133: Escaping the 3 Time Traps That Stall Law Firm Growth: Inside the Mind of Shawn McNalis

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley explores time management and focus strategies with Shawn McNalis, an Atticus Practice Advisor and trainer with over 30 years of experience. Together, they uncover the most common time traps that prevent attorneys from reaching their full potential. They also share proven strategies for defending strategic time blocks and establishing boundaries that support professional growth. Shawn brings her wealth of knowledge from coaching thousands of lawyers and co-authoring pivotal books on time management and performance.

Steve and Shawn delve into the “time starvation trap”—a common pitfall where attorneys confuse busyness with true productivity. Through the lens of The Habit Shift workshop, they reveal how ineffective time habits often go unnoticed until they become overwhelming.

They share the story of Jordan, a family law attorney who used time management tools to reclaim her schedule. By protecting strategic time blocks and focusing on high-value work, Jordan boosted client development and significantly reduced stress.

In another example, solo practitioner Taylor learned to combat overwork by delegating tasks, avoiding overcommitment, and conducting focused time audits. These changes gave her the bandwidth to think strategically and grow her firm.

Shawn also discusses how the relentless pace of law school often carries into professional life, encouraging constant hustle over smart planning. Steve and Shawn lay out a practical roadmap for setting boundaries that promote both success and sanity. They highlight the value of time audits, client selection, and protecting strategic time like your business depends on it. Because it does!

Whether you’re a new attorney or a seasoned professional, this episode offers actionable strategies to improve your focus, reclaim your time, and transform both your practice and your life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Introduction to time management and focus strategies for attorneys, emphasizing productivity and overcoming time traps
• Insights from The Habit Shift workshop, focused on performance improvement through strategic time blocking and boundary-setting
• The “time starvation trap” and how time audits help prioritize high-value tasks, illustrated by Jordan’s story
• Tips for managing competing priorities, including a segment on Alex, a team leader using a 90-day focus tool to align with firm partners
• Addressing the law firm culture of overwork, with practical guidance on task delegation and selective client intake
• Encouragement to intentionally design the practice and life you want through boundaries and high-impact habits
• Actionable advice to build self-awareness and put consistent effort into earning both success and personal fulfillment

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Supporting Resources:

• Shawn McNalis, Shareholder, Practice Advisor Trainer, and Curriculum Director: atticusadvantage.com/team/shawn-mcnalis
• Workshop: The Habit Shift: Time, Focus, and the Psychology of Getting Things Done: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-habit-shift
  (Use discount code PODCAST100 for $100 off your workshop registration!)
• Episode 027: Putting the Wind at Your Back with Shawn McNalis: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/putting-the-wind-at-your-back-with-shawn-mcnalis
• Episode 110: Effective Marketing for Lawyers: A Blueprint for Growth: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/turning-referral-marketing-into-a-business-growth-machine-firm-with-mark-powers-and-shawn-mcnalis
• My Great Life® Planner: atticusadvantage.com/books/my-great-life-planner
• Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification
• Time Management for Attorneys: atticusadvantage.com/books/time-management-for-attorneys
• Cashflow & Profitability: atticusadvantage.com/books/cashflow-and-profitability
• Hire Slow, Fire Fast: atticusadvantage.com/books/hire-slow-fire-fast
• How Good Attorneys Become Great Rainmakers: atticusadvantage.com/books/how-good-attorneys-become-great-rainmakers-updated-edition

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.