Bill Umansky, better known as “The Law Man,” joins Ed Alexander for a wide-ranging conversation that cuts through the noise of law firm leadership. Bill shares how he went from high-conflict, high-control attorney to someone who embraces delegation, emotional intelligence, and long-term strategic growth. From losing his first trial to transforming his DISC profile, Bill reflects on the moments that reshaped his personal and professional life. He opens up about the power of mastermind groups, the harsh (but helpful) advice that finally got him to hire a CFO, and why building bridges with former employees is one of the smartest business decisions a law firm owner can make. This is a raw, honest, and occasionally hilarious episode filled with hard-earned wisdom and practical takeaways. You can find more from The Law Man at https://thelawman.net/.

Valuing a law firm isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about understanding risk, goodwill, and transition planning. In Episode 22 of Law Deals, host Ed Alexander is joined by longtime partner and valuation expert Matt FitzGibbon to break down the complex world of law firm valuation.

Together, they discuss the key differences between personal and enterprise goodwill, common misconceptions that lead law firm owners astray, and how to mitigate risk to maximize a firm’s sale value. They also explore the impact of deal structures, client retention strategies, and the red flags that make buyers hesitate.

Whether you’re preparing for succession in the next few years or simply want to increase your firm’s market value, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make informed, strategic decisions. https://fitzgibbonalexander.com/

What happens to your business when you’re no longer able to run it? Whether you’re a law firm owner or an entrepreneur, estate and succession planning should be a top priority—but too often, it’s overlooked until it’s too late.

In this episode of The Law Deals Podcast, I sit down with estate planning and elder law expert Peggy Hoyt to discuss the critical role of succession planning in securing both personal and business legacies. With decades of experience and a passion for educating clients, Peggy shares how she built her firm with long-term stability in mind, the biggest pitfalls business owners make, and why a handshake agreement isn’t a plan.

We also explore her work with Animal Care Trust USA and how she turned a passion for pet protection into a successful nonprofit.

If you’re a business owner thinking about the future—or even if you’re not thinking about it yet—this episode will give you the insights you need to start planning now. You can find more from Attorney Hoyt at https://hoytbryan.com/ or at (407) 977-8080.

What makes a law firm valuable to a buyer? Many firm owners believe their years of dedication, client relationships, and reputation will automatically translate to a high valuation. But when buyers approach a sale purely as an acquisition of case inventory, it can be a harsh reality check.

In this solo episode of the Law Deals Podcast, Ed Alexander explores what truly drives law firm acquisitions. He breaks down the mindset of two key types of buyers—strategic and financial—and explains how their perspectives shape the way they evaluate a firm’s worth. Strategic buyers are looking for opportunities to expand, integrate new systems, or enhance their existing practice, while financial buyers focus on profitability, cash flow, and whether a firm can operate independently of its owner.

Understanding these dynamics can make all the difference in how a firm is positioned for sale. Whether you’re considering selling your practice or simply want a clearer picture of what makes a law firm attractive to buyers, this episode will provide valuable insights.

Can your law firm generate income long after you step away? In this episode of the Law Deals Podcast, Ed Alexander speaks with Mark Powers, the founder and president of Atticus, about the Perpetual Law Firm model. Mark has spent decades coaching attorneys on practice management, marketing, and law firm growth. He shares his insights on how to build a firm that operates independently, allowing owners to step back without sacrificing profitability.

During the conversation, Mark explains why traditional succession plans often fail and introduces the CEO Model as an alternative. He and Ed discuss the key elements that make a law firm a valuable, income-generating asset, the importance of separating an owner's salary from firm profits, and strategies for structuring a firm that can sustain itself over the long term. If you are interested in creating a practice that thrives without being dependent on you, this episode offers valuable strategies and insights.

https://atticusadvantage.com/

In the 18th episode of the Law Deals Podcast, host Ed Alexander welcomes Tim Semelroth, a board-certified personal injury attorney and partner at RSH Legal. Tim shares his journey of acquiring law firms to grow his practice, including the challenges, lessons, and opportunities he encountered along the way. Discover the crucial steps in the acquisition process, from performing due diligence to leveraging hidden assets like mailing lists, goodwill, and staff expertise. Plus, learn how Tim uses community-based marketing to establish meaningful connections and amplify his firm’s brand. Find more from Tim at https://www.fightingforfairness.com/ and more on the Mock Trial program at MockTrial101.com.

In this episode of The Law Deals Podcast, host Ed Alexander welcomes Joy Lutz, CPA and owner of Aligned CPA, a firm dedicated to helping law firms and small to medium-sized businesses thrive through strategic financial management. Together, they dive into the financial strategies every law firm owner needs to know, from identifying critical financial metrics to leveraging them for growth and long-term success.

Joy shares insights on how law firm owners can turn their financial statements into powerful decision-making tools, avoid common pitfalls in trust accounting, and plan for the future—whether it's growth, succession, or sale. With actionable advice and relatable anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for attorneys seeking to elevate their financial acumen and build a thriving practice. Joy & Ed also recommend listeners pick up "Simple Numbers" by Greg Crabtree. Find more from Joy and Aligned CPA here: https://alignedcpa.com/

In episode 16 of the Law Deals podcast, we’re diving deep into the lawyer life—how to grow a thriving law practice without sacrificing your sanity. Host Ed Alexander chats with Patrick Wilson, a 25-year veteran law firm coach and consultant with Atticus. Together, they explore the art of balancing success at the office with personal fulfillment.

Patrick’s transformation from trial attorney to practice consultant offers an inside look at the hidden costs of poor time management and practical ways to fix it. They delve into why many law firms struggle to transition leadership and share actionable insights on how to get it right.

Whether you’re a managing partner, a solo practitioner, or dreaming of your next career move, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a firm you love showing up to every day, prep your team for long-term success, and get back to what really matters—your life outside of work. Join us for this honest conversation about law firm leadership and client service. Don't miss Patrick's tips for making your practice work for you!

In this episode of The Law Deals Podcast, we chat with Tom Tona, the founder and CEO of Tona Law. Tom takes us through his journey from solo attorney to CEO, sharing the challenges, insights, and strategies he used to build a firm that’s built to last. He discusses the importance of process, relationships, and a “trial model” approach to personal injury law, and why he believes every attorney should treat their practice as a business asset. Tune in to hear about his succession planning strategies, insights on coaching, and why letting go is often the best way to grow.

In episode 14 of The Law Deals Podcast, Ed Alexander sits down with Darren Wurz, the Managing Partner of Wurz Financial Services and host of The Lawyer Millionaire podcast. Together, they explore the intricacies of financial planning for law firm owners. Darren shares insights from his journey from teacher to financial advisor, explains the importance of niche marketing, and offers a look into his innovative subscription-based advisory model tailored for law firms.

Tune in to hear valuable tips on balancing personal and business cash flow, the value of recurring revenue, and key steps to creating a sustainable law practice. Whether you're considering succession planning, building a more independent firm, or looking to avoid burnout, this conversation offers actionable strategies for every law firm owner.

Don’t miss this engaging episode full of stories, strategies, and practical advice that will inspire you to rethink how you manage and grow your law firm! Visit thelawyermillionaire.com for more resources.