The Lawyer's Edge

On The Lawyer's Edge podcast, attorney and professional business coach Elise Holtzman sits down with successful lawyers, legal marketing specialists, business leaders and authors to talk about how lawyers and law firms can grow and sustain healthy, profitable businesses.

Sophie Lechner | Leverage the Power of LinkedIn with The Magnet Model 04/15/2025

Sophie Lechner | Leverage the Power of LinkedIn with The Magnet Model Sophie Lechner is a former practicing lawyer turned business coach, speaker, and author with two decades of LinkedIn expertise. She helps mission-driven professionals turn marketing from a chore into a joy, enabling them to attract clients like a magnet rather than chase them down. Sophie is the creator of The MAGNET Model, a framework that simplifies client attraction and relationship-building on LinkedIn. She has spoken globally, including at Oxford University, and has been featured in Forbes. Her corporate background spans industry leaders such as BP, Pfizer, and Bayer. Sophie recently published her new book, Unlock Your Impact, where she shares her proven client-attraction framework. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ON LINKEDIN STRATEGY FOR LAWYERS Many lawyers feel uneasy about marketing, and even more uncertain about how to use LinkedIn effectively. Misconceptions about self-promotion, limited time, and discomfort with visibility often prevent lawyers from showing up online in a meaningful way. But LinkedIn isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about building genuine relationships, sharing valuable insights, and establishing credibility in the professional community you serve. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Sophie Lechner, a former lawyer and business coach who helps professionals attract clients with purpose and authenticity using her proprietary MAGNET Model. Sophie shares practical, sustainable strategies for lawyers to show up on LinkedIn consistently, whether you're ready to create original content or prefer to engage thoughtfully with others. She also explains how to tailor your presence so it reflects your values, highlights your expertise, and fosters long-term client relationships. 2:10 – Sophie’s international background and transition from lawyer to business coach 5:06 – Why she left law—and how disillusionment led to reinvention 9:22 – Why many lawyers feel uncomfortable marketing themselves 11:33 – Why LinkedIn is the best platform for relationship-based professionals 14:13 – A realistic time commitment for meaningful LinkedIn engagement 17:21 – The power of content curation (if you don’t want to post your own!) 21:46 – The must-have profile updates lawyers often overlook 25:14 – An introduction to The MAGNET Model and what makes it work MENTIONED IN SOPHIE LECHNER | LEVERAGE THE POWER OF LINKEDIN WITH THE MAGNET MODEL | - Sophie Lechner Get connected with the coaching team: SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/36089640

Jennifer Gardner | Using the Art and Science of Influence to Be a More Persuasive Lawyer 04/08/2025

Jennifer Gardner | Using the Art and Science of Influence to Be a More Persuasive Lawyer Jennifer Gardner is a Los Angeles-based trial lawyer and persuasive communications consultant. Her three-decade career spans entertainment litigation, serious criminal cases, and business and real estate disputes. Jennifer teaches high-performing professionals how to grow their influence, impact, and executive presence through her programs The Art of Influence and The Power Lab. She also consults lawyers on courtroom presence and strategic messaging, and delivers CLE workshops including Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins and How You Can Have Bad Facts and Bad Law and Still Win Your Case. She has received Certifications in Influence and Persuasion, Leadership, and Using Neuroscience to Obtain Better Business Results from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE ART AND SCIENCE OF INFLUENCE TO BE A MORE PERSUASIVE LAWYER What separates a good lawyer from a truly persuasive one? According to trial lawyer and communications consultant Jennifer Gardner, it’s the ability to harness both the art and science of influence. Mastering persuasion isn’t just about confidence or charisma, it’s about emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and your ability to create real human connection. Jennifer draws on decades of courtroom experience and advanced training in storytelling, behavior, and communication to help lawyers tap into their full persuasive potential. She shares how legal professionals can elevate their impact by learning to regulate emotions, read others more effectively, and challenge the cultural norms that prioritize intellect over influence. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge Podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Jennifer about how to become a more powerful communicator, why emotions drive decision-making, and what it takes to lead in a way that’s both strategic and authentic. 2:03 – What sparked Jennifer’s pursuit of influence and persuasion 4:49 – How early messaging shaped her sense of power and self-expression 7:23 – The neuroscience behind why storytelling works 10:02 – Lawyers as leaders and why emotions matter more than logic 11:53 – Why Jennifer launched The Art of Influence and The Power Lab 14:02 – Cultural programming and lawyers’ resistance to emotion 17:01 – How to start developing persuasive power 20:23 – What marketers know about influence that lawyers need to learn Mentioned In Using the Art and Science of Influence to Be a More Persuasive Lawyer | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… This episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of the team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/36006975

Coaching for Lawyers: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Works 04/01/2025

Coaching for Lawyers: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Works Coaching is often misunderstood in the legal profession. It’s not about giving advice, cheerleading, or fixing a problem. It’s about creating space for clarity, growth, and meaningful change. In this solo episode, Elise Holtzman shares what lawyers need to know about professional coaching, including how it works, when it’s most effective, and how law firms are using it to support top talent. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise draws on her experience as a certified coach and former practicing attorney as she explains how coaching helps high-performing lawyers overcome both internal and external barriers, sharpen leadership and business development skills, and follow through on the goals that matter most. She also outlines what a typical coaching engagement looks like, what results attorneys can realistically expect, and why experience inside the legal profession makes such a difference in the coaching relationship. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT COACHING FOR LAWYERS 1:14 – Why this episode is all about answering lawyers’ most common coaching questions 2:00 – What coaching really is—and how it helps you clarify goals and overcome obstacles 4:27 – Coaching vs. consulting, mentoring, and training: Understanding the differences 6:25 – The importance of customization and implementation in coaching 7:57 – Is coaching a licensed profession? What credentials actually mean 12:24 – Who coaching is really for, and why top lawyers are increasingly embracing it 14:17 – How coaching engagements typically work at The Lawyer’s Edge 19:37 – What kind of results can you expect from coaching (and what to avoid) 22:30 – Why coaching lawyers requires legal industry experience 26:03 – How to explore coaching for yourself or your team MENTIONED IN COACHING FOR LAWYERS: WHAT IT IS, WHAT IT ISN’T, AND WHY IT WORKS Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… This episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm that has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of the team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach—and either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with your coach, . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35878365

Pat Gillette | Just Ask! How Women Can Succeed as Rainmakers AND Law Firm Leaders 03/18/2025

Pat Gillette | Just Ask! How Women Can Succeed as Rainmakers AND Law Firm Leaders Pat Gillette is one of the country’s leading voices on gender equity in the legal profession. A seasoned employment litigator, rainmaker, and law firm leader, Pat spent 40 years in practice before shifting her focus to empowering women lawyers through speaking, writing, and consulting. She is a sought-after advisor on advancing women and diverse attorneys in leadership and business development. During her legal career, Pat was recognized as a top employment litigator and trial lawyer by Chambers and other industry rankings. She served as a rainmaker and firm leader before leaving Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in 2015 to devote herself to changing the legal landscape for women. She also joined JAMS as a mediator, bringing her deep expertise to complex employment disputes. Pat is the author of Rainmakers: Born or Bred, a research-based exploration of the characteristics that drive successful business development in law firms. Beyond her work in practice, she co-founded the Opt-In Project, a national initiative designed to increase the retention and advancement of women in law firms. She was also part of the 2016 Diversity Lab Hackathon team that developed the Mansfield Rule. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT WOMEN AS RAINMAKERS AND LAW FIRM LEADERS For many women in Biglaw, the message has long been you can be a rainmaker or a leader, but not both. Pat Gillette disagrees. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise Holtzman sits down with Pat Gillette to discuss why women lawyers must advocate for themselves, step into leadership, and take control of their careers. Drawing on her decades of experience and groundbreaking research on rainmakers, Pat unpacks the systemic barriers that hold women back, the myths about business development, and the practical strategies women can use to break through. She shares why firms must do more than talk about diversity—they must remove the structural obstacles that keep women from developing business and taking on leadership roles. She also reveals how women can successfully build books of business while balancing other responsibilities. 2:02 – Pat’s legal career and why she transitioned from practice to advocacy 6:21 – The slow evolution of gender equity in law firms—and what still needs to change 8:09 – The hidden structural barriers that impact women’s rainmaking potential 10:55 – How the Mansfield Rule is redefining leadership opportunities in law firms 14:00 – The biggest misconception about business development—and why women are built for it 19:36 – How prioritization and compartmentalization are key to long-term success 22:43 – Why women must actively seek mentorship and sponsorship 27:05 – The simple but powerful career advice Pat gives every woman lawyer: Just ask! MENTIONED IN JUST ASK! HOW WOMEN CAN SUCCEED AS RAINMAKERS AND LAW FIRM LEADERS | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35725760

Denise Baker | Leading a Law Firm: Hot Topics, Tough Calls, and Leadership Lessons 03/11/2025

Denise Baker | Leading a Law Firm: Hot Topics, Tough Calls, and Leadership Lessons Denise Baker is a Co-Managing Partner of one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious firms, WeirFoulds. In addition to that role, she advises on complex municipal and land use planning law issues that appear before multiple courts and tribunals. She also participates in mediations and negotiations to effectively resolve disputes before they get to court. Denise chairs numerous land use and municipal law-related committees, including serving as a past chair of the municipal law section of the Ontario Bar Association. She speaks frequently for organizations like the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and the Ontario Bar Association, and has been teaching land use law for years. She’s repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada, in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and is ranked by Chambers Canada. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEADING A LAW FIRM As a managing partner of a law firm who still maintains a busy legal practice, you often have to wear many hats, such as leading your firm, making critical decisions, managing different personalities, and ensuring top-tier client service. Connecting with peers who share similar challenges can be invaluable. This is what drew Denise Baker to the Managing Partner Forum’s conference at the end of 2024, where she and Elise Holtzman, the host of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, met as faculty members. In this episode, Elise speaks with Denise about the pressing issues, tough decisions, and key leadership lessons she has encountered as a law firm leader. Denise discusses the challenges of training and motivating lawyers, the evolving role of AI in legal practice, the decision to adopt a co-managing partner structure, and the critical importance of addressing toxic behavior within a firm. 3:36 – Key issues that managing partners and law firm leaders face today 6:13 – Use of AI and the importance of carefully weaving it into legal practices 11:48 – Why WeirFoulds decided to adopt the fairly new co-managing partner framework 15:41 – The importance of balancing management responsibilities while in a busy practice 17:28 – How Denise has evolved as a leader since becoming co-managing partner 19:56 – The challenge of managing difficult people and why dealing with toxic behavior in your firm is a necessity 31:01 – Denise’s final piece of advice that can pay dividends for your organization’s culture MENTIONED IN LEADING A LAW FIRM: HOT TOPICS, TOUGH CALLS, AND LEADERSHIP LESSONS | | | | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35578045

Christa Brown-Sanford | Why Staying True to Your Mission Is Crucial to Achieving Rainmaker Success 03/04/2025

Christa Brown-Sanford | Why Staying True to Your Mission Is Crucial to Achieving Rainmaker Success Christa Brown-Sanford is a partner at Baker Botts in Dallas and chair of its Intellectual Property department. She also serves on the firm’s Executive and Diversity and Inclusion committees and is an adjunct professor at SMU’s Dedman School of Law, where she speaks regularly on patent matters. At every stage, she provides guidance on patent procurement, patent portfolio development, patent litigation, and patent licensing–particularly involving cutting-edge technologies in telecommunications, blockchain, electronics, AI, semiconductors, software, and personal mobility. Outside of the office, Christa is actively involved in several organizations in the Dallas community. She’s a member of the Charter 100 and Charity Crystal Ball, serves on the advisory board for the State Fair of Texas and the Innovation Council for Southern Methodist University, and serves on the boards of SMU, SMU's Dedman School of Law, Rice University George R. Brown School of Engineering, the Baylor Scott & White Foundation, and New Friends New Life (an organization focused on empowering trafficked women and girls). She was also the President of the Junior League of Dallas during the League's Centennial year and was recently honored as a top rainmaker by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA). WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT ACHIEVING RAINMAKER SUCCESS Today, it’s common for lawyers to move from firm to firm in search of better opportunities. Whether you’re staying put for the long haul or keeping your options open, staying connected to your core motivators and mission can be the key to long-term success—both as a partner and a rainmaker. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Christa Sanford, Partner and Intellectual Property Chair at Baker Botts, to talk about the impact of leading with purpose. Christa shares her journey to leadership, her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding legal practice with one’s personal life—and why staying true to her mission has made all the difference. 2:34 – Why Christa has remained at Baker Botts long-term and what’s driven her to take on so many roles 8:57 – The biggest key to Christa developing her business and how she became aware of the rainmaking space 14:31 – The rewards of investing time, money, and energy into business development 17:26 – The factors that helped Christa evolve and step into leadership 21:32 – The low point that changed Christa’s approach to failure and perfectionism in business development 28:01 – The challenges Christa faced on her journey to partner and rainmaker as a mom of three young kids 32:25 – Practical advice for building strong client relationships MENTIONED IN WHY STAYING TRUE TO YOUR MISSION IS CRUCIAL TO ACHIEVING RAINMAKER SUCCESS | | | | | | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35482360

Katie Schwarting | The Surprising Habits of a Successful Rainmaker 02/25/2025

Katie Schwarting | The Surprising Habits of a Successful Rainmaker Katie Schwarting is a real estate lawyer and partner at in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her practice focuses on commercial mortgage-backed securities such as conduit and single asset, single borrower and Freddie Mac securitizations, and collateralized loan obligations. She works with servicers and special servicers on legal issues regarding asset management, compliance, default strategies, audit, and regulatory and disclosure requirements. Away from the office, Katie serves on the board of trustees for the Charlotte Museum of History as vice chair. She’s also a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association Commercial Board of Governors and serves on the advisory board for Duke University Alumni Giving. Recently, she was honored alongside a small group of private practice lawyers as a top rainmaker by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA). WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL RAINMAKER Building and maintaining a large client base as a team leader and successful rainmaker requires more than just great legal work. It demands a willingness to learn, adapt, and implement business development strategies—some of which might look very different from what worked in the past. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Katie Schwarting, a real estate lawyer and partner at Seyfarth Shaw, about the not-so-obvious habits that helped her grow and sustain a thriving book of business. Katie shares how she got started with networking to land her first client, how she takes the pressure off potential clients, and how she balances growth with retention—ensuring she doesn’t lose existing clients while bringing in new ones. Plus, she reveals what it takes to build a powerhouse team and why leadership plays a critical role in rainmaking. 2:20 – Why Katie prioritized business development while growing her legal practice 4:13 – How becoming a rainmaker opened doors to leadership, management, and firm-wide impact 9:44 – The role of listening in Katie’s approach to business development 11:33 – How to maximize conferences and networking opportunities to attract new clients 18:14 – The one thing Katie never does when meeting a potential client—and why it reflects an abundant mindset 22:02 – What it takes to build a book of business as a team, rather than as a solo effort 26:26 – How to strike a balance between attracting new clients and nurturing long-term relationships 33:10 – The unique challenges and opportunities of being a rainmaker as a woman and/or person of color 38:19 – Why intentionality is the key to long-term success in business development MENTIONED IN THE SURPRISING HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL RAINMAKER | | | | | | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35378540

You Made Partner—Now What? How to Succeed in Your New Role 02/18/2025

You Made Partner—Now What? How to Succeed in Your New Role Making partner at your firm is a significant milestone, but successfully transitioning from associate or counsel to partner isn’t automatic. It requires a mindset shift, strategic planning, and the development of new skills to ensure long-term success. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman shares six actionable tips to help you navigate this pivotal career transition. She discusses how to embrace your new leadership role, manage the responsibilities of partnership, and position yourself for success. Whether you’ve recently been promoted, are preparing for the next step, or are simply curious about what partnership entails, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU MAKE PARTNER 3:27 – Why understanding your compensation structure is crucial after making partner 5:31 – The fundamental shift in your role as a partner—and how to prepare for it 7:40 – A critical step to take immediately to set yourself up for success 10:50 – The essential mindset shift from service provider to business owner 14:52 – How to manage new time commitments and proactively master time management 19:47 – Why understanding your firm’s revenue model is vital for your long-term success 22:26 – How to develop leadership and business development skills to excel in your new role MENTIONED IN YOU MADE PARTNER—NOW WHAT? HOW TO SUCCEED IN YOUR NEW ROLE Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35264135

Molly Kremer | Stop Losing Billable Time! A Guide to Higher Hours and Lower Stress 02/11/2025

Molly Kremer | Stop Losing Billable Time! A Guide to Higher Hours and Lower Stress Molly Kremer is a certified life coach and former Biglaw litigator. As a high-achieving lawyer for 16 years, she made mistakes in how she approached billing her time which resulted in unintended and unsatisfactory outcomes. When she pursued her life coaching certification in 2021, she started understanding the real reasons behind her unhelpful billing practices and retrained herself to bill more consistently and contemporaneously. Now as a billing coach, Molly helps attorneys go from stressfully struggling with their billing (and hating the process) to finally solving all of their unhelpful billing habits. Through her proven models and strategies, her clients effortlessly keep track of their hours and earn more money while reducing stress and anxiety. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HOW TO STOP LOSING BILLABLE TIME! It’s the end of the month, and you haven’t billed your time. You can’t remember which case or client you worked on and for how long, and you are feeling all kinds of anxious and perhaps even working overtime to make up for untracked time. For many lawyers, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario, it’s a recurring nightmare. The billing struggle is real, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in this cycle forever. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Molly Kremer, a former Biglaw litigator turned life and billing coach, about how to capture and count more of your billable time, so you can increase your earnings, reclaim your time, and build confidence in your practice. Molly shares why so many attorneys develop unhelpful billing habits, the most common struggles lawyers face, and how shifting your approach to billing can impact both your productivity and your peace of mind. She also offers practical strategies to help you get off the billing struggle bus for good. 2:18 – What inspired Molly to transition from litigator to billing coach for attorneys 6:24 – The most common billing struggles lawyers face—and why they persist 12:12 – How Molly helps attorneys uncover hidden reasons behind their billing challenges and create lasting change 16:02 – The role of mindset and self-discipline in achieving billing success 22:40 – The long-term benefits Molly has seen in attorneys who have transformed their billing habits 25:32 – A simple but crucial reminder from Molly that every lawyer needs to hear MENTIONED IN A GUIDE TO HIGHER HOURS AND LOWER STRESS | | | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35224055

Priyanka Timblo | From Outsider to First Chair: The Evolution of a Top-Tier Trial Lawyer 02/04/2025

Priyanka Timblo | From Outsider to First Chair: The Evolution of a Top-Tier Trial Lawyer Priyanka Timblo is a partner at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg, a New York-based litigation boutique. Her practice focuses on trials and high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration, primarily antitrust and breach of contract. She represents several large companies in antitrust trials and arbitration, such as the payment card network Visa and the video game developer and digital distributor company Valve. As a first-generation lawyer, Priyanka spent much of her childhood growing up in Goa, India. She also spent part of her childhood in Canada and has won numerous accolades for her work, including Bloomberg Law’s 40 Under 40 list and Benchmark Litigation’s Future Star Recognition. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF A TOP-TIER TRIAL LAWYER Women have made great strides in the legal profession, but few are found in high-stakes trial practice. Priyanka Timblo is often the only female trial lawyer in the courtroom for her cases — and almost always the only lawyer of color. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Priyanka Timblo, partner at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg, about her journey from outsider to partner in a prestigious law firm. Priyanka shares how opportunity and preparation have shaped her career, the critical role of teamwork in trial law, and the challenges and impact of being a woman and person of color in the courtroom. 2:08 – How Priyanka’s unique background and upbringing influenced her career 7:06 – What attracted Priyanka to trial law and how she knew it was her calling 10:14 – How Priyanka created opportunities for herself and got her big break at Holwell Shuster & Goldberg 13:35 – A crucial skill for trial lawyers that sets them apart from others 15:44 – The value of teamwork in trial law and why it feels like preparing for battle 19:20 – Developing leadership skills to guide trial teams effectively 23:10 – Navigating the challenges of being a trial lawyer as a woman and person of color 26:17 – The importance of external visibility for lawyers beyond the courtroom 28:44 – Why part of a trial lawyer’s job is to put everyone at ease in the courtroom and appear confident MENTIONED IN THE EVOLUTION OF A TOP-TIER TRIAL LAWYER | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35098460

Amanda Sexton | Creating Content That Converts 01/28/2025

Amanda Sexton | Creating Content That Converts Amanda Sexton is the founder and CEO of . Her agency uses the power of digital marketing to grow law firms through content that converts. For 15 years, she has shaped brand development, created award-winning content, and helped service providers like law firms create successful marketing campaigns. Amanda is also president of New Jersey Legal Industry Providers and a director at large for the Legal Marketing Association’s northeast regional board. In addition, she speaks frequently for industry conferences such as the ABA TechShow and the Legal Marketing Association’s National Conference. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT CREATING CONTENT THAT CONVERTS Like any business, law firms have unique marketing needs. Yet, law degrees rarely come with a focus on marketing education. Combine this with the fast-changing nature of digital marketing and the countless investment options available, and it’s easy to see why many legal professionals feel overwhelmed. The result? Noise. In an industry where the focus is often squarely on serving clients, it’s challenging for lawyers and legal organizations to cut through the clutter and craft content that resonates with the clients they want to serve. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman talks with Amanda Sexton, founder of FocusWorks Marketing, about how lawyers and their firms can overcome the overwhelm and develop content that attracts ideal clients. Amanda shares insights on what to consider before making marketing decisions, key metrics to track success, strategies for creating content that converts, and much more. 2:36 – The meaning behind Amanda's tagline “Content that converts,” its relevance for law firms, and why digital marketing can feel overwhelming for lawyers 6:32 – The array of marketing expertise available and how to navigate it 8:55 – Essential considerations for deciding where to allocate your firm’s marketing resources 11:03 – Establishing a marketing budget, critical numbers to monitor, and ongoing challenges in marketing 15:07 – Effective content strategies for law firms and a major missed opportunity many firms overlook 18:10 – Discovering what sets your firm apart and leveraging LinkedIn effectively 21:45 – Identifying what prospective clients need to hear to take the next step 25:07 – How law firms can support their marketing teams to achieve broader organizational goals 31:04 – Metrics to regularly review for evaluating marketing effectiveness 35:08 – Examples of evaluating and adjusting marketing strategies based on results 36:40 – A simple but impactful idea that could improve your marketing outcomes by up to 60% 38:23 – Amanda’s fundamental advice for creating content that converts: balancing professionalism with authenticity MENTIONED IN CREATING CONTENT THAT CONVERTS | | | | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting .https://thelawyersedge.com/podcast/amanda-sexton-content-that-convertshttps://thelawyersedge.com/podcast/amanda-sexton-content-that-converts /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/35036445

Hieu Williams | Accelerate Your Career Growth with the Power of Questions 01/21/2025

Hieu Williams | Accelerate Your Career Growth with the Power of Questions Hieu Williams is a partner with , an employment law boutique she also helps manage in San Francisco. She regularly defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, breach of contract, and wage and hour class action violations. Her employment law experience includes representing organizations, executives, and supervisors from various industries such as healthcare, education, food and beverage, and non-profit organizations. Hieu has successfully represented clients in state and federal court, as well as before numerous agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In addition to being an experienced litigator, she provides advice and counseling to her clients, which includes drafting employee handbooks, policies and developing best practices, conducting harassment and management training sessions, and performing workplace investigations. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE POWER OF QUESTIONS There’s plenty of power in questioning—both yourself and others. Often, creating a successful path means piecing it together yourself, as many first-generation Americans like Hieu Williams know all too well. It all begins with the courage to ask. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Hieu Williams, partner at Hirschfeld Kraemer, to discuss her remarkable journey from junior lawyer to partner, leader, and rainmaker. Hieu reflects on how her experience as a first-generation American has shaped her career, the transformative role of mentors and sponsors, her impactful participation in the , and how asking the right questions has propelled her growth. 2:10 – Hieu’s background, its influence on her decisions, and why she chose employment law over other careers 6:40 – What drives Hieu to manage Hirschfeld Kraemer’s San Francisco office while juggling other responsibilities 11:08 – How sponsors and mentors have been pivotal in Hieu’s development as a lawyer and leader 13:41 – Why Hieu joined the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator and how it shaped her perspective 18:41 – How the program has transformed Hieu’s approach to her career and leadership 23:24 – The value of asking questions throughout Hieu’s journey and how her approach has evolved over time MENTIONED IN ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH WITH THE POWER OF QUESTIONS Get Connected with The Coaching Team at /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/34931200

Elise Holtzman | How to Get the Most ROI From Your Next Conference 01/14/2025

Elise Holtzman | How to Get the Most ROI From Your Next Conference Many lawyers dismiss conferences as a drain on time and money. And frankly, they’re right—unless you know how to make the most of them. With the right approach, conferences can transform from missed opportunities into a cornerstone of your business development strategy. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman shares actionable insights on how to unlock the full potential of industry conferences. She provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap for maximizing every phase of the event, ensuring your efforts yield measurable results. Discover how to turn conference attendance into a powerful tool for rainmaking and client attraction. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT GETTING THE MOST ROI FROM CONFERENCES 2:29 - Two primary reasons why conferences are worth attending from a business development perspective 5:46 - Some of the potential downsides to attending industry conferences and why it’s worth looking at this issue 7:53 - Intentional questions to ask yourself before going to your next conference so you can wring every bit of value possible out of attending 13:32 - How to create a timeline and take action before the conference (and how most approach this incorrectly) 18:28 - The importance of setting aside time to recharge (especially if you’re an introvert) 20:38 - Timeline creation and actions to consider taking during your next conference (including how to exit uncomfortable conversations gracefully) 23:03 - How to handle the aftermath of a conference and why people lose a tremendous amount of opportunity at this stage 26:14 - A consideration once you determine a conference is a good fit for you and a brief word about raising your profile at conferences MENTIONED IN HOW TO GET THE MOST ROI FROM YOUR NEXT CONFERENCE Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/34777295

Ben Chiriboga | How the Evolution of Technology Is Changing Legal 01/07/2025

Ben Chiriboga | How the Evolution of Technology Is Changing Legal Ben Chiriboga left the law firm lawyer track at the young age of 30, choosing instead to set out on a journey to find his unique place in law. Eventually, he found it in legal tech, which led him to become a legal tech executive with . Nexl is a legal tech company that helps law firms grow by uniting marketers, business development, and lawyers all on one platform. As its Chief Growth Officer, Ben helps the company grow and creates content about the changing nature of legal culture through his . WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF LEGAL TECHNOLOGY Legal careers are shaped by a variety of factors: cultural influences, strategic timing, personal ambition, and the ability to recognize and seize emerging opportunities. These same elements can also lead to unexpected yet rewarding paths. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, host Elise Holtzman interviews Ben Chiriboga, Chief Growth Officer at Nexl, who transitioned from a traditional legal career to a leadership role in the cutting-edge world of legal technology. Ben shares the key influences that guided his journey, the significance of embracing technological evolution within the legal profession, and how next-generation tools like Nexl are transforming law firms by fostering collaboration and firm-wide growth. 2:12 - Ben’s legal journey and what he originally thought he’d do with a law degree 5:34 - The watershed moment that led to Ben’s big decision to move away from the law firm environment 9:09 - How Ben sees himself as similar to or different from most lawyers in thinking and perspective 12:34 - Ben’s start in legal tech and how that led to where he is now 16:36 - Why Nexl represents the new evolutionary wave of legal technology 22:02 - The challenge that Nexl solves for people and benefits from the solutions it provides 27:45: - What might happen to law firms who wait to adopt or evolve their legal tech 32:02 - An obvious but important thing to remember about technology and innovation, change, and evolution in the legal industry MENTIONED IN HOW THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING LEGAL | Access Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration is now underway for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/34489995

Lucille Karp | Risk, Balance, and Leadership: Insights from a Law Firm General Counsel 10/28/2024

Lucille Karp | Risk, Balance, and Leadership: Insights from a Law Firm General Counsel Lucille Karp is a partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, a New Jersey-based firm with 140 practicing lawyers across 13 offices in nine states. She serves as the firm’s General Counsel, co-chair of the transactional group, and co-chair of the hiring committee. Lucy earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University’s College of Engineering and her JD from Widener University School of Law. Her legal practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, including office, industrial, and retail leasing, as well as acquisitions, dispositions, and real estate financings. Her corporate experience spans M&A, financings, and general corporate counseling. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM GENERAL COUNSEL The role of law firm General Counsel requires a careful balance of legal expertise, risk management, and leadership. Gaining insight from someone with real-world experience can provide valuable perspective on navigating and succeeding in this unique position. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, host Elise Holtzman talks with Lucille Karp, Partner and General Counsel at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter. Lucy shares her journey to becoming General Counsel, the key skills that help her effectively manage risk, and how she balances her responsibilities. She also offers practical advice for lawyers interested in pursuing a similar path, emphasizing the importance of sound decision-making and leadership in law firm management. 2:04 – Lucy shares how she became General Counsel in 2018 and how she would define the responsibilities of her role. 7:43 – Key areas that General Counsels need to fully understand to be effective in their position. 10:15 – How Lucy balances the demands of her various roles within and outside the firm. 13:14 – The potential risks law firms face with AI, and how managing partners or committees can collaborate more effectively with General Counsel. 16:30 – Lucy’s approach to navigating difficult conversations and maintaining strong relationships as General Counsel. 19:00 – The essential skills and traits for private practice lawyers aiming to step into the role of General Counsel. 25:37 – Where General Counsels can find educational resources and support. 28:59 – Lucy’s straightforward yet crucial advice for lawyers on managing risk effectively. MENTIONED IN RISK, BALANCE, AND LEADERSHIP: INSIGHTS FROM A LAW FIRM GENERAL COUNSEL Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/33598902

Joshua Wurtzel | How to Get Started as a Rainmaker - And Succeed! 10/15/2024

Joshua Wurtzel | How to Get Started as a Rainmaker - And Succeed! Joshua Wurtzel is a commercial and real estate litigation partner at , a Manhattan boutique law firm that represents businesses, non-profits, and individuals in complex and corporate matters. He has successfully represented public and private companies and prominent individuals in both federal and state court. With his focus on aggressive litigation and his ability to develop creative and novel solutions to complex disputes, he brings a unique, out-of-the-box perspective to his clients’ most pressing legal needs. Before joining Schlam Stone & Dolan, Josh was an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in its Securities Litigation and Corporate Governance group. He also previously worked as an intern for the Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto of the Eastern District of New York. He’s a regular contributor to several legal publications (such as the New York Law Journal) and lectures on cutting-edge legal issues in the commercial real estate sector. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HOW TO GET STARTED AS A RAINMAKER - AND SUCCEED! Bringing new clients into a law firm not only drives a law firm’s growth, but can also provide you with greater professional autonomy and an increased ability to call the shots in your own career. Despite the clear benefits to becoming a consistent business developer, many lawyers don’t pursue business development success or struggle to achieve it. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Joshua Wurtzel, a commercial and real estate litigation partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan LLP, to discuss his experience with building a book of business. Josh shares the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming a rainmaker and explains how networking and coaching have been instrumental in refining his approach to business development, team-building, and client relationships. 2:50 - Why Josh decided to start building his book of business and the early challenges and successes he encountered 6:22 - The impact of developing his book of business on Josh’s approach to client relationships 9:18 - How Josh landed his first clients and honed his networking skills 11:42 - The importance of building trust over time and different strategies for developing lasting relationships 15:22 - The business development challenges that Josh continues to focus on overcoming 18:23 - How Josh has adapted his business development strategies over time and why he prioritizes business development 25:02 - How Josh maintains the momentum of his business development efforts when immediate results don’t materialize 28:07 - The importance of building a team to support business development and manage client relationships 33:59 - Advice for associates, counsel, and junior partners looking to start building their own book of business and advance in their careers 38:29 - The role of self-confidence and belief in your success as a lawyer and aspiring rainmaker MENTIONED IN HOW TO GET STARTED AS A RAINMAKER - AND SUCCEED! | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/33453077

Terri Adler | How to Build a Thriving Boutique in a BigLaw World 10/08/2024

Terri Adler | How to Build a Thriving Boutique in a BigLaw World Terri Adler is a visionary leader and creative attorney who focuses on the commercial real estate industry. As the Managing Partner of Adler & Stachenfeld, a boutique real estate law firm in New York City with nearly 50 attorneys, Terri has guided the firm’s growth to become one of the city’s leading real estate law practices. With a wealth of experience in national and international real estate, Terri specializes in complex joint ventures and corporate real estate transactions. She is a passionate advocate for gender inclusion and mentoring women in the legal profession, helping them define and achieve their own versions of success. Terri was recently named one of Crain’s New York Business Notable Women in Law for 2023, honoring her distinguished career and dedication to civic and philanthropic causes. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING A THRIVING BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM In an increasingly competitive legal landscape, maintaining a successful law practice requires adaptability, a strong culture, and a relentless work ethic. With law firm mergers and closures becoming more frequent, the ability to evolve is more crucial than ever to long-term success. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman speaks with Terri Adler about her career journey, from bucking her family’s expectations for her future to founding one of New York’s top boutique firms. Terri shares insights on building a resilient firm culture, promoting diversity, and leading a successful real estate practice in a rapidly changing industry. She also addresses the challenges of leadership succession and talent retention in today’s legal market. 2:14 - Terri’s background and career journey, from Utah to New York 7:21 - Why Terri chose real estate law and one persistent challenge in the industry 11:11 - How Terri’s leadership style and reputation help her close deals quickly 16:20 - The importance of strong culture and clear values in law firms 21:33 - Leadership succession and talent development challenges in the legal profession 27:39 - Terri’s thoughts on shifts in the legal industry and the impact on lawyers seeking new opportunities 30:58 - How values and purpose drive the survival of smaller law firms 35:15 - One essential lesson Terri learned as an ambitious, driven lawyer that you need to hear MENTIONED IN HOW TO BUILD A THRIVING BOUTIQUE IN A BIGLAW WORLD Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. Early Bird Registration will be opening this fall for our 2025 Ignite cohorts. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/33362887

Elise Holtzman | 3 Essential Pillars of Business Development for Lawyers 09/10/2024

Elise Holtzman | 3 Essential Pillars of Business Development for Lawyers Business development can often feel daunting. Even lawyers who recognize its importance frequently grapple with where to begin and how to execute effectively. Without a well-defined strategy, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and ultimately disengage from the process. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman breaks down the process with her 3 Pillars of Business Development—a proven, straightforward framework that gives attorneys the clarity, tools, and focus necessary to build a thriving book of business. By applying these pillars, you'll be able to channel your time and energy into high-impact activities, making business development less intimidating and far more rewarding. Tune in to discover how you can make BD a manageable and achievable part of your practice—and start seeing the results you’ve been aiming for. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR LAWYERS 1:48 - Four reasons why I developed the three pillars of business development success and a quick rundown of what they are 10:30 - How to actively nurture and grow relationships with clients and prospects 13:12 - How to establish credibility and position yourself as an authority in your field 16:58 - The three Ts of leadership advancement and how they contribute to effective business development in legal 23:29 - How to use the pillars to grow and advance into a consistent business developer or rainmaker for your law firm 28:30 - The curse of knowledge about business development I have that I want to share with you MENTIONED IN 3 ESSENTIAL PILLARS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR LAWYERS | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32973112

Morris Tabush & Darragh Fitzpatrick | Finding Clarity Amidst Law Firm Technology Overload 09/03/2024

Morris Tabush & Darragh Fitzpatrick | Finding Clarity Amidst Law Firm Technology Overload Morris Tabush is a community activist, tech hobbyist, and serial entrepreneur. Growing up passionate about technology and helping others, he turned that passion into a business in 2000 by founding the with a mission to simplify IT for businesses. He oversees all aspects of the firm’s business and focuses on delivering outstanding service to clients. Darragh Fitzpatrick was born in Limerick, Ireland. As a teenager, he aspired to help business owners solve their issues more efficiently. He earned his BSC in computer science, worked in IT for over 20 years, and focused on understanding the business value of technology, particularly for small businesses. A chance meeting with Morris led to their partnership at Tabush Group, where Darragh serves as its executive vice president. Together, they built the company on the principle of providing IT solutions that align with clients’ values and business needs. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LAW FIRM TECHNOLOGY OVERLOAD In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, the adoption of technology is no longer a choice, but a necessity for law firms striving to stay competitive. However, the abundance of available tools can make it difficult to choose the right technology without compromising your firm’s culture or client relationships. Navigating this complex landscape requires a thoughtful approach that balances innovation with the core values of your practice. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman hosts Morris Tabush, Founder of the Tabush Group, and Darragh Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President, to discuss the critical technological issues legal organizations face. Together, they explore the foundational technologies that every firm should implement, analyze the trends that are reshaping the industry, and consider the impact of AI on the future of legal practice. 2:11 - How Tabush Group provides IT solutions for businesses and the technology trends they see in the legal industry right now 7:50 - The appetite in the legal community for implementing what’s technologically available for better decision-making purposes 11:32 - Essential systems law firms need in order to have a solid technological foundation and cybersecurity considerations for your organization 16:40 - What the next level looks like for a law firm leader who has all the foundational tools in place 23:13 - Why you shouldn’t be worried about the cloud and the AI bubble we’re living in right now 27:56 - What firms are currently using AI for and the next step to using AI in legal organizations 32:03 - Upcoming technology that’s going to help law firms do more with less 37:32 - Final pieces of advice from Darragh and Morris that people in law firms need to hear MENTIONED IN FINDING CLARITY AMIDST LAW FIRM TECHNOLOGY OVERLOAD Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32812357

Amanda Koplos | How Legal Administrators Help Unlock Your Law Firm’s Potential 08/27/2024

Amanda Koplos | How Legal Administrators Help Unlock Your Law Firm’s Potential Amanda Koplos is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Central Florida-based law firm . She has 20 years of experience in various law firm leadership positions and currently serves as the president of the (ALA). ALA is a premier professional association with 9,500 members that exists to connect, educate, and empower leaders and managers within the legal industry. In her spare time, Amanda is also the co-host of . The show is dedicated to bringing awareness to the legal management profession through chats with the heroes of high-performing law firms. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEGAL ADMINISTRATORS UNLOCKING YOUR LAW FIRM’S POTENTIAL Today’s law firm leaders know that running a law firm requires more than simply hiring skilled attorneys and doing superior legal work. The challenge is that most lawyers weren’t taught the skills necessary to run a modern law firm, particularly in a highly competitive marketplace. Enter professional legal administrators… In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman and her guest Amanda Koplos, President of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and COO of Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson, explore the many positive impacts made by legal administrative professionals, from economics to culture. Amanda shares best practices in running a law firm and details actionable advice for law firm leaders who are truly ready to run a law firm like a business. 1:22 - What the legal management profession is all about and how Amanda’s role has changed 7:10 - Shifts on the horizon and why technology is no longer a mere tool but a crucial component of law firm operations 14:36 - Advice for anyone wanting to enter legal management or wanting to hire a legal manager 20:21 - Who typically joins the Association of Legal Administrators and reasons to become a member 23:45 - Essential skills and attributes to look for in legal managers you want to hire (particularly in small to mid-sized firms) 27:45 - How lawyers can make a legal manager’s job easier and the benefit for smaller firms in hiring fractional COOs or consultants 32:42 - The curse of looking at your law firm as a business MENTIONED IN HOW LEGAL ADMINISTRATORS HELP UNLOCK YOUR LAW FIRM’S POTENTIAL | | by Shaun Jardine | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32592727

Laura Leopard | How to Leverage Data to Help Your Law Firm Grow 08/20/2024

Laura Leopard | How to Leverage Data to Help Your Law Firm Grow Laura Leopard is the co-founder and General Manager of , the largest law firm data platform serving the legal industry with actionable intelligence and insights on more than 5,500 law firms worldwide and 6,800 U.S. corporate legal departments. She has spearheaded Leopard Solutions’ growth and development over the company's 18-year history, and she continues to push the envelope, designing new systems, business intelligence programs, and data points for its expanding client base. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Laura is a passionate advocate for diversity and women in law. She is frequently quoted in the media, and her commentary has appeared in sources such as Law 360, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and Bloomberg Law. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEVERAGING DATA TO HELP YOUR LAW FIRM Are you using hard data to make decisions for your law firm or are you doing what feels right? There is a tremendous amount of information available to law firm leaders these days, so it makes sense for you to learn about what’s available and how to use data to make decisions that will help your firm grow and thrive in a very competitive marketplace. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman interviews Laura Leopard, the Co-Founder and General Manager of Leopard Solutions, about her long career in the world of data intelligence for the legal industry. Laura discusses the types of data that are available to law firms and other legal organizations as well as the importance of using data to make informed choices about everything from financial decisions to how to embrace and address issues of diversity and inclusion. 1:36 - How Laura got into the world of data intelligence and started applying them exclusively to legal 7:47 - The kind of clients that Leopard Solutions works with and some of the ways in which they use data 12:12 - What prompted the move to put diversity information in the database and the approach to obtaining and safeguarding the data 16:21 - Why Laura decided to align with SurePoint after nearly 20 years of working independently 20:06 - The platforms available to help law firms make data-driven decisions and solve business problems 29:51 - How you can use data to help achieve success in retaining and promoting women and ethnically diverse people in the legal industry 36:16 - The importance of believing in the numbers when making decisions and openness to new ways of driving growth and success MENTIONED IN HOW TO LEVERAGE DATA TO HELP YOUR LAW FIRM GROW | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32592077

Michael Ellenhorn & Julie Henson | Grow Your Law Firm Through Strategic Lateral Hiring 08/13/2024

Michael Ellenhorn & Julie Henson | Grow Your Law Firm Through Strategic Lateral Hiring Michael Ellenhorn founded to help clients create safer, more productive, and more profitable workplaces through reliable investigative intelligence. He counsels clients on mitigating risks associated with the hiring process and is a frequent speaker on the topic of lateral hiring, integration, and talent acquisition strategy. Under his leadership, Decipher has been recognized by St. Louis Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” and honored for his innovation in corporate philanthropy. As Chief Growth Officer at Decipher, Julie Henson empowers law firms to make strategic growth decisions. Whether it’s lateral hiring, exploring new markets, or seizing M&A opportunities, she helps firms elevate client service, mitigate risk, boost revenue, and foster vibrant cultures. With more than 20 years of legal industry experience, including in business development strategy and as a Chief Client Officer at an AmLaw 100 firm, she offers unparalleled insights into fostering growth and maximizing potential for law firms and other legal organizations. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT STRATEGIC LATERAL HIRING Did you know that 50% of lateral partner hires fail within a few years? Most law firms are focused on growth, whether it’s through increased head count or better approaches to profitability, but law firms often make decisions based on what feels right. Growth requires a strategic approach, not one based on gut feeling or limited information. Collecting and analyzing data through investigative intelligence helps you make accurate decisions in talent acquisition that also align with your company’s culture. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with the CEO and Chief Growth Officer of Decipher Investigative Intelligence, Michael Ellenhorn and Julie Henson, to talk about the importance of using investigative intelligence in decision-making for growing and sustaining law firms. You’ll learn about various growth strategies, the challenges of integrating lateral partners, avoiding cultural mismatches, and much more! 1:59 - What investigative intelligence is and two ways you can use it to gather the information you need 8:07 - How to define growth and success for your law firm 12:09 - How to start determining the best path for growing through mergers and acquisitions 14:35 - Examples of how cultural divides within a merged organization can create problems 16:52 - Other common mistakes made with lateral hires, mergers, and acquisitions 23:06 - The challenge of finding game-changing lateral partners to fill certain needs in your law firm 25:20 - One way to drastically get ahead of your competition when hiring and how Decipher utilizes information to help 29:11 - Dos and don'ts for successful lateral hiring and integration in your law firm 39:53 - The importance of kindness in your interactions and paying attention to red flags in the hiring process MENTIONED IN GROW YOUR LAW FIRM THROUGH STRATEGIC LATERAL Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32502152

Debbie Foster | The Importance of Leadership AND Management in Law Firms 08/06/2024

Debbie Foster | The Importance of Leadership AND Management in Law Firms Debbie Foster, CEO of , can build relationships with even the most challenging personalities. She is a nationally recognized thought leader on people, strategy, efficiency, and innovation in professional legal organizations. Her first project involving increased efficiency and change management came when she computerized the ordering system in a fine dining restaurant in 1994. She then underwent her first culture project, managing a dry cleaning store chain in 1995. Currently, Debbie consults with law firms across the country, helping them solve their most challenging issues. With more than 20 years of experience, she works with legal firms and departments to help them build a future-proof organization and navigate the ever-changing legal services delivery landscape. She's also very active in the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and the law practice division of the American Bar Association. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN LAW FIRMS “Grow and evolve, or get left behind.” That popular sentiment rings true for both people and organizations. The legal industry is evolving, and law firms must adapt to stay relevant. Leadership development is crucial, and law firms must intentionally cultivate skills and curiosity in their leaders. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting, to talk about the importance of understanding the changing legal landscape and overcoming challenges in leadership and talent retention. Debbie will discuss the difference between leadership and management, the role of vulnerability in leadership, taking small but impactful actions as a leader, and more! 1:36 - How Debbie’s career evolved from selling computers to lawyers to becoming a leader in legal industry transformation 9:04 - What needs to happen in law firms to help with growth and success in management, leadership, and talent retention 14:54 - What law firms should do to help cultivate leadership and management in the people working for their organization 18:34 - Generational differences that exist in workplace expectations and leadership styles 21:05 - How management differs from leadership and why you need to understand the role of each in your law firm 25:31 - What you can do to prepare for the future if you’re not currently in a leadership or management role 29:56 - The importance of intentionality and vulnerability in personal and professional growth 36:01 - The kind of micro relationship-building tactics available to you every day MENTIONED IN THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN LAW FIRMS | | | podcast (previously Culture By Design) podcast Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected] /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32371637

Alé Dalton | Smoothing the Path From First-Generation Professional to BigLaw Partner 07/30/2024

Alé Dalton | Smoothing the Path From First-Generation Professional to BigLaw Partner Alé Dalton is a partner at the national law firm . Working with their Healthcare Practice Group, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, she provides practical advice to clients on a wide range of transactional, operational, and regulatory matters. She also participates in Bradley’s pro bono program and is actively involved in efforts to meet legal service gaps by staffing community legal clinics as part of her practice. Alé grew up in Columbia in South America before immigrating to Tampa, Florida with her family, and the process served as her first exposure to the legal system. Because of her deep care for the future of the legal profession, she mentors junior lawyers and wants to build the kind of law firm where people can happily thrive. In addition, she serves as the chair of the American Health Law Association’s Early Career Professionals Council, vice chair of Bradley’s Lawyers of Color Resource Group, and liaison for Bradley’s Women’s Initiative. Alé graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University. While at Tennessee, she served as the executive editor of the Tennessee Law Review and senior editor of Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law. She also has many philanthropic and professional achievements to her name, such as being recognized as one of Nashville’s “Top 30 Under 30” and the Hispanic National Bar Association’s “Top Lawyers Under 40.” WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT THE PATH FROM FIRST-GENERATION PROFESSIONAL TO PARTNER Feeling like an imposter can be common for young professionals, especially for those who are the first in their families to enter the legal field. How can first-generation professionals more easily navigate their paths forward? In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, Elise Holtzman sits down with Alé Dalton, Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, to explore her path to partnership and the unique challenges faced by first-generation professionals. Alé shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and supportive environments. She also delves into the value of building relationships and maintaining curiosity for young professionals, and offers her perspective on the benefits of specialization in the legal field. 1:33 - Alé’s life-changing path to law school and partnership and how a movie inspired her desire to pursue a career in legal 5:46 - The challenges of being a first-generation professional and how firms, mentors, and other professionals can support them 18:03 - Qualities that Alé feels contributed to achieving her goal of becoming a partner at Bradley 22:31 - How Alé has benefited from the help of mentors and the key to why others advocated on her behalf 29:08 - What mentors get out of you asking for their help and guidance 32:52 - How focusing on the healthcare industry has benefited Alé and her perspective on specializing as an industry-focused versus general litigator 39:45 - Alé’s advice for young, first-generation professionals (and others in similar circumstances) looking to become a law firm partner MENTIONED IN SMOOTHING THE PATH FROM FIRST-GENERATION PROFESSIONAL TO BIGLAW PARTNER WITH ALÉ DALTON | Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/32067207

Jennifer Cona | How to Grow from Solo Practice to Award-Winning Boutique 04/23/2024

Jennifer Cona | How to Grow from Solo Practice to Award-Winning Boutique Jennifer Cona, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law, an award-winning elder law and estate planning firm located in Melville, New York. Celebrating 25 years in business, Cona Elder Law has been consistently ranked the number one elder law and trust in-estate firm on Long Island. Jennifer has won many awards, including the New York Law Journal Award for Top Women in Law. She and her firm are committed to corporate social responsibility, and she has held roles on the board of trustees of the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, the United Way of Long Island, and the executive leadership team of the American Heart Association. Jennifer has also been featured in many publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on radio and TV. She also writes a monthly column for the Long Island Press called Power of Your Attorney. Jennifer Cona's dedication to Elder Law and her impact on her community are a testament to her outstanding career. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT HOW TO GROW FROM SOLO PRACTICE Many lawyers dream of opening their own practice. It takes a lot, though, to go from working for someone else’s firm to starting your own, especially if you have no one with experience to guide you. Jennifer Cona didn’t grow up in an entrepreneurial family who could show her the ropes. But going on guts, she managed to open an elder law practice and successfully grow it from a solo operation to a boutique. And even she will tell you it looked like she did it by the seat of her pants at times! In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, you’ll discover how Jennifer launched and grew a law firm while creating a culture built to last. She’ll also reveal how everyone at Cona Elder Law reinforces the core values of the firm, how they focus on the local community even outside of serving clients, and the challenges and opportunities presented by younger generations in the workplace and the advent of artificial intelligence. 2:16 - How Jennifer went from working at someone else’s firm to starting her own within five years of practicing law 5:26 - Why Jennifer felt the need to move her solo firm out of Manhattan to Long Island and expand to a 35-lawyer boutique 10:37 - Jennifer’s leadership style and how her firm focuses on corporate social responsibility 13:57 - How the core values of Jennifer’s practice are constantly reinforced and make it much easier to hire (or fire) people 16:42 - The generational issue Jennifer thinks is the greatest challenge these days 22:31 - How Jennifer uses AI now, how she plans to use it in the future, and why she’s excited about it when many others are wary 26:08 - The difficulty of growing a law firm (especially when you’re also trying to raise a family) 29:39 - Why you’re always answering to somebody even if you own a law practice MENTIONED IN HOW TO GROW FROM SOLO PRACTICE TO AWARD-WINNING BOUTIQUE WITH JENNIFER CONA Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30938728

Lauren Baptiste | Effective Strategies for Combating Burnout in the Legal Profession 04/09/2024

Lauren Baptiste | Effective Strategies for Combating Burnout in the Legal Profession Lawyers frequently report that they are exhausted, overloaded, or burned out. Sound familiar? In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, host Elise Holtzman chats with Lauren Baptiste, a burnout expert and founder of Acheloa Wellness, to delve into the all-too-common issue of burnout in the legal profession. Lauren shares how to prevent burnout as well as how to recover from it. Learn the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout, the need for self-awareness, and the differences between coaching and therapy. Lauren will also introduce you to Ayurveda, an ancient wellness system, and discuss how it can be used to understand our unique body-mind compositions and spot early burnout indicators. Listen in as Lauren offers practical tips, like the importance of taking breaks, especially for lunch, and striking the right balance between solitude and social interaction. She also shares why it’s critical for legal professionals to prioritize self-care and seek the proper support when facing burnout. Taking care of yourself is not only crucial for personal health, but is also imperative for sustaining professional efficiency and achieving success. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BURNOUT IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION 2:09 - Lauren's personal experience with workplace burnout and her realization of the prevalence of burnout among colleagues. 5:23 - The prevalence of burnout in the legal profession, including long hours and unhealthy habits. 7:43 - Exploring the historical presence of burnout and the recent emphasis on addressing burnout in the legal profession. 12:07 - How to identify symptoms of burnout and distinguish between general burnout and chronic burnout. 17:33 - The importance of exploring coaching and therapy, and the severity of the issue. 22:42 - Recommendations for small, daily activities to combat burnout. Connect with Lauren Baptiste Lauren Baptiste is enhancing today’s work culture with a simple strategy: prioritize well-being as the "hardest-working" professionals climb the corporate ladder. As a life coach and consultant on a mission to help women level-up at work and at home, Lauren brings more than 13 years of experience in corporate culture and workplace burnout alongside her knowledge as a practitioner of Ayurveda, hormonal health and other evidenced-based modalities. This results in clients shifting from exhausted to energetic, cynical to optimistic, and ineffective to empowered. | Mentioned In Effective Strategies for Combating Burnout in the Legal Profession Get Connected with The Coaching Team at [email protected] SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30737613

How to Cultivate a Business Development Mindset 04/02/2024

How to Cultivate a Business Development Mindset What do you think is one of the most powerful obstacles to business development success for lawyers? Despite their busy schedules, it isn’t a lack of time. It’s not about the lack of money, either. It’s not even that you don’t know how to do it, although law school certainly didn’t teach it. Simply put: it’s your mindset. It’s the stories you tell yourself that stop you from taking (or fully committing to) consistent, targeted action. And it’s the biggest impediment I’ve come across again and again with lawyers I meet. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, you’ll learn 7 tips that will help you cultivate a successful business development mindset. I’ll teach you a thought process that will inspire you to start taking action in the direction of your goals and stick with it consistently! WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT CULTIVATING A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MINDSET 2:57 - What business development success and that criminal law class you took in your first year have in common 5:27 - The first thing you can do to cultivate your business development mindset for success 8:14 - Two things you need to recognize about business development and one thing you shouldn’t expect to see 11:26 - The people you shouldn’t listen to and the responses you don’t want to give to everyone else and yourself 14:12 - A change that’ll make it more likely for you to focus on and engage with business development Mentioned In How to Cultivate a Business Development Mindset Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30629913

Davina Frederick | How to Scale Your Law Firm to 7 Figures or More 03/26/2024

Davina Frederick | How to Scale Your Law Firm to 7 Figures or More Professional opportunities abound for women lawyers, yet many women hesitate to pursue their dream of starting and owning a law practice. Many of those who do take the leap still struggle with building their business into a saleable asset that supports their lifestyle (both now and in retirement). Before my guest, Davina Frederick, started her law firm in 2007, she worked in professional services marketing. Thanks to her familiarity with marketing and litigation and the struggle she saw other women law firm owners have with building sustainable practices, she rebranded in 2020 to serve them as a law firm growth strategist and business coach. Now, she helps women lawyers achieve their goals and overcome challenges in their professional and personal lives. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of starting and scaling your practice, the consequences of not building your business into an asset, and why women lawyers too often shy away from going into business for themselves. Davina will also give you an outline of her framework for scaling your law firm business to $1,000,000 or more. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT SCALING YOUR LAW FIRM 2:31 - Why it’s so important for women to scale their law firms instead of staying solo 5:54 - Advantages for women lawyers who start and scale their own practice instead of working in others 10:40 - Why many women lawyers think smaller than they should about what’s possible for them 13:57 - How your upbringing and early career can have an impact on what you decide to do for yourself 18:29 - How your money story can be a big obstacle to growing wealth through scaling your practice 22:26 - The internal aspect you can always change that drives what you choose to focus on (even if you have external obstacles in your way) 28:56 - Why there are more opportunities than ever to get support, make connections, and achieve success 30:56 - Davina’s framework for scaling your law firm to seven figures or more and the journey that led to its creation 40:50 - The only thing that matters when it comes to owning and scaling your business and what gets you to the next level Connect with Davina Frederick Davina Frederick is a Florida-licensed attorney, law firm growth strategist, and business coach for women law firm owners. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, with a B.A. in journalism, and she received her J.D. from Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in 2007. Prior to starting her own law firm in 2007 and growing it successfully during the 2008 recession and its aftermath, she enjoyed a career as a professional services marketer. In 2013, she founded D. Frederick Media and Marketing, LLC, with the goal of helping professional service business owners implement their marketing strategies. However, she quickly discovered that most did not even have a strategy! She then began to work with her clients to develop strategic growth plans for their businesses and to coach them through implementing these plans, including how to market and sell, cultivate A+ teams, and set up systems-based businesses. Since most of Davina’s clients were women law firm owners who wanted the inside scoop on how Davina had successfully created and scaled her own law firm, she began to focus on serving just women law firm owner clients. In 2020, Davina rebranded her company to reflect this shift, creating Wealthy Woman Lawyer®. Wealthy Woman Lawyer® assists women law firm owners scale their law firms into $1M+ wealth-generating businesses without overwork or overwhelm. Davina is the author of two books: The Wealthy Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Law Firm Marketing in the Virtual Age: 10 Bold Actions to Take Now to Attract Your Ideal Clients with Total Ease and The Wealthy Woman Lawyer’s Guide to a Systems-Driven Law Firm Business: 7 Essential Systems You Need to Take Back Your Time, Avoid Burnout, and Create Lasting Wealth. She’s also the founder and host of the Wealthy Woman Lawyer podcast—the #1 podcast for Women in Law in the U.S. Davina believes all women lawyers deserve to be wealthy women lawyers if that is their desire. Women lawyers, particularly women law firm owners, work too hard to serve others, not to live fulfilled, prosperous, and enriched lives. | by Davina Frederick by Davina Frederick Mentioned In How to Scale Your Law Firm to 7 Figures or More Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30541918

Valerie Madamba | How to Stand Out as a Thought Leader By Becoming a Better Presenter 03/19/2024

Valerie Madamba | How to Stand Out as a Thought Leader By Becoming a Better Presenter Do you struggle to connect with audiences in your public speaking engagements and legal presentations? You can continue to struggle or learn how to be a more engaging and memorable presenter. Valerie Madamba knew she had to overcome a huge learning curve as a public speaker if she wanted to be happy and successful as a lawyer. Once she figured out how to connect with an audience and help them solve their problems, she started learning to love being on stage and owning that as part of her career development. Now, having gone from regulatory lawyer to legal presentation coach, Valerie has so many great tips, suggestions, and pieces of advice to help you stand out as a thought leader, public speaker, and presenter. And she’s here to talk about the benefits of public speaking as a lawyer who’s a go-to expert in your field. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, you’ll learn about how to raise your profile as a visible expert and be known as a leading authority other people seek out. You’ll discover why stories are such a critical vessel and how to use them in your presentations, the most common mistake to avoid in presentations, and steps you can take to begin building a better experience for your audience. 1:10 - The surprising thing that sparked Valerie’s interest in presentations and public speaking 4:09 - Why lawyers need to be persuasive speakers, elevate their voices, and tell stories that people will remember 11:53 - The mistake lawyers make when they deliver their presentations and how to flip it around so that you increase engagement with your material 18:02 - Where to start if you want to create more engaging presentations and present on a complex topic without dumbing it down 26:04 - Public speaking trends that have emerged post-pandemic and the impact they’re having on attorneys 30:25 - Suggestions for making conversations more comfortable for people who are asked to share their experiences 34:27 - One thing you have to be prepared for as the person leading the presentation 36:13 - One thing to keep in mind when delivering engaging presentations that position you as a leading authority in your practice area Connect with Valerie Madamba Valerie Madamba brings a wealth of experience as a former food and drug regulatory lawyer, having navigated roles in the federal government, Biglaw, and in-house settings. Founding her own legal presentation coaching consultancy, Valerie now resides in Brussels with her family, assisting lawyers worldwide in refining their presentation skills to bolster their practices and brands. Mentioned In How to Stand Out as a Thought Leader By Becoming a Better Presenter Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30388128

Tara Stingley | How to Become a Visible Expert in Your Practice Area 03/12/2024

Tara Stingley | How to Become a Visible Expert in Your Practice Area Those first travelers making their way West did so without a roadmap. But in taking the opportunity, they paved the way for the nation’s expansion. That spirit of the West is very much rooted in Tara Stingley and the Nebraska law firm of which she is a partner. As the first woman to serve on Cline Williams’ executive committee, she challenged other members to think about how they defined issues and the impact of their decisions. She also established her niche as an employment law expert within the legal community. Laying down that foundation has paid dividends in affording her opportunities, as it can for you, too. And unlike that first wave of westward travelers, you don’t have to go forward blindly; Tara has tips to help you build your roadmap to greater visibility. In this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast, you’ll hear about the payoff potential in raising your profile and building your brand as a subject-matter expert and how to start proactively doing it (even if you’re still a young lawyer). Tara will also discuss the importance of representation, the need for professional women to stop underestimating their value, what plays into a client’s decision to pick you over others, and so much more! 1:51 - How Tara became a lawyer and partner at Cline Williams and how the law firm differs from others 9:51 - The importance of Tara’s role as the first woman on the firm’s executive committee 13:22 - Why you should strive to increase your visibility as an expert in your field, even when you can’t see an immediate payoff 20:58 - How lawyers can create branding opportunities for themselves rather than wait for them to appear 25:06 - The mindset you need for approaching opportunities to raise your profile and ultimately get clients you want to work with 29:40 - An essential piece of advice for professional women (especially those dealing with imposter syndrome) Connect with Tara Stingley Tara Stingley is a Partner Cline Williams and the Chair of it’s Labor and Employment Law section. Cline Williams, established in 1857, is Nebraska's oldest existing law firm and is a full-service firm with approximately 60 lawyers working in 5 offices located in Nebraska and Colorado. Tara is also the firm's primary representative to the Employment Law Alliance, the largest international network of labor and employment lawyers. Tara focuses her practice on employment law, advising businesses in a variety of industries on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Mentioned In How to Become a Visible Expert in Your Practice Area Get Connected with The Coaching Team at SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE… Today’s episode is brought to you by the coaching team at The Lawyer’s Edge, a training and coaching firm which has been focused exclusively on lawyers and law firms since 2008. Each member of The Lawyer’s Edge coaching team is a trained, certified, and experienced professional coach AND either a former practicing attorney or a former law firm marketing and business development professional. Whatever your professional objectives, our coaches can help you achieve your goals more quickly, more easily, and with significantly less stress. To get connected with YOUR coach, just email the team at . /episode/index/show/thelawyersedge/id/30291028