A Different Practice

In this episode, LinkedIn expert Julie Livingston reveals how attorneys can transform their LinkedIn profiles from static resumes into powerful client-generating tools. Julie shares actionable strategies for building thought leadership, explains why less than 10% of attorneys effectively use LinkedIn despite 89% having profiles and provides a step-by-step approach to developing engaging content. ...

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠ . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

In the third episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025 , Mathew Kerbis and I tackled a big question: how do you keep learning and stay up to date without completely overwhelming yourself? We shared the resources we rely on for both legal updates and business growth. Mathew talked about using bar association memberships and Lexology to stay current on legal developments, and we both agreed that some...

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠ . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

In the second episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025 , Mathew Kerbis and I had a candid conversation about something every solo attorney wrestles with at some point—how to choose the right name for your firm and when (or if) to pivot your practice. We shared our own naming journeys—Mathew chose a descriptive name that reflects his niche, while I went the more traditional route with a surname-bas...

Lauren sits down with David Buck, author of “The Time Optimized Life,” to discuss a fresh approach to time management for lawyers. Instead of rigid rules like waking up at 5 AM or checking email once daily, David introduces his PEC framework and the concept of 'work-life flexibility.'  Learn how to identify your personal productivity zones, handle email effectively, combat smartphone distractions,...

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠ . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

I recently sat down with Mathew Kerbis to kick off our new series on How to Run a Law Firm in 2025! In this first conversation, we dove into a topic that trips up a lot of new solo attorneys: choosing the right business entity for your firm. We shared our own experiences—how I used Google to figure it out nine years ago (yep, really!) and how Mathew followed the lead of the firms he’d worked for a...

Attorneys Lauren Lester and Mathew Kerbis kick off their joint series on How to Run a Law Firm in 2025! In a candid discussion about choosing business entities for law firms, they emphasize that while the entity choice is important, new lawyers shouldn’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough when starting out. They stress the importance of working with CPAs for tax matters, maintaining separate...

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠ . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

In this insightful conversation with Jessica Bednarz, Director of Legal Services and the Profession at IAALS (Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System), we explore emerging trends reshaping the legal profession. Jessica shares her perspective on new categories of legal service providers, innovative nonprofit law firm models, and the ongoing debate around AI regulation in legal se...

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox at adifferentpractice.com/subscribe . This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

In this thoughtful episode, former law firm partner Murray Gottheil shares his candid perspective on the legal profession's challenging structure and culture. With 39 years of experience practicing business law, Murray discusses why he views big law as a "pyramid scheme" and explores its impact on lawyers' wellbeing, client service, and the profession's future. He offers valuable insights for lawy...

In this special 50th-episode celebration, Lauren shares her favorite tools, routines, and resources that have improved her solo practice and life. From a game-changing weekly case review system to using AI for future casting, Lauren opens up about what's been working in her practice. She also discusses her morning routine, her favorite recent read on public speaking, and how her practice managemen...

In this episode, media consultant and TV host Mitch Carson shares invaluable insights on building a successful law practice through effective marketing and branding. Drawing from his experience helping his ex-wife transition from Big Law to solo practice, Mitch emphasizes the critical importance of customer service, discusses how lawyers can leverage their writing skills to build authority through...

Marketing strategist Angela Gerber breaks down how solo and small firm attorneys can create effective marketing strategies without breaking the bank. Learn why you don't need to advertise on every bus in town, discover which marketing channels actually deliver ROI, and get practical guidance on measuring your marketing success. Angela shares invaluable insights on email marketing, social media pre...

Ready to transform your firm’s marketing game? In this action-packed episode, Lauren sits down with StoryBrand certified guide Angela Gerber to unveil the game-changing StoryBrand framework. Discover how to position yourself as the ultimate guide for your clients, ditch confusing legal jargon, and craft a compelling narrative that sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. Learn the seven key elemen...

Networking doesn't have to mean awkward cocktail parties and forced small talk. In this episode, legal industry veteran Doug Hastings reveals how even introverts can build powerful connections with just five minutes a week on LinkedIn. Discover why your existing clients are your greatest asset, learn three key ways to improve client experience, and find out where an attorney's true wealth really c...

Are you struggling with the "sales" side of your practice? In this episode, sales expert Ben Brown flips the script on everything you thought you knew about business development. Discover why your analytical mind might be holding you back, and learn how to tap into a new level of client acquisition. Ben shares surprising insights that will challenge your perspective, including: Why someone who is...

In this candid episode, Lauren opens up about a major shift in her legal career. After years of internal struggle, she's made a bold move that's transformed her practice and outlook. Join Lauren as she shares the highs and lows of this transition, including unexpected challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the surprising source of inspiration that sparked it all. Whether you're conside...

Do you struggle with anxiety, low confidence, procrastination, perfectionism, or people-pleasing? Me too. In this episode, I’m chatting with Daniel Packard, who has taken a unique approach to ridding ourselves of these issues. During our thought-provoking discussion, we cover the real cause behind these issues and why traditional mental health approaches have failed to provide lasting solutions. T...

In this inspiring episode, Lauren sits down with Phil Telfeyan, founder and executive director of Equal Justice Under Law. Phil shares his unconventional journey from Harvard Law School to founding a nonprofit dedicated to ending inequality in the justice system.  Listeners will gain insight into: - The challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit law firm - How to maintain work-life balance in a...

We’re delving into cybersecurity for solo and small law firms with guest Dylan Evans. The conversation explores the real-world threats of cybercrime that even smaller legal practices face, dispelling the myth that only large corporations are at risk.  Dylan provides eye-opening insights into how cybercriminals operate as an industry, targeting law firms of all sizes due to the sensitive nature of...

Peek behind the curtain as Lauren gives you a behind-the-scenes look at her law firm's financial transformation. Learn how she went from struggling with negative profit margins to consistently achieving healthy profits using a simple yet powerful system. Lauren breaks down her monthly financial routine, sharing practical tips on implementing the Profit First method for law firms. This episode...

In this illuminating episode, Lauren sits down with financial expert Sarah Webb to demystify the often-intimidating world of law firm finances. Sarah shares invaluable insights on implementing the Profit First method, a game-changing approach to managing business finances that can transform how attorneys view their firm's monetary health. From breaking down essential financial statements to di...