A Different Practice

Lauren chats with analytics expert Philippa Gamse about the importance of website analytics for law firms. Philippa explains website analytics, how they work, and the valuable insights they can provide into things like your content's effectiveness, traffic sources, and potential new product opportunities. The conversation covers critical metrics to consider, the power of search engine traffic...

Are you ready to build a more inclusive legal profession? In this must-listen episode, Lauren sits down with Alexi Freeman, a diversity, equity, and inclusion thought leader. Alexi breaks down DEI in a refreshingly candid way, sharing practical tips for solo attorneys and firms to get involved and drive meaningful change. You'll learn the barriers keeping the legal profession from true inclusi...

Want to learn how to make your law practice stand out and attract more clients? In this episode, Lauren sits down with business consultant Rick Watson to talk about growth strategies for lawyers. Rick shares his expert insights on creating your own branded language to differentiate your services and connect better with potential clients. He explains why using story is critical to being memorable....

Implementing value-based pricing can be a game-changer for your law practice - more profits, happier clients, and less stress. But are you undermining your own success with these common pricing pitfalls? In this episode, Lauren reveals the top 3 mistakes lawyers make when transitioning to value-based fees. You'll learn: The #1 reason your pricing strategy is falling flat (and how to fix it) A...

Ever feel like your law practice is running your life instead of the other way around? In this candid episode, Lauren pulls back the curtain on how she built a solo 6-figure practice while only working 4 days a week. Lauren shares her daily routine and the practical strategies she uses to fiercely protect her schedule and align her life with what really matters - being present for family, maintain...

Get ready to level up your law practice efficiency with just a few keystrokes! In this episode Lauren shares how a simple software has transformed her business. Lauren explains the many ways she's incorporated TextExpander snippets and shortcuts into her daily workflow - from auto-filling legal terms, email templates, billing links, and more. She breaks down specific examples across each stage...

Learn how to capitalize on the exploding trend of video content. In this episode, Lauren discusses why video is only growing in popularity and the tangible benefits lawyers can gain by incorporating more video into their practice. You'll discover over a dozen actionable ways to use video for client communication, marketing, legal products, and staff training. From welcome videos to testimonial...

Stop wasting money on ineffective marketing! In this episode, learn 3 budget-friendly tactics to create high-converting materials. Forget fancy production companies and expensive ads. By focusing on your ideal client, clearly defining their problems, and explaining your solutions, you can achieve better results without spending a dime. Lauren shares how to leverage videos, blogging, and email list...

Are you losing potential clients during the intake process? Many attorneys overlook this critical step. In this episode, I’ll share five easy ways to transform your intake flow and start every new client relationship off on the right foot. From providing helpful info upfront to streamlining your engagement agreement, optimizing intake sets your clients up for an amazing experience while also savin...

Happy New Year! We’re kicking this year off with lessons learned and how they are shaping our goals for the next year. Lauren shares her accidental word of the year and what it means to her. Find out why what she’s prioritizing in 2024 is an act of rebellion.  Jess discusses what skill we need more of in the profession and the one person she hopes to work with to dig deeper into the economics of l...

We’re looking back on the last year and some of the most impactful books, articles, and other resources we used.  Lauren discusses the best book she read this year that explores how everyone has untapped talents and abilities that can be cultivated in the right environment and how the legal profession can better support all of us. She also talks about using the Enneagram to cultivate greater compa...

Not many law firm owners take a business-first approach. Today we’re chatting with someone who does.  Attorney Daniel Hernandez discusses his journey to starting his firm, NextLevel Law, right out of law school, driven by his interest in business and entrepreneurship. He shares details on his firm's pricing models, including how he uses an algorithm to determine the monthly flat fee system, as...

Thank you for being a listener. We appreciate you and can't wait to see what the next year of ADP brings! -- Want to learn exactly what Lauren does to work part-time and earn $250k in revenue a year? Join the Law Firm Growth Mastermind! Lauren will teach you the exact steps to take to earn more while working less with focused workshops throughout the year that will improve every part of your p...

In this episode of A Different Practice , Lauren chats with Laurie Gilbertson, communications coach, about the importance of communication skills for lawyers. Laurie discusses how being a good communicator means focusing on your audience and tailoring your message for them. She explains that confidence is crucial for good communication, and offers tips for building confidence such as quantifying y...

We're diving into the 2023 Clio Legal Trends Report! Looking at the latest data on billable rates, utilization rates, and more, we uncover opportunities for growth and improvement in law firms today. Key takeaways: - Lawyers are working harder for less - billable hours are up 25% but revenue is stagnant at an average of only 2 hours a day - There's a disconnect between what lawyers think a...

This week, we sit down with Josh Fitch, co-founder of Troxel Fitch, and discuss his blueprint for building a thriving law firm through partnership. Join us as we explore why Josh chose to embark on this journey with a partner rather than going solo. Discover the qualities he looked for in the perfect business partner and how a strong friendship laid the foundation for success. We don't shy awa...

Join us as we venture into the world of law firm finance with a true industry expert, Brooke Lively, Founder and CEO of Cathcap. We explore the essential financial insights that every law firm owner needs, including:  1. The key numbers every law firm owner should know 2. The ideal composition of your financial team, including the one indispensable role that no law firm owner should ever go withou...

Have you thought about life after law? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Victoria Collier, a seasoned seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the legal industry, who, in addition to building and selling her own 7-figure law firm, has been coaching lawyers since 2008 on how to add value to their law firms.  We cover everything from preparing your law firm for a s...

Running your own firm can often feel isolating, leaving practitioners questioning whether they're on the right track or simply going through the motions. But fear not, because we dive into resources and strategies to lean into to navigate this journey. We explore the different avenues for creating community, talk about how we found inspiration in other industries, and share our own stories of...

BIG NEWS! Jess has officially joined us as a co-host! Whoo hoo! We’re so excited to have her on board. In celebration of her arrival, we’re having some fun and laughing about the exasperating and head-scratching moments we’ve had as members of the legal profession. Basically, we’re talking about all the things that make us go “Ick!” In this hilarious yet relatable episode, we delve into the zany s...

What you measure matters. In this episode, we dive into the three specific data points Lauren tracks to boost efficiency and profitability - plus one bonus idea! Join us for a hands-on conversation as we go through the details of how she knows exactly the number of consultations to book per week to hit her yearly revenue goal, how she tracks whether she’s being efficient, and the one number that w...

In this illuminating episode, we dive into the fascinating world of data-driven growth strategies for law firms. Join us as we sit down with Kerri Coby White to explore how lawyers can leverage the power of data to supercharge their practices and achieve greater success. We delve into a range of topics, including the fundamental importance of data in running a law firm, identifying and analyzing k...

Imagine having to appear at a remote hearing from a hospital conference room while your infant daughter is admitted in the other room. In a follow-up to the last episode, Lauren shares going through this experience and how it made her realize that something needed to change in the way she approached work. By being intentional about her time, focusing on what's important, and increasing product...

In this captivating episode, join our host, Lauren Lester, as she opens up about a pivotal moment in her life as a lawyer that almost made her quit her legal career entirely. Despite her business soaring to new heights, Lauren considered walking away from it all. It’s a tale of personal struggle, self-discovery, and the ultimate triumph of resilience. Lauren gets vulnerable, recounting the exact m...

In this second of our two-part conversation with Mathew Kerbis, we share tips and insights for solo lawyers looking to build and grow their practice.  Lauren and Mathew discuss different website platforms that can work for your goals and what to consider when choosing one. Starting out as a solo lawyer can be tough, so we share some tips on how to supplement your income and build your reputation....