The Power of Direct Mail for Lawyers: Insights from Wilson Zehr
Release Date: 06/17/2025
The Power of Direct Mail for Lawyers: Insights from Wilson Zehr
The 80/20 Principle
Too many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective and how his platform makes it as simple as sending an email. Wilson breaks down the costs, strategies, and formats that help lawyers connect with their ideal clients through the mailbox. General Resources Wilson Zehr's Other Resources (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers) the ChatGPT Lab (my techlaw newsletter) (my online community for...
info_outline
309: Tech-Driven Insights from Solo Lawyer Lee Rudin
The 80/20 Principle
How can a solo personal injury lawyer run a leaner, more profitable practice without sacrificing client service? Lee Rudin, a New Orleans-based attorney, shares the tech stack and outsourcing strategies that help him do exactly that. In this episode, you'll discover: The tools Lee swears by—like Text Expander, Demands AI, and File Vine—and how they save him hours every week How virtual assistants fit into his system and boost efficiency His approach to marketing with short-form video and social media to attract ideal clients Whether you're drowning in admin work or looking to...
info_outline
308: Mastering AI: A Lawyer's Guide to ChatGPT
The 80/20 Principle
The best way for lawyers to master AI is to deep on just one tool: ChatGPT. In this episode, you’ll learn practical tips for using it in your practice, why the paid version is worth it, and how to get the most out of it. You’ll also learn about the new ChatGPT Lab, a hands-on training program to help solo/small firm lawyers who want weekly guidance on using AI in their practice. General Resources (get the $20/month version for maximum utiliity) (learn about the weekly coaching program) the ChatGPT Lab (get the most out your subscription) Other Resources (my techlaw newsletter) ...
info_outline
307: Wisper Flow: The AI Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed
The 80/20 Principle
Wisper Flow is a no-fuss AI-powered dictation tool that helps you put words into documents or emails three times faster than typing. Because it's powered by AI, it can pick up your style and get better over time. Also, it works fabulously with apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this episode, you'll learn exactly how it can streamline your workflows and free your mind for higher-level work. Resource links (special discount link) Other Resources (my techlaw newsletter) (my online community for lawyers) Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that...
info_outline
306: Revamping Legal Research - The AI Advantage for Solo & Small Firms
The 80/20 Principle
Discover how legal research giants like LexisNexis and Westlaw are being disrupted by low cost AI tools like ChatGPT. Smart solo lawyers are ignoring overpriced AI tools favored by BigLaw in favor of cheaper, more innovative options. Listen to find out which AI-powered legal research options that deliver speed, savings, and simplicity without bloated price tags. Resources from this Episode Carolyn Elefant's (Thomson Reuters / Casetext AI assistant) (Fastcase’s AI research tool) Other Resources (my techlaw newsletter) (my online community for...
info_outline
305: Improve Your Memory using Proven Techniques (with Anthony Metivier)
The 80/20 Principle
In a world where we rely on digital tools to remember things, the ancient art of memory training seems to have been forgotten. Which is a shame because memory training provides many advantages—especially for lawyers who need to retain vast amounts of information. In this episode, memory expert Anthony Metivier explains how to develop extraordinary recall using personalized techniques that make memorizing more engaging and effective. If you’ve ever wanted a sharper memory and a stronger mind, you’ll relish what you'll learn in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: Learn...
info_outline
304: Subscription Pricing for Transactional Lawyers (with Mathew Kerbis)
The 80/20 Principle
Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal services Integration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows and client satisfaction Flexible pricing strategies and maintaining low operating expenses Insights from other entrepreneurs on technology-driven innovation Benefits of project-based tracking over...
info_outline
303: From Russia with Passion & Drive - Miami attorney Ilona Anderson
The 80/20 Principle
In this episode you'll meet an attorney named Ilona Anderson who was originally from Russia but came to the U.S. when she was sixteen and pursued her passion for law. You'll learn about her first job working in a big Miami firm, where she handled commercial litigation cases. We discuss the importance of using systems and her interesting take on what good systems look like in a law practice. We talked about the best tools to store SOPs, and why she's exploring the use of a popular tool called Notion (and why I recommended she think that decision through carefully). In this episode, you will...
info_outline
302: Photographic Memory: A Skill You Didn't Know You Had
The 80/20 Principle
In this episode, you'll learn that you have a photographic memory without knowing it. Just like Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton who can remember names and faces instantly, which helps him recall details about jury pool members, even groups of 50 to 75 people. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to unlock this skill to remember anything you want to and you'll be completely astonished. In this episode, you will hear: Unlocking the potential of photographic memory through accessible techniques. Exploring the historical and modern relevance of the loci system, dating back to...
info_outline
301: Stop Losing Billable Hours: How AI Simplifies Time-Keeping & Billing for Lawyers
The 80/20 Principle
Nancy Jeng, co-founder of , reveals how passive time-keeping is changing the game for lawyers—capturing billable hours with zero effort and tailoring entries to your style. Learn how this AI-powered tool integrates seamlessly with Clio, Microsoft, and more, while offering surprising benefits even for lawyers who don’t bill for their time. In this episode, you will hear: The transformative power of AI in legal timekeeping and billing Seamless integration of Billables AI with platforms like Clio, Microsoft, and Google Automation of time capture processes for precise and efficient...
info_outlineToo many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective and how his platform makes it as simple as sending an email. Wilson breaks down the costs, strategies, and formats that help lawyers connect with their ideal clients through the mailbox.
General Resources
- Zair Mail
- Wilson Zehr's LinkedIn Profile
Other Resources
- ChatGPT Lab (a weekly AI workshop for lawyers)
- Apply to join the ChatGPT Lab
- The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
- The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
- The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)
Follow and Review:
I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai
Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.
And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.