Your firm has AI tools. Your team has questions. In episode 640 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Ben Schorr about helping lawyers and staff get comfortable using AI through practical, collaborative workshops called prompt-a-thons. 
Ben shares what happens when people have time to work through common office tasks with AI, including prioritizing email, preparing reports, and gathering client contact information. As participants improve their prompts and compare ideas, they begin connecting what they are learning to problems they already face at work. 
They explore how to organize a prompt-a-thon, why gathering people in the same room can make a difference, and how to keep the experience useful without making it a competition. The conversation also examines how colleagues can become an ongoing source of support as teams discover new ways to use AI. 
If your team understands the possibilities but hesitates to try the tools, this episode offers a manageable way to move from watching demonstrations to building practical skills. 
Listen to the previous episodes on AI Adoption and Team Confidence. 
<ul>
 <li>#624: Building Better Lawyers in the Age of AI, with April Dawson <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-better-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai-with-april-dawson/id951946132?i=1000774176432">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tTZcm0l4KTcOkVXP7xdlB?si=qISCwPgERCmT3r1LkzgC9Q">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/06/building-better-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai-with-april-dawson/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#598: From Hype to Practice: Using Microsoft Copilot in Your Law Firm, with Ben Schorr <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-hype-to-practice-using-microsoft-copilot-in-your/id951946132?i=1000746201034">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1o1CWQXff8Vi4L9sL8M5Q3?si=Ul-Nw-VDQeGDN19xGWZ8PA">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/01/from-hype-to-practice-using-microsoft-copilot-in-your-law-firm-with-ben-schorr/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-lawyers-get-wrong-about-teaching-clients-and/id951946132?i=1000745301592">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1geIQC72ekuYoyABezXQBe?si=tq8_dInwRiqe6W7Du-m5CA">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/01/what-lawyers-get-wrong-about-teaching-clients-and-teams-with-danielle-hall/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovating-without-overwhelm-practical-ai-tips-for/id951946132?i=1000738663423">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2n3xtsk3Ki0OpPhRjBZ3A8?si=b8caswiYQjKwZ9H58HRBUA">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/11/innovating-without-overwhelm-practical-ai-tips-for-lawyers-with-graydon-trusler/">LTN</a>  </li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/lawyerist">X</a>!  
If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, <a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">get the first chapter right now for free!</a> Looking for help beyond the book? See if <a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">our coaching community</a> is right for you.  
Access more resources from Lawyerist at <a href="http://lawyerist.com/">lawyerist.com</a>.  
Chapters / Timestamps 
00:00 – Introduction 
00:32 – How Practice Builds AI Confidence 
04:11 – Meet Ben Schorr 05:56 – What a Prompt-a-thon Actually Is 07:30 – Choosing Everyday Tasks for AI Practice 09:36 – Why AI Training Needs a Practice Session 12:37 – Building a Community Around AI Use 14:13 – Getting Your Inbox Under Control with Copilot 15:25 – Refining Prompts for More Useful Results 18:18 – Moving from Prompts to Scheduled Tasks and Agents 19:44 – Connecting AI to Your Firm’s Information 22:00 – Why Documented Procedures Make AI More Useful 25:55 – Using AI to Simplify Monthly Reporting 27:59 – Extracting Client Contact Information from Email 31:35 – In Person, Hybrid, or RemotPrompt-a-thonons 37:56 – Measuring Success Through Learning and Confidence 39:56 – How to RuPrompt-a-thonthon in Your Firm 41:52 – Closing Thoughts

Your firm has AI tools. Your team has questions. In episode 640 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Ben Schorr about helping lawyers and staff get comfortable using AI through practical, collaborative workshops called prompt-a-thons. Ben shares what happens when people have time to work through common office tasks with AI, including prioritizing email, preparing reports, and gathering client contact information. As participants improve their prompts and compare ideas, they begin connecting what they are learning to problems they already face at work. They explore how to organize a prompt-a-thon, why gathering people in the same room can make a difference, and how to keep the experience useful without making it a competition. The conversation also examines how colleagues can become an ongoing source of support as teams discover new ways to use AI. If your team understands the possibilities but hesitates to try the tools, this episode offers a manageable way to move from watching demonstrations to building practical skills. Listen to the previous episodes on AI Adoption and Team Confidence. #624: Building Better Lawyers in the Age of AI, with April Dawson Apple | Spotify | LTN #598: From Hype to Practice: Using Microsoft Copilot in Your Law Firm, with Ben Schorr Apple | Spotify | LTN #597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall Apple | Spotify | LTN #590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:32 – How Practice Builds AI Confidence 04:11 – Meet Ben Schorr 05:56 – What a Prompt-a-thon Actually Is 07:30 – Choosing Everyday Tasks for AI Practice 09:36 – Why AI Training Needs a Practice Session 12:37 – Building a Community Around AI Use 14:13 – Getting Your Inbox Under Control with Copilot 15:25 – Refining Prompts for More Useful Results 18:18 – Moving from Prompts to Scheduled Tasks and Agents 19:44 – Connecting AI to Your Firm’s Information 22:00 – Why Documented Procedures Make AI More Useful 25:55 – Using AI to Simplify Monthly Reporting 27:59 – Extracting Client Contact Information from Email 31:35 – In Person, Hybrid, or RemotPrompt-a-thonons 37:56 – Measuring Success Through Learning and Confidence 39:56 – How to RuPrompt-a-thonthon in Your Firm 41:52 – Closing Thoughts

Your firm has AI tools. Your team has questions. In episode 640 of the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Ben Schorr about helping lawyers and staff get comfortable using AI through practical, collaborative workshops called&nbsp;prompt-a-thons.&nbsp;
Ben shares what happens when people have time to work through common office tasks with AI, including prioritizing email, preparing reports, and gathering client contact information. As participants improve their prompts and compare ideas, they begin connecting what they are learning to problems they already face at work.&nbsp;
They explore how to organize a&nbsp;prompt-a-thon, why gathering people in the same room can make a difference, and how to keep the experience useful without making it a competition. The conversation also examines how colleagues can become an ongoing source of support as teams discover new ways to use AI.&nbsp;
If your team understands the possibilities but hesitates to try the tools, this episode offers a manageable way to move from watching demonstrations to building practical skills.&nbsp;
Listen to the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;episodes on&nbsp;AI Adoption and Team Confidence.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>#624: Building Better Lawyers in the Age of AI, with April Dawson&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-better-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai-with-april-dawson/id951946132?i=1000774176432" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1tTZcm0l4KTcOkVXP7xdlB?si=qISCwPgERCmT3r1LkzgC9Q" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/06/building-better-lawyers-in-the-age-of-ai-with-april-dawson/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#598: From Hype to Practice: Using Microsoft Copilot in Your Law Firm, with Ben Schorr&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-hype-to-practice-using-microsoft-copilot-in-your/id951946132?i=1000746201034" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1o1CWQXff8Vi4L9sL8M5Q3?si=Ul-Nw-VDQeGDN19xGWZ8PA" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/01/from-hype-to-practice-using-microsoft-copilot-in-your-law-firm-with-ben-schorr/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#597: What Lawyers Get Wrong About Teaching Clients and Teams, with Danielle Hall&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-lawyers-get-wrong-about-teaching-clients-and/id951946132?i=1000745301592" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1geIQC72ekuYoyABezXQBe?si=tq8_dInwRiqe6W7Du-m5CA" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/01/what-lawyers-get-wrong-about-teaching-clients-and-teams-with-danielle-hall/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#590: Innovating Without Overwhelm: Practical AI Tips for Lawyers, with Graydon Trusler&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovating-without-overwhelm-practical-ai-tips-for/id951946132?i=1000738663423" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2n3xtsk3Ki0OpPhRjBZ3A8?si=b8caswiYQjKwZ9H58HRBUA" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/11/innovating-without-overwhelm-practical-ai-tips-for-lawyers-with-graydon-trusler/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;
If today's podcast resonates with you and you&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet,&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">get the first chapter right now for free!</a>&nbsp;Looking for help beyond the book? See if&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">our coaching community</a>&nbsp;is right for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Access more resources from&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://lawyerist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lawyerist.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chapters / Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 – Introduction&nbsp;
00:32 – How Practice Builds AI Confidence&nbsp;
04:11 – Meet Ben Schorr 05:56 – What a&nbsp;Prompt-a-thon&nbsp;Actually Is 07:30 – Choosing Everyday Tasks for AI Practice 09:36 – Why AI Training Needs a Practice Session 12:37 – Building a Community Around AI Use 14:13 – Getting Your Inbox Under Control with Copilot 15:25 – Refining Prompts for More Useful Results 18:18 – Moving from Prompts to Scheduled Tasks and Agents 19:44 – Connecting AI to Your Firm’s Information 22:00 – Why Documented Procedures Make AI More Useful 25:55 – Using AI to Simplify Monthly Reporting 27:59 – Extracting Client Contact Information from Email 31:35 – In Person, Hybrid, or&nbsp;RemotPrompt-a-thonons 37:56 – Measuring Success Through Learning and Confidence 39:56 – How to&nbsp;RuPrompt-a-thonthon&nbsp;in Your Firm 41:52 – Closing Thoughts&nbsp;

Learning AI by Doing, Not Watching, with Ben Schorr

AI can create a law firm website in minutes. Building a useful marketing strategy takes more thought. In episode 639 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with legal marketing consultant Karin Conroy about why easier content creation is leaving so many lawyers overwhelmed and what to do before asking AI for another post. 
Karin shares a five-step approach to putting your marketing in order: evaluate your current state, set your strategy, repair the foundation, map your channels, and build a content engine. She explains how understanding your ideal clients and the ways they already find you can help you decide where AI belongs. 
Together, they explore why viral posts can generate attention without advancing your business goals, how a polished website can still miss the mark, and why your website, intake process, and referral systems need to support whatever you publish. They also discuss how online marketing and personal relationships can work together to make your firm more memorable. 
If every new AI tool makes you feel further behind, this episode offers a practical way to identify what needs attention first and move forward with a clearer plan. 
Listen to the previous episodes of our AI, Branding & Law Firm Marketing. 
<ul>
 <li>#610: Beyond Copycat Marketing: Building a Law Firm Brand That Actually Converts, with Karin Conroy <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-copycat-marketing-building-a-law-firm-brand/id951946132?i=1000758410605">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/35i2adMrO9TkDHQI0pzTy2?si=Efhur4YrQqCVAP90bYSO4A">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/beyond-copycat-marketing-building-a-law-firm-brand-that-actually-converts-with-karin-conroy/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turn-expertise-into-clients-building-authority-that/id951946132?i=1000750145903">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RCEWzLAFPIu4eXoWrrCGI?si=4_tPOwURTxON4GUUosn5NQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/02/turn-expertise-into-clients-building-authority-that-ai-recognizes-with-karin-conroy-from-conroy-creative/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-driven Law Firm Marketing, with Creative Conroy <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stay-human-in-the-age-of-ai-driven-law/id951946132?i=1000732802939">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zYOBUnKgY75lr4w6BbAJw?si=3_dIYANuRtOpKRJQrf4N-A">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/10/how-to-stay-human-in-the-age-of-ai-driven-law-firm-marketing-with-conroy-creative/">LTN</a>  </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smarter-law-firm-marketing-ai-tools-that-actually-work/id951946132?i=1000729314410">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BGuVVQ6gMZvLJQnoTVFLd?si=KagKfR_FRSWzjCh4bY8LIQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/09/smarter-law-firm-marketing-ai-tools-that-actually-work-with-firmpilot/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
Links from the episode: 
https://conroycreativecounsel.com/ 
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/lawyerist">X</a>!  
If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, <a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">get the first chapter right now for free!</a> Looking for help beyond the book? See if <a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">our coaching community</a> is right for you.  
Access more resources from Lawyerist at <a href="http://lawyerist.com/">lawyerist.com</a>.  
Chapters / Timestamps 
00:00 – Introduction 
01:06 – Meet Karin Conroy and the AI Website Question 
04:39 – Why Law Firms Skip the Marketing Fundamentals 
06:28 – Why AI Creates More Marketing Overwhelm 
11:33 – Putting Strategy Before Marketing Tactics 
13:56 – Defining Your Strategy and Ideal Client 
14:52 – Why Going Viral Doesn’t Mean Getting Clients 
16:34 – Why Copying Competitors’ Marketing Doesn’t Work 
18:32 – Making Sure Your Website Can Support Your Marketing 
21:02 – Choosing Channels Based on How Clients Find You 
22:40 – Repairing Your Marketing Foundation Before Adding AI 
24:25 – When Your Law Firm Website Needs a Refresh 
29:42 – How Website Design Shapes Client Trust 
32:58 – Standing Out When Everyone Uses AI 
35:22 – Five Steps to Get Your Marketing on Track 
36:32 – Connecting Your Online and Offline Marketing 
38:09 – Why Human Relationships Still Drive Growth 
39:44 – Closing Thoughts

AI can create a law firm website in minutes. Building a useful marketing strategy takes more thought. In episode 639 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with legal marketing consultant Karin Conroy about why easier content creation is leaving so many lawyers overwhelmed and what to do before asking AI for another post. Karin shares a five-step approach to putting your marketing in order: evaluate your current state, set your strategy, repair the foundation, map your channels, and build a content engine. She explains how understanding your ideal clients and the ways they already find you can help you decide where AI belongs. Together, they explore why viral posts can generate attention without advancing your business goals, how a polished website can still miss the mark, and why your website, intake process, and referral systems need to support whatever you publish. They also discuss how online marketing and personal relationships can work together to make your firm more memorable. If every new AI tool makes you feel further behind, this episode offers a practical way to identify what needs attention first and move forward with a clearer plan. Listen to the previous episodes of our AI, Branding & Law Firm Marketing. #610: Beyond Copycat Marketing: Building a Law Firm Brand That Actually Converts, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-driven Law Firm Marketing, with Creative Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN #580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN Links from the episode: https://conroycreativecounsel.com/ Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Meet Karin Conroy and the AI Website Question 04:39 – Why Law Firms Skip the Marketing Fundamentals 06:28 – Why AI Creates More Marketing Overwhelm 11:33 – Putting Strategy Before Marketing Tactics 13:56 – Defining Your Strategy and Ideal Client 14:52 – Why Going Viral Doesn’t Mean Getting Clients 16:34 – Why Copying Competitors’ Marketing Doesn’t Work 18:32 – Making Sure Your Website Can Support Your Marketing 21:02 – Choosing Channels Based on How Clients Find You 22:40 – Repairing Your Marketing Foundation Before Adding AI 24:25 – When Your Law Firm Website Needs a Refresh 29:42 – How Website Design Shapes Client Trust 32:58 – Standing Out When Everyone Uses AI 35:22 – Five Steps to Get Your Marketing on Track 36:32 – Connecting Your Online and Offline Marketing 38:09 – Why Human Relationships Still Drive Growth 39:44 – Closing Thoughts

AI can create a law firm website in minutes. Building a useful marketing strategy takes more thought. In episode 639 of the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with legal marketing consultant Karin Conroy about why easier content creation is leaving so many lawyers overwhelmed and what to do before asking AI for another post.&nbsp;
Karin shares a five-step approach to putting your marketing in order: evaluate your current state, set your strategy, repair the foundation, map your channels, and build a content engine. She explains how understanding your ideal clients and the ways they already find you can help you decide where AI belongs.&nbsp;
Together, they explore why viral posts can generate attention without advancing your business goals, how a polished website can still miss the mark, and why your website, intake process, and referral systems need to support whatever you publish. They also discuss how online marketing and personal relationships can work together to make your firm more memorable.&nbsp;
If every new AI tool makes you feel further behind, this episode offers a practical way to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;what needs attention first and move forward with a clearer plan.&nbsp;
Listen to the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;episodes of our&nbsp;AI,&nbsp;Branding&nbsp;&amp; Law&nbsp;Firm Marketing.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>#610: Beyond Copycat Marketing: Building a Law Firm Brand That Actually Converts, with Karin Conroy&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-copycat-marketing-building-a-law-firm-brand/id951946132?i=1000758410605" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/35i2adMrO9TkDHQI0pzTy2?si=Efhur4YrQqCVAP90bYSO4A" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/beyond-copycat-marketing-building-a-law-firm-brand-that-actually-converts-with-karin-conroy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turn-expertise-into-clients-building-authority-that/id951946132?i=1000750145903" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RCEWzLAFPIu4eXoWrrCGI?si=4_tPOwURTxON4GUUosn5NQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/02/turn-expertise-into-clients-building-authority-that-ai-recognizes-with-karin-conroy-from-conroy-creative/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI-driven Law Firm Marketing, with Creative Conroy&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stay-human-in-the-age-of-ai-driven-law/id951946132?i=1000732802939" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zYOBUnKgY75lr4w6BbAJw?si=3_dIYANuRtOpKRJQrf4N-A" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/10/how-to-stay-human-in-the-age-of-ai-driven-law-firm-marketing-with-conroy-creative/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with&nbsp;FirmPilot&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smarter-law-firm-marketing-ai-tools-that-actually-work/id951946132?i=1000729314410" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BGuVVQ6gMZvLJQnoTVFLd?si=KagKfR_FRSWzjCh4bY8LIQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/09/smarter-law-firm-marketing-ai-tools-that-actually-work-with-firmpilot/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Links from the episode:&nbsp;
https://conroycreativecounsel.com/&nbsp;
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;
If today's podcast resonates with you and you&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet,&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">get the first chapter right now for free!</a>&nbsp;Looking for help beyond the book? See if&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">our coaching community</a>&nbsp;is right for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Access more resources from&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://lawyerist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lawyerist.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chapters / Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 – Introduction&nbsp;
01:06 – Meet Karin Conroy and the AI Website Question&nbsp;
04:39 – Why Law Firms Skip the Marketing Fundamentals&nbsp;
06:28 – Why AI Creates More Marketing Overwhelm&nbsp;
11:33 – Putting Strategy Before Marketing Tactics&nbsp;
13:56 – Defining Your Strategy and Ideal Client&nbsp;
14:52 – Why Going Viral&nbsp;Doesn’t&nbsp;Mean Getting Clients&nbsp;
16:34 – Why Copying Competitors’ Marketing&nbsp;Doesn’t&nbsp;Work&nbsp;
18:32 – Making Sure Your Website Can Support Your Marketing&nbsp;
21:02 – Choosing Channels Based on How Clients Find You&nbsp;
22:40 – Repairing Your Marketing Foundation Before Adding AI&nbsp;
24:25 – When Your Law Firm Website Needs a Refresh&nbsp;
29:42 – How Website Design Shapes Client Trust&nbsp;
32:58 – Standing Out When Everyone Uses AI&nbsp;
35:22 – Five Steps to Get Your Marketing on Track&nbsp;
36:32 – Connecting Your Online and Offline Marketing&nbsp;
38:09 – Why Human Relationships Still Drive Growth&nbsp;
39:44 – Closing Thoughts&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Why Copying Competitors' AI Content Won't Grow Your Firm, with Karin Conroy from Conroy Creative

Running two practice areas can feel like running two law firms under one roof. In episode 638 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Megan Burns, managing partner at Mirador Law, about the firm’s decision to focus entirely on plaintiff personal injury after years of also handling criminal defense. 
After 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Megan knew her trial skills could carry over. The business side required its own transition. She explains how different fee structures, marketing needs, and staffing demands led her and her partner to rethink how the firm operated. They started with a partner retreat to agree on a long term vision, then mapped out the steps needed to make it real. 
Together, they discuss how to narrow a practice, support the people affected by the change, and build a firm around a shared direction. If your firm handles several practice areas and you are wondering where to focus, this episode offers a practical place to start. 
Listen to the previous episodes of our Law Firm Strategy & Leading Change. 
<ul>
 <li>#635: Leading Forward: Why Great Ideas Aren’t Enough for Law Firm Strategy, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-forward-why-great-ideas-arent-enough-for-law/id951946132?i=1000788842544">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YJza4Q2S3vDlxW9deo4WK?si=dCTfWCGJRuKbFG9YIfa3IA">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/09/leading-forward-why-great-ideas-arent-enough-for-law-firm-strategy-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062&utm_source=chatgpt.com"> </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p39UH0a04c5GS48U1k0Ex?si=vcgh-KtsQWi1UnjYxzTL1w">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing-talent-and-holding-standards-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run/id951946132?i=1000748365799&utm_source=chatgpt.com"> </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run/id951946132?i=1000748365799">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BjPO5TXiereapDeTZupo6?si=pgDvHM6ETk27l_DLzI7PlQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/02/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run-with-stephanie-everett/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-overwhelmed-lawyer-to-strategic-law-firm-owner/id951946132?i=1000723871049">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DstxXXZ46az7W9MXCY6bA?si=sfYByYpUT1OjcW8P_quFvw">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/08/from-overwhelmed-lawyer-to-strategic-law-firm-owner-with-chad-fox/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/lawyerist">X</a>!  
If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, <a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">get the first chapter right now for free!</a> Looking for help beyond the book? See if <a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">our coaching community</a> is right for you.  
Access more resources from Lawyerist at <a href="http://lawyerist.com/">lawyerist.com</a>.  
Chapters / Timestamps 
00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – Why Law Firm Growth Takes a Process 03:19 – Meet Megan Burns 03:53 – From Public Defender to Personal Injury Lawyer 05:41 – How Trial Skills Transfer Between Practice Areas 07:49 – Changing Practice Areas Changes the Business Model 09:11 – Flat Fees, Contingency Fees, and Financial Risk 11:03 – When Two Practice Areas Became Too Much 11:45 – Setting a New Vision at a Partner Retreat 13:13 – Why Two Practice Areas Can Feel Like Two Firms 15:27 – Getting Law Partners on the Same Page 18:00 – Turning the Vision Into a Plan for the Team 20:01 – How Leaders Set the Tone for Change 22:27 – Building on a 50 Year Firm Legacy 24:20 – Competing as a Small Personal Injury Firm 26:11 – Closing Thoughts

Running two practice areas can feel like running two law firms under one roof. In episode 638 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Megan Burns, managing partner at Mirador Law, about the firm’s decision to focus entirely on plaintiff personal injury after years of also handling criminal defense. After 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Megan knew her trial skills could carry over. The business side required its own transition. She explains how different fee structures, marketing needs, and staffing demands led her and her partner to rethink how the firm operated. They started with a partner retreat to agree on a long term vision, then mapped out the steps needed to make it real. Together, they discuss how to narrow a practice, support the people affected by the change, and build a firm around a shared direction. If your firm handles several practice areas and you are wondering where to focus, this episode offers a practical place to start. Listen to the previous episodes of our Law Firm Strategy & Leading Change. #635: Leading Forward: Why Great Ideas Aren’t Enough for Law Firm Strategy, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – Why Law Firm Growth Takes a Process 03:19 – Meet Megan Burns 03:53 – From Public Defender to Personal Injury Lawyer 05:41 – How Trial Skills Transfer Between Practice Areas 07:49 – Changing Practice Areas Changes the Business Model 09:11 – Flat Fees, Contingency Fees, and Financial Risk 11:03 – When Two Practice Areas Became Too Much 11:45 – Setting a New Vision at a Partner Retreat 13:13 – Why Two Practice Areas Can Feel Like Two Firms 15:27 – Getting Law Partners on the Same Page 18:00 – Turning the Vision Into a Plan for the Team 20:01 – How Leaders Set the Tone for Change 22:27 – Building on a 50 Year Firm Legacy 24:20 – Competing as a Small Personal Injury Firm 26:11 – Closing Thoughts

Running two practice areas can&nbsp;feel like running&nbsp;two law firms under one roof. In episode 638 of the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Megan Burns, managing partner at Mirador Law, about the firm’s decision to focus entirely on plaintiff personal injury after years of also handling criminal defense.&nbsp;
After 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Megan knew her trial skills could carry over. The business side&nbsp;required&nbsp;its own transition. She explains how different fee structures, marketing needs, and staffing demands led her and her partner to rethink how the firm&nbsp;operated. They started with a partner retreat to agree on a&nbsp;long term&nbsp;vision, then mapped out the steps needed to make it real.&nbsp;
Together, they discuss how to narrow a practice, support the people affected by the change, and build a firm around a shared direction. If your firm handles several practice areas and you are wondering where to focus, this episode offers a practical place to start.&nbsp;
Listen to the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;episodes of our&nbsp;Law Firm Strategy &amp; Leading Change.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>#635: Leading Forward: Why Great Ideas&nbsp;Aren’t&nbsp;Enough for Law Firm Strategy, with Debbie Foster &amp; Stephanie Everett&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-forward-why-great-ideas-arent-enough-for-law/id951946132?i=1000788842544" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YJza4Q2S3vDlxW9deo4WK?si=dCTfWCGJRuKbFG9YIfa3IA" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/09/leading-forward-why-great-ideas-arent-enough-for-law-firm-strategy-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster &amp; Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p39UH0a04c5GS48U1k0Ex?si=vcgh-KtsQWi1UnjYxzTL1w" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing-talent-and-holding-standards-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#600: Designing a Law Firm You Actually Want to Run, with Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run/id951946132?i=1000748365799&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run/id951946132?i=1000748365799" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BjPO5TXiereapDeTZupo6?si=pgDvHM6ETk27l_DLzI7PlQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/02/designing-a-law-firm-you-actually-want-to-run-with-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#575: From Overwhelmed Lawyer to Strategic Law Firm Owner, with Chad Fox&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-overwhelmed-lawyer-to-strategic-law-firm-owner/id951946132?i=1000723871049" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DstxXXZ46az7W9MXCY6bA?si=sfYByYpUT1OjcW8P_quFvw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2025/08/from-overwhelmed-lawyer-to-strategic-law-firm-owner-with-chad-fox/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;
If today's podcast resonates with you and you&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet,&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">get the first chapter right now for free!</a>&nbsp;Looking for help beyond the book? See if&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">our coaching community</a>&nbsp;is right for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Access more resources from&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://lawyerist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lawyerist.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chapters / Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 – Introduction 00:47 – Why Law Firm Growth Takes a Process 03:19 – Meet Megan Burns 03:53 – From Public Defender to Personal Injury Lawyer 05:41 – How Trial Skills Transfer Between Practice Areas 07:49 – Changing Practice Areas Changes the Business Model 09:11 – Flat Fees, Contingency Fees, and Financial Risk 11:03 – When Two Practice Areas Became Too Much 11:45 – Setting a New Vision at a Partner Retreat 13:13 – Why Two Practice Areas Can Feel Like Two Firms 15:27 – Getting Law Partners on the Same Page 18:00 – Turning the Vision Into a Plan for the Team 20:01 – How Leaders Set the Tone for Change 22:27 – Building on a 50 Year Firm Legacy 24:20 – Competing as a Small Personal Injury Firm 26:11 – Closing Thoughts&nbsp;

Building a Law Firm Around One Clear Vision, with Megan Burns

Most lawyers know relationships lead to referrals. The challenge is keeping those relationships alive when everything else gets busy. In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jay Ruane about analog marketing and the simple systems that make staying connected part of running a firm. 
Jay explains why offline marketing often falls apart after the first month and how a repeatable approach can help lawyers follow through. They explore using AI to identify forgotten connections in your inbox, making time for short coffee meetings, and becoming the person others trust to make a useful introduction. 
The conversation also covers networking as an introvert, asking about someone else’s ideal client, and choosing thoughtful gifts that people actually want to keep. Jay shares why his firm sends clients blankets without its logo and why a manageable network of 50 referral partners can support a successful practice. 
If your marketing plan depends on remembering to reach out when things slow down, this episode offers a more practical way to build relationships, generate referrals, and keep showing up. 
 
Listen to the previous episodes of our Referral Marketing, Relationship Building & Law Firm Growth. 
<ul>
 <li>#636: Why Past Clients May Be Your Law Firm’s Best Growth Strategy, with EJ Stern & Katherine Wilson <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-past-clients-may-be-your-law-firms-best-growth/id951946132?i=1000790342953">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/41PC21az1Y0lZjJEP2fiOj?si=hqd7gF7nR1ewLe-o02df4A">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/09/why-past-clients-may-be-your-law-firms-best-growth-strategy-with-ej-stern-katherine-wilson/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-development-forlawyers-building-real-relationships/id951946132?i=1000756128533">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TS8JrIFC2Ye4cpl7WPGlB?si=g_q17hImRDuk5Q0nZyhfJQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/business-development-for-lawyers-building-real-relationships-that-lead-to-clients-with-megan-senese/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-copycat-cycle-building-a-law/id951946132?i=1000753339696">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sQHavLFUIMiTHlTSpNdJ8?si=QThT0OMGTSKppzIjZLzdSw">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/breaking-the-copycat-cycle-building-a-law-firm-with-personality-with-patrick-patino/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/515-simple-marketing-hacks-lawyers-swear-by-with-gyi/id951946132?i=1000663314520">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XvwUdPfzR7BAkidG76Xlq?si=sxg_QkjZSfWpmIJ97OSHEQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/07/515-simple-marketing-hacks-lawyers-swear-by-with-gyi-tsakalakis/">LTN</a> </li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/lawyerist">X</a>!  
If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, <a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">get the first chapter right now for free!</a> Looking for help beyond the book? See if <a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes">our coaching community</a> is right for you.  
Access more resources from Lawyerist at <a href="http://lawyerist.com/">lawyerist.com</a>.  
Chapters / Timestamps 
00:00 – Introduction 
00:59 – Stephanie’s Blog and the Lawyerist Community 
03:02 – Meet Jay Ruane 
03:57 – Why Relationship Marketing Needs a System 
07:17 – Keeping Your Systems Simple 
08:46 – Why Analog Marketing Still Works 
11:01 – Using AI to Rediscover Referral Connections 
12:07 – Building a Network by Connecting Others 
14:13 – Networking as an Introvert 
17:19 – Preparing for Better Conversations 
19:31 – Talking Business Without Forcing a Pitch 
20:32 – Asking for Introductions 
21:43 – Moving Beyond a Scarcity Mindset 
22:41 – Thoughtful Gifts vs. Branded Merchandise 
26:16 – Conference Giveaways People Actually Want 
27:11 – Making a Book a Personal Gift 
28:31 – Building a Repeatable Marketing Routine 
29:49 – Why 50 Referral Partners Can Be Enough 
30:46 – Closing Thoughts

Most lawyers know relationships lead to referrals. The challenge is keeping those relationships alive when everything else gets busy. In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jay Ruane about analog marketing and the simple systems that make staying connected part of running a firm. Jay explains why offline marketing often falls apart after the first month and how a repeatable approach can help lawyers follow through. They explore using AI to identify forgotten connections in your inbox, making time for short coffee meetings, and becoming the person others trust to make a useful introduction. The conversation also covers networking as an introvert, asking about someone else’s ideal client, and choosing thoughtful gifts that people actually want to keep. Jay shares why his firm sends clients blankets without its logo and why a manageable network of 50 referral partners can support a successful practice. If your marketing plan depends on remembering to reach out when things slow down, this episode offers a more practical way to build relationships, generate referrals, and keep showing up. Listen to the previous episodes of our Referral Marketing, Relationship Building & Law Firm Growth. #636: Why Past Clients May Be Your Law Firm’s Best Growth Strategy, with EJ Stern & Katherine Wilson Apple | Spotify | LTN #608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese Apple | Spotify | LTN #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN #515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Stephanie’s Blog and the Lawyerist Community 03:02 – Meet Jay Ruane 03:57 – Why Relationship Marketing Needs a System 07:17 – Keeping Your Systems Simple 08:46 – Why Analog Marketing Still Works 11:01 – Using AI to Rediscover Referral Connections 12:07 – Building a Network by Connecting Others 14:13 – Networking as an Introvert 17:19 – Preparing for Better Conversations 19:31 – Talking Business Without Forcing a Pitch 20:32 – Asking for Introductions 21:43 – Moving Beyond a Scarcity Mindset 22:41 – Thoughtful Gifts vs. Branded Merchandise 26:16 – Conference Giveaways People Actually Want 27:11 – Making a Book a Personal Gift 28:31 – Building a Repeatable Marketing Routine 29:49 – Why 50 Referral Partners Can Be Enough 30:46 – Closing Thoughts

Most lawyers know relationships lead to referrals. The challenge is keeping those relationships alive when everything else gets busy. In this episode of the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jay Ruane about analog marketing and the simple systems that make staying&nbsp;connected&nbsp;part of running a firm.&nbsp;
Jay explains why offline marketing often falls apart after the first month and how a repeatable approach can help lawyers follow through. They explore using AI to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;forgotten connections in your inbox,&nbsp;making time&nbsp;for short coffee meetings, and becoming the person others trust to make a useful introduction.&nbsp;
The conversation also covers networking as an introvert, asking about someone else’s ideal client, and choosing thoughtful gifts that people&nbsp;actually want&nbsp;to keep. Jay shares why his firm sends clients blankets without its logo and why a manageable network of 50 referral partners can support a successful practice.&nbsp;
If your marketing plan depends on remembering to reach out when things slow down, this episode offers a more practical way to build relationships, generate referrals, and keep showing up.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listen to the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;episodes of our&nbsp;Referral Marketing, Relationship&nbsp;Building&nbsp;&amp; Law&nbsp;Firm Growth.&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>#636: Why Past Clients May Be Your Law Firm’s Best Growth Strategy, with EJ Stern &amp; Katherine Wilson&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-past-clients-may-be-your-law-firms-best-growth/id951946132?i=1000790342953" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/41PC21az1Y0lZjJEP2fiOj?si=hqd7gF7nR1ewLe-o02df4A" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/09/why-past-clients-may-be-your-law-firms-best-growth-strategy-with-ej-stern-katherine-wilson/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-development-forlawyers-building-real-relationships/id951946132?i=1000756128533" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TS8JrIFC2Ye4cpl7WPGlB?si=g_q17hImRDuk5Q0nZyhfJQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/business-development-for-lawyers-building-real-relationships-that-lead-to-clients-with-megan-senese/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-copycat-cycle-building-a-law/id951946132?i=1000753339696" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sQHavLFUIMiTHlTSpNdJ8?si=QThT0OMGTSKppzIjZLzdSw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/03/breaking-the-copycat-cycle-building-a-law-firm-with-personality-with-patrick-patino/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi&nbsp;Tsakalakis&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/515-simple-marketing-hacks-lawyers-swear-by-with-gyi/id951946132?i=1000663314520" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XvwUdPfzR7BAkidG76Xlq?si=sxg_QkjZSfWpmIJ97OSHEQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/07/515-simple-marketing-hacks-lawyers-swear-by-with-gyi-tsakalakis/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">X</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;
If today's podcast resonates with you and you&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet,&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/book/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">get the first chapter right now for free!</a>&nbsp;Looking for help beyond the book? See if&nbsp;<a href="https://lawyerist.com/coaching/?utm_source=ltn&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=shownotes" rel="noopener noreferrer">our coaching community</a>&nbsp;is right for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Access more resources from&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://lawyerist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lawyerist.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Chapters / Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 – Introduction&nbsp;
00:59 – Stephanie’s Blog and the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Community&nbsp;
03:02 – Meet Jay Ruane&nbsp;
03:57 – Why Relationship Marketing Needs a System&nbsp;
07:17 – Keeping Your Systems Simple&nbsp;
08:46 – Why Analog Marketing Still Works&nbsp;
11:01 – Using AI to Rediscover Referral Connections&nbsp;
12:07 – Building a Network by Connecting Others&nbsp;
14:13 – Networking as an Introvert&nbsp;
17:19 – Preparing for Better Conversations&nbsp;
19:31 – Talking Business Without Forcing a Pitch&nbsp;
20:32 – Asking for Introductions&nbsp;
21:43 – Moving Beyond a Scarcity Mindset&nbsp;
22:41 – Thoughtful Gifts vs. Branded Merchandise&nbsp;
26:16 – Conference Giveaways People Actually Want&nbsp;
27:11 – Making a Book a Personal Gift&nbsp;
28:31 – Building a Repeatable Marketing Routine&nbsp;
29:49 – Why 50 Referral Partners Can Be Enough&nbsp;
30:46 – Closing Thoughts&nbsp;

Fifty Referral Partners Is All You Need, with Jay Ruane

Law firm leaders are often so busy putting out fires that they never get the chance to prevent the next one. In episode 634 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Debbie Foster about leading operations, the third cornerstone from their book, Be a Next Level Leader (<a href="https://beanextlevelleader.com/">beanextlevelleader.com</a>). 
Debbie and Stephanie explore what it means to shift from being the “hero” who solves every problem to the architect who builds systems that help the firm run better. They break down how leaders can help teams prioritize urgent versus important work, clarify decision-making authority, and develop the judgment to make better decisions without constantly escalating them. 
They also explain why healthy firms surface problems early instead of hiding mistakes, how solving root causes can prevent recurring operational headaches, and why some law firm meetings cost far more than the decisions being made inside them. 
If your days feel like an endless cycle of interruptions, emergencies, and meetings about the same problems, this episode offers practical ways to build systems that create more clarity, accountability, and consistency across your firm. 
This week's homework: head to beanextlevelleader.com/resources for a free meeting audit calculator to see what your recurring meetings are really costing your firm. 
Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Leadership, Systems & Stronger Teams 
<ul>
 <li>#633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p39UH0a04c5GS48U1k0Ex?si=vcgh-KtsQWi1UnjYxzTL1w">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing-talent-and-holding-standards-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/">LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#632: Law Firm Leadership: How to Lead Yourself Before Leading Your Team, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/law-firm-leadership-how-to-lead-yourself-before-leading/id951946132?i=1000784580508"> Apple</a> |<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XTwxrf2EwIoNbosWEG8Fb"> Spotify</a> |<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/law-firm-leadership-how-to-lead-yourself-before-leading-your-team-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/"> LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#631: Tune In Before You Jump In: A Better Way to Delegate, with Shawn Vanderhoven<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tune-in-before-you-jump-in-a-better-way-to-delegate/id951946132?i=1000783128641"> Apple</a> |<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x0oRIDqnrKiLQAfTZbeX3"> Spotify</a> |<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/tune-in-before-you-jump-in-a-better-way-to-delegate-with-shawn-vanderhoven/"> LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#616: From Solo to CEO: Letting Go of Legal Work to Grow Your Firm, with Ellen Williamson <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-solo-to-ceo-letting-go-of-legal-work-to-grow/id951946132?i=1000766609389">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/21NLBgx4RtbjvskW1AGcq1?si=k5vhQ7imQ8G1-dBaxmM6Dg">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/05/from-solo-to-ceo-letting-go-of-legal-work-to-grow-your-firm-with-ellen-williamson/">LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stop-being-the-bottleneck-and-build-stronger/id951946132?i=1000764732003"> Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4I5ysnh9Tol3SzSDVNe81a?si=z4DMfNFCQo-xvwAe4fxOmQ">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/04/how-to-stop-being-the-bottleneck-and-build-stronger-teams-with-debbie-foster-and-stephanie-everett/">LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#530: How to Design Meetings that Drive Results, with Matthew Homann <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/530-how-to-design-meetings-that-drive-results-with/id951946132?i=1000676082952">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/10R1riVOKLni2ZzGSBluGV?si=LhfhrLCRTjqM95sR9pXxbw">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/11/530-how-to-design-meetings-that-drive-results-with-matthew-homann/">LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/522-the-eos-secret-to-mastering-law-firm-challenges/id951946132?i=1000669284641">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7fFWKzEAv4mO4Vs38RhM3C?si=JPfVn7psQia_Bf8Pr_VPLA">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/09/522-the-eos-secret-to-mastering-law-firm-challenges-with-mike-paton/">LTN</a> 
</li>
</ul>
Links from the episode:  Kaleidoscope Conference, September 22-24 in Las Vegas: <a href="https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/">https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/</a> use code “Lawyerist26”    
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/">Instagram</a>!  
For more on leading operations, check out Be a Next Level Leader at <a href="https://beanextlevelleader.com/">beanextlevelleader.com</a>. Looking for help beyond the book? 
Access more resources from Lawyerist at <a href="http://lawyerist.com/">lawyerist.com</a>.  
 
Chapters / Timestamps 
00:00 – Introduction 
00:37 – Lawyerist Heads to Kaleidoscope in Las Vegas 
03:23 – What Law Firms Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas 
05:01 – Why Ridiculous Ideas Can Lead to Better Solutions 
07:20 – The Third Cornerstone of Law Firm Leadership 
07:44 – Leading Operations: Turning Ideas into Systems 
09:29 – Stop Being the Hero and Start Being the Architect 
11:01 – Why Nonbillable Work Can Be Your Most Valuable Work 
11:35 – Building Better Systems One Problem at a Time 
12:32 – Urgent vs. Important: Helping Your Team Prioritize 
13:13 – Why Urgent Work Keeps Taking Over 
15:07 – Teach Your Team to Think Without Rescuing Them 
15:54 – Priorities, Trade-Offs & Better Judgment 
16:45 – Who Actually Gets to Make the Decision? 
19:18 – Why Law Firms Struggle with the Fear of Being Wrong 
21:02 – Create a Culture Where Problems Surface Early 
23:24 – Stop Fixing Symptoms and Find the Root Cause 
25:10 – Audit Your Law Firm Meetings 
25:50 – The $7,000 Meeting Problem 
27:02 – Death by Meeting vs. Not Meeting Enough 
28:17 – How to Run Meetings That Actually Accomplish Something 
29:27 – Stop the Law Firm Rumor Mill 
30:25 – This Week’s Leadership Homework

Law firm leaders are often so busy putting out fires that they never get the chance to prevent the next one. In episode 634 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Debbie Foster about leading operations, the third cornerstone from their book, Be a Next Level Leader (beanextlevelleader.com). Debbie and Stephanie explore what it means to shift from being the “hero” who solves every problem to the architect who builds systems that help the firm run better. They break down how leaders can help teams prioritize urgent versus important work, clarify decision-making authority, and develop the judgment to make better decisions without constantly escalating them. They also explain why healthy firms surface problems early instead of hiding mistakes, how solving root causes can prevent recurring operational headaches, and why some law firm meetings cost far more than the decisions being made inside them. If your days feel like an endless cycle of interruptions, emergencies, and meetings about the same problems, this episode offers practical ways to build systems that create more clarity, accountability, and consistency across your firm. This week's homework: head to beanextlevelleader.com/resources for a free meeting audit calculator to see what your recurring meetings are really costing your firm. Listen to our previous episodes on Law Firm Leadership, Systems & Stronger Teams #633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #632: Law Firm Leadership: How to Lead Yourself Before Leading Your Team, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #631: Tune In Before You Jump In: A Better Way to Delegate, with Shawn Vanderhoven Apple | Spotify | LTN #616: From Solo to CEO: Letting Go of Legal Work to Grow Your Firm, with Ellen Williamson Apple | Spotify | LTN #615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett Apple | Spotify | LTN #530: How to Design Meetings that Drive Results, with Matthew Homann Apple | Spotify | LTN #522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton Apple | Spotify | LTN Links from the episode: Kaleidoscope Conference, September 22-24 in Las Vegas: https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/ use code “Lawyerist26” Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! For more on leading operations, check out Be a Next Level Leader at beanextlevelleader.com. Looking for help beyond the book? Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:37 – Lawyerist Heads to Kaleidoscope in Las Vegas 03:23 – What Law Firms Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas 05:01 – Why Ridiculous Ideas Can Lead to Better Solutions 07:20 – The Third Cornerstone of Law Firm Leadership 07:44 – Leading Operations: Turning Ideas into Systems 09:29 – Stop Being the Hero and Start Being the Architect 11:01 – Why Nonbillable Work Can Be Your Most Valuable Work 11:35 – Building Better Systems One Problem at a Time 12:32 – Urgent vs. Important: Helping Your Team Prioritize 13:13 – Why Urgent Work Keeps Taking Over 15:07 – Teach Your Team to Think Without Rescuing Them 15:54 – Priorities, Trade-Offs & Better Judgment 16:45 – Who Actually Gets to Make the Decision? 19:18 – Why Law Firms Struggle with the Fear of Being Wrong 21:02 – Create a Culture Where Problems Surface Early 23:24 – Stop Fixing Symptoms and Find the Root Cause 25:10 – Audit Your Law Firm Meetings 25:50 – The $7,000 Meeting Problem 27:02 – Death by Meeting vs. Not Meeting Enough 28:17 – How to Run Meetings That Actually Accomplish Something 29:27 – Stop the Law Firm Rumor Mill 30:25 – This Week’s Leadership Homework

Law firm leaders are often so busy putting out fires that they never get the chance to prevent the next one. In episode 634 of the&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Debbie Foster about leading operations, the third cornerstone from their book,&nbsp;Be a Next Level Leader&nbsp;(<a href="https://beanextlevelleader.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">beanextlevelleader.com</a>).&nbsp;
Debbie and Stephanie explore what it means to shift from being the “hero” who solves every problem to the architect who builds systems that help the firm run better. They break down how leaders can help teams prioritize urgent versus important work, clarify decision-making authority, and develop the judgment to make better decisions without constantly escalating them.&nbsp;
They also explain why healthy firms surface problems early instead of hiding mistakes, how solving root causes can prevent recurring operational headaches, and why some law firm meetings cost far more than the decisions being made inside them.&nbsp;
If your days feel like an endless cycle of interruptions, emergencies, and meetings about the same problems, this episode offers practical ways to build systems that create more clarity, accountability, and consistency across your firm.&nbsp;
This week's homework: head to beanextlevelleader.com/resources for a free meeting audit calculator to see what your recurring meetings are really costing your&nbsp;firm.&nbsp;
Listen to our&nbsp;previous&nbsp;episodes on&nbsp;Law Firm Leadership, Systems &amp; Stronger Teams&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>#633: Leading People in Law Firms: Building Trust, Developing Talent, and Holding Standards, with Debbie Foster &amp; Stephanie Everett&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing/id951946132?i=1000786272062" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3p39UH0a04c5GS48U1k0Ex?si=vcgh-KtsQWi1UnjYxzTL1w" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/leading-people-in-law-firms-building-trust-developing-talent-and-holding-standards-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#632: Law Firm Leadership: How to Lead Yourself Before Leading Your Team, with Debbie Foster &amp; Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/law-firm-leadership-how-to-lead-yourself-before-leading/id951946132?i=1000784580508" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Apple</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XTwxrf2EwIoNbosWEG8Fb" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Spotify</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/law-firm-leadership-how-to-lead-yourself-before-leading-your-team-with-debbie-foster-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#631: Tune In Before You Jump In: A Better Way to Delegate, with Shawn Vanderhoven<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tune-in-before-you-jump-in-a-better-way-to-delegate/id951946132?i=1000783128641" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Apple</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x0oRIDqnrKiLQAfTZbeX3" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Spotify</a>&nbsp;|<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/08/tune-in-before-you-jump-in-a-better-way-to-delegate-with-shawn-vanderhoven/" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#616: From Solo to CEO: Letting Go of Legal Work to Grow Your Firm, with Ellen Williamson&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-solo-to-ceo-letting-go-of-legal-work-to-grow/id951946132?i=1000766609389" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/21NLBgx4RtbjvskW1AGcq1?si=k5vhQ7imQ8G1-dBaxmM6Dg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/05/from-solo-to-ceo-letting-go-of-legal-work-to-grow-your-firm-with-ellen-williamson/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#615: How to Stop Being the Bottleneck and Build Stronger Teams, with Debbie Foster and Stephanie Everett<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stop-being-the-bottleneck-and-build-stronger/id951946132?i=1000764732003" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4I5ysnh9Tol3SzSDVNe81a?si=z4DMfNFCQo-xvwAe4fxOmQ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2026/04/how-to-stop-being-the-bottleneck-and-build-stronger-teams-with-debbie-foster-and-stephanie-everett/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#530: How to Design Meetings that Drive Results, with Matthew Homann&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/530-how-to-design-meetings-that-drive-results-with/id951946132?i=1000676082952" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/10R1riVOKLni2ZzGSBluGV?si=LhfhrLCRTjqM95sR9pXxbw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/11/530-how-to-design-meetings-that-drive-results-with-matthew-homann/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
 <li>#522: The EOS Secret to Mastering Law Firm Challenges, with Mike Paton&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/522-the-eos-secret-to-mastering-law-firm-challenges/id951946132?i=1000669284641" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7fFWKzEAv4mO4Vs38RhM3C?si=JPfVn7psQia_Bf8Pr_VPLA" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/lawyerist-podcast/2024/09/522-the-eos-secret-to-mastering-law-firm-challenges-with-mike-paton/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LTN</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Links from the episode:&nbsp; Kaleidoscope Conference, September 22-24 in Las Vegas: <a href="https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.8am.com/events/kaleidoscope/</a>&nbsp;use code “Lawyerist26”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;
Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyerist-media-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lawyerist" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lawyeristdotcom/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more on leading operations, check out Be a Next Level Leader at&nbsp;<a href="https://beanextlevelleader.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">beanextlevelleader.com</a>. Looking for help beyond the book?&nbsp;
Access more resources from&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://lawyerist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lawyerist.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
Chapters / Timestamps&nbsp;
00:00 – Introduction&nbsp;
00:37 –&nbsp;Lawyerist&nbsp;Heads to Kaleidoscope in Las Vegas&nbsp;
03:23 – What Law Firms Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas&nbsp;
05:01 – Why Ridiculous Ideas Can Lead to Better Solutions&nbsp;
07:20 – The Third Cornerstone of Law Firm Leadership&nbsp;
07:44 – Leading Operations: Turning Ideas&nbsp;into&nbsp;Systems&nbsp;
09:29 – Stop Being the Hero and Start Being the Architect&nbsp;
11:01 – Why Nonbillable Work Can Be Your Most Valuable Work&nbsp;
11:35 – Building Better Systems One Problem at a Time&nbsp;
12:32 – Urgent vs. Important: Helping Your Team Prioritize&nbsp;
13:13 – Why Urgent Work Keeps Taking Over&nbsp;
15:07 – Teach Your Team to Think Without Rescuing Them&nbsp;
15:54 – Priorities, Trade-Offs &amp; Better Judgment&nbsp;
16:45 – Who Actually Gets to Make the Decision?&nbsp;
19:18 – Why Law Firms Struggle with the Fear of Being Wrong&nbsp;
21:02 – Create a Culture&nbsp;Where&nbsp;Problems Surface Early&nbsp;
23:24 – Stop Fixing Symptoms and Find the Root Cause&nbsp;
25:10 – Audit Your Law Firm Meetings&nbsp;
25:50 – The $7,000 Meeting Problem&nbsp;
27:02 – Death by Meeting vs. Not Meeting Enough&nbsp;
28:17 – How to Run Meetings That Actually Accomplish Something&nbsp;
29:27 – Stop the Law Firm Rumor Mill&nbsp;
30:25 – This Week’s Leadership Homework&nbsp;

Leading Law Firm Operations: Building Systems That Reduce the Daily Firefighting, with Debbie Foster & Stephanie Everett

As a well-known lawyer and (former) law professor, Alan Dershowitz gives a lot of advice to young lawyers. At one point, he wrote it all down in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0465016332/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0465016332&linkCode=as2&tag=lawyerist01a-20&linkId=BK65IYFAAZVRBV7E">Letters to a Young Lawyer</a>. The book has been around for a while, but it is still full of good advice for young lawyers — and so is Dershowitz.

As a well-known lawyer and (former) law professor, Alan Dershowitz gives a lot of advice to young lawyers. At one point, he wrote it all down in Letters to a Young Lawyer. The book has been around for a while, but it is still full of good advice for young lawyers — and so is Dershowitz.

As a well-known lawyer and (former) law professor, Alan Dershowitz gives a lot of advice to young lawyers. At one point, he wrote it all down in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0465016332/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0465016332&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=lawyerist01a-20&amp;linkId=BK65IYFAAZVRBV7E" rel="noopener noreferrer">Letters to a Young Lawyer</a>. The book has been around for a while, but it is still full of good advice for young lawyers —&nbsp;and so is Dershowitz.

#1: Alan Dershowitz's Advice for Young Lawyers

Sam and Aaron introduce the Lawyerist Podcast and our first guest, Alan Dershowitz. You'll also find out how to send us a question to answer during future podcasts.
Subscribe now, either using your favorite podcast app, in iTunes, Stitcher, or find out about new episodes by subscribing to the <a href="https://lawyerist.com/lawyerist-insider-newsletter/">Lawyerist Insider</a>.

Sam and Aaron introduce the Lawyerist Podcast and our first guest, Alan Dershowitz. You'll also find out how to send us a question to answer during future podcasts. Subscribe now, either using your favorite podcast app, in iTunes, Stitcher, or find out about new episodes by subscribing to the Lawyerist Insider.

Sam and Aaron introduce the Lawyerist Podcast and our first guest, Alan Dershowitz. You'll also find out how to send us a question to answer during future podcasts.
Subscribe now, either using your favorite podcast app, in iTunes, Stitcher, or find out about new episodes by subscribing to the <a href="https://lawyerist.com/lawyerist-insider-newsletter/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawyerist Insider</a>.

#0: Lawyerist Podcast Preview

The Lawyerist Podcast helps lawyers build modern law firms that are profitable, efficient, and sustainable.

Hosted by the team at Lawyerist, each episode features conversations with law firm owners, legal tech innovators, consultants, and industry experts focused on the business of practicing law. Learn proven strategies for law firm management, legal technology, AI, operations, client experience, leadership, marketing, hiring, and firm growth.

Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, you'll find practical advice, real-world insights, and actionable ideas you can implement to improve your practice today and prepare for the future of legal services.

Subscribe and join thousands of lawyers working to build better businesses, better careers, and better lives.

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The Lawyerist Podcast helps lawyers build modern law firms that are profitable, efficient, and sustainable. Hosted by the team at Lawyerist, each episode features conversations with law firm owners, legal tech innovators, consultants, and industry experts focused on the business of practicing law. Learn proven strategies for law firm management, legal technology, AI, operations, client experience, leadership, marketing, hiring, and firm growth. Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, you'll find practical advice, real-world insights, and actionable ideas you can implement to improve your practice today and prepare for the future of legal services. Subscribe and join thousands of lawyers working to build better businesses, better careers, and better lives.

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