Breaking Bread: Building Bridges Over Meals
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
Release Date: 01/30/2025
Why Should I Make My Associate Sign an NDA When We Start Succession Planning?
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
In this episode, host Victoria Collier breaks down one of the most overlooked yet critical mistakes law firm owners make when succession planning: skipping the paperwork and diving into business talks without protecting the firm. From referral sources to internal systems and staff compensation, Victoria walks through everything your associate could potentially take with them if things go sideways—and how to prevent that from happening. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why having an NDA and non-solicitation agreement before real discussions is non-negotiable What exactly these agreements...
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The Questions You Should Be Asking about High Profit Law Firms
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
High profit? Sounds like a dream. But is your law firm’s profitability actually as valuable as you think it is to a buyer? In this episode, our host Victoria Collier breaks down why impressive profit margins aren’t always enough to close the deal. She dives into the critical questions buyers are asking today, about staffing, systems, and sustainability, and why many high-profit firms fail to deliver when it counts. If you’re planning to sell your law firm, or considering buying one, this episode will help you see beyond the numbers and understand what truly drives value in a firm....
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Wrapped in Leadership: Building Your Law Firm's Future Team
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
Think your law firm’s leadership structure doesn’t matter until you're bigger? Think again. In this powerful episode, Victoria Collier has a candid conversation about one of the most overlooked — yet most valuable — assets in your firm: your leadership team. Whether you're a solo attorney or running a growing practice, the way you develop and delegate leadership determines more than just your daily workload — it shapes your firm’s scalability, sellability, and freedom. 3 Key Takeaways 1. The Foundation of a Valuable Firm – Discover why a strong internal leadership team is...
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Getting to YES: The Right Way to Notify Clients of a Law Firm Sale
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
Selling a law firm isn’t just a deal—it’s a delicate transition. In this episode, Victoria Collier reveals why notifying clients the right way can make or break the entire sale. If you're a law firm owner thinking about an exit (or an acquisition), you'll want to hear how to go far beyond the basic ethics requirements to actually retain clients, preserve goodwill, and protect your firm’s value. Discover how to craft a personal and strategic notification process that builds trust, secures buy-in, and keeps clients from walking out the door. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Why a simple...
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Intellectual Propery in a Law Firm Sale: Who Owns What?
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
When it comes to selling a law firm, one often overlooked asset could make or break your deal: intellectual property. From books and blogs to courses and client materials, knowing what belongs to you and what stays with the firm is essential. In this episode, Victoria Collier tackles the complexities of IP and explains how it can influence the value and structure of a law firm sale. Key Takeaways 1. Intellectual property is more than just patents—learn what counts and why it matters in a sale. 2. Discover how clear IP ownership can increase firm value and reduce legal gray areas....
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How Law Firms Use AI to Increase Value Before They Sell
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
What if using AI could make your law firm more profitable and easier to sell? In this episode, host Victoria Collier reveals how artificial intelligence is changing the way law firms operate and how it can significantly boost your firm’s value before a sale. She shares highlights from the Lawyers on the Beach conference in Cancun, where lawyers gathered to explore the latest AI tools that are reshaping the legal industry. From automating documents to improving client communication and optimizing billing, discover five powerful ways AI can help grow and scale your practice. Key Takeaways...
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Increase the Value of Your Law Firm Using These Systems
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
When it comes to selling a law firm, most attorneys focus on client lists, revenue, and team structure. But there’s another, often overlooked asset that can significantly increase a firm’s value: systems. In this episode, Victoria explains how well-documented systems can turn a law practice into a scalable, sellable business. She explains what “systems” really mean in a legal context and why investing in them now can pay off in both time and valuation later. Whether you plan to sell soon or not at all, this episode lays out a smarter way to build a law firm that works without...
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Debt is Not the Enemy: Why Smart Law Firm Buyers Use Leverage
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
Why are so many lawyers paralyzed by the idea of taking on debt, especially an SBA loan with a personal guarantee, when buying a law firm? In this candid and empowering episode, Victoria Collier breaks down one of the biggest mindset roadblocks law firm buyers face: the fear of debt. Through personal stories, real-life examples, and strategic insights, she shares how successful entrepreneurs use leverage, how lawyers can adopt that mindset, and why refusing to use debt may be costing you more than you think. If you're on the fence about acquiring a law firm, this episode might be the...
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Law Firms as an Asset Class: Why Buying a Law Firm is a Smart Investment
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
What if buying a law firm could be your next smartest investment—right alongside stocks, real estate, or even better? In this episode, host Victoria Collier explores the concept of law firm ownership as a wealth-building asset. She breaks down how lawyers can use their industry knowledge to generate income, build equity, and create long-term financial freedom through strategic acquisitions. Whether you're nearing retirement, starting out, or just looking for a different path, this episode will change how you view law firm ownership. Key Takeaways 1. Discover how law firms can...
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Do You Trust Yourself? A Conversation for Law Firm Buyers
Smart Lawyers Position to Transition
Before you sign the dotted line on a law firm acquisition, there’s one critical question you need to ask yourself—and it’s not about the numbers, the systems, or even the seller. In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Victoria Collier talks directly to law firm buyers about a make-or-break factor in every deal: self-trust. Whether you're eyeing your first acquisition or considering another, this episode challenges you to look inward before making a move. What does it really take to step into ownership confidently? How do you know if your hesitations are about the business—or...
info_outlineIn this episode, host Victoria Collier dives into the critical role of in-person meetings during law firm acquisitions. While virtual communication has its place, building trust and ensuring compatibility requires face-to-face interaction. Victoria shares insights on how meeting in person—especially over a meal—can transform negotiations, foster alignment, and create a smoother transition for both buyers and sellers. If you're considering selling or acquiring a law firm, this episode will give you a new perspective on the power of personal connection in business deals.
What You'll Learn:
1. Why in-person meetings are essential for building trust in law firm sales
2. The key topics to discuss (and avoid) during initial meetings
3. How a broker sets expectations to ensure productive conversations
4. A real-world example of how in-person interaction made all the difference
Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law.
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