How to Start and Run a Law Firm

Ohio Estate Planning Attorney Ashon KcKenzie on Winning on the Small Things, Transitioning from Government

Dec 16, 2025
Ashawn McKenzie, an Ohio estate planning attorney and founder of McKenzie Law LLC, shares insights from his transition from government to law firm ownership. He discusses the crucial phases of starting his firm, including securing initial clients and leveraging lead generation strategies. Ashawn emphasizes the importance of persistence, reframing sales as helpful guidance, and employing Google Ads for high-intent leads. He also shares valuable business book recommendations and his vision for a tech-integrated law practice.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Learn By Contracting First

  • Ashawn started his firm by contracting as a contract attorney with an established estate planning firm to learn firm operations.
  • That arrangement gave him autonomy while avoiding the pressure of immediately hunting new clients.
ANECDOTE

First Clients Came Via Friends

  • Ashawn landed his first independent clients when friends reached out asking for estate planning help.
  • He accepted and used those initial matters to catalyze his full-time launch.
ADVICE

Buy Leads To Buy Experience

  • Use lead-generation services early to get volume and learn sales quickly when you lack marketing skills.
  • Prefer deals that reduce risk, like 'deliver X qualified leads before you pay.'
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app