Your Law Firm is a Business. Take it to the Next Level

Join us as we tackle the vital subject of leadership in the second part of our two-part series. This episode aims to help listeners navigate the intricacies of effective leadership by sharing our experiences and techniques developed over the years of running our businesses. We begin with the concept of engaging in honest and open communication, which sounds simple but is often a challenging feat in a professional setting. We discuss how open dialogue can help build trust within teams and share our experiences and lessons on being more comfortable with transparent communication.

We continue to unpack leadership by discussing clear expectations and effective communication. We discuss how setting standards and communicating effectively with teams can foster a productive environment. We then shift our focus to maintaining positivity in leadership, where we share techniques to reframe problems and foster a positive environment. 

Listen in as we unpack these insights and share our personal experiences to help you improve your leadership skills.

Show Highlights:

• The importance of open and honest communication in leadership and its role in building trust within a team. 

• Setting clear expectations for team members and how it contributes to a more productive work environment.

• The significance of maintaining a positive attitude in leadership and methods to do so.

• Techniques for reframing problems as challenges or puzzles to encourage solution-oriented thinking.

• The impact of celebrating small and big victories in fostering a positive and engaged workforce.

• Strategies for improving leadership skills and overcoming struggles associated with leadership.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 

• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 

• Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 

• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 

• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

1. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success: https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable/dp/0990976904

2. The Measure of a Leader: https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Leader-Leadership-Methodology-Effectiveness/dp/1475967950 

More Information About Our Hosts:

Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal

—--------------------------------

For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.

Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found

—--------------------------------------------------

Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.

If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  

If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.

ACTION STEPS:

 MELANIE: Action Steps - I’d like to tackle all 3 of these at once!

1. First I want you to come up with a current challenge that you’re having in your business, maybe it’s a cashflow rollercoaster like my client, maybe it’s too many internal emails like I’ve suffered from in the past…..

2. And I want you to ask yourself 3 questions:

   1. Am I communicating honestly, and openly with my team about this challenge?

   2. Do we as a team have clear expectations around this challenge?

   3. What are 3 positives about this challenge? (It’s not always easy to see but they are there!)

***

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 I sent you.

Unlock the truth behind the struggle of leading in a dynamic business environment in this episode. We shed light on the underlying causes and provide practical solutions to address this issue, underscoring the importance of recognizing leadership issues and how an external viewpoint can be instrumental in identifying areas requiring attention. We also share some insights into how honing leadership skills can facilitate growth and change.

Reigniting the spark in leadership roles is easier said than done. But don't fret, we've got you covered. We share some proven strategies for fanning the flames of passion before burnout sets in. We also focus on the importance of accountability, both personally and as a team leader. We delve into how failing to trust our team and their expertise can lead to burnout and why it's vital to create an environment that embraces innovation. 

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Remember, your law firm is a business. Let's take it to the next level.

Show Highlights:

• The challenges of leading in a dynamic business environment and recognizing leadership issues.

• Importance of an external viewpoint to identify areas of attention for improving leadership skills.

• Strategies to reignite passion in leadership roles and prevent burnout.

• The impact of a leader's passion on the team and how internal changes can fuel it.

• The importance of accountability in a team and trust among team members.

• Exploring causes for struggles in leadership.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 

• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 

• Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 

• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 

• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

More Information About Our Hosts:

Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal

—--------------------------------

For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.

Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found

—--------------------------------------------------

Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.

If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  

If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.

ACTION STEPS:

Melanie

1. Review: can you relate to any of these identifiers?

2. Schedule time to listen to Part 2 of this series so that you can develop some more action steps to help combat the struggle to lead.

***

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 I sent you.

Listen in as we welcome Thomas Schaffer, partner at Schaffer & Associates, a successful three-attorney law firm based in Toledo, Ohio. Tom shares his journey of establishing the firm, surviving the initial years, and the growth they've achieved with a dedicated team and effective internet marketing. He also discusses the unique operating principles of Schaffer & Associates that set it apart from other law firms - implementing a four-day work week!

Tune in as Tom gives a detailed account of how they made the four-day work week possible without compromising client service and coverage. He shares the firm's strategies for staff rotation and automation and talks about the positive impact on productivity, morale, and work-life balance. If you're a law firm considering this approach, you won’t want to miss Tom's valuable insights and advice on making the most of a shortened work week!

Show Highlights:

• Schaffer & Associates successful implementation of a four-day work week without compromising client service.

• Benefits of a shortened work week, including improved team morale, productivity, and work-life balance.

• The process of adjusting work schedules and employing strategic hiring to ensure client service coverage during the work week.

• The positive financial impact and continued growth of the firm despite the change in work schedule.

• Insights on maintaining team culture and client satisfaction while implementing new operational strategies.

• Challenges and lessons learned in implementing a four-day work week in a law firm setting.

• Tom’s advice for other law firms considering adopting a shortened work week.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 

• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 

• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 

• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 

• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

• https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/business/four-day-work-week-uk.html  

• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/4-day-work-week-trial-yields-overwhelming-success-in-u-k-researchers-say 

• https://www.schafferlawyers.com/

• https://www.schafferlawyers.com/team/thomas-schaffer/ 

More Information About Our Hosts:

Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal

—--------------------------------

For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.

Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found

—--------------------------------------------------

Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.

If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  

If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.

ACTION STEPS:

Mark:

1. We will reference some of the studies Tom referenced in the show notes. 

2. Think about what Schaffer & Associates has experienced with this change, and maybe think about how you can work to provide a better quality of life and mental health for your team.

3. And don’t forget the productivity increases that Tom mentioned. 

***

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 I sent you.

Does your workspace feel like a chaotic mess that drains your energy and productivity? You’re not alone! Today, we're getting real about the relationship between workspace, productivity, and overall life satisfaction. You’ll hear about the stress-inducing impact of disorder and practical strategies to manage your work environment, whether it's a corner in your living room or a dedicated home office. We'll underline why a physical space that separates work from non-work is essential and give you the lowdown on how to optimize it to your advantage. 

Believe it or not, your digital world needs spring cleaning, too. We'll guide you on a journey to digital zen, offering tips on finding your files quickly and effortlessly. We’ll discuss working with organization enthusiasts and how this could bring you surprising joy. We’ll also talk about how sunlight increases serotonin levels, leading to improved sleep, stronger immunity, lower blood pressure, and even weight loss. Join us today to transform your workspace into a haven of productivity and well-being.

Show Highlights:

• Exploring the transformative power of an organized workspace on productivity and overall well-being.

• The significance of digital organization and its impact on ease of access and collaboration.

• Introduction to Biophilic design and its profound impact on integrating nature into workspace.

• Understanding the benefits of natural sunlight on health, productivity, and its role in serotonin production.

• The negative impacts of artificial lighting and lack of sunlight exposure.

• Emphasizing the necessity of regular movement in the workspace for better health and productivity.

More Information About Our Hosts: 

Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal

—--------------------------------

For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.

Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found

—--------------------------------------------------

Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.

If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  

If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• https://www.greenroofs.com/2019/03/27/the-global-impact-of-biophilic-design-in-the-workplace/ 

• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/study-natural-light-is-the-best-medicine-for-the-office-300590905.html  

• https://healthcare.utah.edu/press-releases/2015/04/walking-extra-two-minutes-each-hour-may-offset-hazards-of-sitting-too-long  

• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 

• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

• https://streamlined.legal/  

• https://streamlined.legal/videos 

• https://gngf.com/consultation 

• https://gngf.com/ 

ACTION STEPS:

Melanie

1. Sit in your space and look around (you may need to do this a couple of times as you’re making changes to your space)

2. Find the disorganization

3. Find the nature

4. Find the light

5. And think about how much you move daily while working

6. Go to your nearest IKEA or hop online and buy a fake plant (or real)

7. Is there a way to incorporate more natural light into your space, can you move your desk to the other side of the room, or simply change the way that it faces? If you’re limited by the building you’re in, are there ways that you can work outside with some regularity or take calls while you walk around?

8. Lastly, if you have a smartwatch, set the reminders or alarms so that you are reminded to step outside at least once during the work day, twice would be even better.

***

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 I sent you.

Join us for an engaging chat as we unlock financial tech and process hacks to optimize both your business and personal life. In the world of business, we're putting a spotlight on corporate card platforms, like Ramp, which provide a seamless interface for managing company credit cards and virtual cards. We also discuss integrations with Quickbooks and Xero, receipt requirements, expense management, and connecting to Outlook and Gmail. Learn how tools like Airbase, Brex, and Mech can transform your financial processes, save time and money, and significantly streamline your operations.

Switching gears to personal finance, we introduce you to some stellar apps and tools that can revolutionize your money management. Listen in as we share how leveraging the right financial tools can help you save money and stay on top of your financial commitments. Learn how to harness the power of social media and word-of-mouth to grow your audience. 

Whether you're running a business, managing personal finances, or producing a podcast, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive.

Show Highlights:

• Personal finance management apps, including the Rocket Money app for tracking and managing subscriptions and Card Pointers for maximizing credit card benefits.
• Promoting podcasts and growing audience reach using advanced tech tools.
• The importance of leveraging technology to simplify business processes, such as accepting credit card payments and utilizing online banking services for small businesses.
• The significance of documenting financial procedures in business processes.
• Personal finance management and budgeting, emphasizing the importance of keeping track of subscriptions and regular expenses.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• https://ramp.com/
• https://www.lawpay.com/
• https://gravity-legal.com/
• https://www.novo.co/
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn007/
• https://www.rocketmoney.com/
• https://cardpointers.com/
• https://mint.intuit.com/
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
• https://streamlined.legal/ 
• https://streamlined.legal/videos
• https://gngf.com/consultation 
• https://gngf.com/

More Information About Our Hosts: 

Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal

—--------------------------------

For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.

Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found

—--------------------------------------------------

Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.

If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  

If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Think about one of these hacks that you want to add to your business or personal life
2. Create a reminder for tomorrow to set up the app or process
3. We also want to hear from you - send us your favorite smartphone or any tech hack to [email protected], and we might feature it in our next Tech Hacks episode

***

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 I sent you.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of transforming your law firm’s online presence! Our special guest, Ashleigh Achor from GNGF, walks us through a captivating real-life success story of a Utah-based criminal defense firm's journey from obscurity online to the spotlight. With her expert guidance, this firm leveraged the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve visibility, and Ashleigh is here to spill all the details.

In our discussion, Ashleigh breaks down the strategies that worked wonders for this law firm - think optimized content, meta descriptions, keyword targeting, and cross-linking. She also shares the essence of being patient, setting realistic expectations, and the importance of monitoring progress with analytics tools for long-term success. All these strategies helped the law firm not just improve its online visibility but also fuel its overall growth. Law firm marketing strategy has never been this exciting or accessible, so tune in, take notes, and let us take your firm to the next level.

Show Highlights:

• Importance of optimized content, meta descriptions, keyword targeting, cross-linking, patience, setting realistic expectations, and progress monitoring with analytics tools for SEO success. 
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like traffic, visibility, impressions, clicks, and conversions are used to measure the firm's online success. 
• The firm's continuous SEO efforts led to a significant increase in clients from organic search, contributing to overall business growth. 
• The importance of tracking and data analysis in fine-tuning digital marketing strategies and recommendations for law firms aiming to replicate this success.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
• Watch Videos: https://streamlined.legal/videos
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn006/
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn010//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn039//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn040//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn041//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn042//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn043//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn044//
• https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn053/

ACTION STEPS:

Mark:

If you want to have some of the success of this real-world law firm example - go back, listen, and take the action steps in the following episodes:

1. Episode 6 - Should I Invest in SEO vs. PPC?
2. Episode 10 - What Are the Best Online Marketing Tactics?
3. Episode 39-44 - SEO Series  
4. Episode 53 - Branding for Your Law Firm ***

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 I sent you.

Elevate your law firm's success by mastering the art of KPIs in flat fee firms. We guarantee you'll walk away with valuable insights on how to select and track the right KPI that will truly drive your firm's growth. Not only that, but we'll also share our expertise on how to overcome the common challenges of tracking KPIs and how to ensure their accuracy.

We’ll guide you through the advantages of providing cost certainty to your clients and the importance of offering an estimated timeline for each matter. Discover how to use data to provide your clients with more accurate information about the length of time a matter may take and how setting expectations during the client consultation process can greatly enhance client satisfaction and trust. Remember, having a handle on accurate data doesn't just make you sound smart, it empowers you to make better, more strategic decisions that will take your firm to the next level.

Join us and let's take your firm to the next level!

Show Highlights:

• The importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for flat fee law firms and how they can be used to drive growth and profitability.
• How to select and track the right KPIs for your firm, including overcoming common challenges and ensuring accuracy.
• Insights on how to use data to make decisions, such as adjusting marketing efforts, automating services, and eliminating unprofitable services.
• The advantages of providing cost certainty to clients and offering estimated timelines for each matter.
• How to use data to provide clients with accurate information about the length of time a matter may take.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
• Watch Videos: https://streamlined.legal/videos 
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

ACTION STEPS:

MELANIE:

1. Start tracking your time (and your team’s time)!  Even for your flat fee cases, this information will help us make a lot of decisions.
2. Start tracking data now! It doesn’t have to be perfect, but the sooner you start collecting it, the sooner you can use it.
   1. Make a custom field in your software or, better yet, ask a team member to do it for you.  
   2. Ask your team to calculate the days from open to closed or the value of the time spent when closing a file.
3. Put a time block on your calendar to look at the data you’ve started collecting in two weeks just so you can make sure they are collecting the way you’ve asked.
4. And then block time two weeks later to see what you’ve got. Do the same thing once a month, and you’ll start seeing trends in the numbers that will tell you if your gut was right.  ***

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 I sent you.

Listen in as we unlock the secrets to effective nurture campaigns for your law firm. With a focus on continual connection and introducing your firm to prospects and leads, we share examples and practical advice to build a strong and beneficial campaign. Learn why leading with optimism is vital and how a well-structured nurture campaign can provide your clients with hope and a path to a better solution. Don't miss our offer of a PDF download filled with real-life examples and tips to aid in your campaign creation.

Navigate the world of email copywriting with strategies that grab attention and engage different types of audiences. We also unveil tools and strategies for building a successful campaign, including an exploration of CRM features, the use of MailChimp, and even the legal implications of postcard-sending companies. Get ready to take action and build your nurture campaign today!

Show Highlights:

• The importance of developing nurture campaigns for law firms, and how to structure them.
• Strategies for keeping law firms at the top of prospects' minds after they've downloaded a lead magnet.
• The concept of 'top of mind awareness' and the importance of consistent contact with past and potential clients.
• Techniques for engaging email copywriting, including using different types of subject lines and media.
• An overview of various tools and strategies for creating successful nurture campaigns.
• The role of CRM features, the use of platforms like MailChimp, and the legal implications of using postcard-sending companies.
• How to personalize nurture campaigns to build a relationship and provide hope and better solutions for clients.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
• https://streamlined.legal/videos 
• PDF: https://4.gngf.com/nextlevel-email
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

ACTION STEPS:

Mark

1. If you don’t have your lead magnet to be able to get the email address of your prospective clients who just aren’t ready to call, go back to Episode 23.
2. Once you have your lead magnet, build out a five-email sequence following the flow we discussed earlier.
3. Then put the emails into a drip/nurture campaign workflow in your Legal CRM tool or just use MailChimp for now.
4. Enjoy the few additional clients you will gain from your leads.
5. And of course…please share our podcast with your colleagues, which you can do right from your podcast app.  
6. If you are listening and haven’t subscribed yet - please Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you will be notified when our next podcast episode is released.  ***

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 I sent you.

Join us as we dissect the differences between advances and retainers, flat fees and fixed fees, and how the American Bar Association (ABA) defines these types of fees. We stress the importance of checking with your state and jurisdiction for any differences in their rules regarding fees and billing. Listen closely as we dig into the challenges and helpful aspects of the ABA's Formal Opinion 505, a significant development that emerged in May this year.

We examine the ABA's opinion on flat fees, fixed fees and how these fee structures influence the language used in engagement letters. Listen as we talk about the importance of using language such as non-refundable and earned upon receipt and why regular reviews of these fee structures are critical. Plus, we shed light on the importance of setting funds in the correct trust or operating account as per your jurisdiction.

Show Highlights:

• Exploration of American Bar Association's (ABA) definitions and interpretations of legal fees such as advances, retainers, flat fees, and fixed fees.
• Discussion on the ABA's Formal Opinion 505 and its implications on legal fee structures.
• Examination of terms like non-refundable and earned upon receipt in client engagement letters and their significance.
• Insight into the ABA's viewpoint that all fees are refundable unless they're a specific retainer, dating back to 1908.
• Analysis of the ABA's take on flat fees, fixed fees, and their impact on the language used in engagement letters.
• Importance of setting funds in the right trust or operating account as per jurisdiction rules.
• Encouragement for regular review and adjustment of fee structures in line with ABA guidelines and jurisdictional rules.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

ACTION STEPS:

MELANIE:

1. Check with your state or other jurisdiction! 
2. Review your engagement letter
3. Make sure that what you’re telling the clients and how you’re actually billing them matches with the letter. ***

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 I sent you.

Ever feel like you're trudging through the weeds of daily tasks without having time to strategize for the big picture? We're here to tell you it's time to pause, look up, and take that much-needed skyward glance. This episode is a deep dive into the importance of strategic meetings where the collective wisdom of the team comes into play. We're giving you a roadmap to sort, prioritize and take action on the plethora of ideas that usually crop up during these sessions.

Trends can guide our growth strategy, and we explore how to leverage them. We also emphasize that it's not a one-person job, the wisdom of the team is paramount. From sorting to prioritizing, we explain how to sift through ideas that come up and take action without feeling overwhelmed. We offer practical tips to identify ideas that can propel your business forward and share an interesting 'keep, kill, combine' exercise for brainstorming sessions.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re seeking to grow your business or firm, so join us as we break it all down for you. Let's look at the sky together and chart your path to success!

Show Highlights:

• Importance of strategic meetings and trend analysis in propelling business growth. 
• Utilizing collective team wisdom to turn ideas into actionable plans.
• Prioritizing ideas based on ease of implementation and value through a comparison grid.
• Harnessing the power of strategic meetings to avoid getting lost in the day-to-day operations.
• The significance of identifying business and industry trends for continued growth.
• Utilizing team members' expertise and experience to understand trends and create meaningful strategies.
• Strategies for focusing and prioritizing ideas, including a 'keep, kill, combine' exercise for brainstorming sessions.

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.

Supporting Resources:

• Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
• Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
• Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
• Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
• Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal

ACTION STEPS:

1. Get your calendar and pick 4-8 hours you can set aside to work to get out of the weeds and look up at the sky.  
2. During that time, if you have a team, ask them to join and come prepared with some issues and trends they are seeing. If there is no team, look at your own data and maybe grab a colleague or coach to help out.
3. Identify ideas that can help work toward solving or leveraging that trend.
4. Prioritize and pick one or two things that you will work an extra hour or two a week on for the next few weeks to implement into your firm. ***

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 I sent you.