Solo Practice University® Guest Lectures

What happens in a world of unexpected business interruptions, prolonged business interruptions, life-altering business interruptions and life interruptions. This podcast was recorded earlier during the pandemic but our conversation is timeless because it discusses how to make your practice hyper-efficient all the time. Even those who have worked from home previously, this has changed, too, in a ma...

Every one you meet will have a differing opinion on how to market your law firm. It can be exhausting and confusing. But more importantly, it can make or break your solo/small firm practice. Truly. How do you differentiate yourself? And will you? Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

We've all heard about Alternative Business Structures (ABS) and how they have been kept at bay, for the most part, from changing the legal profession. Well, guess what? We predict the fortress walls will be crumbling and we even hint at who the players will be who will be allowed entry. And maybe sooner than we think. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

How has the pandemic and the fallout from the pandemic changed your feelings about your solo/small firm practice? How has it changed how you will practice going forward? This is a very important discussion because, guess what? Your clients were changed, too. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

How do you create a turn-key law practice from the day you start practicing law? In this day and age of disruptions to society, from pandemics to snow storms to wildfires, how do you create a seamless practice which can handle these disruptions, change of personnel and more, and then be saleable by just 'handing over the key' to the practice? This is the million dollar question and the future of l...

Every situation, good or bad, we face in life presents opportunities for those who can capitalize on what is happening. It is no different for those looking to venture out in solo practice. This last year shook up the world for practically everyone. Even if you are already solo, you had to rethink how you were approaching your practice. So, join us as we discuss the opportunities! Written by Susan...

We all know that this pandemic has really shaken things up – on both a micro & macro scale. The industry has changed, but so has day-to-day. When your dog is your coworker, your bedroom is your office and the lines of what used to be your workday are now blurred more than ever, life and work have definitely changed. But have you changed with it in order to meet client expectations? Many solo...

By now you’ve heard about the lawyer who was videoconferencing on zoom with a federal judge and couldn’t remove a cat filter.  It was funny, embarrassing, and went viral. To his credit, he kept his composure. However, it has opened up an important conversation about web conferencing best practices, security, audio and video settings, and […] Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

The pandemic has thrust virtual work into the spotlight. While for some it's no different than pre-pandemic work, for others it is a sea change in how they conduct business. It is showcasing the financial benefits and work-life perks of remote work. But, it is also laying bare the weaknesses in our solo/small firm practices and highlighting where we all need to improve. It is critical we start rei...

Did you know the World Health Organization has classified 'Burnout' as a health issue? Did you know that burnout is not based on the number of hours you work but the quality of those hours? Cynthia Sharp and Becky Howlett founded legalburnout.com, a resource to help solo and small firm practitioners navigate the emotional roadmap of solo/small firm practice to keep you healthy and grounded through...

Many solos don't know how to value and sell their law firm because most solos don't understand the value of what they've created even when they are no longer a part of the firm. Listen and learn how to value and sell your solo practice. Know how to create a succession plan. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

What's in a name? Everything. How do you build your brand with your solo/small firm name? What limitations are there for law firms? Many! This is a very interesting discussion and, as always, we have fun as we teach. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

2020 is proving quite the year and we're only in the 2nd Quarter! What we are experiencing now is unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. Yet, life must go on and so must your practice. But how do you practice in the age of pandemics? Jared and I discuss the changes, the modifications, both technical and emotional. How do you pivot your marketing so as not to be insensitive but more human?...

In order to grow, solos will need to delegate legal work to paralegals, administrative staff, free lance lawyers and associates and any vendor you hire on your behalf. Even hiring a marketing firm! But do you really know the ethics surrounding delegation of work you are ultimately ethically responsible for as the the owner of your law firm? This is a critically important topic. Listen and learn. W...

Is the billable hour in its final death throes? If so, how do we deal with this while we build our practices? Of course, people have been saying this since last century. Listen and learn Jared's unique take on this perennially hot button issue. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What Clients Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth how to be successful. Here is Part 5. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Jarred and I have recorded six free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What Clients Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. Here is the 4th installation. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of What (Clients) Want: Managing Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020. This is a great 6 part lecture series. enjoy Part 3 - Listen and Learn. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

(You can listen to Part 1 here.) Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of  What (Clients) Want: Managing  Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020.  It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth: How Legal Consumers Find Law Firms What Legal Consumers Want Marketing Requirements for a Modern Law Firm […] Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Jarred and I have recorded five free guest lectures covering the vast topic of  What (Clients) Want: Managing  Legal Consumer Expectations in 2019-2020.  It is nearly five hours of us discussing in depth: How Legal Consumers Find Law Firms What Legal Consumers Want Marketing Requirements for a Modern Law Firm Intake Procedures/Forms How Modern Law […] Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

There is a rhythm to growing a solo/small firm practice. Usually, around year three you finally feel comfortable and then it happens. You are swamped and you realize you need to grow. You are in a bit of a crisis. Listen and learn and we will share how to navigate the inevitable growing pains, not just in year three, but every other growth spurt you will experience. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Today Jared and I discuss the multi-millions being invested in legal technology, all of which is aimed to change the practice of law. How does this investment impact your practice? Is the tail wagging the dog? Are investors telling you how to practice based upon the technology they create? Listen and then share your thoughts. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Do you want to start a solo practice in a rural America? Do you want to learn how to be successful, understand the way to do it right? Who better to present a jam-packed guest lecture on this subject than Gary Bauer, lawyer and Chairman of the General Practice Solo Concentration for twenty years at WMU Cooley Law School. Gary feels very strongly there is so much potential for young (and not so you...

Technology competence and compliance are more important than ever today and new rules have been put into place which you must observe. Who better to discuss how to fulfill your obligations than Jarred Correia. Listen and learn as we talk about the challenges and the solutions to this 21st century mandate for successful practice. Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Going solo with intention and doing it the right way is going solo by design. Who better to present a jam-packed guest lecture on this subject than Gary Bauer, lawyer and Chairman of the General Practice Solo Concentration for twenty years at WMU Cooley Law School. Gary and I are kindred spirits. His information is purposeful, thoughtful and complete. Listen and learn. Written by Susan Cartier Lie...