It’s been a few years since we talked, and the firm is thriving (so is Koenig). How did she fare in the past four years, building her own family and a law practice? Hear how she’s built a practice and supplemented her client work with contracted, side jobs to fill in slow spots. It’s all part of running a true solo practice.

Hear how Koenig new from the start she wanted to run a solo practice and stayed true to her aims, all without burning out. She’s built a firm on her own terms, focusing on helping families move on in their own direction on good terms. Her practice makes her feel happy and fulfilled, she only works with clients she feels good about, and she keeps humming along. Thinking of going solo? Koenig’s story will inspire you.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• It can be done. Guest Cassandra Koening knew she wanted to run a solo practice, and checking in four years later we hear how she is making it work. 
• Technology and outsourcing are key components in a true solo practice. Learn how to source and maximize tech (and as we’ve said before, don’t try to be your own bookkeeper). 
• Not every day is packed with client meetings. Sometimes it takes a little contracted side work to keep the wheels spinning, and that’s OK.

Resources:

Previous appearance on New Solo, “How This New Lawyer Branded Her Firm With Aloha and Built a Happy Practice | First Flight #4” 

Previous appearance on New Solo, “A First Year Recap From a New Family Law Practitioner” 

Lawclerk.legal

ARAG

Google Analytics

Canva marketing materials

Clio Grow

Calendly

Otter AI

Chat GPT

Previous episode: “What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective”

Clio Legal Tech

ABA Techshow 2026

Clio Cloud Conference 2025

Clio Legal Trends Report

From his decision to practice law on his own terms to hiring a care coordinator as his first team member, Andrew’s story is one of intentional design, service-driven values, and entrepreneurial smarts. Later in the episode, Adriana is joined by ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine to talk about hiring smart, supervising staff, and how the right technology and documented workflows help safeguard your growing solo firm.

Hear the original episode with Andrew Schierberg

Learn more about ALPS Insurance. 

Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode.

Correia explains step by step how lawyers can get in the video content game. Buy a tripod, fire up your cell phone, and get started. Modern platforms are your friend, from YouTube to LinkedIn, Loom to VideoAsk, even Zoom. 

Make mastering the art of video your goal this summer. Hear where you can find subject ideas, edit and publish, and use AI to turn recordings into articles. 

Plus, managing remote contract workers to streamline your business, creating “role-based access” to your files, automating tasks and workflows, and getting the most out of the software that’s already on your desk. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• If you’re not leveraging video content to build your business, you’re probably losing out to someone who does. Make mastering video production and distribution your summer goal (hear how to get started).
  
•  Make use of the newest tech tools – and learn how to use the tools you’re already paying for – to automate, streamline, manage, and outsource your daily tasks.
  
• Plus, a special guest, Legal Talk Network producer Adam Lockwood drops by to share some pro podcasting and video tips for beginners. 

Resources: 

YouTube

Loom video

VideoAsk

Riverside.fm video editing

Clio Legal Tech

Smokeball

TaskGate.io

Notion

Microsoft Teams

Adobe Acrobat

ChatGPT

Microsoft Office tools

Acuity scheduling

Kevin Stratvert on YouTube

ABA Techshow 2026

Clio Cloud Conference 2025

Clio Legal Trends Report

Legal Late Night podcast

Above The Law podcast

Legal Toolkit podcast, Legal Talk Network

“How Law Firms Can Leverage Video Content To Drive Business”

“How Remote Staff Can Help Small Firms Punch Above Their Weight”

“Helping Hands: The Value Proposition Of Remote Work For Law Firms”

Previous appearance on New Solo, “Solo, But Not? Shared Office Space (Plus, Chatbots and A.I.)”

Previous appearance on Legal Talk Network, Un-Billable Hour, “Separating The Wheat From The Chaff In Legal Tech (And AI)”

Kim shares how she carved her own path using legal tech, project management tools, and an unshakable drive to create a family-friendly law firm not just for herself, but to help other attorneys do the same. Later in the episode, Adriana and ALPS Insurance’s Rio Laine discuss how documenting procedures, adopting the right case management system, and creating a positive work culture can protect your practice and your peace of mind.

Hear the original episode with Kimberley Felton

Learn more about ALPS Insurance. 

Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode

Moving from older systems and into the cloud can open lots of doors, affordably. Even small firms can dig into today’s modern technology to help manage documents, accounting tasks, and more. 

Iron out the wrinkles in your data management, connect platforms, and work seamlessly and efficiently. Case management systems have evolved to include dashboards, workflows, document assembly, phone call and text messaging systems, and even accounting tech and credit card processing. Hear what Mackenzie looks for when he sets out to build the right-sized system for a law firm, whether that’s a solo practice or a large organization. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Think your legal software and systems are fine because they’re what you’ve always used? Think again. Six months is an eternity in legal tech, and if you haven’t reviewed and renewed your software suite, you could be leaving money on the table. 
• Integrate everything, including your billing, collections, and your phone calls, into every part of your firm, from information management to confidential storage and efficient search and recall. 
• Your clients are texting more than ever. Today’s case management systems incorporate technology to securely receive, sort, and store text messages.

Resources:

Clio Legal Tech

MyCase

Smokeball

CARET (formerly Zola)

Leap

Neos

Dialpad

RingCentral

Ion8

Lightbulb

Slack

Quickbooks

MyFirmData

Zoho Invoice

Centerbase

Microsoft Teams

Universal Migrator

Actionstep

Dropbox Dash

ABA Techshow 2026 

Previously on New Solo, “Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To Modernize But There’s One Holdout” 

Previously on New Solo, guest Peggy Gruenke, “What’s New in Legal Financial Management? An Expert’s Perspective” 

Previously on New Solo, guest Amanda Moore, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals” 

Clio Cloud Conference 2025

Clio Legal Trends Report

From creating a business plan with heart to growing a referral network through community events and Instagram, Cassandra shares how authenticity helped her attract the right clients. Plus, Adriana Linares and Rio Laine from ALPS Insurance break down how choosing the right tech, building good habits, and learning when to say no can keep your practice and your peace of mind on track from day one.

Here the original episode with Cassandra Koeing

Learn more about ALPS Insurance 

Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode

Hear how Phoebus struck out at first on his own, then partnered with trusted colleagues and built a reputation so strong in their region they are known largely either by their last names or by Phoebus’ nickname, “The Crab Lawyer.” 

To manage a heavy case load in a boutique firm and sift through massive piles of evidence, even decades of medical records for a single case, Phoebus leans into tech, often tinkering with new products and pushing for greater capabilities when taking his small firm into battle against much larger, deep pocket firms. 

Technology can help you market online, take clients from inquiry to retainer, and create repeatable, dependable case management systems that deliver a consistent experience to clients, build your reputation, and maximize outcomes time after time. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• For small firms, a strong tech arsenal (and yes, that means AI as well) turns Davids into Goliaths. Go toe-to-toe with the biggest firms with a robust stable of tech tools, even sort through decades of medical records, sort multiple body camera videos, and help you read a brief through the eyes of a judge and jury. 
• Owning multiple online domain names can help you extend your reach without creating more work, they can all point back to the same website while protecting you from “poachers” who want to latch onto your reputation.
• How do you know you’ve “made it” in the legal world? When you’re known only by your last name. That’s a reputation. 

Hear the original episode with Philip Mauriello.

Learn more about ALPS Insurance. 

Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode.

Having worked for large firms, Greenlee realized she wanted to control her own business, use the technology that worked for her, and manage her own calendar and cases. But as so many have noted, you learn the law in law school – not business management. 

Hear how Greenlee leaned on family experiences, mentors, and her own trial and error to keep the lights on, keep the cases coming in the door, and stay organized and efficient. 

Here’s a hint, a lot of running a solo practice comes down to making a business decision and then outsourcing the implementation. Greenlee learned to delegate tasks, including accounting and technology management. And as she started to build her practice, she learned to find and hire the right assistants to manage day-to-day duties. She relies heavily on tech tools – the right tools, not cheap imitations – to eliminate the forest of paper documents that comes her way daily. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Hear how a successful solo law firm founder learned to practice law, enjoy her life, and take care of the day-to-day chores it takes to run a business
  
• It’s easy to fall into the habit of trying to do everything yourself. Learn when to “outsource,” turning over business issues such as bookkeeping and administration to contract employees and firms.
• When it comes to your tech, don’t skimp. If you need it, get it. “Good enough” is rarely good enough. 

Hear the original episode with Heidi K. Brown.

Clients are used to the traditional billable hour, but in reality, they aren’t paying for your time, they are paying for results. They are paying you for what you achieve. So why not bill that way? 

This doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some jobs can be better handled with a straight up, flat fee or a subscription model. Others may still require hourly billing. Or maybe one part of the case is a set amount, with hourly add-ons if the case drags on. 

The goal is never to see your practice earn less revenue, but flat-fee billing can benefit both client and lawyer. Think of how many times clients were afraid to call you or chat a bit to build a relationship because they worried the clock was ticking. Hear how you can try it out, “play with” a rate shift. Maybe even present clients with an option. If you’ve been curious about how flat-fee billing can work, this is the episode for you. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

 Topics:

• Flat-fee billing? It can be done, and it can offer advantages to both clients and law firms. Clients are paying for results, not “hours.
  
• How you price your services doesn’t have to be one way or the other. It can be both. Some tasks can be set for a straight up, transparent flat fee. Others may work best at an hourly rat
  
• Explaining fees to clients is a new concept. But clients often warm up to new ways of doing things if they’re given the chance and understand their options. It starts with honest, clear conversations. (Don’t forget to help your own staff understand, too.) 

They also explore why specialization can help streamline your firm and even lower malpractice insurance premiums. Plus, they tackle imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship, and how technology can lift the burden of running a law firm. 

Hear the original episode with Marco Brown.

Learn more about ALPS Insurance. 

Receive email notifications every time we release a new episode.

Buckle up as we cover essential topics like choosing the right tech, working with a practice management advisor, and finding networking opportunities. Our first episode lands on February 13th. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a moment of the ride!

New Solo: First Flight Episode 1:

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Learn More About ALPS Insurance

Guest Tara-Jane Flynn has been called a “Princess Warrior” and “The Deposition Queen” for her tough, compelling courtroom manner. But the veteran California personal injury litigator says she started out as a shy girl too overwhelmed to give a classroom speech in school.

She taught herself to be strong and to be the strength her clients need. She got involved in theater and public speaking. She guest hosted podcasts. And she developed a strong social media presence. You can, too. 

In this episode, you’ll hear valuable tips for winning depositions, learning how to leverage social media, and being the lawyer your client needs to believe in from a Los Angeles attorney at home battling for 8-figure verdicts. Get ready to be inspired. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Overcoming shyness to become a force of nature in the courtroom doesn’t always come naturally. Learn what you can do intentionally to build your presence and your confidence.
    
• Social media? It’s not as hard as you think. Find an attorney with a social media presence you admire and do what they do. How’s that for easy? Really.
    
• Extracting valuable evidence in a deposition can feel intimidating, but there are things you can do. Hear how to let the deponent talk, ask follow-up questions as simple as why or why not, and prepare, prepare, prepare.

Let’s fix that. Guest Barron K. Henley is a self-proclaimed “nerdy lawyer” who helped found the Affinity Consulting Group, a team of “recovering lawyers” dedicated to helping attorneys maximize productivity through technology.

Hear how Henley and his team teach lawyers about Microsoft “styles,” voice to text solutions, formatting, and importing and synchronizing Excel data and tables. 

Save time, minimize errors, and stop feeling frustrated. You won’t come across these solutions by accident, but you can invest a little time in learning. It’ll pay you back in the long run. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• The solutions to better document creation and management are probably right there in front of you
  
• An investment in training yourself, and your staff, in the ordinary everyday tech you use, such as the Microsoft 365 suite, pays you back exponentially
  
• Voice to text tech is vastly underrated for some tasks. People can speak at 180 words a minute, converting that into text automatically saves you a block of time that can be better used on real, creative efforts. 

Parks and his partner grew the firm and expanded into new locations and specialties by inviting like minded attorneys with a book of business who may not be happy in their current situation to join the firm. 

Learn how a practice management system and outside professionals can help you manage and direct your success. Your time is best used practicing law, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help, from tech administration to financial management, to coaching.

Don’t be afraid to join professional groups, get involved, and learn from other attorneys who have been there and done that. If you’re a new solo interested in growing your firm, you can’t miss this episode. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• • Technology can be a critical part of your firm. It creates efficiencies, encourages collaboration, improves cybersecurity, and builds your business (and yes, you can do this)
    
  • Pay for professional help when you need it. You might be a great attorney, but you can’t do everything. Recognize when you’re doing so well that you need a professional, whether that’s a technology consultant or a financial officer or tax pro.
  • When you’ve done all you can getting your firm up and running and don’t know how to take the next step, consider hiring a business coach, someone who can help you recognize opportunities and chart your path forward. 

Let’s talk about your firm’s finances and profitability: how are you keeping track of your business? Hear what’s new in automated accounting packages – but don’t give up on Quickbooks, and don’t cut ties with your bookkeeper.

Online accounting services are great. But they are not meant to replace a professional, especially as your firm grows. You’re not a bookkeeper, you’re a lawyer. But these tools do help with the basics of money management. The challenge is mixing and matching. 

Operational efficiencies and financial planning are part of running a successful firm. Don’t shortchange the importance of bookkeeping and managing your income, marketing ROI, expenses, and taxes. It’s vital you keep your finger on the pulse of your business, and there are tools and people who can help you. As Gruenke says, “Treat your business with respect.” 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• If you’re a small or solo firm, you’re a business. Every business must track their finances, their expenses, and their taxes. Hear about the latest tools that help you track every part of your firm’s financial life.
  
• Repeat after us: Lawyers are not bookkeepers. This is why you need not only software but someone who tracks your business performance, watches your bottom line, and keeps you ready for tax time.
  
• Security, checks and balances, and financial snapshots are all vital. It’s a lot to keep up with, but investing the time and money to assemble the tools you need will help you grow (and profit).

When it comes to efficiencies, automation plays a big role. In a solo or small firm, resources come at a premium. Learn to reduce wasted input through standardized, repeatable operating procedures and automation. (There are even tech products that help you create written standard processes learning from and organizing the work you’re already doing). 

Imagine speaking into an app as you “brain dump” and having those thoughts come out organized and notated for later use. Imagine dictating legal work into an app and having AI organize your dictation, even correct it. You don’t need to type everything in today’s tech world. Maximize downtime.   

It’s all about training yourself to think “automation first.” Even when a virtual assistant (VA) located in another country can fill gaps in your practice, learn your preferences, match your brand, and help you be your most efficient you without hiring a full-tie employee. Today’s most successful law firms are high-tech hubs. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• There’s no reason for a solo practitioner or small firm not to engage in today’s tech. Leverage technology to get a lot of results without a lot of effort. Learn how the “80/20 Rule” helps you get more done with less effort.
•  If you’re a lawyer, time spent marketing is time spent not lawyering. Automation can perform repeatable marketing tasks (even social media, newsletters, and referral marketing) to help you bring in new business while you focus on results for your clients.
•  Virtual assistants, or VAs, are remote workers, often in another country, who can perform the routine tasks that are eating up your time while you focus on practicing law.

Now Clio has baked that accounting service directly into its practice management software package. 

Frankly, attorneys – especially new solo practitioners – may have been taught very little about running a business. Being a good lawyer is only part of the game. Lawyers also need to know how to manage money and accounting. That’s where software and money management programs can help, including tax prep, accounting for ongoing work in anticipation of payment, capital distributions, and handling funds your clients have entrusted you with.  

Hear why legal-specific accounting is so important (hint, legal accounting is not like any other accounting, and mistakes can truly hurt your practice). Plus, the top five features that must be part of any legal accounting platform. 

Topics:

• Law schools and legal training may overlook the importance of accounting for a new law firm. It’s not intuitive. Hear how legal practice management firm Clio is incorporating legal-specific accounting functions into its platform
  
• Practicing law is what you signed up for, but managing money is what will keep your firm running. Never forget, your firm is a business that depends on accounting.
• Tax management, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow management are not only crucial, but very weirdly specific in the world of legal accounting.
  

The world of legal tech offers myriad solutions. True they cost money, but that should never hold a firm back if there’s ROI on the other side. Modernizing a firm’s tech can advance a firm, create efficiencies, and push the firm ahead. But fear of the unknown, and not understanding an investment’s potential, even if that’s coming from a single person, can hold everyone else back. 

Hear how “absolute clarity” and a laser focus on what your firm needs can clear those roadblocks by helping you explain exactly what solutions you need and how new tech will meet them. Fear and uncertainty are the enemy. Start with defining a problem, then educate everyone on how a solution will solve it and how you will support the adoption process.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Today’s legal tech is getting better, and faster, and more efficient. But sometimes a “this is how we’ve always done it” from a single person – anyone from a managing partner to a bookkeeper – can block upgrades.
   
• Don’t let one person hold back an entire firm. Hear how it all starts with identifying a problem and helping your “human roadblocks” overcome their concerns and get onboard.  

Fear of the unknown is real. Fear of looking “dumb” in the face of a tech upgrade is real. Fear of overspending is real. Empathize. Educate. Elevate. Help those resisters feel empowered and excited. 

AI is an emerging technology that is finding its way to more and more law offices. McCausland and Thompson served on a Florida Bar committee to draft an advisory opinion laying out ethical guidelines for the use of AI in legal practice.

With ethical guardrails published, what’s next? A best practices guide and clear definitions and examples of AI for legal services. Client consent, the impact on fees and confidentiality, and even how judges view the use of AI and informing the court that AI played a role in your presentation are all pieces of the puzzle.

It’s a brave new world. Where can attorneys new to AI find mentoring, what will clients and courts expect, and what about billing?

Plus, hear about the Florida Bar’s Solo & Small Firms Section and how other solo and small firms are incorporating legal technologies. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but if you take in all these new tools step-by-step, you’ll quickly find yourself up to speed and exploring new frontiers.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com   

Topics:

• Hear from two lawyers who helped the Florida Bar Association develop ethical guidelines for attorneys adopting AI technologies into their practice.
• New tools are emerging at a rapid clip. But if you take it step-by-step, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Every small and solo firm is different. There’s no single “right way” to incorporate legal tech into your practice, but the days of a legal pad and pen are in the past. Stay current or fall behind. Help is out there, and you can do this. 

As a lawyer, guest Dan Lear found himself gravitating to the field of legal tech, including stints at Microsoft and Avvo and now as vice president of partnerships at InfoTrack, helping software developers provide the tech today’s lawyers, and their clients, want. 

If you’re running your own firm, hear what clients say about their attorney’s tech skills and their expectations and how you can explore and implement the latest tools. 

And if you’re a law school graduate who has found you aren’t truly attracted to traditional legal work, hear about the fascinating opportunities for lawyers in the field of legal tech development and consulting.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• A new survey finds clients care (deeply) about their attorney’s tech and tech skills. And they expect those attorneys to use that tech to efficiently manage their cases
  
• Legal tech tools are advancing rapidly. Today’s tools can integrate every facet of a law practice, from case management and scheduling to digitally filing briefs, seamlessly.
  
• There are opportunities for law school graduates who don’t want to practice traditional law, instead helping tech firms develop new tools and helping law firms understand and implement those tools. 

Martin is the founder, managing director, lawyer, and accredited mediator at Align Family Law, a boutique law practice based in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hear how she joined professional organizations, expanded her marketing, and drove her practice to the next step. 

As you grow, you can build a network of like-minded professionals, ask clients for a Google review, manage and improve your branding and website, and hire a pro when you need technical help (and even personal coaching). You’ll learn as you go, but you can also learn from others.

Once you get your feet under you, it can be tempting to be overly cautious with your emerging practice, but growth is essential. Spend the money when you need to, hire when the practice demands. Get better and bigger. 

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• • Launching a solo firm is hard. But so is taking that firm to the next level. Hear tips for growing beyond a one person show
    
  • Adding associates and support staff may sound challenging, but making the right additions builds your business and takes routine tasks off your shoulders.
  • It’s OK to spend on the tools and professionals you need, such as legal and practice management software and professional help optimizing your tech, even professional coaching. 

AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different.

Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformatting. 

Zoom offers AI “note taking” and post-meeting summaries (even a takeaway “to do” list for each participant). So does Microsoft Teams. How about turning a Microsoft Word document into a PowerPoint? Hear how we learned to stop worrying and love the AI.

Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• AI isn’t going anywhere. The technology is weaving its way into products you already pay for and use. Learn how to take advantage.
• Computer software advances are nothing to be afraid of. Increase productivity, cut repetitive tasks, and free yourself.
  
• But AI isn’t magic, and it isn’t as smart as you. Learn to build guardrails and know where you can’t fully trust it. A hammer is a great tool, but it won’t build a house. AI won’t run your practice, but it can help.

Resources:
Adobe Acrobat AI

Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”

Copilot for Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 AI Tools And Applications

Microsoft OneDrive

Zoom AI

PC Guide, “What Is ChatGPT And What Is It Used For?”  

Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

A lot has changed in the way Microsoft tools interact with the world of legal tech in the past year or so. So, we’ve got a special episode on tech. A back-to-school session where host Adriana Linares offers some no nonsense tutoring to help you get the most out of your Microsoft subscriptions and tech and be more productive. 

Start with understanding your Microsoft account and the types of available add-ons and subscriptions. Take a deep dive into the types of Microsoft accounts: personal/family, work, and third-party accounts. Dig into available AI and how they apply to your business. And learn about security options, and why they are so important.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Understand the array of Microsoft accounts and services. Business or personal? Security? Plus, add-ons and subscriptions.
• Learn why you should never mingle your personal and private accounts.
  
• Get the latest on AI add-ons such as Microsoft Copilot (and understand the security around these new tools). 

ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and all the new, exciting versions of artificial intelligence, AI, are exciting. But have you read the “terms of service?” Guest Daniel Whitehouse is a lawyer who practices in the areas of IT and digital security. He says even lawyers forget to read (really read) the terms. And that’s a mistake.

Do you know who owns the data you input? Is it being absorbed into the AI’s own machine learning and shared with the public? Broadcasting your information into the world, for everyone to see, can be as easy as a checkbox you clicked on.

Not to make you paranoid, but … be a bit paranoid. Even if you’re using Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, do you know if you’re using the professional or personal version (hint: there is a difference).

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

Topics:

• AI is a miracle but remember, it’s a “continuous learning model.” What is it learning from you? What are you sharing with these products?
• If you can’t find something you’re looking for in the terms of service, ask why that information is so hard to find. Be suspicious. Terms and service provisions should be clear and easy to read.
• Understanding how AI uses information, and how accurate it is, is especially vital in the legal world. 

But don’t lose hope. It’s been a while since we’ve had IT expert Adam Alexander with us, but he’s back with more tips for solo practitioners and small practices. Alexander and his firm, InterNetwork IT, help attorneys identify, deploy, and manage security solutions and keep firms running efficiently. 

AI is shaking up everything. We’ll talk about Microsoft AI “Copilots” and how Microsoft is integrating AI into your entire PC experience. You’ll be surprised at how this combination works for both Windows and Macs.

Learn how to check security settings. Breaches are real and can be costly. Hear why it’s so important (and easy) to back up your files offsite

We’ve seen some tremendous tools in both productivity and security. If you aren’t keeping up, you might be missing out on some time saving hacks (even a way to convert handwriting to text built into your Snipping tool). Get the scoop on this episode of New Solo. . 

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• AI is changing a lot, including the simplest tasks. In our latest tech talk, dive into AI products that plug right into your web browsers.
• Why file security is so important (and protecting your files is easier than you think … if you pay attention).
• Some daily activities require specific security efforts, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) security and even, if you work with medical information, HIPAA security. But you can do it.  

Now he’s known as “The Bike Guy” and stands out in the crowded personal injury field by specializing in an area he’s passionate about. He’s an example of specializing in something you love, and he’s sharing his story with new lawyers just starting out.

Bonnici walks us through, step by step, how he took advantage of an available incubator system, learned on the job from a mentor, and built his practice and his reputation. Hear how he got started, networked, built a brand, made himself memorable, and hired an assistant to make himself more productive. Real lessons from real life. 

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• • “Follow your passion” is common advice. But in the case of guest Josua Bonnici, his passion for bicycling helped him stand out in the crowded personal injury field. 
  • Hiring your first employee. Why it’s scary and why it’s necessary.
  • How to develop a website and social media presence with a library of videos and testimonials. 

Resources:

California Lawyers Association

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

San Diego Bar Association

Joshua Bonnici previous appearance on Legal Talk Network’s “On The Road” podcast

Guest Michael Mendoza is an Orlando solo practitioner specializing in family law. After graduating from law school with a growing family, Mendoza knew he wanted work/life balance instead of burying himself in a big firm with long hours. For Mendoza, the practice of family law is personal, having witnessed his parents’ contentious divorce. 

Hear how Mendoza started with nothing, rolled up his sleeves, and launched a practice from putting together his tech to building his client base. How did he find clients? Did he advertise? What about a website? Or office space? 

It’s been tough. But the combination of running his own practice and the satisfaction of helping families through a difficult period has proven rewarding. Mendoza’s story is a guide for young lawyers who want to hang out a shingle (he even has an employee now). 

Nothing is easy. Nothing is perfect. It’s scary. But you can do this.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• • Starting your own law firm is anything but easy. But it can be done. Hear first-hand from one attorney who did just that, from the ground up. 
  • Software? Office space? Clients? Employees? Financials? There are a lot of balls in the air once you start juggling. 
  • What are the best and worst decisions you can make starting out? (Hint: find a mentor).

Resources:

Florida Bar Association

Florida Bar Association, Legal Fuel assistance

Seminole County (Florida) Bar Association

San Diego County Bar

Nebraska State Bar Association

Clio legal software

Microsoft 365

Adobe PDF management

Text Expander

Mycase legal software

LawPay legal software

George C. Young American Inns of Court

We’re witnessing a revolution in the use of generative AI, often producing results so good that it’s hard to determine what was written by a human and what was generated by the program. This is becoming the bedrock of legal research, saving attorneys time and money, allowing them work on strategy and building cases instead of hunting for case law.

But regular, layman’s, AI is still experiencing some hiccups, “hallucinating” incorrect information as it struggles to learn. Breaking news only on New Solo: Coming soon to vLex and Fastcase, an AI Lab is developing a new class of AI built just for law, globally, called (for now) “Research Assistant.” This new level of AI will be so up to date it will include cases decided in as little as 12 hours prior to each request, fully vetted and referenced. 

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

Topics:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great tool, but it’s also prone to errors. One popular tool, ChatGPT, is fun, but it’s not for legal research. Can lawyers trust an AI program to create bullet-proof results?
• Breaking news on New Solo: Coming soon, vLex and Fastcase legal research together have built an AI Lab developing a new class of AI honed just for law, globally, tentatively called “Research Assistant.” AI results you can trust.
• AI is not going away. If you’re not keeping up, you’re falling behind. Get involved and stay current. The world of computer assisted legal research is blowing up.

Courthouses are busy places. Judges and clerks deal with a lot of distractions and competing demands. Make your briefs stand out boy making them easier to read and follow. Any jargon, excessive footnotes, parentheticals, and asides just add to the chaos and detract from your argument. Good writing, formatting, and attention to detail matter. 

Schandevel has created an easy-to-use, three-page style guide for legal writing and clear formatting. You don’t need to use fancy words to sell your case. Clear, simple language and a clean story help the court understand your argument and see your point.

Take a deep dive into the art and artistry of writing and presenting a legal brief at the highest levels, and get some tips you can start using today. (Plus, do you know the official preferred font of the U.S. Supreme Court?) 

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Judges aren’t impressed with fancy words and jargon. A clear, easy-to-read legal brief is easier to follow to the conclusion you want your reader to reach. 
• Learn to remove barriers to the reader such as excessive footnotes, lengthy sentences and changes in “voice.” And do use the Oxford comma!

What is the “cleaned up parenthetical?” (And how is it being adopted at the highest levels of the law?) Find out. 

In the past, there were challenges shifting between Mac and Microsoft, but today’s practice management programs can work on both systems. You like Macs? Then go for it, there is less and less to hold you back.

Why Mac over PC? Cost, battery life, integrations between iPhones, the Apple watch, and iPads, as well as security are considerations. Only 15% to 20% of lawyers use Macs, so you do need to think things through and ensure you can share information with your Microsoft colleagues and opposing counsel. There are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you understand every aspect.

There are some basics to getting started. Maybe most important is to not “cheap out” when you’re getting your computer system set up. Our guests explain what you need, including processor speed and memory. It all matters. Law is your business, your computer is your tool. If you’re investing anywhere, it’s here. RAM? ROM? Gigs? Ports? What do you need?

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Lawyers use Macs. Yes, it happens, and it can go well.
•  Know what kind of needs you have and learn how to use your Mac to your advantage. Speed, cross-platform exchanges, and even weight matter.
• Programs abound for Mac lawyers. It’s not like the olden days when Microsoft programs only worked on Microsoft platforms. Adobe, Word, Excel all can work smoothly on a Mac.

He wrote his own business plan, shadowed established attorneys, sought educational and business development support, found shared office space with other lawyers, and developed a holistic approach that lets him to build relationships with his clients and work not only as an attorney but also as a trusted advisor.

Learn how he set up his practice, selected case management software, established a flat-fee subscription plan for his clients rather than hourly rates, and developed an understanding of the needs of both elder clients and their families as they navigate a new stage of life.

If you’re well into a first career, you might be surprised at how much your “real world experience” can translate to a solo law practice.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  

Topics:

• Starting a solo practice as a second career and putting your “old job” skills to work in your new venture.
• The importance of selecting the right practice management and office equipment tools, learning about marketing, and asking for help when you don’t know.
• The value of finding a niche that lets you focus your energy on the kind of law that matches your passion. 

Start by accepting that electronic files aren’t paper files. They are inherently different and aren’t meant to be printed out. Embrace the format and treat electronic documents as what they are. If you print electronic documentation out, or you accept a printed version, you’re not getting the full picture, and you’re letting potentially valuable information slip through your fingers.

It’s a digital world, and litigation is more likely than ever to include emails, smartphones, voice mails, social media posts and comments, and texts.

If you’ve been wondering if you’re doing the best job possible with eDiscovery, this is the episode for you.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

Topics:

• Electronic discovery (eDiscovery) involves electronic files that are inherently different than paper discovery. What you need to know and mistakes you may be making.
• Metadata included in electronic documents can offer valuable clues that help you prepare your case, but it’s easy to contaminate that data.
• Understand the available tools that organize, preserve, and prepare digital evidence, including extracting text messages, voice memos, and emails from smartphones and tablets. 

Later, the term “legal operations” might seem like it only applies to the “Big Law” end of the spectrum, but a solo or small firm should be just as keen on having well-planned operating procedures for their business from the get-go. Adriana and Catherine talk through easy-to-use tools that help law firms big and small operate with efficiency.

And, last, Microsoft 365 is rolling out Copilot, and Adriana and Catherine are watching its progress with great anticipation. Tune in for their thoughts on how this and similar tech could impact your legal practice.

Catherine Sanders Reach is director at the Center for Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association.

Topics:

• Tapping into the knowledge your bar association’s practice management advisor has to offer.

• Legal operations for solo and small law firms.

• Microsoft 365 Copilot’s potential for lawyers.

Guest Jared Correia is a podcaster, lawyer, and full-time business management consultant, sort of the lawyer you know who knows how to run a business. For clients, he digs into law firm management from the very high-level strategy to the nuts and bolts of tech and daily operations.

Shared offices create issues with malpractice insurance, shared practice management software, and clearly communicating your solo status while working in what to a client may appear to be a firm.

Plus, the important distinctions between website chat capability, automated chatbots, and the emergence of true artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT. Learn where each product can fill gaps in your practice and turn leads into clients. Tech that may make your solo practice work like a larger firm.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Practice management problems attorneys in a shared office space encounter.
• Incorporating online chat and chatbots on your website, capture more leads.

And where does the latest – ChatGPT artificial intelligence – fit?

Adriana runs through the tech foundation of a successful firm: from the computers to the office software to the case management software and add-ons that can streamline your practice and better serve your clients.

Adriana names names, provides recommendations, and answers the questions she hears from clients regularly. This is the personal consultation you have wanted … for free!

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• PC or Mac? Does it matter?
• Office management tools? Make sure everything integrates, from your accounting software (hint, most accountants use QuickBooks) to your PDF creation tools. Don’t be cheap!
• Case management tools and “add-ons” save time and organize your practice. And when it comes to labeling files, don’t be clever, be clear and concise. You have 256 characters to name a document, use them all so you can share work.

Create a system, understand the process, and don’t be shy about asking for Google reviews, they matter.

(BTW, you can’t cheat or lie about a physical location. Google sends a postcard to verify. Who knew? So, you need to figure it out. Here’s how, even if you work out of a co-working facility. Do you need a sign? Yes, you do. Google has a lot of weird rules.)

And for Heaven’s sake, if you tell Google you’ll accept messaging through Google, you need to answer your messages or risk bad reviews and cranky customers. Do or do not. There is no try.

NAP? It’s got to be consistent across the web. If you don’t know it, you need to listen to this episode. This is everything you need to know about Google mapping and why it’s so important.

Plus, ranking factors, keywords, call answer rate, and profile info. Google 101.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Google Maps: Why they are so important to your business.
• Everything you need to know about Google’s weird ways and specific language.
• Give up on trying to trick Google. Play fair, play hard, play to win.

Guest Christopher T. Anderson is a law practice management consultant (and host of the Legal Talk Network’s Un-Billable Hour). Anderson shares the “triangle” of a successful law firm: Acquiring clients; Producing the results you promised; and Achieving and Measuring the impact and success of your firm.

Anderson’s unique take on law firm management is built on thinking of law as a real business first. Why are you doing what you do?

Acquiring new clients means building on referrals, creating relationships, and paid marketing. Know and tell your story.

Producing results translates to setting client expectations (and meeting them), and doing your best work. Establish a “North Star” for every case.

And then there’s achieving and measuring the results for your business stakeholders. Where do you want to be? What separates good law firms from great ones? A law firm is a business, it’s OK to admit that.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Building a law firm is building a business. Don’t forget that!
• There are three “sides” to building a firm: attracting clients, satisfying clients, and achieving business success.
• Every part of your legal career is intentional, it’s not luck. Know what you are trying to achieve.

Both guests serve unique corners of the legal world and found their paths through different methods. Lambert covers large policy areas through academia, and Tsakalakis is a leader in employing tech into legal marketing, making the most out of any firm. No matter what area of the legal world your career leads you to, knowing how to network and market effectively is vital to your success.

What’s frightening is how many lawyers, across the field, say “tech competence” isn’t relevant. Not only is it relevant, it’s table stakes. If you aren’t confident of your firm’s – or your own – tech know-how, the ABA Techshow can open your eyes, open new pathways, and help you better serve your clients.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Not everyone who graduates from law school ends up practicing law. There are many little corners of the legal world.
• The upcoming ABA Techshow is your gateway to catching up and latching on to the latest in legal tech AND building your network.
• Gyi offers listeners some advice on how to start thinking about marketing, even from a young point in one’s career.

Martin had a successful career in film and television, as well as a husband and four children, when she returned to school to earn her law degree. It can be done. Second careers do happen.

After law school and working with a firm, Martin launched her solo practice, Align Family Law. Hear how she built a firm based on her values and understanding of the family dynamic, striving to help divorcing clients work toward respectful solutions. She also offers valuable insights into how she set up her office, built a website, developed written content, selected practice management software, developed a transparent pricing model, and learned to establish virtual video client consultations that work.

As a bonus, even established solo practitioners may pick up some tips from Martin’s innovative approach to initial consultations, client intake, retainers, and avoiding potential conflicts.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Later-in-life career changes can and do happen. Hear from an attorney who went to law school and established a solo practice after building a family and a successful career.
• A thorough, honest intake process not only keeps potential clients from wasting time, but also helps you weed out clients who may not appreciate your values and approach.
• Plus, learn why you should NOT buy Microsoft 365 through a third party, such as GoDaddy (you may need a pro to undo that misstep).

Guest Matt Siegel is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and the CEO of Lawmatics. He believes that a good CRM should free information from “data prisons,” integrate client onboarding, track client data, build relationships, and even manage holiday greetings and follow-ups. It’s all about automation and flexibility, freeing attorneys to do what they do best: practice law.

Stop thinking about being a law firm and start thinking about being a business. You do law, a CRM does client management. Don’t miss this episode.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• A CRM isn’t just for big firms. Solo and small firms can get a big boost from an affordable platform.
• Even after the case is closed, relationships matter. From repeat business to referrals, it’s about staying in touch.
• The smallest details, like sending holiday cards, gobble up valuable, billable hours. Why not have a management system simplify and speed up those tasks?

Rodriguez-Newbern’s firm has only one client, the State of Florida, through a contract for the past 30 years. The firm specializes in child support cases in Orange County, Florida, working for the state on behalf of residents receiving public assistance. The state contract makes up the firm’s entire book of business.

Interested in a government contract? Both city and state websites are a good place to look, as well as networking to learn when contracts may be coming up.

Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

• Learn about how a small, family, firm has prospered for 30 years with just one client: the State of Florida.
• Working in a firm with family members can be a challenge, but it can be rewarding as well. Family and professional life blend into one.
• Small, niche firms can always find ways to integrate technology, even if that’s at a careful, slow pace.

But being a solo, no matter how good you are, requires insights into the available legal tech tools, and it’s OK to ask for help. They don’t teach you this stuff in law school. So how did Barlavi grow a solo practice, learn to plan, create a vision, and incorporate tech and marketing?

Hear how networking, curiosity, conferences, public speaking, and following his passion helped Barlavi develop a practice that excites him and grows by the year. As Barlavi says, get personal, go outside your comfort zone, dive into social media, and “exercise your boldness.”

Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Topics:

•   Guest Levi Barlavi shares how he followed his passion as a solo practitioner and found a unique niche in healthcare services.
•   Get outside your comfort zone and express your personality through public speaking, networking, and social media.

Hear how sharing information and being open to conversations builds your reputation, your brand, and your practice.

What’s a HIPAA “covered entity,” and how does it affect responsibilities for health records, data protection, and sharing?

What level of security and encryption are required?

And how do new HITECH act vendor data handling regulations affect you?

If you’re representing doctors buying or selling a practice, or representing a nursing home or health provider, it can get messy in a minute.

Attorneys can struggle to comply with all the regulations. But incorporating a comprehensive, firm-wide compliance tech solution can help.

(Plus, learn how to stop misspelling HIPAA, because we’ve all done it).

Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

Topics:

• Guest Joshua Lenon, lawyer and data protection officer at Clio, explains how tech solutions can help lawyers meet HIPAA healthcare data requirements.
• HIPAA regs can sneak into all sorts of legal work, including the buying and selling of medical practices or a medical malpractice case.
• …and HIPAA regs are constantly evolving. Are you keeping up?

Get a one-stop-shop overview for any new solo practitioner. The pandemic, social media, online content, and business generation trends are shaking the legal practice bedrock.

The online conferencing and virtual offices of the pandemic are challenging the need for a formal office. Billing practices and options are shifting. Virtual assistants and freelancers are the norm. Clients are looking to new sources for attorneys.

Of course, you still need paying clients. Hear ideas on how to fully commit to your practice, find your niche, and build business from day one. Plus, business practice requirements, customer relationship programs, insurance, licensing, cybersecurity, and legal tech software. There’s no better time for new solo practitioners to ask for what they want – and get it. What’s ahead for the legal profession?

Got questions or ideas? Don’t forget to hit us up at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 

Topics:

• Guest, lawyer and author Carolyn Elefant shares tips for the modern era from her newly revised book, “Solo By Choice.”
• All you need to know about starting a solo or small practices, from software to cybersecurity.
• What’s new for the legal profession in a post-pandemic world? 

New Insights

Veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. 

Question 4: “How do I get my dad to be open to change when his favorite phrase is ‘We do it that way because that’s the way we’ve always done it’”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

We’re getting into the nitty gritty. Learn what’s available and find solutions to problems that seem unsolvable. Don’t settle for “good enough!”

Topics:

• Adriana and Adam dive deep into all things Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and more.
• Make access to your data more organized, safer, and easier for your employees or coworkers to share.
•  Plus, your questions about all things Microsoft. You asked, we answered. 

New Insights

In our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from Birmingham, Alabama, new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. 

Question 3: “My Dad keeps saying ‘I’m a dinosaur, I don’t need to learn anything new.’ How do I convince him that he’s not too old or too settled to learn new skills that will improve the way we work together?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Drew is comfortable with computers, but he’s always looking for newer, better, more efficient methods. As a long-time paperless operation, Drew’s office was in a good place when it went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As his office went to a work-from-home environment, Drew was quick to incorporate training sessions and provide the necessary tools to help his team set up comfortable, efficient home offices. He found that money spent on tech is money well spent, and speed and efficiency matters more than cost.

Hear how Drew upgraded software and replaced an on-site server with the cloud for a faster, on-the-go setup. Still unsure about cloud technology, OneDrive, Office 365, remote access, and document sharing? Learn how and where these pieces fit in a modern office.

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics: 

• Guest Tom Drew, longtime solo practitioner, talks about his recent tech makeover and moving from a server to the cloud.
• It’s not about cost, it’s about productivity and efficiency.
• In today’s work-from-home environment, being able to collaborate, schedule, and share information is more important than ever. Tech isn’t only for new solos, it’s for established firms too. 

New Insights

 In our series New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in a small, family-owned firm. 

 Question 2: “I work on cases with my Dad. In the South, it is uncommon to address your parents by their first name. How should I introduce myself and explain our relationship to new clients while being respectful of my Dad and not undermining myself as a new attorney?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Carter talks openly and honestly with host Adriana Linares about being clear with clients. Tell them your rates up front, even put them on your website. And set “rush rates” for any work that suddenly pops up, it sets expectations and encourages clients to think ahead and plan accordingly. Is your firm incorporating “rush rates” into client contracts?

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

• Using simple, plain language to help clients understand what they are signing and what they are accomplishing.
• It’s OK to be transparent about your rates and that those rates increase when a matter is suddenly urgent!
• Being honest about what you do and what clients should expect.

New Insights

In a brand-new series of New Insights, veteran attorney Jennifer Smith Thomas answers questions from new attorney Jennifer Townsend about the challenges of working with her father in her small family-owned firm.

• Question 1: “My dad has given me a lot of freedom to redesign all the firm’s systems. How do I present my ideas without having him reject all of my plans?”

Got a question or suggestion? newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Learn to untangle your communication traits and internal turmoil. Listen to your mind – and your body – and understand your strengths and abilities. If you struggle to speak up, to confidently share your ideas, or understand how you process information and energy, you are not alone.

Brown, author of “The Introverted Lawyer: A Seven-Step Journey Toward Authentically Empowered Advocacy” and “Untangling Fear in Lawyering: A Four-Step Journey Toward Powerful Advocacy,” delves into the feelings of stress and anxiety that can hold us back. 

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics: 

– It’s OK to be introverted or shy as a lawyer. Acceptance can help you work through your unique challenges.

– Understand feelings of stress and anxiety (and the difference between being shy and being an introvert).

– Just like any professional athlete or performer, you can seek outside help, coaching, mentoring, and other services to help you be your best.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Pettis, the first African American president of The Florida Bar, made a conscious effort to carve out time for giving back, leading literacy and education efforts and fostering open, honest communication while seeking solutions. Public service builds connections, brand, and ultimately business. “We’re on this earth to do better by others,” he says. 

But don’t forget, a business doesn’t build itself. Be bold. Pettis, who has represented Fortune 100 companies including ExxonMobil and Starbucks, says he’s never shied from approaching even the biggest potential clients. 

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics: 

• Service above self. Know the value of community service and helping others.
•  If you see a problem, solve it. If you have a good idea, act. Community involvement builds your brand.
• Be bold. Don’t shy from approaching the biggest potential clients.

New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank

•  Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas
• Question 4/4: “I am so nervous about putting myself out there. What are some tips you can give me about doing it confidently?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

ABA LP Chair Heidi Barcus and Vice Chair Mary Vandenack join host Adriana Linares for a deep dive into the four pillars of success: marketing, management, finance, and tech (not to mention your own well-being). Learn what resources are available for you. Membership in the ABA LP includes access to all the books, mentoring, meetings, fellowship, and support of the ABA LP. 

For anything you want to know about the practice of law, the ABA LP is the place to go. 

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition on Office 365 and all things Microsoft. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics: 

• You don’t have to go it alone when starting or running your solo or small law practice.
• The ABA LP is loaded with resources including committees and publications on running a successful law practice.
•  Learn the four pillars of a successful business: Marketing, management, finance, and technology. And don’t forget your own well-being.

 New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank

• Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas: 

 Question 3/4: “As a new lawyer, what are some red flags I should watch for in potential new clients?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Adriana dives into how a new lawyer can open a successful practice as she walks through the process of establishing a brand, creating a business plan, and networking. Choosing the right tech, deciding on using a home office, shared office, or standalone brick and mortar? Marketing? Sponsorships? Referrals? Even learning to efficiently block off time and learning how to say “no” when the client isn’t the right fit. It’s all part of getting out there and going solo. Yes, you can.

Plus, we have a special upcoming mailbag edition. Got a question? Want to share some insights? Contact us now at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

• Get organized before you open the door. Understand your brand, your goals, and even yourself.
• Home office, virtual practice, shared workspace, or standalone office. What’s right for you?
• Choosing and using the tech you need. Learn how a new solo practitioner balanced the right tech at the right price. 

New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank

• Veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland answers questions from new solo Stephanie Larenas:
• Question 2/4:  “How to pick your niche in an ever-more diversified market?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. 

Many lawyers jumped into Microsoft’s 365 universe during the pandemic. Sharing files and working collaboratively from home is appealing, but there’s a lot to learn about the array of products. OneDrive? SharePoint? Secure document sharing?

Learn the difference between personal and private accounts and how to juggle them. Stop paying too much and wasting time in this confusing – but often vital – suite of services (hint: none of us want the $5 monthly service). And yes, it’s OK to ask for professional help; a little instruction doesn’t have to be expensive and pays off in the long run.

And we begin another New Insights series as veteran attorney Liz McCausland offers new solo Stephanie Larenas three suggestions for growing a new practice.

Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

• The evolution of Microsoft’s 365 suite of products.
• The difference between private and professional accounts and how to leverage them for efficient office management.
• Pricing options, security, and your practice’s needs. What’s enough? What’s too much?

New Insights, brought to you by Nota by M&T Bank

• New series: Former therapist turned personal injury attorney Stephanie Larenas talks with veteran attorney and mediation professional Liz McCausland. 
• Liz offers insights for new solos building their business. Overhead? Branding? Networking?

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Shortly after law school, Kimberley Felton found herself struggling with all the things they don’t teach: How to manage time, clients, and family. She knew there had to be a better way.

Unfulfilled in disorganized settings and fighting to find meaning in her new profession, she taught herself to incorporate available technologies that let her serve the clients she is passionate about while spending quality time with her husband and two children.

Felton discovered she wasn’t alone and now helps other attorneys break free from “the way we’ve always done it” by embracing tech and project management platforms to build a better work/life balance and a more efficient, rewarding practice.

Topics:

• What you need to know … that they don’t teach in law school
• Leveraging technology to manage clients and cases
• Treating each case like a project and incorporating project management techniques

Resources:

• Above The Law, “A Better Way: How Motherhood Changed My Perspective of the Legal Field & What I’m Doing to Change It,” Kimberley Felton, May 13, 2021  
• Afterpattern
• CampLegal  
• Lawclerk

 New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question.
• Question 4 of 4: “Do you think remote proceedings will continue post-pandemic?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio. Have insights, tips, inspiration to share? Want to be a guest on the New Solo podcast? Contact us at newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com.

Topics:

• Making the shift from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word
• Paying attention to the little things, like fonts
• Designing and creating styles for formatting
• Complex numbering for document accuracy

Resources:

• Matthew Butterick, Typography for Lawyers
• Debora Savatra, Legal Office Guru
• Barron Henley, Affinity Consulting
• Mark Unger, Muse Legal
• YouTube
• Lynda/LinkedIn Learning

New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question.
• Question 3 of 4: “What are three things you would like to see changed in the legal profession?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

He joins Linares to share his crash course on striking out on his own.

Five Categories of Must-Listen Episodes: 

5) Inspirations from famous people

• What New Solos can Learn from Han Solo
• New Trends in Practice Management
• Implementing the Right Processes with Ernie Svenson

4) Building a marketing plan 

• Back to Basics: Smart Marketing for New Solos – Part 1
• Back to Basics: Smart Marketing for Solos Part 2
• From Clicks to Clients: The Law Firm Marketing Funnel Explained
• CRM: Using Client Relationship Management in Your Law Firm
• CRM Value: How Lawmatics Enhances Client Experience
• Up Your Marketing Game with Newsletters

3) Planning for proper financial management

• Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals
• Oh, The Messes We See

2) Nailing down a collections strategy

• Marco Brown’s Eight Commandments for Getting Paid

1) Best of New Solos 

• What Storms May Come: Preparing your Firm for Natural Disaster
• Decamping to Puerto Rico
• The Unorthodox Path to Becoming a Lawyer
• Client Acquisition in the 21st Century: With Instagram & TikTok??

Blachford’s Tech Stack:

• Microsoft Teams for team meetings and video conferencing 
• Microsoft Word and Excel for planning and collaboration
• Hubspot for contact relationship management
• RingCentral to manage business calls
• Clio for ease of clerk and client use
• LawPay for client payment flexibility

New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question:
• Question 2 of 4: “What is the most underutilized tool in litigation?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Topics:

• What it’s like being a legal unicorn
• Flipping the script by learning to be a lawyer before learning to think like a lawyer
• Battling inertia to make practice management changes that benefit clients
• Launching a firm during a pandemic
• Scaling and managing an influx of clients
• Cultivating relationships through preferred provider deals
• Managing client expectations with forthright, transparent communication
• Yes, print advertising still works!

The Tech Stack:

• Clio Grow/Clio Manage for client intake and management
• Quickbooks online for bookkeeping 
• HotDocs document automation from AbacusNext 
• Lawyaw for online legal forms

New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Veteran practitioner Starlett Massey answers litigation associate Melanie Kalmanson’s question:
• Question 1 of 4: “What made you decide to start your own firm?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Topics:

• Using social media to market a practice
• Their process for creating videos
• “The Power of Planning”
• Why they use YouTube and Facebook and not LinkedIn or Twitter
• Repurposing their videos for multiple social media platforms
• What makes a good video? What makes a bad video?

Tools mentioned:

• Ring light for atmosphere
• Canva Pro for backgrounds and Instagram Reels
• InShot App to add text
• Videoleap Editor App to repurpose reels

New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Eric Ganci answers Robert Southwell’s last question: 
• “Who are the trial attorneys you thought were most effective? And what made them a particularly good litigator in the courtroom?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

• Sarah de Diego, the founder of De Diego Law, built such a strong client base that it made location irrelevant for her practice. 

Topics:

• Building a virtual practice
• Tax advantages of moving to Puerto Rico
• How to communicate with partners and staff
• Favorite tech tools
• No website? No problem

New Insights (brought to you by Nota):

• Eric Ganci answers Robert Southwell’s third question. 
• RS: “What are some suggestions you have as far as learning a little bit and educating yourself on the voir dire process for young attorneys?”

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

Many firms don’t have adequate finance and accounting habits or make the mistake of hiring bookkeepers without experience working with law firms. Those mistakes, if not cleared up, can put law licenses in jeopardy.

Host Adriana Linares has Gruenke walk through best practices in setting up a business, from getting an EIN to deciding whether to incorporate as an LLC or a partnership. These steps help in determining the types of law practice management and accounting systems to choose.

The two also discuss the negatives and positives of various practice management and accounting tools on the market.

And in this episode’s New Insights segment, brought to you by Nota, Eric Ganci returns to answer Robert Southwell’s second question – what are the must-have trial prep reference materials new attorneys should be keeping close at hand?

Previous episode referenced: Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals

Peggy Gruenke is co-founder of CPN Legal in Cincinnati.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, Abby Connect, and Clio.

First, Linares welcomes guest Brad Reeser to review his firm’s shift to a cloud-based practice management solution, from taking the plunge to dealing with serial complainers during implementation.

An associate at the firm, Reeser, took on overseeing the tech transition, including evaluating options, making a selection, and following through with implementation.

As they walk through the migration steps, Linares shares tips for firms evaluating cloud-based options that work best for their needs.

And kicking off our New Insights segment, Oregon solo Robert Southwell asks veteran Southern California lawyer Eric Ganci about when to opt for a bench trial over a jury trial.

Brad Reeser is an associate of Mason, Mason, Walker & Hedrick in Newport News, Virginia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Lawclerk, Alert Communications, and Abby Connect.

Repeating a point he made during his Clio Cloud 2020 keynote, Godin says clients don’t wake up with a billable-hour problem. They wake up with real problems. He says lawyers can better serve their businesses and their clients if they position themselves to solve those specific problems. There’s no issue of scarcity, he says, noting the world is replete with problems.

The three discuss practical advice for BigLaw “refugees” who hang their shingles, from making the leap and surviving the “dip” to embracing the technology that makes client interactions run smoothly.

Jack Newton is CEO and co-founder of Clio.

Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

Greenblatt points out what he believes are fundamental flaws in BigLaw hiring and training junior talent and how his startup is creating alternatives for firms and corporate law departments while ensuring young lawyers from diverse backgrounds get on-the-job training.

He and Linares talk through four good habits for developing a successful career: Go where opportunity takes you, network, develop mentors, and make yourself indispensable.

Jonathan Greenblatt is a co-founder and chairman of Legal Innovators.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

Roberts tells host Adriana Linares that she often gets calls from lawyers wanting to establish a bankruptcy practice like hers. Many times they have a practice launch approach that she believes is the opposite of what it takes to be successful as a solo.

But even Roberts is starting to experience growing pains so Linares offers advice on next steps for building a team while documenting processes and procedures before making a first support staff hire.

Kelly Roberts is a bankruptcy lawyer based in Florida.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

The provider of on-demand virtual associates has doubled in size since the beginning of the year. That’s double the number of projects, and an increase in the value of projects overall, Lawclerk’s co-founder tells host Adriana Linares.

So why the growth spurt? Garman says that even though some firms were cutting back, solo and small firm practices started to focus on their most important work but needed to find a way to support their lower-priority matters. So while lawyers were spending time on their best clients and best prospects, they were sending matters more often to freelance associates through Lawclerk. [Disclosure: Lawclerk is a sponsor of the New Solo podcast.]

The pandemic created a real-time test of Lawclerk’s model. It demonstrated that it could adjust to assist its core market of lawyers who need occasional associate support without creating additional business overhead.

Garman and Linares also discuss the many lessons learned and new ways co-workers are connecting. Garman notes that he now communicates with more people in a single day than he did when the team worked 40-feet from one another.

Greg Garman is co-founder of Lawclerk.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

Law firm digital marketing expert Jason Marsh won’t even work with firms that don’t have their intake process nailed down. That’s because you can’t have a successful campaign without being able to sign a client successfully.

Marsh tells host Adriana Linares that the intake process’s job is to stop a potential new client from searching for another lawyer. So before small firms begin ad campaigns, it’s critical to understand the entire customer journey from web click to being qualified as a lead and being signed as a paying client. Marsh and Linares discuss the client acquisition funnel and what lawyers need to know to create successful ad campaigns.

Linares pins Marsh down on the average cost of a typical solo or small firm ad campaign.

Jason Marsh is the founder of digital marketing agency MARSH8

Follow this link to read TechnoLawyer’s announcement of this year’s list, which includes links to full product reviews.

Neil J. Squillante is the founder of TechnoLawyer, an award-winning email newsletter network.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

• How to evaluate if it’s worth spending money on search engine optimization.
• Whether your last name should be part of your website URL.
• Which website platform is a good fit for your practice?
• How to determine if a marketing agency is right for you.

In case you missed it, follow this link to listen to Part 1 of this discussion. 

Conrad Saam is president at Mockingbird Marketing.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

Conrad Saam is president at Mockingbird Marketing.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Lawclerk, ROSS, and Alert Communications.

Adriana would love to take listener LinkedIn questions and have Dennis and Allison back for a future episode! Send your questions to newsolo@legaltalknetwork.com. 

Dennis Kennedy is an information technology lawyer and legal technology pioneer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Dennis is also the co-host of the Kennedy-Mighell Report podcast.

Allison C. Shields, Esq. is the President of Legal Ease Consulting, Inc.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

David Holmes is a business lawyer and managing partner at the Farr Law Firm.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Jill Epstein is executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association.

Keith Fisher is deputy executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Also, check out Adriana and Brett’s recent conversation on Legal Talk Today.

Brett Burney is principal of Burney Consultants LLC.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

David Holmes is a business lawyer and managing partner at the Farr Law Firm.

Henry A. Herrman is the founder and sole shareholder of Herrman Law Firm.

Greg Lambert is the chief knowledge services officer at Jackson Walker.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Liz McCausland started her career as a civil litigator and now does bankruptcy and mediations in Orlando, Florida.

Ernie Svenson is a New Orleans lawyer and regular industry speaker who has been running the Ernie the Attorney blog since 2002. Ernie also hosts the Law Firm Autopilot Podcast.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Scott Stornetta is one of the co-inventors of early blockchain technology.

Shawnna Hoffman is the co-founder of Diversity in Blockchain, Inc. and the Lead Account Partner & Global Cognitive Legal Leader at IBM.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Philip Mauriello is founder and managing attorney of Arete Law APC

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Kristin Rizzo is a mediator and workplace investigator at Rizzo Resolution.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Daniel D. Whitehouse is the founding attorney of Whitehouse & Cooper, PLLC.

Check out the recommended Quick Start Guide On Cloud Computing from the Florida Bar.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk, and ROSS.

Check out Brown Law LLC’s site to read Marco’s blog posts on each commandment.

Marco Clayton Brown is managing partner at Brown Law LLC in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Amanda Moore is a licenced CPA in the state of Florida.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Renée Thompson is a mediator at Upchurch Watson White & Max and a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors.

Liz McCausland started her career as a civil litigator and now does bankruptcy and mediations in Orlando, Florida. She is a past president of the Orange County Bar Association.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

David Leatherberry is a healthcare attorney and owner of Leatherberry Law in San Diego, CA.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Renée Thompson is a mediator at Upchurch Watson White & Max and a member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Renee Stackhouse is the Founder and trial lawyer at Stackhouse, APC. She focuses on plaintiff’s personal injury, military & criminal defense in San Diego, California.

Phil Stackhouse is a trial lawyer at Military Defender, where he focuses on military criminal defense, security clearance defense, and the correction of military records and discharges.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Paige A. Greenlee founded Greenlee Law PLLC in 2014, after spending twelve years in private practice at both large and mid-sized firms in Tampa.

Brittany J. Maxey founded Maxey Law Offices, PLLC in 2008.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Jeffrey Pratt is an attorney specializing in business and real estate litigation.

Kim Swierenga is a financial elder abuse attorney and consumer protection attorney.

Alara T. Chilton is a criminal defense and consumer rights attorney.

Deborah Wolfe is an attorney specializing in plaintiff legal malpractice law.

Eric Ganci is a DUI defense attorney with a lawyer-scientist designation.

Julie Wolff is a dependency attorney and child welfare law specialist.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Jeffrey Pratt is an attorney specializing in business and real estate litigation.

Kim Swierenga is a financial elder abuse attorney and consumer protection attorney.

Alara T. Chilton is a criminal defense and consumer rights attorney.

Deborah Wolfe is an attorney specializing in plaintiff legal malpractice law.

Eric Ganci is a DUI defense attorney with a lawyer-scientist designation.

Julie Wolff is a dependency attorney and child welfare law specialist.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk and Courtfiling.net.

Jake Heller is co-founder and CEO of Casetext, a leading AI legal research technology.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Taylor Darcy is a business/corporate attorney that focuses on helping entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses navigate the legal minefield of owning their own business.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Tom Martin created LawDroid, a chatbot that drafts and files California incorporations over Facebook Messenger.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Greg Garman is the CEO of Law Clerk and a partner at Garman Turner Gordon.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Zack Zuroweste is a trial lawyer and shareholder at PersanteZuroweste, and has served eight years on the Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.

Renee Thompson is a mediator at Upchurch Watson White & Max and serves as The Florida Bar Board of Governors Fifth Circuit Representative.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Greg McLawsen is the founder of Sound Immigration where his job is to work behind the scenes to ensure their clients have an outstanding experience with the firm.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Lawclerk, and Unbundled Attorney.

Bill Galione, founding attorney for The Galione Law Firm, has been practicing personal injury law for more than 20 years.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Perfectit, and Unbundled Attorney.

Barbara J. Leach is the managing attorney of Barbara Leach Law, PL. She practices family law, consumer bankruptcy, and civil litigation.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Perfectit, and Unbundled Attorney.

Joe Patrice is an Editor at Above the Law where, for him, making snide remarks about other lawyers is at least as fulfilling as motion practice.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Answer1, Perfectit, and Unbundled Attorney.