Running a law firm is hard enough. Running one that serves underserved communities—without burning out or drowning in billable hours—takes a whole different kind of thinking. Today, Ricardo joins us to talk about building a family law practice designed around access to justice, cultural competency, and sustainability. From flat fees and bilingual outreach to tech-enabled workflows and teaching the next generation, Ricardo is reimagining what a modern solo practice can look like. Ricardo, let’s start here—how did you decide to build your firm this way?
 

• How can underserved communities be served profitably through alternative fee models?
• Why does the billable-hour model fail many family law clients?
• What risks come with flat fees and limited-scope representation, and how can they be managed?
• Is there truly a lawyer shortage, and where is it most severe?
• Why does being bicultural matter as much as being bilingual in client representation?
• How can culturally relevant messaging build trust faster than language alone?
• How does a tech-enabled solo practice reduce overhead and increase sustainability?
• Why can automated intake outperform traditional phone-based lead handling?
• How can AI and automation support flat-fee work and work–life balance?
• Why do paralegals and support staff determine whether a practice succeeds or fails?
• What should lawyers evaluate before deciding to open a solo practice?
• Do you need significant capital or an entity to start a law firm?
• How can incubator programs help new solos survive their first year?
• What does a sustainable, family-centered long-term vision for a law practice look like?
   

That’s all for today! A big thank you to Ricardo for sharing how lawyers can build practices that serve real community needs without sacrificing family, health, or sanity. We’re looking forward to having him back in 9–12 months to hear how the firm has grown, how the tech stack has evolved, and what life looks like after welcoming a new baby.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone thinking about going solo. Thanks for listening—we’ll catch you next time.

About Ricardo Santiago: 

Ricardo Santiago is a family law attorney, professor, and legal speaker in Chicago. He speaks on topics that affect traditionally underserved communities in Illinois. Ricardo teaches in the ABA-approved paralegal program at Wilbur Wright College. 

Connect with Ricardo Santiago:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardosantiagoj/

Calendly: https://calendly.com/rsantiago-santiagolaw/professionals-meeting-request

Connect with Ron Bockstahler:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/

Company website: https://amatacorp.com/

“Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467

Show notes by Team Podcastologist

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.