This episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast builds directly on the previous full length conversation with Patrick Wilson of Atticus, offering additional insights, reflections, and high impact takeaways for law firm owners who want to scale without losing control of their lives or their values.

Host Tom Tona continues the conversation with longtime friend and trusted law firm business coach Patrick Wilson, one of the longest standing coaches at Atticus. Together, they dive deeper into the real difference between coaching and consulting, why accountability is the missing ingredient for most law firms, and how personal injury lawyers are uniquely positioned to build powerful, profitable, and principled businesses.

This episode is especially valuable for personal injury lawyers, small firm owners, and entrepreneurial attorneys who feel stuck practicing law instead of running a business. Patrick explains why law school fails to prepare attorneys for business ownership, why most lawyers procrastinate on management and marketing, and how structured coaching creates urgency where there are no natural deadlines.

Listeners will hear a practical breakdown of why coaching works, how accountability drives action, and why business growth requires clarity around identity, passion, and talent. Patrick also shares his most recommended business books for attorneys at every stage and explains why principle based thinking beats trendy tactics and quick fixes.

This popcorn episode reinforces the themes from the previous episode with Patrick Wilson and expands on how law firm owners can move faster, make better decisions, and build sustainable practices that serve both clients and families.

Key Highlights

• The real difference between a coach and a consultant and why great advisors often do both
• Why accountability is the single biggest driver of growth for law firm owners
• How coaching fills the massive business education gap left by law school
• Why personal injury lawyers are the most entrepreneurial practice area
• How identity clarity leads to faster and higher quality business decisions
• Why most lawyers neglect marketing, hiring, and leadership until it hurts
• Patrick Wilson's top business book recommendations for attorneys
• How coaching improves not just law firms but marriages, parenting, and life outside the office Featured Guests:

  Patrick WilsonSr. Management Consultant at Atticus Website: https://atticusadvantage.com/ LinkedIn: Patrick Wilson Email Patrick: [email protected]

  Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, TonaLaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

  This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

  TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonaLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this high-impact episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona sits down with Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer Rilee Harrison—also known as "Barred and Bearded" on social media—to unpack the real formula behind modern legal marketing. From growing a loyal online following to generating over 250 cases organically without a single dollar spent on ads, Rilee shares a playbook for young lawyers, firm owners, and rainmakers alike.

Together, Tom and Rilee explore how authenticity, values, and consistency are the cornerstones of lasting success in today's competitive legal landscape. You'll hear why Rilee believes you can't afford not to market, how a drunk driving accident shifted his career path, and how his partnership at Cain Law grew from digital influence to community leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for lawyers looking to scale impact, align with mission-driven partners, or tap into referral-driven growth through smart personal branding.

• Rilee's journey from a bar exam setback to becoming one of the most referred lawyers in Oklahoma.

• The 3-platform social strategy that generated 250+ cases organically.

• Why your "why" matters: how life experiences fuel authentic legal marketing.

• The secret to consistent referral business and rainmaking without ads.

• How to blend traditional networking with digital visibility for national reach.

• Advice to young lawyers: master a skill, be indispensable, and don't chase fast success.

• Community-building wins: backpacks, coat drives, and creating meaningful local impact.

• Why core values—like "client first"—must be lived out, not posted on walls.

• The growing influence of private equity in legal, and what it means for young attorneys.

  Featured Guests:

  Rilee HarrisonPersonal Injury Trial Attorney at Cain Law Office Website: https://cainlaw-okc.com/ LinkedIn: Rilee Harrison X: Barred and Bearded

  Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, TonaLaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

  This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

  TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this powerhouse episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona, founder and managing attorney of TonaLaw, sits down with nationally recognized settlement planning expert Michelle Fuller, founder of the Michigan Law Center.

Michelle unpacks the critical yet often overlooked dangers that law firms face at the end of litigation—when settlement funds are distributed. Known for her expertise in special needs settlement planning, qualified settlement funds (QSFs), and public benefits protection, Michelle reveals how a poorly handled distribution can lead to liability landmines, client dissatisfaction, and even the unraveling of successful verdicts.

This conversation is a must-listen for plaintiff attorneys, trial lawyers, and law firm leaders handling catastrophic injury, mass tort, and medical malpractice cases.

• What is the "danger zone" post-verdict and why law firms must pay attention

• How to use Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) to protect clients and reduce tax burdens

• The real risk of placing settlement funds into your firm's IOLTA account

• How to prevent clients from losing government benefits such as Medicaid, SSI, and Section 8

• Strategies to avoid the "lottery effect" where clients mismanage lump sum payouts

• When and why to involve a settlement planner early in the litigation process

• How to properly handle Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs) and why they matter more than you think

• Why family members should not act as trustees in special needs situations

• The "ticking time bomb" every trial lawyer should know about when handling special needs settlements 🌐

• Tools to bulletproof your law firm from future liability

This episode arms you with actionable insights to protect both your firm and your clients, helping you scale your practice ethically, efficiently, and with impact.

Michele FullerFounder, Michigan Law Center. Website: Michigan Law Center, PLLC The Architected Settlement Law Group

LinkedIn: Michelle Fuller

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, TonaLaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this power-packed episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona sits down with Darren Wurz, certified financial planner, author of The Lawyer Millionaire, and founder of Lawyer Millionaire® Wealth Advisors. Together, they dive deep into financial strategies specifically designed for law firm owners, offering a roadmap to build lasting wealth, exit strategically, and secure long-term freedom.

Episode Highlights:

• Why law firm owners must think like CEOs to truly scale and grow wealth

• The truth about insurance: risk mitigation vs. wealth-building myths

• Index funds, tax-loss harvesting, and the mechanics of efficient investing

• Smart tax planning strategies for law firm owners, including Roth conversions and structured fee arrangements

• The realities of law firm succession and the danger of owner dependency

• How to start investing early, even with just $10K or less

• Personal financial philosophies from both Tom and Darren—practical, humble, and effective

• Real-life money stories from attorneys and what they can teach you about financial independence

Whether you're a solo practitioner just starting out or an established firm owner eyeing succession, this episode will give you actionable insight to enhance your financial life and law practice.

Darren Wurz Founder of Lawyer Millionaire® Wealth Advisors 🌐 Lawyer Millionaire® Wealth Advisors 🔗 Monty Cain on LinkedIn Book: The Lawyer Millionaire: The Complete Guide for Attorneys on Maximizing Wealth, Minimizing Taxes, and Retiring with Confidence Podcast: The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, TonaLaw 🌐 www.tonalaw.com 🔗 Thomas Tona on LinkedIn X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this powerhouse episode of Lead Counsel, host Tom Tona, founder and managing attorney at TonaLaw, sits down with Monty Cain, founder of Cain Law Office in Oklahoma, for a deep dive into what it really takes to scale a personal injury law firm in today's hyper-competitive legal landscape.

Monty Cain's journey is anything but ordinary. Starting his legal career at age 36 and launching his own firm at 52, Monty has grown Cane Law from a one-assistant outfit to a thriving PI powerhouse with 12 attorneys and over 50 staff across three offices. He shares the pivotal moments and strategies that fueled this meteoric rise — from mastering brain injury litigation to redefining trucking law in Oklahoma through precedent-setting Supreme Court victories.

This episode covers:

• How Monty grew his firm by 600 percent in four years

• The power of investing in attorney education and sending trial lawyers to national conferences

• Why mastering brain injury medicine gave his firm a competitive edge

• The real impact of going to trial versus settling, and why litigation is a growth strategy

• How embracing EOS/Fireproof systems is helping transition Kane Law into a data-driven, scalable enterprise

• Why hiring slow is a mistake and how to use data to forecast staffing needs

• Tips on building client experience systems that scale — from intake to settlement

• The importance of strategic marketing, SEO accountability, and using brand-first advertising like their new "In Pain, Call Cain" campaign

• How private equity and hedge funds are reshaping the PI landscape and what smaller firms can do to compete

For law firm owners, PI litigators, and legal entrepreneurs, this episode delivers practical, actionable insight on growing a firm with heart, systems, and serious results.

Monty Cain Owner and Managing Attorney, Cain Law 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.cainlaw-okc.com 📞 (405) 759-7400 🔗 Monty Cain on LinkedIn

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, TonaLaw 🌐 www.tonalaw.com 🔗 Thomas Tona on LinkedIn X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this powerful episode of Lead Counsel, host Tom Tona sits down with Atlanta-based personal injury attorney Rachel Green of Rachel Green Injury Law to explore how she's rewriting the rules of modern legal practice—while globe-trotting across 35 countries by the age of 35. From hiking erupting volcanoes to closing cases across continents, Rachel's life and law firm philosophy challenge the outdated norms of what it means to be a lawyer in today's fast-evolving world.

You'll hear how Rachel seamlessly integrates travel with her client-centered firm operations using tools like Case Status, maintains a thriving litigation practice, and still finds time for global masterminds, cultural deep dives, and building a lifestyle by design. Her mantra: you don't have to choose between your passion and your profession.

Key Highlights:

• The inspiration behind Rachel's 35-by-35 travel goal and how it impacts her legal perspective

• Her top five countries for travel, food, and inspiration

• Building a boutique personal injury practice focused on client experience and communication

• How masterminds and peer networks accelerated her firm's growth

• Why modern law firm leadership must include empathy, flexibility, and automation

• How unlimited vacation and global exposure strengthen team loyalty and client satisfaction

• The software Rachel uses to keep clients informed 24/7, even while abroad

Whether you're a solo attorney, law firm leader, or entrepreneurial spirit, this conversation is packed with insights on scaling a law firm while honoring your personal values and lifestyle goals.

Rachel GreenPersonal Injury Attorney at Rachel Green Injury LawWebsite: Bank on GreenLinkedIn: Rachel Green Instagram: @bankongreen

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

In this high-impact episode of Lead Counsel, host Tom Tona welcomes digital marketing powerhouse Jason Hennessey, founder of Hennessey Digital. This episode is essential listening for law firm owners, marketers, and legal entrepreneurs navigating the seismic shifts in legal SEO, digital marketing, and AI integration.

Jason shares his journey from his first SEO presentation in 2008 to scaling Hennessey Digital into one of the top marketing agencies in the legal space and ultimately selling it to private equity. He and Tom explore the current wave of mergers and acquisitions sweeping the legal industry and what it means for solo practitioners and midsize firms alike.

Highlights Include:

• How the December Google algorithm update disrupted legal SEO

• The real impact of AI on SEO and why "Search Everywhere Optimization" is the new standard

• Why character, transparency, and long-term relationships still win in digital marketing

• Best practices to future-proof your firm's digital presence

• How to optimize for ChatGPT and Google at the same time

• What most law firms still get wrong about digital strategy

• The importance of personal branding for attorneys in 2026 and beyond

• Behind-the-scenes of Jason's Lamborghini purchase and what it says about values, success, and family

Whether you're pulling 50+ cases a month or building your firm from scratch, Jason and Tom break down the critical moves you need to make to stay competitive in today's fast-moving legal marketing environment.

Jason HennesyLinkedIn: Jason Hennessey Website: https://www.jasonhennessey.com/

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

This episode is also brought to you by Meet Gabbi, the voice AI built for law firms. Gabbi answers your phones 24-7, qualifies leads and books consultations so you never miss another client. Imagine cutting intake time in half or giving every caller a five star experience. That's the power of Meet Gabbi. Learn more at meetgabbi.com mention the Lead Counsel Podcast. You can also hit me up and I'm glad to make an introduction to the owner.

In this impactful episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona speaks with Elise Buie, founder of the Elise Buie Family Law Group in Washington, and her Client Hospitality Coordinator, Mackenzie Corbin. Together, they unpack how a family law firm can deliver a white-glove, client-first experience in one of the most emotionally challenging legal fields.

From Remote Firm to Legal Spa Elise shares her journey of growing a fully remote law firm over the past decade and how she embedded "unreasonable hospitality" into the firm's DNA. Inspired by Will Guidara's book of the same name, Elise discusses how operationalizing care and empathy can be a business advantage—and a human imperative.

Creating the Role of Client Hospitality Coordinator Mackenzie Corbin's role is rare and innovative in the legal space. With a background in mental health, probation services, and funeral care, Mackenzie brings deep emotional intelligence to her non-billable role. Her focus? Active listening, rapid client feedback loops, personalized support, and helping clients feel seen and heard throughout their legal journey.

Key Takeaways and Highlights:

• How unreasonable hospitality drives client satisfaction, retention, and referrals.

• Why Elise operationalized kindness and empathy as key performance indicators (KPIs) at her firm.

• The measurable impact on business: A drop in accounts receivable from $350k to $40k, increased referrals, and dramatic client satisfaction.

• The role of empathy and active listening in building law firm culture.

• How to scale client care through structure, training, and leadership modeling.

This episode is a must-listen for firm owners, operations managers, and attorneys who want to move beyond check-the-box client service and deliver transformative legal experiences.

Elise BuieFounder / Chief Executive Officer (CEO)LinkedIn: Elise Buie Website: Elise Buie Family Law Group

Mackenzie CorbinClient Hospitality CoordinatorLinkedIn: Mackenzie Corbin Website: Elise Buie Family Law Group

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

This episode is also brought to you by Meet Gabbi, the voice AI built for law firms. Gabbi answers your phones 24-7, qualifies leads and books consultations so you never miss another client. Imagine cutting intake time in half or giving every caller a five star experience. That's the power of Meet Gabbi. Learn more at meetgabbi.com mention the Lead Counsel Podcast. You can also hit me up and I'm glad to make an introduction to the owner.

This special popcorn episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast features highlights from two previous powerhouse conversations with Chris Earley, a leading personal injury attorney and founder of the Earley Law Group in Massachusetts. Hosted by Tom Tona, founder and Managing Attorney at TonaLaw, this condensed episode captures the rawest, most inspiring moments from Chris's deeply personal story — one that reveals how trauma, risk-taking, and purposeful leadership can radically reshape your life and your law firm.

Chris shares how growing up in a challenging environment gave him what he now considers his greatest asset: resilience. By embracing his past and doing the internal work required to grow, Chris has built not only a thriving law firm but also a healthy culture focused on team-first leadership. He discusses how vision blockers, trauma, and anger can become invisible walls in a legal career — and how to tear them down for good.

Key Highlights:

• Discover how internal transformation drives law firm success

• Learn why emotional self-awareness is critical for leadership in law

• Get actionable insights on culture-driven legal practice management

• Understand the difference between being a lawyer and being a law firm owner

• Hear how Chris took big risks to build a firm rooted in compassion, clarity, and consistency

• Perfect for attorneys, legal entrepreneurs, and law firm leaders looking to scale impactfully

Whether you're battling burnout, struggling with vision, or just looking for inspiration to run your law firm differently, this episode is packed with golden takeaways.

This is a Popcorn Episode, a format we use to surface and spotlight the most potent insights from previous episodes. You'll hear the best moments from our earlier interviews with Chris Earley, now remixed for even deeper impact.

Chris EarleyWebsite: Boston Personal Injury Attorneys - Earley Law Group Injury AttorneysLinkedIn: Christopher Earley Book: Scaling the Wall: One Man's Journey of Healing Childhood Trauma to Find Fullfillment and Success

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

This episode is also brought to you by Meet Gabbi, the voice AI built for law firms. Gabbi answers your phones 24-7, qualifies leads and books consultations so you never miss another client. Imagine cutting intake time in half or giving every caller a five star experience. That's the power of Meet Gabbi. Learn more at meetgabbi.com mention the Lead Counsel Podcast. You can also hit me up and I'm glad to make an introduction to the owner.

This popcorn episode is a curated highlight reel from our earlier full-length conversation with Craig Goldenfarb, the founder and CEO of Gold Law and the visionary behind the Seven Figure Attorney Summit. In this rapid-fire format, we revisit Craig's most powerful insights on law firm growth, leadership, marketing, and mindset — condensed for maximum impact.

Host Tom Tona of Tonalaw guides listeners through some of the most valuable takeaways from Craig's journey to building an eight-figure legal business. If you're a law firm owner looking to grow, systematize, and lead with purpose, this episode is your blueprint.

You'll hear Craig break down:

• The decision between staying a practitioner or becoming a true CEO

• Why middle management is a law firm's hidden growth engine

• Delegation as a strategic imperative, not a luxury

• The importance of a CEO-focused job description to scale effectively

• Craig's 10 percent rule for personal growth, inspired by top performers

• His data-driven approach to digital marketing and client acquisition

• The five KPIs he considers mission-critical for business decisions

• Client retention strategies that convert happy clients into referral sources

• How to push past fear and embrace the next stage of growth

Whether you missed the original episode or want a concentrated dose of wisdom, this popcorn edition delivers the goods.

Craig Goldenfarb Website: GOLDLAW Personal Injury Lawyers Seven Figure Attorney Summit LinkedIn: Craig Goldenfarb

Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy

This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

This episode is also brought to you by Meet Gabbi, the voice AI built for law firms. Gabbi answers your phones 24-7, qualifies leads and books consultations so you never miss another client. Imagine cutting intake time in half or giving every caller a five star experience. That's the power of Meet Gabbi. Learn more at meetgabbi.com mention the Lead Counsel Podcast. You can also hit me up and I'm glad to make an introduction to the owner.