Grow Your Law Firm

Welcome to episode 254 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Nathan Miller, CEO and Founder of Miller Ink   Nathan Miller is the CEO and Founder of Miller Ink, a Los Angeles-based strategic and crisis communications firm that partners with top litigators to manage high-profile cases with significant media exposure. Prior to founding Miller Ink in 2013, Nathan was the Director of Speechwriting for Israel’s Permanent Mission to the UN, serving as senior communications adviser and chief speechwriter for Ambassador Ron Prosor. He also held roles as policy director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council and as a Goldman Fellow at the Transatlantic Institute in Brussels. Nathan collaborates with attorneys nationwide to handle media inquiries, safeguard client reputations, and navigate complex crisis situations. His expertise spans active litigation support, preemptive crisis training, and advising organizations in class action cases. His commentary on legal issues has been featured in Fox Business, The Los Angeles Times, and Forbes. Certified by the State Bar of California, he offers an MCLE course on best practices in crisis communications and regularly provides media training to law firms, including hosting panels at the LA Intellectual Property Law Association and presenting for East Bay Trust and Estates Litigation. What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. How to Build an Effective Communication Strategy 

• The first pillar of any successful communication strategy is understanding the objective, the audience, and the message
• With your strategy in place, you can start leveraging all available channels to craft the narrative you want to showcase to potential clients and online audiences

2. Why a Diverse Media Strategy is crucial for Success

• Combining traditional media, personal platforms, and strategic ads gives firms a strong advantage in delivering their message
• Leveraging both digital and local outlets is essential for reaching audiences, clients, and industry peers

3. How Crisis Management Protects Your Firm’s Reputation

• It’s essential to have a team ready to support lawyers who may lack the time, resources, or familiarity to navigate a crisis effectively
• With the potential for intense media scrutiny, it's crucial to have a well-defined message that addresses concerns beyond just the legal setting.

4. Why Staying Ahead in a Shifting Media Landscape Matters

• You need to think like a chess player. Anticipate multiple moves ahead in your media strategy, especially in high-stakes narratives, or you’ll get left behind.
• It’s important to embrace modern strategies like using AI, social media, and algorithm trends, while still holding onto the core principles that have always guided you.

5. How Specialized Communication Experts Drive Lasting Success

• Hiring professionals with law-specific expertise helps to build successful legal campaigns and audience connection.
• Don’t underestimate the value of specialized communication when planning to grow your business.

Resources:  https://miller-ink.com/for-attorneys/ https://lexvid.com/cle-course/principles-of-crisis-communication https://www.lawline.com/course/principles-of-crisis-communications https://www.facebook.com/MillerInkLA/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/millerinkla   Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 253 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Kyle Sheldon, co-founder De Facto Digital Consulting.   Kyle is a 10-year veteran in the legal marketing field. He co-founded De Facto Digital Consulting with John Schroeder with the objective of bringing transparency and accountability to the industry.   What you’ll learn about in this episode:  

1. Why Accountability is Key in Digital Marketing
   • Firms often feel lost when evaluating their marketing performance, relying heavily on reports from vendors.
   • A third-party audit can cut through the confusion and provide a clear picture of what’s really working.
2. How PPC and SEO Need Hands-On Attention
   • PPC campaigns can easily drain budgets if not actively managed, especially with irrelevant keyword targeting.
   • SEO takes time, especially in competitive markets, and requires a well-executed, keyword-focused strategy to see results.
3. Why All Marketing Vendors Are Not Created Equal
   • It's tough to know if your marketing agency is delivering real results or just fluffing up reports.
   • Accountability measures ensure your marketing dollars are driving real progress, not just numbers on a page.
4. How Lead Conversion Starts with Solid Intake
   • Poor intake practices, like failing to follow up on inquiries, can leave potential clients (and profits) on the table.
   • A well-trained, proactive intake team is essential to turn leads into actual clients, maximizing your marketing investment.
5. Ways Full-Funnel Visibility Drives Success
   • To capture the most leads, firms need to be visible across multiple channels—SEO, PPC, local ads, and organic search.
   • A comprehensive, multi-channel approach gives firms the edge in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Resources:  http://www.defactodigitalconsulting.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DeFactoDigital Twitter: @defacto_digital https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-schroeder-b87b3821a/   Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 252 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Patrick Iyampillai, an attorney and Partner of Hale Law.   Patrick Iyampillai is an attorney and Partner of Hale Law, a personal injury law firm in Sarasota, Florida. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science and earned his law degree from Stetson University. Following graduation, outside of pro bono work, Patrick has dedicated himself to solely practicing plaintiff personal injury law. He has worked on hundreds of injury cases throughout the negotiation, litigation, mediation, and trial phases, and through them, he has recovered millions on behalf of the wrongfully injured and deceased. Patrick is the current President of the Manatee County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and he is proudly a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Recently, Patrick was awarded an inaugural 36 Under Thirty-Six Professionalism Award by The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, and last year he received a 35 Under 35 Award from SRQ Magazine. He has been invited to speak at Stetson Law, IMG Academy, and The Florida Holocaust Museum, and he is regularly featured on ABC 7 WWSB’s "Attorney Spotlight" program. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys golfing, traveling, playing guitar, attending concerts, seeking out the best food, and volunteering with Teen Court of Sarasota.   What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. The Importance of Annual Planning:

•  Planning marketing strategies and budgets for the upcoming year.
•  Reflecting on past performance and setting goals for the future.

  2. Employee Recognition and Engagement:

•  Conducting an annual breakfast meeting to appreciate and reward employees.
•  Involving all team members in setting collective goals and incentivizing achievements.

  3. Diversified Marketing Approach:

•  Utilizing various marketing channels like TV, radio, billboards, and digital platforms.
•  Creating a memorable slogan to differentiate the firm in a competitive market.

  4. Strategic Branding:

•  Developing a unique and memorable brand identity.
•  Standing out in a crowded market by creating a distinct brand message.

  5. Challenges in Growth:

•  Dealing with recruitment and training challenges during rapid expansion.
•  Promoting internal growth by providing advancement opportunities for existing staff members.

  Resources:  https://halelaw.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gotohalelaw https://x.com/gotohalelaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickiyampillai/   Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 251 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Marc Whitehead, Founding partner of Marc Whitehead & Associates.   Marc Whitehead is double board certified in both Personal Injury Trial Law and Social Security Disability Law. He dedicates his practice to disability law, specializing in long-term disability insurance denials, Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability. He has authored multiple books on the topic of disability benefit claims and litigation. Based in Houston, Texas, Marc runs a national practice and has successfully litigated disability claims in 44 states and counting plus Puerto Rico. Marc is the editor and publisher of the bi-monthly newsletter, “The Successful Barrister--Marketing, Management & Life Skills that Probably Won’t Get You Disbarred.”Marc is an adjunct practice advisor for Atticus, through which he advises and coaches other lawyers on running successful practices.  Mr. Whitehead is a past president of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association (HTLA), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA). He is actively involved in the American Association for Justice (AAJ) where he was a past chair of the Insurance Law Section. He was also a member of AAJ’s Marketing and Practice Development Committee among many others. Mr. Whitehead generously donates to AAJ as a PAC Eagle and his firm is an AAJ Leaders Forum member.   What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. Why Daily Planning is Essential:

• How to start your day with clarity.
• Ways to pinpoint key tasks to drive your day forward with intention.

2. How to Leverage Time Effectively:

• What makes a Sunday planning session powerful.
• The role of a 90-day plan.

3. Learn the Eight Levers of Profitability:

• How brainstorming can unlock potential.
• Why no idea is too big or too small.

4. Why Focus and Adaptation Matter:

• How laser-focus can transform your productivity.
• The secret to staying relevant.

5. What it Means to Play Business as an Infinite Game:

• Why recognizing progress fuels motivation.
• How business is an ongoing journey.

  Resources:  https://www.facebook.com/MarcWhiteheadandAssociates https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwhitehead/ www.successfulbarrister.com www.disabilitydenials.com   Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 250 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken delves into the intricate world of associate attorney compensation.   Ken Hardison is the founder and president of PILMMA (Personal Injury Lawyers Marketing and Management Association). He is an attorney who built not one, but two multi-million-dollar law firms before selling them at age 52.   Ken created PILMMA to share his attorney trade secrets to build a profitable and successful law practice. Rooted in a deep-felt commitment to help lawyers avoid the mistakes and pitfalls Ken encountered while building his own firms – his goal remains the same: “To help as many lawyers as possible create the practice of their dreams. More profits. More Cases. And a law firm that gives you freedom to live the life you want and experience greater success on your own terms."   What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. Compensation Models & Revenue Balance:  - Salary, commission, or hybrid structures can be utilized for associate attorneys.  - Associates should aim to earn no more than 20% of their revenue to maintain a balanced pay structure.   2. Hybrid Plans & Financial Alignment:  - Consider implementing hybrid plans that combine base salaries with outcome-based commissions for attorneys.  - Align attorney pay with the firm's financial health to incentivize revenue growth.   3. Transition to Commission-Based & Testing and Adjustment:  - Transitioning to commission-based pay, including advance draws and performance incentives, can motivate attorneys to increase revenue.  - Continuously test and adjust compensation strategies based on the firm's gross income and attorney performance.   4. Simplified Approach & Financial Benefits:  - Simplify compensation structures by opting for a straight commission with advanced draws, potentially supplemented by a base salary and percentage for litigation attorneys.  - Lawyers and associate lawyers may make more money with commission-based pay structures.   5. Customization & Consultation:  - Tailor compensation strategies to the firm's setup, case nature, and attorney performance for optimal revenue and motivation.  - Seek personalized advice and guidance on unique compensation situations to enhance overall success.   Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 249 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Jeff Hampton, Owner of YouTube RainMakers.   Jeff Hampton is a seasoned entrepreneur and legal professional with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. With a background as both a prosecutor and litigator, Jeff has handled more than 100 jury trials, garnering extensive experience in the courtroom. As the founder of two successful law firms, Jeff has demonstrated a unique talent for scaling service-based businesses. He established Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys and STR Law Guys, each specializing in distinct areas—criminal defense and asset protection for real estate investors, respectively. Under Jeff's leadership, these ventures have flourished into multi-seven figure enterprises. A trailblazer in digital marketing for legal services, Jeff has leveraged the power of YouTube to amplify his personal brand and drive substantial revenue growth. His main channel, Hampton Law, boasts over 250,000 subscribers and has been instrumental in generating millions of dollars in additional sales and revenue. Furthermore, Jeff's innovative strategies extend to smaller, niche-focused channels, such as those serving STR Law Guys, which despite having fewer than 4,000 subscribers, contribute an impressive $30,000 to $50,000 per month in revenue to his nationwide asset protection law firm. Recognizing the transformative potential of YouTube for service-based businesses, Jeff now shares his expertise through law firm growth coaching and his comprehensive YouTube Rainmakers program. This initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs and professionals in scaling their personal brands and business revenues through effective YouTube strategies. What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. Consistency and Planning:         - Batch produce content to stay ahead and avoid running out of ideas.         - Script out videos in advance to maintain a steady flow of content. 2. Strategic Content Creation:         - Focus on creating engaging titles and thumbnails to capture viewer interest.         - Integrate case law into content with intriguing titles based on interesting case facts. 3. Efficiency in Video Production:         - Repurpose longer videos into YouTube Shorts to drive traffic to main content.         - Utilize a team for tasks like creating titles and thumbnails to streamline production. 4. Patience and Persistence:         - Success on YouTube takes time to build authority and followers.         - Optimize content for SEO to attract viewers and potential clients over time. 5. Overcoming Camera Shyness:         - Start with shorter videos or YouTube Shorts to build confidence on camera.         - Analyze viewer engagement to identify successful content for longer videos.   Resources:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubeRainmakers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youtuberainmakers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564522703044 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hampton-212ba218?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app   Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 248 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken underscores the critical role of vision and leadership in law firms, emphasizing the need for clear core values and a mission statement to drive the firm toward its goals.   Ken Hardison is the founder and president of PILMMA (Personal Injury Lawyers Marketing and Management Association). He is an attorney who built not one, but two multi-million-dollar law firms before selling them at age 52.   Ken created PILMMA to share his attorney trade secrets to build a profitable and successful law practice. Rooted in a deep-felt commitment to help lawyers avoid the mistakes and pitfalls Ken encountered while building his own firms – his goal remains the same: “To help as many lawyers as possible create the practice of their dreams. More profits. More Cases. And a law firm that gives you freedom to live the life you want and experience greater success on your own terms."   What you’ll learn about in this episode:   1. Importance of Client Service:  - Make client satisfaction a priority.  - Prioritize client feedback for improvement.   2. Creating a Strong Workplace Culture:  - Develop core values for the firm.  - Foster a culture of excellence and respect.   3. Hiring A-Players:  - Aim to have 60-70% of staff as A-players.  - Recruit individuals who are growth-oriented and effective communicators.   4. Defining Your Firm's Vision:  - Establish a clear vision and mission statement.  - Identify your firm's unique brand and messaging.   5. Leadership Responsibilities:  - Lead by example in promoting client-centric values.  - Surround yourself with top talent in key management roles.   Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PILMMA Instagram: @pilmma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilmma/posts/?feedView=all   Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind New boost

Welcome to episode 247 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Tanner Jones, VP of Business Development at Consultwebs. Tanner Jones is a seasoned expert in online marketing for law firms, particularly personal injury firms, with over 20 years of experience at Consultwebs. He is known for his valuable insights and practical strategies that help law firms enhance their online presence and maximize their marketing efforts. Tanner's approach focuses on building strong brand identities, optimizing phone answering processes, and creating efficient website designs to generate leads and establish credibility in the legal industry. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Marketing Considerations: - Understanding your audience and your brand. - Who answers your phone and what does your sign-up process look like. 2. Your Website is your Virtual Office: - Quick-loading, mobile compatibility, consistency, content, etc considerations. - Building your trust, showcasing your brand, your assets, and your accomplishments. 3. Turning Potential Clients into Clients: - Recognizing the importance of providing clear conversion and contact opportunities on website pages. - Utilizing tools like Intaker to enhance user experience, increase engagement, and improve conversion rates. 4. Lead Generation and Brand Building:  - Monitoring data metrics and leads generated through marketing efforts.  - Benefits of combining brand building and lead generation to reach and retain clients. 5. Reaching a Wider Audience Online: - The importance of prompting clients to review your law firm on Google Business Profiles. - Strategic video content creation and leveraging platforms like YouTube, without relying too much on AI. Resources:  https://www.consultwebs.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannerjonescw/ (877) 278-5590 Additional Resources:  https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 217 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Erica Caviness, the founder of Thrive Concepts, who is a passionate advocate for the Kolbe® assessment tool, a perspective shaped by her mission to significantly impact the legal industry. She believes that the Colby assessment tool is an invaluable resource for understanding individual and team dynamics in a workplace setting, emphasizing that it is not a measure of intelligence or personality but a reflection of operational strengths and how individuals take action.    With a professional journey rooted in both medical and legal coaching expertise, Erica stands out as a seasoned authority in the consulting realm, particularly within the intricate landscape of law firms. Her track record has proven she's all about actionable strategies that make a true impact and drive measurable results within the business.  As a longtime certified Kolbe® consultant, she is especially passionate about helping law firm owners and their teams leverage their operational strengths to remarkably improve communication and productivity. Erica considers helping her clients break through barriers and thrive to be one of life's greatest joys.   What you’ll learn about in this episode:  

1. Elevating Team Performance with Kolbe®'s Personalized Insights
   • Discover how personalized Kolbe® scores can transform team dynamics and boost communication.
   • Learn how the tool identifies and addresses potential conflicts and communication barriers, setting the stage for a harmonious work environment.
2. Maximizing Team Potential Through Operational Strengths
   • Delve into Erica's perspective on the tool's emphasis on operational strengths over traditional metrics.
   • Explore the benefits of aligning team members with roles that match their strengths, fostering peak performance.
3. Crafting Efficient Teams Through Role Alignment
   • Uncover the strategy behind role alignment, identifying trends and strengths crucial for efficient teams.
   • Learn how matching individuals with roles based on their natural strengths can significantly enhance team cohesion and productivity.
4. Revolutionizing Hiring Practices with a Strategic Approach
   • Explore the impact of combining multiple assessments, including Kolbe®, IQ tests, and the DISC test, in creating a comprehensive candidate profile.
   • Understand how this strategic hiring approach ensures candidates are aligned with specific role requirements, setting the stage for success.
5. Resolving Team Conflicts Through Kolbe®'s Power
   • Discover the transformative power of the Kolbe® Assessment Tool in enhancing team dynamics and operational efficiency.
   • Why leveraging the Kolbe® assessment is deemed one of the most effective ways to understand and address potential conflicts within the team.

    Resources:  [email protected] http://www.thriveconcepts.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-c-935213171/   Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 245 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Hamid Kohan, Legal Soft Founder. Hamid Kohan is the founder of Legal Soft, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions for law firms. Hamid is a leading expert in the development and implementation of referral networks to enhance firm profitability. His passion for innovation and strategic growth has positioned him as a key figure in revolutionizing law firm operations. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Embracing AI Integration in Law Firms: - Exploring promising outcomes and navigating challenges. - Ensuring compliance with model rules of ethics in AI implementation. 2. Referral Profit-Boosting Strategies:  - Understanding referral networks' significance for law firms as a resource. - Harnessing the power of dedicated platforms for nationwide referrals. 3. Enhancing Productivity: - The evolution of the legal industry towards multistate virtual operations. - Leveraging AI-enhanced virtual assistants for streamlined workflows. 4. Increasing Efficiency with Referrals: - Key factors in successful referral handling for case management and fee collection. - Implementing robust tracking and management tools for effective referral network utilization. 5. Online Presence: - Staying updated on social media sites and the effects for potential clients. - The importance of an engaging online presence to set your law firm apart.   Resources:  https://legalsoft.com/hamid-kohan/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamid-kohan-0367276/ ; https://www.instagram.com/legal.soft/?hl=en ; https://www.threads.net/@legal.soft ; https://www.tiktok.com/@lega Legal Soft Solution https://www.facebook.com/legalsoftsolution https://twitter.com/legalsofttweets https://www.linkedin.com/company/legalsoftsolution/   Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind