048: Patrick Slaughter’s magic law practice

Patrick Slaughter runs a small firm in Knoxville, Tennessee that does mostly family law work and some immigration law. He built his practice quickly relying on marketing skills he gained working as a magician (before law school). He also makes sensible use of technology.

We talked about how he grew his practice, and how he manages it today. We talked about the challenges he’s faced and how he addressed them—including the challenge of harnessing technology to create a practice that’s almost completely paperless.

Show Notes

• Microsoft 365 (Office suite of software, including Word, Excel etc.)
• Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 (document scanner)
• PDFPen Pro (Mac-based PDF software)
• Dragon Professional (Mac version is now discontinued)
• Dragon Anywhere (smartphone version)
• Sennheiser OfficeRunner Wireless Headset (Amazon link)
• Xero (cloud-based accounting software)
• Rocket Matter (cloud-based practice management software)
• Lexicata (cloud-based CRM & intake software)
• Michael Hyatt (productivity & management expert)
• Free to Focus (productivity book by Michael Hyatt)

General Resources

• Learn to use technology to reduce friction & gain freedom with this resource: https://www.the8020lawyer.com/
• Focus on these essential tech tools for maximum traction in your practice.
• Take this short law practice assessment to identify your main strengths & weaknesses.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Thanks to My Sponsor

Ruby Receptionists Ruby is a virtual receptionist service that provides all of your law firm's callers with first-class service. I used them for my solo practice and they were phenomenal in helping me surprise and delight my callers. I've been enthusiastically recommending Ruby to hundreds of lawyers and they also have been amazed by the quality of service and its affordability. To learn more about Ruby Receptionists’ exceptional services (and get a special discount for podcast listeners only) click here.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.