John Britton is a cybersecurity expert. With over 13 years of experience, he now works as the Technical Director of Cybersecurity at Corvid Cyberdefense. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies quickly pivoted to a remote workforce and needed a new kind of cybersecurity support. Everyone working from home also caused an abundance of different types of cybersecurity threats and potential vulnerabilities.

"In a whole 365 days, we've gone from being a traditional model to now being a very flexible, adaptive control mechanism that needs to be in place which, in the history of cybersecurity or IT as a whole, has never happened," John says.

In this episode, John discusses the different ways law firms can protect their sensitive data and avoid security breaches, including setting up a protected VPN as well as taking into account additional wifi-connected devices employees (or their kids) could be using at home.

With hackers constantly scanning for vulnerabilities, it's not enough anymore to just set up IT one time and forget it. It's important to keep a cybersecurity firm on board so they can constantly future-proof your business from data breaches, hackers, and spoof websites and emails.

His advice for choosing a cybersecurity firm? Avoid firms that use buzzwords like AI and machine learning — they're making it sound more complicated than it already is. What it really boils down to is being confident in that firm's abilities and asking them what they would do if a worst-case-scenario breach happened. 

John's top suggestions for law firms to protect themselves online is to use complex passwords, enable multi-factor authentication when possible, use a password manager to keep track of your expertly-written passwords, and provide training and awareness for your employees. 

Name: John Britton

What he does: As the Technical Director of Cybersecurity at Corvid Cyberdefense, John oversees the implementation and support teams, helping them protect organizations of all sizes from cyberattacks.

Company: Corvid Cyberdefense

Words of wisdom: “I'm not trying to scare the hell out of everyone but, realistically, for the SMB world — as we very well know because that's where we service — to truly defend yourself, there's no 100%. But, there's a lot of 99.9% security and mechanisms that can be in place."

Where to find John: LinkedIn

Lessons learned on this episode

★    VPNs are important for legal firms to protect sensitive data — Without a VPN set up, remote employees are vulnerable to hackers trying to steal their data and trick them with legitimate-looking websites. Setting up a VPN, and specifically, one that connects a user behind a protected firewall is crucial to the safety of your legal firm's cybersecurity.

★    Hackers are constantly scanning for vulnerabilities — While your business might not be directly targeted, hackers are constantly scanning devices, passwords, and softwares for potential vulnerabilities they can exploit. All it takes is one computer that wasn't updated, or one password that's easy to crack.

★    "Set it and forget it" cybersecurity doesn't work anymore — There are so many different ways hackers are trying to exploit vulnerabilities that it takes a lot of work for cybersecurity firms to stay on top of it and make sure everything within your business is secure. The old method of a one and done approach to cybersecurity no longer applies.

[5:13] Pivoting quickly to work-from-home technology needs: John discusses how his business quickly adapted to remote work at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares how they helped small organizations quickly scale their work from home infrastructures.

[7:48] VPNs explained: In layman's terms, John explains exactly what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is and how it works to protect and encrypt data that's transmitted over the internet.

[13:18] How hackers threaten you: Learn about the different ways hackers search for vulnerabilities with your technologies, whether it's a previous data breach or an old version of specific software.

[22:36] The ideal cybersecurity solution: Zero-touch security is the near-perfect balance for how a cybersecurity firm should work together with a business. John explains what it is, how it works, and why it's the ideal solution to keep your business safe.

[26:19] Should you use an on-premise server?: John compares using an on-premise server (the traditional method) to utilizing cloud storage, addressing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

[29:27] When hackers target the legal industry: John discusses the types of cyberattacks that have become more prominent in the legal industry and how to safeguard against them.

[35:43] How to vet cybersecurity firms: John covers what to ask potential cybersecurity firms and how to find one that genuinely wants to help versus just wanting to make money without genuinely protecting your business.

To launch your law podcast or learn more, visit the Lawpods website.

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Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected].

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay profitable.

We’ve all seen the way that technology has affected law practices throughout this pandemic, introducing everything from remote workplaces to video conference hearings. 

How can you use online tools to maintain interpersonal connections and important relationships as the ways we interact with one another shift?

No matter your practice area or the size of your firm, this past year has made it clear that it’s time to rethink the way we connect with clients, colleagues, and employees.

In this episode, host Robert Ingalls talks with lawyer, author, speaker, and professional mentor Frank Ramos about the importance of keeping relationships front and center in both business and life. 

Frank explains why these connections are more important now than ever. He shares how lawyers can harness the power of platforms like LinkedIn for networking and marketing, and he offers advice for building a habit that will never leave you at a loss for fresh content.

Even with the power of online tools to kickstart new connections, Frank says that ultimately the best relationships are built offline. 

“Maybe you send more personal letters and emails or make more phone calls,” says Frank. “But you really have to rethink how you're going to stay in touch with people because you want to stay front of mind.”

Name: Frank Ramos

What he does: Frank is the Managing Partner of Clarke Silverglate in Miami, where he practices in commercial litigation, drug and medical device, products liability, and catastrophic personal injury. He has written and edited more than 20 books for lawyers and published more than 400 articles. Frank offers free training videos, resources, and coffee chats at MiamiMentor.com.

Company: Clarke Silverglate

Words of wisdom: “For people who are thinking long term about how they want to develop their practice, they have to perceive the world through the prism of technology, and how we interact with each other now.”

Where to find Frank: LinkedIn | MiamiMentor.com

Lessons learned on running your law practice from a distance

Make a habit of mining your expertise — Meet the ever-present demand for fresh online content by digging into what you know best — your practice areas and client conversations.

Be intentional with your relationships — What’s the commonality between business networking, workplace wellness, and personal bonds? They help foster meaningful connections between people. Make the effort to maintain these relationships through one-on-one phone calls, texts, and social Zooms. 

Rethink your practice with technology in the mix — The shift toward remote meetings and online marketing is going to stick around. The key to successful long-term development will be seeing your business through this fresh lens of technology.

[03:26] Beyond the hardware: Frank shares the commitments that eased his firm’s move to remote operations, as well as the real focus for maintaining remote teams — keeping your people connected on a personal level.

[06:16] Recalibrating relationships: Frank discusses the ways that marketing and networking have pivoted away from face-to-face meetings and toward online forms of staying in touch.

[09:12] Something to say: Frank and Robert dive into the ways to harness LinkedIn as a marketing engine and offer actionable advice for creating a content-posting habit that will build your business. Frank points to Texas-based family lawyer Hannah Hembree Bell and her robust video library as a great example of using common client questions to generate fresh content.

[15:19] Linking up on LinkedIn: Frank explains that while LinkedIn is a great place to create connections, it’s the relationships you take offline that ultimately flourish.

[17:19] Making the effort for mental health: Frank suggests that proactively maintaining your close relationships, along with eating well and exercising, is key to looking out for your mental health.

[20:23] Free advice: Frank offers his support as a virtual mentor via MiamiMentor.com, where lawyers can find tons of free resources and a form to connect with Frank one-on-one during a virtual coffee chat.

[21:59] Rethinking the post-pandemic law practice: Frank reflects on the enduring impact of COVID-19 and the new ways firms will have to view their businesses through the lens of technology.

To launch your law podcast or learn more, visit the Lawpods website.

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram.

Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected].

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay profitable.

Did you take a leap in your law career in the past year, or have you been wondering whether the middle of a global pandemic is the right time to make a big change?

Whether your firm is just getting started or you’re looking to start afresh in the new year, you can take steps in the right direction by keeping your eyes and ears open to the realities of a changing business landscape.

In this episode, host Robert Ingalls sits down with friend and business litigator Kyle J. Nutt to discuss his experience of opening his law firm just weeks before COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic.

Kyle shares how he and his business partner relied on good client relationships and a strong network to get the firm off the ground, and how he has turned to technology, such as video conferencing and online reviews to keep their work on track.

From conducting business remotely to staying connected with clients and colleagues, Kyle reveals how staying flexible in the firm’s first year has set them up for success down the line.

“Ultimately, if you've got something that under normal circumstances would be a good venture that you have strong feelings about going out on your own,” says Kyle, “My advice is: Go for it. But do so cautiously and with a good appreciation of the changing world around us.”

Name: Kyle J. Nutt

What he does: Kyle is a Wilmington, N.C.-based litigation attorney who specializes in business litigation, including medical malpractice, personal injury, and construction litigation. He and partner Cory Reiss opened their law firm, Reiss & Nutt, in January 2020.

Company: Reiss & Nutt, PLLC 

Words of wisdom: “You have to keep your eyes on what's going on in the world, especially with the Coronavirus, and see: How is it shaping — or reshaping — the landscape of how we're doing business?”

Connect: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Email

Lessons learned on running your law practice from a distance

Video conferencing is (and will continue to be) a game-changer — Whether it’s conducting remote depositions from several states away or consulting with a new client over FaceTime, video conferencing platforms have been key to keeping the phones ringing and cases moving forward.

Take advantage of this time to get to know your business better — Faced with empty court calendars and no support staff, Kyle and his partner dove deep into the firm’s systems and processes. This firsthand experience has put them in the best position for hiring new employees when the time comes.

Make the most of your web presence — Leverage search engine optimization (SEO), online consumer reviews, and relevant blog content to keep your business development game strong, or even get it off the ground.

[01:08] Taking the leap: Kyle discusses the decision to open up a new law firm in early 2020, and what it was like to be facing down a global emergency just a few weeks into a new venture.

[06:49] Building a network: Kyle reveals the efforts that made the biggest contribution to his new firm’s success as they set up shop.

[13:28] Putting a human face on it: Kyle shares some of the technologies (including FaceTime and WebEx) that his firm has used to make themselves available to clients and move cases forward during a time of social distancing.

[20:57] Keep your eyes open: Kyle’s advice for new business owners hoping to survive, or even launch, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic — pay attention.

[26:58] Minimizing the distance: Kyle’s recommendations for successful business development strategies when face-to-face networking events are off the table.

[24:41] Wearing many hats: Kyle reflects on how the initial decision not to bring on additional employees has set the firm up for stronger hiring practices in the future.

[28:48] Listen up: Kyle credits Judge Albert Diaz as one of his most influential mentors and recommends listening closely to valued voices in the legal community.

To launch your law podcast or learn more about visit the Lawpods website.

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram.

Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected].

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay profitable.

During uncertain times, lawyers have historically turned to mentors and more seasoned practitioners for advice. Unfortunately, Coronavirus has no parallel, there are no lawyers that have practiced in the face of a pandemic. This time, we’re all figuring it out as we go.

In this episode of Law in the Time of Coronavirus, Charlotte, North Carolina criminal defense attorney Chris Connelly reveals how his Law Firm practice has evolved and the steps he’s taking every day to stay on top.

Chris stresses the importance of focusing your efforts on surviving as a business. Optimism won’t get your business through the lean times, you need to approach this pandemic pragmatically; you need to begin making tough decisions about your overhead costs, including staffing, rent, and software contracts.

Chris goes on to explore the two Cs that lawyers must be doing: communicate competence and convey compassion to clients. This means checking in with clients by email or phone, giving them updates, and asking what you can do to help. Demonstrate that you’re in control and that you understand their needs. He also examines how you can leverage social media to engage with potential clients and tell your story.

Some parting advice from Chris, “one of the best things you can do is to take good care of yourself because we are the product that we're selling. So don't beat up on that product because no one's going to buy it. Take good care of yourself. Do yoga, do meditation, do scripture readings, whatever works for you will keep you fresh for when that market returns.” Remember, you’re not alone, no one saw this crisis coming, but what you do during this crisis may define you and your law firm for years to come. What is the other side going to look like for you?

You can connect with Chris Connelly at connellydefense.com, connelly-coaching.com, and (980) 263-8366.

• Lawpay
• Zoom

To launch your law podcast or learn more about Lawpods, visit www.lawpods.com.

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram.

Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected]. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay profitable.

Is it time to pivot from your current situation and discover unique selling strategies; to offer unique products, services, and other valuable offerings? You know doing the same thing you’ve been doing, or worse, the same thing everyone else is doing, isn’t going to lead to a thriving practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s time to rethink your marketing strategy and take advantage of the increase in digital consumption that we’re seeing today. 

In this episode, host and founder of Lawpods, Robert Ingalls talks with Laura Briggs, professional communicator and producer of the hugely successful podcast, The Lawyerist. Laura reveals just how powerful podcasts are becoming and how law firms can capitalize on this unique marketing approach. A podcast is a multi-faceted tool, boosting client engagement by providing expert advice, knowledge, and resources to address the pain points of potential clients while decreasing bounce rates with engaging website content, increasing the ROI of your existing SEO strategy. Best of all, your listeners are developing a relationship with you and your firm before they ever pick up the phone.

Laura explores the advantages of a law firm podcast, one of the most profound is allowing you and your firm to build those trusting relationships with your audience. Podcasting is an intensely personal medium and facilitates the creation of connections online, despite not having human-to-human contact. Through each episode, you can also showcase your firm’s expertise and make yourself a thought leader in the industry. 

Robert and Laura also provide tips and tricks for getting a podcast off the ground quickly, from the importance of pre-planning to the recommended equipment and software. Laura reveals several strategies to promote your podcast and maximize reach and ROI, like repurposing your podcast content into graphics, blog posts, sound bites, and audiograms.

For Laura, it’s essential to be mindful of the fact that podcasting is a continuous content marketing strategy, one that requires commitment and delivers results that last. If you’re keeping the needs and pain points of your clients in mind when you’re creating each podcast episode, you’ll quickly develop a loyal audience, and better yet, loyal clients.

You can find Laura Briggs at her website Better Biz Academy and The Lawyerist.

• The Lawyerist Podcast
• The Six-Figure Freelancer: Your Roadmap to Success in the Gig Economy by Laura Briggs
• Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business: The Complete Guide to Starting and Scaling from Scratch (Startup) by Laura Briggs
• Better Biz Academy
• Advanced Freelancing Podcast 
• Zoom
• SquadCast
• Lawpods Podcasting Gear List

To launch your law podcast or learn more about Lawpods, visit www.lawpods.com.

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, & Instagram.

Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected]. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay profitable.

The last two months have seen seismic shifts in the world, severely impacting not only day-to-day life but how firms are practicing law. This new podcast from Lawpods, Law in the Time of Coronavirus, is a resource to help lawyers navigate the current storm and keep their firms running smoothly and profitably. In each episode, we’re going to be featuring experts, including managing partners, firm managers, marketers, and other experts from the legal field, to shed some light on how this crisis is affecting them and the strategic steps they’re taking to stay in control.

In this inaugural episode, host Robert Ingalls speaks with divorce and family law attorney Tom Petrelli of Petrelli Previtera on how his firm has handled the transition to a virtual workspace. While Tom has been utilizing cloud-based solutions and other remote-friendly tools prior to the Coronavirus crisis, Tom says the pandemic has helped him and his team identify gaps in their preparedness strategy.

Tom reveals the various tools, services, and workflows that his firm is employing to provide remote work solutions to the entire team. These include apps for project management, business intelligence, communication, and secure document storage. Additionally, he shares risk mitigation techniques to combat risks associated with using technology, particularly related to data security and privacy.

Tom also provides tips on how to remotely manage staff, stressing the importance of regular and productive meetings as well as maintaining consistent client communication. Petrelli Previtera is committed to providing new, existing, and former clients with the help, support, and guidance they may need, especially those who are facing increasingly demanding challenges. Using this time to focus on community building and taking care of employees is a long-term strategy that works for everyone.

For Tom, it’s necessary to have realistic expectations when it comes to working remotely during the pandemic. Tom’s parting advice is to accept that you’re unlikely to accomplish as much as you’re accustomed to in the office, and to take things day-by-day.

You can connect with Tom Petrelli at www.petrellilaw.com or via email at [email protected].

• Divorce Done Right
• FlashDivorce
• RingCentral
• Box
• Clio
• BigSquare
• Zoho
• Slack
• G Suite
• Monday.com
• Zapier
• Trello
• Asana
• Citrix
• VMware
• Okta
• Zoom

For resources from the episode, go to the show notes in your podcast player or visit lawpods.com/podcast. Do you know someone who’s staying on top that should be a guest on the show? Submit their name to [email protected]. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay profitable.

This podcast is a resource to help lawyers navigate the current storm and keep their firms running smoothly and profitably.

So, the big question is this. In these uncertain times, in this uncertain economy, how are some lawyers adapting their practices so they're not only surviving, they're thriving, while others are folding under the pressure? We’re talking to those lawyers and legal professionals to find out what’s working, what’s not, and what they’re doing to stay on top. You’re listening to Law in the Time of Coronavirus.

Visit the podcast page HERE.

To launch your law podcast or learn more about Lawpods visit www.lawpods.com

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