Maximum Lawyer

Stop Being a Firefighter, Start Being an Engineer

Dec 11, 2025
Discover how law firm owners can shift from chaos to efficient operations. Rachel McGarry emphasizes adopting an engineering mindset to prevent burnout and create sustainable solutions. She shares a blueprint approach, focusing on identifying core issues before adding new tech. Track 'fires' for two weeks to reveal patterns and set measurable goals for improvements. With clear communication guidelines and digital note-taking, firms can enhance client experiences and streamline workflows. It's time to design systems for predictable success!
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INSIGHT

Engineer, Don’t Firefight

  • Law firms often react to problems like firefighters instead of preventing them like engineers.
  • Shifting to an engineering mindset creates predictable, sustainable systems and reduces burnout.
ADVICE

Define Destination First

  • Define a clear vision and destination before choosing tools or apps.
  • Set one measurable goal and start small to avoid overwhelming change.
ADVICE

Track Fires For Two Weeks

  • Track every 'fire' for two weeks to surface recurring friction points across your team.
  • Map patterns, then design workflows on paper with roles and checkpoints before adding tech.
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