101: Lead Counsel x They Don't Teach This in Law School Collab: The Future!

In this powerful episode of Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona of TonaLaw and co-host Charley Mann of Law Firm Alchemy tackle the future of the legal profession, breaking down the transformative forces reshaping law firms today. This deep-dive conversation explores the convergence of artificial intelligence, private equity investment, and law firm consolidation, offering actionable insights for law firm owners determined to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.

From Tom’s hands-on use of custom GPTs for legal operations, HR, marketing, trial prep, and demand writing, to his candid stories of leveraging AI to cut down legal workflows from hours to minutes, this episode delivers practical strategies for modernizing your law practice. You’ll hear how leading attorneys are integrating AI into cross-examination prep, appeals work, and trial strategy — while navigating the critical balance between technology and human expertise.

This episode also explores the rise of non-lawyer firm ownership, private equity rollups, and the operational challenges of midsize firms caught between staying small or scaling up. If you’re a law firm owner wrestling with how to future-proof your practice, this conversation provides both inspiration and a clear-eyed view of the road ahead.

Key highlights include:

• How Tom Tona built 30+ custom GPTs to run different parts of his firm

• Why AI is a competitive advantage for law firms — and how to start using it

• The risks of “middle-market” law firms during the current wave of consolidation

• How private equity is targeting personal injury and other high-margin practices

• The leadership mindset required to adopt new technologies without losing human connection

• Strategic insights on whether to scale, sell, merge, or stay solo in the evolving legal landscape

Have questions for Tom and Charley? Future episodes will answer listener questions on compensation, marketing, mergers, and more. DM them on social media or send your questions to the contact info below.

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Podcast Series Information:

This is Episode 6 in an exclusive 8-part series shared across the Lead Counsel and They Don’t Teach This in Law School podcast feeds. For a full understanding of the journey, make sure to listen to Episodes 1, 3, and 5 on Charley Mann’s podcast, while Episodes 2 and 4 are on this podcast. Make sure to also subscribe to both feeds.

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Links and Social Handles

• Tom Tona (Host, Lead Counsel Podcast)

  • Website: https://www.tonalaw.com

  • LinkedIn: Tom Tona

  • X: @NYPITrialGuy

• Charley Mann (Host, They Don’t Teach This in Law School)

  • Website: https://www.lawfirmalchemy.com

  • LinkedIn: Charley Mann

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This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw.

Attorneys, are you looking for a trusted partner for your New York personal injury referrals? Since 2001, TonaLaw has been the go-to New York personal injury law firm for attorneys and law firms across the United States.

At Tonalaw, we pay legal fee participation to referring attorneys in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. Refer us a case today and experience the TonaLaw difference.

Call us now to discuss how we can work together at 833-TONALAW or visit us at tonalaw.com. Mention Lead Counsel and you’ll speak directly with Tom.