Ken Falcon is the Co-Managing Partner of Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP (FRB), where he has led the firm’s expansion from a small Long Island practice with twelve staff to a multidisciplinary firm of more than 120 professionals with offices across the tri-state area, Florida, and California. Under his leadership, FRB has become a destination for ambitious associates, lateral partners, and small firms seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that combines complex legal work with a genuine commitment to work-life balance.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A HEALTHY LAW FIRM CULTURE

Ken Falcon built his firm from a solo practice into a multi-state team by refusing to squeeze maximum profit from his people. His leadership centers on honesty in hiring and twice-yearly reviews that track shifting priorities. By deliberately accepting lower profit margins, he’s made real work-life balance possible—the kind of culture that keeps attrition low and inspires attorneys to bring in people they trust.

When Ken was diagnosed with kidney cancer, his partners insisted he take an eight-week sabbatical and divided his work among themselves, a response that revealed the kind of loyalty and trust his leadership had fostered. The experience forced him to rebuild his role around what he actually wanted to do.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Ken about protecting culture during rapid growth. They discuss screening for fit over credentials, why he’d rather make less money than burn out his team, and how a health crisis taught him to restructure his role around what matters.

2:14 – Why Ken built a law firm that values people over profit

4:38 – How clear expectations and open communication sustain culture through growth

7:21 – The hiring conversations that reveal alignment and ambition

10:42 – Twice-yearly reviews and how they keep attorneys engaged and accountable

13:55 – Rethinking profitability: why FRB chose sustainability over maximizing margins

17:18 – What real work-life balance looks like inside a busy, expanding practice

21:06 – How leadership transparency drives retention and trust

24:37 – Balancing client demands with internal culture as the firm scales

28:10 – The link between compensation philosophy and firm stability

31:22 – Advice for law firm leaders who want to build healthier organizations

MENTIONED IN KEN FALCON | HOW INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP BUILDS STRONGER LAW FIRMS

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP | LinkedIn

Ken Falcon on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Vicki Odette is a Partner at Haynes Boone, an Am Law 100 firm with more than 700 lawyers across 19 offices worldwide. Based in Dallas, she serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and is Global Chair of the Investment Management Practice Group.

Her practice focuses on advising fund sponsors and investors on structuring and negotiating private equity, hedge fund, and venture capital investments, as well as complex partnership and joint venture arrangements. Vicki also counsels ultra high net worth individuals and families with assets exceeding $1 billion on business planning for family offices and their investments.

In 2024, the Minority Corporate Counsel Association honored Vicki with its Rainmakers Award, recognizing her as one of the profession’s leading business developers and client relationship leaders.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BECOMING A RAINMAKER

For some lawyers, business development feels like a mystery, something reserved for extroverts or senior partners with decades of connections. Vicki Odette proves that’s a myth.

From her earliest years in practice, she treated business development as part of the job, not an afterthought. By asking questions, watching what successful partners did, and trying her own experiments, she built a network rooted in trust instead of transactions.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman and Vicki Odette talk about what it really takes to become a rainmaker. They highlight the patience, persistence, and consistency that separate future rainmakers from frustrated associates. They also share how finding strategies that fit your personality can lead to something even more valuable than clients, genuine control over your career.

2:35 – Starting business development early and laying the groundwork for future clients

4:31 – Learning by observing successful partners and adapting their strategies

5:49 – Overcoming intimidation and finding networking tactics that feel authentic

7:59 – Why introverts can excel at business development

11:03 – The personal and professional rewards of long-term client relationships

13:19 – How business development creates autonomy, leadership, and compensation growth

15:07 – Making clients feel like a top priority through proactive communication

17:35 – Anticipating client needs and cross-selling across practice areas

19:34 – Why small roundtables and intimate events outperform large networking mixers

22:58 – Handling rejection, asking for feedback, and using lost pitches as data

25:00 – Navigating bias and maintaining confidence in male dominated rooms

26:53 – Gender differences in rainmaking styles and how women can own their strengths

29:17 – Practical advice for young lawyers beginning their business development journey

32:37 – The overlooked key to client loyalty is caring about their business beyond the matter

MENTIONED IN HOW LEADING RAINMAKERS PLAY THE LONG GAME IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Haynes Boone | LinkedIn

Vicki Odette on LinkedIn

Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA)

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Erika Steinberg is the founder of CMO2Go, which provides fractional and interim marketing leadership to midsize law firms across the United States. She launched the company more than six years ago with the belief that expert marketing is not just for the largest law firms.

Before founding CMO2Go, Erika held senior marketing leadership roles at Sidley Austin, Kaye Scholer, and Arent Fox. With more than 30 years in legal marketing and business development, she speaks fluent lawyer, understands how law firms operate, and knows how to work effectively inside of them. She helps midsize firms create roadmaps for marketing success, execute on those plans, and maintain momentum by bridging marketing gaps in their teams.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT MARKETING FOR MIDSIZE LAW FIRMS

Midsize law firms bring real advantages to the table when it comes to marketing. With leaner teams and closer collaboration across practices, they often have the ability to move faster and make decisions without the layers of bureaucracy that slow down larger competitors.

Those advantages can disappear without a clear plan. Firms risk siloed initiatives, "random acts of marketing," or goals that lack accountability. It's easy to take on too much or lose steam when busy lawyers don't have the time or support to keep things moving forward.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Erika Steinberg about how midsize firms can build smart, sustainable marketing functions. They explore the difference between tactics and strategy, what it takes to maintain momentum with small teams, and how to create a roadmap that supports both immediate priorities and long-term growth.

2:26 — What it means to “speak fluent lawyer” and why it matters

5:47 — Common misconceptions about creating a marketing plan

7:26 — Mistakes midsize firms make when designing and executing plans

11:24 — How to maintain momentum so projects don’t fizzle out

13:21 — Bridge the Gap: interim marketing leadership in action

17:11 — Navigating challenges when stepping into a firm as interim leader

22:19 — What midsize firms are getting right in their marketing

24:40 — Why tracking business sources matters and where to focus resources

29:17 — The power of collaboration and breaking down silos

32:02 — Why strategy must come before tactics

MENTIONED IN BUILDING SMART, SUSTAINABLE MARKETING FOR MIDSIZE LAW FIRMS

CMO2Go

Connect with Erika on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Beth Huffman has more than 40 years of experience in communications, media, and marketing. After two decades as a reporter, she spent the next 20 years helping major law firms, legal organizations, and global clients create strategic narratives that elevated their reputations and work.

She served more than a decade at Dechert and later as head of marketing at Nelson Mullins before returning to Pennsylvania to join Poston Communications as Vice President. Today, Beth works with firms across the country to strengthen visibility, reputation, and client relationships through thoughtful communications strategies.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM HOLIDAY GIFTING

Holiday gift giving isn’t something we usually talk about here, but it comes up every year for firms of every size. You want to show clients and friends of the firm that you appreciate them, and you want to stay connected in a meaningful way. The challenge is that what seems simple at first can raise questions about timing, budget, logistics, and even ethics.

Cards and gifts can be a great opportunity to build relationships, but they can also backfire if they’re rushed or impersonal. From digital vs. paper cards to whether a bottle of wine is really the best idea, small decisions can make a big difference.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Beth Huffman about how law firms can get holiday gifting right. They cover why planning ahead matters, how to choose thoughtful options that reflect your clients, and what to do to avoid common missteps while keeping the process simple and impactful.

2:52 - The surprising headaches of holiday cards and how to avoid them

4:23 - Why one-size-fits-all gifts don’t work (and what to do instead)

5:46 - Navigating hybrid and remote client addresses during the holidays

7:28 - Logistics gone wrong: shipping delays, customs, and alcohol restrictions

11:09 - How firm size shapes the gifting process (and who usually gets stuck with it)

12:33 - Digital vs. paper cards: what works best for different clients

13:47 - Creative alternatives to traditional gifts, from Thanksgiving pies to team lunches

16:55 - Making gifts personal without crossing professional lines

18:45 - Common pitfalls with branded items and how to avoid conflicts

19:48 - Why gifts don’t have to wait until the holidays to make an impact

21:18 - Setting budgets and expectations around client gifts

23:13 - Using CRMs and simple systems to track client preferences year after year

25:19 - Regional and repeatable gift ideas that clients actually remember

27:06 - The most obvious - but most overlooked - tip for client appreciation

MENTIONED IN HOLIDAY GIFTING FOR LAW FIRMS: AVOIDING PITFALLS AND MAKING IT PERSONAL

Poston Communications 

Beth Huffman on LinkedIn

“The Holiday Gifting Dilemma: How Law Firms Can Get Gratitude Right,” The Legal Intelligencer

PR: Building a Firm Store for Swag, Gifts and Giveaways

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer’s Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Hilary Gerzhoy is a partner at HWG LLP, where she represents lawyers, law firms, legal tech companies, and in-house counsel navigating the full range of legal ethics matters. She serves as outside general counsel to law firms nationwide, advising on risk management, conflicts and disqualification, and firm formations and dissolutions.

Hilary is the Chair of the D.C. Bar Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee, a member of the ABA’s Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee, and was appointed by the judges of the D.C. Circuit to serve on the D.C. Circuit’s Advisory Committee on Admissions and Grievances. She also teaches legal ethics as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

Hilary has published more than forty articles on developments in legal ethics and her work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg Law, The National Law Journal, Law.com, Law360, the Washington Lawyer, and LexisNexis.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT ETHICS TROUBLE FOR LAWYERS

Most lawyers work hard to serve their clients well, and part of that commitment means staying alert to ethical challenges. Questions around conflicts, supervision, or new technology don’t have to turn into problems – if you know how to spot and address them early.

As a lawyer who advises firms across the country on professional responsibility, Hilary Gerzhoy helps attorneys do exactly that. She guides clients through bar complaints and malpractice claims, but more importantly, she shows them how to avoid those situations in the first place.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Hilary about the most common ethics missteps, how disciplinary actions differ from malpractice suits, and the practical steps you can take to safeguard your reputation.

1:25 — Hilary’s background and role in legal ethics

2:19 — The two types of risk lawyers face: disciplinary vs malpractice

2:46 — How bar complaints get filed and investigated

4:28 — Range of sanctions, from private admonishments to disbarment

5:50 — Key differences between malpractice suits and bar complaints

8:20 — Why “the cover-up is worse than the crime”

9:28 — Why malpractice suits often turn into bar complaints

12:40 — Common triggers for bar complaints (including money issues)

18:05 — When conflicts of interest create ethics problems

25:12 — How firms can reduce risk with better supervision and systems

30:44 — The role of technology, including AI, in malpractice and ethics risk

36:17 — Steps lawyers can take to mitigate mistakes in real time

44:44 — Why hiding errors can have career-ending consequences

45:20 — Building a firm culture where people can admit mistakes

Mentioned In Good Lawyers, Bad Outcomes: How Lawyers Can Avoid Ethics Trouble

HWG LLP

Hilary Gerzhoy on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Tina Solis is a partner at Nixon Peabody. She has built a national practice advising lawyers and law firms on high-stakes professional and business transitions. She's particularly known for representing individual attorneys and groups making lateral moves, helping them navigate complex partnership agreements, fiduciary obligations, and departure issues to protect their interests and minimize risk.

In addition to her lateral move work, Tina counsels firms on partnership disputes, mergers, succession planning, and dissolutions, drawing on her deep experience to guide clients through sensitive and often high-pressure situations. She also leads the firm’s Financial Institutions & Banking Disputes team, which represents institutions and individuals in a full range of civil litigation, enforcement matters, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitrations, and compliance investigations on issues such as consumer protection, fair lending, anti-money laundering, and violations of fiduciary duties.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT SUCCESSFUL LATERAL MOVES

Making a lateral move can be one of the most exciting—and stressful—decisions in a lawyer’s career. Yet many attorneys focus on the end result, like a new role or better opportunities, without carefully mapping out the steps to get there. 

Missteps happen more often than you'd think, and the consequences can be severe, from forfeiting significant compensation to facing contempt charges. From understanding partnership agreements to timing the transition, there are key considerations that can make the difference between a smooth move and a difficult one.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise speaks with Tina Solis about why it’s essential to approach a lateral move with the same care and planning you’d devote to a major client matter. Tina shares practical advice on how to prepare, avoid common missteps, and make informed decisions that protect your reputation, relationships, and future success.

1:51 - Current market overview for lateral moves post-COVID

5:41 - Timing and financial considerations before changing firms

10:18 - Four common reasons for transitioning to another firm

15:34 - How to prepare and do your due diligence before moving

19:24 - Professionalism and preserving your reputation when leaving

22:26 - What to consider with your new firm

23:59 - Common mistakes lawyers make during transitions

32:35 - Frequency and nature of lateral moves today

36:24 - Key advice for successfully making a lateral move

MENTIONED IN THE LATERAL PLAYBOOK: WHAT LAWYERS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CHANGING FIRMS

Nixon Peabody LLP | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter/X

Connect with Tina on LinkedIn

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

John R. Kormanik, Esq., is on a mission to help attorneys reclaim their purpose, energy, and impact. As a Certified Professional Coach, former trial lawyer, and author of Break the Law: A Story of a Reimagined Career and a Reclaimed Life, John brings decades of experience from the courtroom to the coaching space. Today, he guides attorneys to say “no” to burnout and “yes” to building sustainable careers by rethinking how they approach time, energy, and leadership.

With more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney—including roles as Deputy Attorney General, law firm partner, and firm owner—John understands the unique pressures lawyers face. Now, through his coaching practice, he helps attorneys reengineer their mindset, optimize systems, and rediscover the joy in their work and life.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT RETHINKING PRODUCTIVITY

When it comes to productivity, most lawyers focus on managing time. John Kormanik says that’s the wrong place to start. Time isn’t the problem. The real question is how you choose to use it and where you direct your energy.

John argues that what really holds lawyers back are the stories the profession tells itself. Beliefs like “time management is the answer,” “work-life balance is possible,” or “grinding nonstop is the only path to success” become badges of honor that actually fuel burnout. He explains why challenging these myths is essential if you want to practice law in a way that lasts.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, John shares a different approach. He talks about building routines you’ll actually keep, making better decisions with your 168 hours, and learning to delegate without guilt. He also explains why keeping promises to yourself and rejecting the arrival fallacy are key steps toward a practice—and a life—that feels both productive and sustainable.

2:24 – Why John says time management is a myth

4:50 – Seeing your time as worth $400,000 a minute

7:18 – Work-life balance and why it doesn’t work in practice

12:22 – The five lies lawyers often believe about work and success

18:27 – How law school and firm culture set these patterns

22:41 – What John means by “energy management”

27:37 – Why small routines create real ownership

31:47 – Moving from “I have to do it myself” to real delegation

36:40 – The question John asks before saying yes to anything

41:15 – Why asking for help shows strength, not weakness

MENTIONED IN TIME ISN’T THE PROBLEM: HOW LAWYERS CAN RETHINK PRODUCTIVITY

John Kormanik Coaching | LinkedIn

Break the Law: A Story of a Reimagined Career and a Reclaimed Life by John Kormanik

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Charlie Jimerson is the founder and CEO of Jimerson Birr, a Florida-based business law firm with a national reputation for litigation, regulatory, and transactional work. He's also a U.S. Air Force veteran, a board-certified construction law attorney, and a widely recognized leader in the legal and business communities. Under his leadership, the firm has been repeatedly honored for its workplace culture, growth, and client service while representing various businesses of all sizes and scales as their go-to counsel for legal matters and comprehensive legal expertise, both inside and outside the courtroom. 

From drafting and enforcing contracts, providing grounded executive-level advice, and collecting money owed, Charlie’s extensive experience spans all phases of litigation, including alternative dispute resolution, settlement negotiations, and complex commercial cases. His career is distinguished by a rich tapestry of accomplishments that mirror his unwavering commitment to securing favorable outcomes for his clients and reflect a focus on service, quality, and results.

Prior to founding Jimerson Birr, Charlie honed his skills and expertise at prominent  Jacksonville-based commercial litigation and construction law boutique law firms. He currently resides in Ortega with his wife, Ashley, their two children, and their Italian Greyhound dog, Olive.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM GROWTH 

As a young lawyer, Charlie Jimerson had his pick of opportunities and began his career at a traditional Biglaw firm. But it didn’t take long for him to feel disenchanted with what he saw—an industry clinging to outdated models that didn’t truly serve clients. Not even four years into practice, Charlie founded Jimerson Birr as a values-driven law firm committed to doing things differently.

He believed law firms could grow by focusing on service, quality, and results instead of billable hours and burnout. That conviction shaped his approach to building a practice centered on client needs, predictable pricing, and strong culture. By replacing outdated habits with clear processes and accountability, Charlie set out to prove that sustainable growth is possible without sacrificing relationships or outcomes.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise talks with Charlie about how rethinking the billable hour can fuel law firm growth. He shares how subscription pricing and disciplined processes create more value for clients, how AI can enhance efficiency without replacing human judgment, and why culture and leadership are essential to long-term success. Charlie also explains why he sees pressure as a privilege and why “the way it’s always been done” is the most dangerous mindset holding firms back.

2:06 - The inspiration for Jimerson Birr’s founding and identity

5:21 - Problems with the billable hours model of many legal organizations

9:12 - What’s necessary for the legal industry to start retreating from the billable hour crutch

14:37 – Value-based and subscription pricing around four core areas and three package tiers

21:15 – Why there should still be room made for the billable hour when necessary

24:56 - Three biggest things learned from client surveys that impacted changes within the firm 

27:43 - How Charlie uses AI to enhance his organization’s practice 

32:20 - Hiring principles and cultural philosophy of Jimerson Birr

34:45 – Why Charlie views pressure as a privilege and its impact on his choices

37:28 - Essentials to focus on and the mentality law firm leaders need to reject so the industry can evolve

MENTIONED IN RETHINKING THE BILLABLE HOUR FOR SUSTAINABLE LAW FIRM GROWTH

Jimerson Birr | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Follow Charlie B. Jimerson on LinkedIn

Process! How Discipline and Consistency Will Set You and Your Business Free by Mike Paton and Lisa González

Books by Gino Wickman

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Aaron Y. Strauss is one of the leading legal advisors in the commercial real estate industry, providing insight and guidance on billions of dollars' worth of transactions during his career. As founder and managing partner of A.Y. Strauss, he has positioned the firm as one of the region’s most respected legal organizations for commercial real estate owners, lenders, and sponsors, serving the needs of its clients with utmost care, integrity, and transparency.

Aaron is responsible for establishing the firm’s long-term strategy and vision, overseeing a culture of excellence and respect that recruits, retains, and supports a nationally-recognized team of attorneys and business professionals. A dedicated dealmaker and connector, he strives to identify and facilitate commercial real estate and other opportunities for clients and valued contacts. In 2021, he launched The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss podcast, highlighting the stories, successes, and struggles behind major commercial real estate investors.

Prior to founding A.Y. Strauss, Aaron practiced for several years at an international law firm in New York and a prominent New Jersey-based law firm.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL LAW FIRM

What happens when you get off the beaten path to build something new? It takes an ambitious mind to forego the traditional path of building a legal practice to build a business platform with national reach.

Aaron Strauss left Biglaw to found and manage A.Y. Strauss, LLC, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial law firm that represents clients in multiple practice areas. Under his leadership, the organization has earned a reputation for delivering thoughtful, strategic counsel with the responsiveness and care of a boutique practice. He’s also developed a well-earned reputation for his devotion to connecting and creating growth opportunities for others.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise speaks with Aaron about leading a law firm by prioritizing hiring the right people, fostering a strong culture, expanding practice areas based on client needs, and engaging in practices to manage the stresses and complexities of leadership.

2:15 - The driver behind more than 40% growth in Aaron’s firm over the past year

4:58 - The major challenge of recruiting and retaining legal talent 

8:49 - Natural rainmakers and relationship nurturers as both being critical to a firm’s success

11:29 - Addition of immigration, cannabis, and family law as new practice areas

15:30 - How Aaron balances his different roles and the most rewarding aspects of the job

20:38 - The challenges of leadership in relationship management and decision-making

26:27 - How mental resilience helps Aaron manage the stresses of his job

29:03 - Self-practices that Aaron uses to stay grounded and effective as a leader

33:14 - The value of shifting focus from “I” to “We” and pausing to acknowledge accomplishments

35:36 - Insights and influences from guests on Aaron’s podcast, The Dealmakers’ Edge

MENTIONED IN The Entrepreneurial Law Firm: Building a Platform, Not Just a Practice

A.Y. Strauss, LLC | LinkedIn

The Dealmakers’ Edge Podcast | “Leadership Lessons for Dealmakers with Elise Holtzman”

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

Jeffrey Bast is a nationally respected attorney with over 30 years of experience in insolvency and commercial litigation. He represents debtors, creditors, trustees, and business stakeholders in workouts, reorganizations, and bankruptcy-related litigation, with a strong focus on avoiding bankruptcy when possible and guiding clients through complex financial transactions and restructuring. Jeff completed two federal bankruptcy clerkships and rose to the level of equity partner at two international law firms. He brings both legal and business acumen to each matter, with deep experience in bankruptcy sales, acquisitions, and financing. Jeff is frequently invited to speak and has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the South Florida Legal Guide.

Brett Amron is a nationally recognized litigator with over 25 years of experience in complex business and bankruptcy litigation, representing fiduciaries, trustees, creditors, and companies in high-stakes matters. A pioneer in utilizing contingency fee structures in insolvency cases, Brett has secured tens of millions of dollars in recoveries for creditors. He served as a prosecutor and later as a partner in a major bankruptcy litigation group. Brett is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, and the National Law Journal. He also serves on committees for the ABA and Federal Bar Association.

Together, Jeff and Brett are the founding partners of Bast Amron LLP, a nationally recognized boutique law firm based in Miami, Florida. The firm focuses on commercial litigation, insolvency, bankruptcy, and related business disputes, representing debtors, creditors, fiduciaries, and trustees in complex matters nationwide.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A LAW FIRM PARTNERSHIP THAT LASTS

Jeff and Brett didn’t know each other when they each launched solo practices in 2008. By 2009, they had formed a partnership that has now lasted 16 years. What started as two lawyers drinking from a firehose during the financial crisis became something much bigger—a thriving law firm with a national reputation.

Along the way, they’ve built a resilient firm culture, navigated economic cycles, and adapted to a shifting legal market. Their approach to law firm leadership, talent retention, and long-term growth shows how intentional communication and shared values can sustain a partnership over decades.

In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise speaks with Jeff and Brett about the founding decisions that shaped their identity, how they’ve maintained trust and communication for more than 16 years, and what it takes to run a law firm partnership that’s built to last.

3:07 - The founding values that have guided them for 16 years

8:07 - How they built trust when they barely knew each other

14:25 - The weekly communication rituals that keep them aligned

16:20 - Being open to conversations and opportunities for growth

20:00 - Learning to run a business through EO, the Entrepreneurs' Organization

22:49 - Core drivers for evaluating opportunities and staying focused

24:18 - The culture they're passionate about protecting

28:54 - Their "hire slow, fire fast" approach to talent

34:33 - Lessons about staying resilient through changing markets

39:59 - Why they still feel like they're building a startup after 16 years

43:08 - The genesis of their podcast and the Business Advantage Forum

47:53 - Brett's advice on patience and listening

48:34 - Jeff's philosophy on trust as the foundation of leadership

MENTIONED IN BUILDING A LAW FIRM PARTNERSHIP THAT LASTS

Bast Amron LLP

The Practice Podcast

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)

Managing Partner Forum

Get connected with the coaching team: [email protected]

The Lawyer's Edge

SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.