal software that led to nearly 30 patents, Eric helps firms rethink efficiency, culture, and innovation in a rapidly changing AI landscape. Together, they dig into how law firms can move beyond "playing with AI" and start using it strategically through smarter workflows, better leadership, and thoughtful change management. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Where to Start with AI in Your Law Firm - Why "we bought an AI tool" is not a strategy - How to do a simple pain point analysis to identify high-impact starting points 2. Turning Workflows into Leverage, Not Chaos - How to look at tasks like mail routing, claims opening, and intake through an AI lens - The difference between full automation and AI "enhancement" that makes good staff great 3. Understanding Agentic AI - What AI agents are, in plain English, and how they differ from simple bots - Examples of agents monitoring data, summarizing information, and handling multi-step tasks 4. Choosing the Right Tools for Your Firm - Why copying another firm's AI stack can backfire if your workflows and culture are different - The importance of closed vs. open AI systems and when specialized legal AI makes sense 5. Leadership, Culture, and Change in an AI-Driven Firm - How to involve frontline staff, get buy-in, and reduce fear around technology - Why "invested leadership" will matter even more as your team shrinks but each person's value grows Resources: Website: mstratpartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericjsanchez Facebook: facebook.com/maestrostrategic Book: amazon.com/Invested-Leadership-Empower-Your-Heart/dp/1544547218 Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 311 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Tim McKey, CEO and co-founder of Vista Consulting, a longtime CPA and law-firm operations expert who has spent more than 15 years helping plaintiff firms improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term stability. Through Vista, Tim has worked with nearly 300 firms to build stronger systems, enhance financial reporting, implement accountability, and navigate major transitions including mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Disruption in Today's PI Landscape - How aging ownership, new capital sources, and ABS laws are reshaping the industry - Why institutional investors are moving aggressively into plaintiff firms 2. Understanding MSOs and Ownership Changes - How Managed Service Organizations work as an alternative structure - When selling to an MSO makes sense—and when a traditional sale is better 3. Competing in a Market of Roll-Ups and Mega-Firms - Why differentiation—not spending more—is the key to survival - How boutique firms can win even as consolidation increases 4. Building a Firm That's Valuable - The operational ratios healthy firms monitor - The importance of systems, processes, and a true second-in-command 5. Using AI, Metrics, and Accountability to Improve Margins - Why AI and offshore support are pushing labor ratios down - Why every team member needs KPIs and clear expectations to drive performance Resources: Website: vistact.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timmckey Facebook: facebook.com/Vistact Instagram: instagram.com/vistaconsultingteam Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 310 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Jake Soffer, Founder and CEO of FirmPilot, an AI-driven marketing platform built to help law firms acquire more clients through intelligent automation and deep market data. Jake brings over a decade of experience in natural language processing and artificial intelligence, rooted in his computer engineering studies at RPI and NYU. Before founding FirmPilot, he built and exited companies in the NLP space and now leads one of the most advanced AI marketing systems in the legal industry—what he calls a "high-performing AI agency in a box." With FirmPilot now supporting more than 120 firms, Jake is at the forefront of how AI, competitive intelligence, and real-time data are reshaping the way legal practices grow. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. How AI Content Really Works - What differentiates low-quality AI content from high-performing - Why models trained on legal sources outperform generic tools like ChatGPT 2. Using Market Data to Outperform Competitors - Why copying what you see your competitors doing will usually fail - How to analyze deeper signals like backlinks, markup, and behavioral data 3. Domain Authority and Backlinks - What domain authority really measures and how to interpret it - Why quality, consistency, and relevance in link building now outweigh volume 4. Attribution and Tracking in a Multi-Channel World - Why last-touch attribution no longer gives you the full picture - How Google Tag Manager and call-tracking create accurate marketing feedback loops 5. Preparing for the Future of AI Search - How generative engines like ChatGPT and Gemini evaluate legal expertise - Why optimizing for "fanned-out queries" and AI overviews is becoming essential Resources: Website: firmpilot.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jake-soffer-jd-00797a62 Facebook: facebook.com/p/FirmPilot-100092301576461 Instagram: instagram.com/firmpilot Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 309 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Seth Deutsch, founder of Samson Partners Group, a seasoned operator, board member, and growth leader with deep experience in private equity, alternative business structures, and multi-market professional services. Seth has architected nine buy-and-build platforms, executed more than 70 acquisitions, and served as CEO and operating partner across public, private equity-backed, and founder-led companies. His firm advises legal organizations on the evolving ABS landscape across seven submarkets, helping practices navigate consolidation, competition, and long-term value creation. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Differentiation in Competitive Markets - Why "yelling louder" or copying competitors fails - How authentic brand positioning can outperform large market spenders 2. Understanding What Clients Actually Value - Extracting insights from real client sentiment - Identifying the traits that truly set your practice apart 3. Avoiding the "Gimmick Trap" - Why catchy nicknames and flashy identities rarely sustain long-term value - Ensuring your brand reflects who you really are 4. Smarter, Not Louder, Marketing - Building a media plan that generates revenue, not just impressions - Choosing channels based on audience, message, and ROI 5. Growth Through Mergers & Acquisitions - How to evaluate whether and how to merge brands - When to integrate two practices and when to keep identities separate Resources: Website: samsonpartnersgroup.com Book: a.co/d/08LZUUB LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethdeutsch Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 308 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken welcomes back Eric Morgan, President and CEO of Roux Advertising, to discuss the importance of planning effective marketing strategies for small and midsize law firms. They focus on the Brand Realization Program, which helps firms identify their unique selling points and core values to create impactful marketing strategies. Eric highlights the significance of differentiation, client feedback for continuous improvement, creating memorable brand identities, and standing out without excessive spending. The discussion emphasizes the need for firms to articulate their unique value propositions and differentiate themselves from competitors by focusing on authenticity and purpose. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Planning effective marketing strategies for small and midsize law firms involves: - Identifying unique selling points and core values - Creating impactful marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences 2. Small law firms need to: - Clearly articulate their unique value propositions - Differentiate themselves from larger competitors 3. Soliciting client feedback is crucial for law firms to: - Continuously improve - Leverage genuine client experiences over self-promotion 4. Memorable brand names and workshops can help firms: - Create distinct brand identities - Make informed marketing decisions 5. Enhancing competitive edge and market presence requires law firms to: - Focus on authenticity, purpose, and differentiation - Stand out without excessive spending Resources: Website: rouxadvertising.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-morgan Facebook: facebook.com/RouxAdvertising Instagram: instagram.com/rouxadvertising Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo