In this inspiring episode of Legal + Wealthy, host Lauren Klein sits down with Berkeley Sweetapple, Esq., founder of Berkeley Sweetapple Law and The Business Studio. Together, they unpack the journey from law school outcast to 7-figure IP attorney—exploring imposter syndrome, the courage to pivot practice areas, and how Berkeley built multiple revenue streams including $10K/month in passive income while serving the female entrepreneurs she genuinely loves working with.
You’ll discover her THREE-TIER BUSINESS MODEL, why “people care how much you CARE, not how much you KNOW,” the $50K mistake entrepreneurs make without trademark protection, and how working with non-lawyer business coaches opened doors she never knew existed.
[00:00:00] – [00:01:43] – Show Introduction, Opening and Guest Introduction. Opening Introduction. Lauren welcomes Berkeley Sweetapple, Esq. and shares excitement about her entrepreneurial journey and building a legal career on your own terms.
[00:01:43] – [00:03:21] – Berkeley’s Law School Origin Story. Berkeley shares how Boston College Law School revealed she didn’t fit the traditional mold.
[00:03:21] – [00:06:40] – The “Lady J” Legal Lifestyle Blog & Discovering IP Law Through Community. Berkeley launched blog pairing legal news with brownie recipes/cocktails, foundation for her business pivot.
[00:06:40] – [00:09:05] – Transition from Litigation to IP. Berkeley discovered IP law as a life-changing alternative. She launched a template shop and law firm focused on helping female entrepreneurs protect their businesses.
[00:09:05] – [00:11:27] – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Client Experience Over Experience. Berkeley’s biggest challenge was advertising expertise while still learning. Focus on responsiveness and systems, understanding clients value genuine care over decades of experience.
[00:11:27] – [00:14:40] – Launch Timeline: Template Shop to Law Firm. Identifying a gap for contract templates and served online coaches and creatives. A friend bridged the gap in Berkeley’s tech limitations.
[00:14:40] – [00:16:29] – Revenue Distribution and Business Growth. Berkeley’s law firm dominated revenue while she built her team for four years. Six months ago she refocused on her template shop, achieving her first $10K passive income month.
[00:16:29] – [00:19:10] – The Power of Passive Income & Multiple Streams of Income. Berkeley celebrates $10K months in passive income through her template shop. The key difference: she’s no longer trading time for money.
[00:19:10] – [00:20:52] – Overcoming Implementation Barriers. Finding the right people makes complex things simple rather than getting stuck on “how.” Berkeley persisted through three months of zero sales, testing commitment before success.
[00:20:52] – [00:26:00] – Trademarks 101 for Entrepreneurs (Sponsored Section). A federal trademark gives exclusive rights to your business name across all 50 states—not an LLC, domain, or Instagram handle. Do legal clearance before launching to avoid costly rebranding.
[00:26:00] – [00:28:06] – Real-World Trademark Infringement Example and Trademark Considerations. Story of client who received multiple cease and desist letters and having to repackage everything at enormous expense.
[00:28:06] – [00:29:21] – Three Service Tiers Explained. Berkeley offers template shop, one-on-one trademark work, and VIP days for different business stages. Trademark your business name before investing in website or branding.
[00:29:21] – [00:30:06] – VIP Day Structure and Process. VIP days start with a legal audit, then the team completes work over 1-2 weeks.
[00:30:06] – [00:33:17] – The Value of Business Coaches and Advice For Lawyers Feeling Alone. Berkeley credits Leanne Lopez Mosley for VIP day concept.
[00:35:17] – [00:38:06] – The Power of Self-Awareness and Closing Statement. Just because you don’t fit one place doesn’t mean you won’t excel elsewhere. Where to Find Berkeley. Connect via Instagram.
Lauren Klein, Flourish Law Group
Attorney, Law Firm Owner, Professor & Founder of Legal and Wealthy
Website: https://laurenalexisklein.com / Podcast: https://podcast.laurenalexisklein.com
Instagram (Personal): @lawyerlaurenklein | https://www.instagram.com/lawyerlaurenklein
Instagram (Law Firm): @flourishlawgroup | https://www.instagram.com/flourishlawgroup
Berkeley Sweetapple, Esq.
Instagram: @BerkeleySweetApple. Law Firm: BerkeleySweetAppleLaw.com. Templates: TheBusinessStudio.com
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