The Mostly Legal Podcast

Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos welcome Jessica Aries, CEO of By Aries and former attorney, for a candid conversation about what actually drives business development on LinkedIn and how AI can help lawyers do it faster. Jessica traces her path from in-house marketing leader to agency founder after a gutsy LinkedIn post during COVID sparked nine new clients in a day. She breaks down four essential content pillars (services with value, credible recognition, relationship-building, and thoughtful personal brand), explains why engagement beats follower counts, and explains how to use AI for first drafts, better hooks, plain-language edits, and repeatable workflows (even custom GPTs). The trio also plays LinkedIn Lawyer Bingo (goodbye, stock handshake pics) and an AI or Die lightning round before Jessica’s Pitch Your Passion on AI-enabled marketing teams and agents that cut through marketing inefficiency. Expect practical tactics, zero fluff, and a few laugh-out-loud moments. 

Basketball coach. Executive coach. Law firm operations leader. And the next president of the Association of Legal Administrator’s (ALA) New York City chapter.  

In this lively conversation, Tirek Gayle shares how a coach’s mindset powers law-firm leadership—from building a true people-first culture to competing with big-firm brands in the heart of New York. We cover recruiting and retention, in-office vs. hybrid, mental health, white-glove client service (without $2k/hour rates), and how ALA NYC is evolving with new ideas and regional collaboration. 

What you’ll hear: 
- The backboard-smashing story—and what it teaches about breaking barriers 
- Coaching attorneys (and everyone else) with honesty, transparency, and readiness 
- Competing in NYC: boutique service, quality of life, and smarter pricing 
- PTO, flexibility, and empathy that’s actually lived, not laminated 
- ALA NYC’s plans, charity work, and Tirek’s “Let’s go” leadership mantra 

If you’re a managing partner, legal admin, or ops pro, this one’s full of practical energy. Subscribe for more insights each week!

What happens when a self-proclaimed "proud non-lawyer" takes the reins of a law firm? In this lively episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda sit down with John Bowers, CEO of Thompson Burton, to explore how leadership, transparency, and empathy are reshaping the future of law firm operations.

John brings his signature mix of candor and humor as he shares:

• Why he embraces the term "non-lawyer" 
• How a fully transparent, formulaic compensation model drives growth and accountability at his firm
• His bold take on the role of CEOs and business leaders in law
• The powerful story behind the #LovedJenny movement and his fight to expand mental health support for all legal professionals

Whether you're a legal administrator, law firm leader, or passionate advocate for change in the profession, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe even a little fired up. Don’t miss it!

Ever wondered why your law firm’s bank account doesn’t match your revenue? Or what a K-1 really means? In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda are joined by Terrell Turner, CPA and founder of TL Turner Group, to make sense of the financial fog law firms often find themselves in.

From translating accounting jargon into plain English to explaining why you probably shouldn’t rely on the legal drama, Suits, for legal business advice, Terrell shares real-world insights for law firm leaders, administrators, and accountants who want to get smart about their numbers. Plus, we talk trust accounts, how to avoid phantom income nightmares, and why “retainer” is the most misunderstood word in the legal world.

2025-2026 ALA President Travis Armstrong joins Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos for a high-energy, insightful conversation about climbing higher—both literally and figuratively. From running marathons and championing mental health to leading firm-wide technology upgrades, Travis shares the mindset behind his presidential theme, how he’s helping transform ALA’s volunteer structure, and why empathy and endurance are essential in legal leadership. 

He also dives into his recent experience spearheading a major document management system upgrade at his firm—how he secured stakeholder buy-in, used trusted team members as change ambassadors, and why bringing in a consultant helped turn a complex rollout into a success story. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, manage meaningful change, or find clarity on a trail run—this episode is for you. 

In this episode of Mostly Legal, Amanda and Rob sit down with John Byrne, President of the Legal Marketing Association and CMO of the mid-sized law firm Gould and Ratner, to talk all things legal marketing, from the basics of building a brand to avoiding “random acts of marketing.”

John brings his trademark humor and deep industry insight to a wide-ranging conversation that covers:

• What small and mid-sized firms get wrong (and right) about marketing
• How current clients drive 80% of new business and how to engage them better
• The difference between CRMs and ERMs (and why even your Outlook inbox holds untapped marketing value)
• How business development is evolving for younger attorneys
• And… a classic RFP horror story

Whether you're a legal admin, firm leader, or aspiring marketer, this is a must-listen conversation packed with practical tips, strategic guidance, and a few laughs.

Debbie Foster is back! She's the only guest to make a repeat appearance (so far!) on The Mostly Legal Podcast, and hosts Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner dive deep with Debbie on what law firms think they need when they say they're hiring a COO, and what they actually need.

They explore what the COO title should mean, how to avoid watering it down, and why small firms in particular need to be strategic (not just aspirational) when giving out leadership roles.

From governance structure shakeups to how real change starts with honest conversations, this episode offers practical advice, a little tough love, and plenty of laughs. Plus: thoughts on law firm innovation, ChatGPT vs Claude, art committees (yes, seriously), and how law firms can actually get ahead if they’re brave enough to change.

How do you go from answering phones to running the business side of a law firm? In this episode of the Mostly Legal Podcast, we sit down with Elyssa Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of RAM Law and 2025-2026 President-Elect of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), to find out. Elyssa shares her journey from receptionist to COO, the mentors who shaped her path, and how she advocated for a leadership role in a small firm. We also dive into career development, ALA's impact, the importance of taking responsibility for your career—and yes, Rob tries (and fails) to get Elyssa to sing. If you're a legal administrator, firm manager, or aspiring COO, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and laughs along the way.

Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos are BACK with The Mostly Legal Podcast - Season 4 and ready to share more behind-the-scenes stories of how law firms operate. If you're one of their seven or eight fans, here's a taste of what's in store! 

Can you believe this is the season finale for the Mostly Legal podcast season 3? We wanted to end this season the way it started...with a bang!

This week we hosted Stefanie Marrone, a LinkedIn expert. Not only is she the queen of social media marketing, but she also runs her own blog, has impressive CMO experience, and is a public speaker. 

What is the butterfly effect exactly? One inconsequential thing could have a far-reaching impact on your life, your work, etc. Learn how Stefanie journeyed from an in-house marketer to a powerhouse entrepreneur by building her brand on social media and reinventing herself. She provides insights into the power of great social media and how storytelling allows you to both share the rights and wrongs, but as result, creates a humanistic approach and presence. We cannot believe this season is over, but what a great way to close out a fantastic season. 

Do not miss the finale of season 3!