Founding Partner Podcast

What if the best thing you ever built started with a single text message? Meghan Freed never planned to start a law firm—let alone lead the largest family law practice in Connecticut. But what happens when you stop doing what you’re “supposed” to do… and start listening to what actually lights you up? In this episode, we talk about breakups (business and personal), niching down, uncomfortable feed...

What if the thing that makes you different is exactly what your clients are looking for? Josh Hodges didn’t become a lawyer until he was 32. No Ivy League pedigree. No polished fast track. Just grit, DMV floors, and a daughter who changed everything. Today, he runs one of the most trusted personal injury firms in small-town Ohio—not by outspending the big guys, but by out-showing up. What does it...

What if the best law firm in your state wasn’t built by the smartest lawyer… but by the one who learned to let go? Jay Ruane didn’t want 45 employees. He didn’t want to be a CEO. But somewhere between courtrooms and burnout, he built something bigger — and walked away from the work most lawyers cling to. He says the key wasn’t money. It was dinner with his kids. And AI? It’s already replacing hour...

What happens when you risk everything on a case, with no offer on the table and $50K already spent on experts? For Howard Ankin , it wasn’t just a turning point—it was the moment that changed everything. From a folding table and 40 referrals to a 100-person law firm competing with national giants, Howard’s journey proves success doesn’t come from luck—it comes from showing up when it counts. But h...

Laura Noble is the founder and Managing Partner of The Noble Law Firm , a recognized leader in employment law. With over 30 years of diverse legal experience, Laura’s approach combines powerful advocacy, empathetic client service, and technological innovation in all stages and aspects of employment disputes. Laura strives to cultivate a positive workplace culture built on the core values of collab...

What happens when a missionary kid becomes a lawyer—and builds a firm that treats investigations like a path to healing, not just damage control? Most attorneys avoid the messy, emotional work. Theresa Sidebotham built her entire practice around it. From child protection in churches to workplace abuse in nonprofits, she handles the cases no one wants… with a strategy most law schools never teach....

Aaron Minc is the founding partner of Minc Law and a nationally recognized leader in Internet defamation who tackles the most challenging online crises with innovative legal solutions. Under his leadership, Minc Law has successfully litigated over 200 Internet defamation lawsuits across 22 states and 3 countries, removing tens of thousands of defamatory websites and search results. His practice he...

What would you do if you were diagnosed with leukemia just as your law firm was starting to take off, and your wife was seven months pregnant? James P. Joseph faced exactly that. In this episode, we dive into how he built a thriving firm, overcame life-threatening illness, and redefined success in the process. But the real story? It’s what he let go of along the way. What if the key to growth isn’...

Justin Spizman is an award-winning and bestselling author, ghostwriter, editor, and proposal writer. Since beginning his career as a writer while in law school, Justin has worked on numerous non-fiction books and successful book proposals. Justin prides himself in his ability to work with people from all different backgrounds, upbringings, and expertise. Through working closely with some of the mo...

Steven Gursten of Michigan Auto Law has recovered the largest ever auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer or law firm. He has also received the top reported auto accident and truck accident settlements and jury verdicts in Michigan over multiple years, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly and Verdict Reporter. Steven has been selected a Lawyer of the Year by both Michigan Lawyer...

Kevin McManus , a Kansas City native and attorney dedicated to helping those who have been injured or wronged seek justice. After starting my career representing large corporations and insurance companies, I realized my passion was advocating for individuals—particularly those facing personal injury and disability challenges. Since then, my firm has worked tirelessly to empower clients with the le...

Keith Fuicelli is a Denver personal injury attorney renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Since co-founding Fuicelli & Lee in 2008, he has been fulfilling his lifelong aspiration of championing the rights of those in need, displaying a deep understanding of the law and an unyielding determination when facing insurance companies. Specializing in traumatic brain injuries a...

Jessica describes herself as: a CrImmigration Consultant and Legal Expert. Policy creator & advisor. Strategist. Director. Entrepreneur. Disruptor. She's also the Founder & former owner of STERN Law, LLC - a very specialized, niche immigration law firm that she built and sold not too long ago, all of which we'll be talking about on today's podcast.

Ever wondered how you can launch a law firm with nothing more than a bar license and some Wi‑Fi? Or how a candid hoodie‑on‑TikTok clip can generate 150 qualified leads overnight? In this episode, I sit down with Bianca Jordan —immigration attorney turned social media rebel—to uncover the bold strategies behind Brazen Legal’s success and her signature Niche, Please blueprint. Curious how authentici...

How do you transform rejection into reinvention? In my chat with Adam Rossen —the renegade “damn janitor” of criminal defense—we dive into how he left a secure prosecutor career at 26 to build a high‑performance law firm from scratch. From radical ideas like hiring virtual assistants to reimagining internships during Covid, Adam challenges everything you think you know about law, leadership, and l...

How do you redefine success when the rules of the game change overnight? In my latest conversation with Josh Watts , we dive into his bold leap from big law to launching a boutique firm amid a global crisis. Discover how he turned corporate pressures into an innovative, business-first legal practice. What does it take to challenge tradition and build a legacy on your own terms? Tune in for a thoug...

Ever wonder how a speeding ticket, courtroom battles, and a heartfelt promise to a daughter can spark a revolution in estate planning? In my chat with Michelle Wilson , we dive into her raw journey—from a chilly garage office to a million-dollar law firm built on innovation, care, and genuine connection. What does it take to transform personal setbacks into a legacy that redefines justice? Join us...

Ever wondered what it takes to reimagine legal practice? In my latest conversation with Jeff Cunningham —a lawyer who dared to launch a multi-state firm—I asked: How do you merge tradition with cutting-edge tech? What does it mean to build authentic connections online? And can a subscription model truly reshape client engagement? Dive in to discover surprising insights that might just redefine the...

Ever wonder what fuels a relentless pursuit of greatness? In my conversation with John Griffith , we uncover the secrets behind building a thriving law firm, mastering jujitsu, and living life on your own terms. How does a redneck from Middle Tennessee transform setbacks into a legacy of growth? Dive into his inspiring journey and challenge your own path to excellence.

Ever wonder what really matters in the courtroom? In my chat with criminal defense attorney Ben Sessions , he revealed that success isn’t about flashy moves or perfect jury picks—it’s all about solid facts and bold risks. How did he shift from early missteps to mastering modern marketing? What does it take to truly connect with clients in a digital age? Dive into our conversation and discover the...

What drives a man from a tiny Appalachian town to boldly reinvent himself during a global crisis? In this episode, Mitesh Patel reveals how his journey—from cold calling as a financial analyst to launching Blue Sky Law amid chaos—redefined success. Curious how loss, grit, and humor can transform a career? Tune in as we unpack the raw, unfiltered lessons that challenge you to ask: if you want it, w...

Ever wonder what it takes to leave a high-paying job in big law and build a boutique IP practice from scratch? In my chat with Rick Martin , he reveals the bold moves, hard lessons, and entrepreneurial spirit behind his journey from Houston to home in Indiana. How does a former patent examiner redefine success by embracing subscription models and transforming unused real estate into a thriving wor...

What if success wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder but about aligning every move with your true values? In this episode, I dive deep with Laurice Rutledge Lambert, founder of Aligned Health Law, as she shares her journey from big law to building a team-driven, values-led firm. Curious how a former Division I lacrosse player turned legal powerhouse reinvents success? Tune in to uncover...

What does it take to risk it all and build a thriving remote law firm? In my latest conversation with business lawyer Margeaux Thomas , she reveals how a leap of faith turned a humble dining room setup into a dynamic, distributed empire. How did she overcome perfectionism, recruit a global team, and balance personal sacrifice with ambition? Could Margeaux’s bold “burn the boats” mentality be the k...

What drives someone to walk away from stability and build something entirely their own? Jonathan Merel hit a breaking point—exhausted, undervalued, and tired of working for someone else’s vision. So, in the middle of a financial crisis, with a second child on the way, he took the ultimate risk: he left his job to start his own law firm. Sixteen years later, that gamble has turned into a powerhouse...