As AI tools become more prevalent in law practice, how do we keep our client data secure? In this episode, we address the biggest risks lawyers face and how to navigate them without losing the benefits of tools like ChatGPT.

You’ll hear the latest insights from a consensus group of 30 legal pros, including what paid AI tools to trust, how to enable privacy settings, and why redacting sensitive info (and getting client consent) is non-negotiable. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the ChatGPT Lab—your go-to hub for safe, effective AI use in law.

General Resources

• OpenAI's FAQs on Memory Handling
• Carolyn Elefant's AI 'Teach-In' for Lawyers (get recordings here)

Other Resources

• ChatGPT Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers)
• Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Too many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective and how his platform makes it as simple as sending an email. Wilson breaks down the costs, strategies, and formats that help lawyers connect with their ideal clients through the mailbox.

General Resources

• Zair Mail
• Wilson Zehr's LinkedIn Profile

Other Resources

• ChatGPT Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers)
• Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab 

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

How can a solo personal injury lawyer run a leaner, more profitable practice without sacrificing client service? Lee Rudin, a New Orleans-based attorney, shares the tech stack and outsourcing strategies that help him do exactly that.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The tools Lee swears by—like Text Expander, Demands AI, and File Vine—and how they save him hours every week

• How virtual assistants fit into his system and boost efficiency

• His approach to marketing with short-form video and social media to attract ideal clients

Whether you're drowning in admin work or looking to future-proof your firm, Lee’s approach offers a real-world blueprint for using tech to scale smartly.

General Resources

• Lee's Website: https://getrude.com

• Lee's Phone #: 833-GET-RUDE (toll-free number)

• Follow @GetRudeLaw on: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

Other Resources

• ChatGPT Lab (learn about this weekly workshop)
• Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab (get the most out of your subscription)

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

The best way for lawyers to master AI is to deep on just one tool: ChatGPT. In this episode, you’ll learn practical tips for using it in your practice, why the paid version is worth it, and how to get the most out of it.

You’ll also learn about the new ChatGPT Lab, a hands-on training program to help solo/small firm lawyers who want weekly guidance on using AI in their practice.

General Resources

• Sign up for ChatGPT (get the $20/month version for maximum utiliity)
• ChatGPT Lab (learn about the weekly coaching program)
• Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab (get the most out your subscription)

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Wisper Flow is a no-fuss AI-powered dictation tool that helps you put words into documents or emails three times faster than typing. Because it's powered by AI, it can pick up your style and get better over time.

Also, it works fabulously with apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this episode, you'll learn exactly how it can streamline your workflows and free your mind for higher-level work.

Resource links

• Wisper Flow (special discount link)

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Discover how legal research giants like LexisNexis and Westlaw are being disrupted by low cost AI tools like ChatGPT. Smart solo lawyers are ignoring overpriced AI tools favored by BigLaw in favor of cheaper, more innovative options.

Listen to find out which AI-powered legal research options that deliver speed, savings, and simplicity without bloated price tags.

Resources from this Episode

• Carolyn Elefant's LinkedIn Post 
• ChatGPT 
• Google NotebookLM 
• Midpage 
• Westlaw 
• LexisNexis
• CoCounsel (Thomson Reuters / Casetext AI assistant)
• Fastcase
• Vincent AI (Fastcase’s AI research tool)
• Clearbrief
• Microsoft 365 Copilot

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

Follow and Review:

I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

In a world where we rely on digital tools to remember things, the ancient art of memory training seems to have been forgotten. Which is a shame because memory training provides many advantages—especially for lawyers who need to retain vast amounts of information.

In this episode, memory expert Anthony Metivier explains how to develop extraordinary recall using personalized techniques that make memorizing more engaging and effective. 

If you’ve ever wanted a sharper memory and a stronger mind, you’ll relish what you'll learn in this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Learn about memory palaces and association strategies for organizing and recalling complex information.
• Discover real-world applications of memory mastery, especially in professions like law, for better persuasion and connection.
• Personalization of memory techniques for effective long-term retention and practical everyday use.
• Embrace the transformative power of memory training for personal growth and cognitive enhancement.

Resources from this Episode

• About Anthony Metivier
• Magnetic Memory Course by Anthony Metivier
• Anthony's podcast:  Magnetic Memory Method
• My blog post on How to Improve Memory Using Proven Techniques

General Resources

• Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers
• Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle
• Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive
• Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)
• Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
• Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to My Sponsor

Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal services
• Integration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows and client satisfaction
• Flexible pricing strategies and maintaining low operating expenses
• Insights from other entrepreneurs on technology-driven innovation
• Benefits of project-based tracking over traditional time tracking

Resources from this Episode

• Mathew's website: The Subscription Attorney
• Mathew's podcast: Law Subscribed
• Mathew's LinkedIn Profile
• Paxton.ai - Service Mathew uses and recommends
• Google Notebook LM Plus - Service Mathew uses and recommends
• Perplexity Pro - Service Mathew uses and recommends

General Resources

• Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers
• Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle
• Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive
• Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)
• Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
• Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to My Sponsor

Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode you'll meet an attorney named Ilona Anderson who was originally from Russia but came to the U.S. when she was sixteen and pursued her passion for law. You'll learn about her first job working in a big Miami firm, where she handled commercial litigation cases.

We discuss the importance of using systems and her interesting take on what good systems look like in a law practice. We talked about the best tools to store SOPs, and why she's exploring the use of a popular tool called Notion (and why I recommended she think that decision through carefully).

In this episode, you will hear:

• Ilona Anderson's journey from Russian immigrant to successful Miami attorney and entrepreneur
• Founding her own employment law practice after facing career challenges and denied flexible work arrangements
• Importance of systematization and delegation in law practice management
• Embracing technology and automation tools like MyCase, GoHighLevel, and AI to enhance legal practice
• Transition from litigation to trademark law to support entrepreneurs
• Radical responsibility and mindset shifts for personal and professional growth

Resources from this Episode

• Ilona's firm website
• Ilona's LinkedIn profile
• Ilona's Substack newsletter
• Anthony Metivier's free memory training course

General Resources

• Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers
• Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle
• Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive
• Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)
• Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
• Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)

General Resources

Other Resources

• The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter)
• The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
• The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners)

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to My Sponsor

Smith.ai

Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of.

Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000).

And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, you'll learn that you have a photographic memory without knowing it. Just like Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton who can remember names and faces instantly, which helps him recall details about jury pool members, even groups of 50 to 75 people. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to unlock this skill to remember anything you want to and you'll be completely astonished.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Unlocking the potential of photographic memory through accessible techniques.
• Exploring the historical and modern relevance of the loci system, dating back to Simonides of Ceos.
• Using mnemonic devices and bizarre visual imagery to enhance memorization and retention.
• The transformative impact of memory mastery on personal and professional growth.
• Practical applications of memory techniques, including memorizing numbers and historical figures.

Resources from this Episode

• Moonwalking with Einstein, Joshua Foer
• Deep Work, Cal Newport
• The Memory Book, Harry Lorayne & Jerry Lucas

General Resources

• Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers
• Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle
• Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive
• Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)
• Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch
• Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)