#19 Learning to Create a Law Practice That Runs Without You
Jan 30, 2025
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Beau Atkins, founder of Evolve Law, offers a fresh perspective on family law by implementing fixed-fee and subscription pricing models, making legal services more approachable. He discusses his journey from almost leaving law to scaling his practice with innovative strategies like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Atkins shares insights on networking authentically through LinkedIn, the importance of structured learning, and his mission to promote accessibility in legal services, inspired by his own childhood experiences. With ambitions for '1000x' growth, he aims to transform divorce law for the better.
Lifelong learning through quarterly objectives is vital for attorneys to stay competitive and enhance their legal acumen.
Shifting to fixed-fee and subscription pricing models fosters client trust and engagement by eliminating the fear of unexpected legal costs.
Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System enables law firms to achieve strategic growth and operational efficiency, akin to successful businesses.
Deep dives
The Power of Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is emphasized as a crucial element for attorneys to enhance their careers. Engaging in continuous education fosters professional growth and enables lawyers to adapt to the evolving legal landscape. One effective strategy discussed involves setting quarterly learning objectives, allowing individuals to focus on specific areas of interest and deepen their understanding over time. By sharing insights from these learning experiences on platforms like LinkedIn, attorneys can hold themselves accountable and connect with others, ultimately expanding their professional networks.
Implementing Fixed Fee Pricing
The shift to fixed fee or subscription-based pricing models in legal services is explored, highlighting its benefits in providing clients with clear and predictable costs. By productizing legal services, attorneys can better serve clients who are hesitant to engage due to fears of unexpected fees. This model not only enhances client openness but is also shown to be potentially more profitable for law firms as overhead expenses are reduced and efficiency is prioritized. The focus is on offering services like divorce law with transparent pricing, which can result in significantly improved cash flow.
Harnessing Networking through Social Media
Networking is crucial for legal professionals, and using social media effectively can enhance connection opportunities. By actively engaging with others and sharing valuable insights from interactions, attorneys can build meaningful relationships that may lead to referrals and collaborations. The concept of sharing experiences authentically on platforms like LinkedIn highlights the importance of celebrating others, allowing for organic networking. This approach not only creates connections but also promotes a sense of community among legal professionals.
Adapting Business Practices in Law
A discussion about viewing law firms through a business lens illustrates the need for legal professionals to adopt best business practices. Implementing frameworks such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can facilitate strategic goal setting and operational efficiency within law firms. The conversation emphasizes that successful firms focus on their growth and scalability, much like traditional businesses do. By discussing common goals and actionable steps in structured meetings, attorneys can foster a culture of accountability and continual improvement.
A Vision for the Future of Family Law
The potential for revolutionizing family law services is highlighted, suggesting that democratizing access to legal resources could significantly impact divorce processes. Innovations in technology and streamlined services can create more accessible solutions for families facing separation, ultimately mitigating the emotional and financial burdens often involved. The conversation touches on partnering with platforms that prioritize flat fees and transparency, showcasing a shift away from traditional litigation practices. The goal is to develop a supportive, client-focused approach that empowers individuals navigating family law issues.
In this Lawyers Who Learn episode, host David Schnurman speaks with Beau Atkins, founder of Evolve Law, about transforming the traditional law firm model through entrepreneurial thinking. Atkins shares his journey from considering leaving law in 2019 to building a successful family law practice based entirely on fixed-fee and subscription pricing, targeting the underserved 79% of people who need legal services but are intimidated by traditional pricing structures.
The discussion explores multiple facets of Atkins' innovative approach: his systematic quarterly learning themes, his use of LinkedIn as a professional journal for networking and accountability, and his implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in running his practice. He details how structured Level 10 meetings and 90-day goals have helped scale his firm to 5 attorneys and 12 total staff members while reducing his direct legal work to 4-8 hours per week.
Atkins shares his ambitious vision of achieving "1000x" growth, inspired by the H&R Block model of democratizing professional services. Through his partnership with HelloDivorce and focus on automating family law forms, he aims to make legal services more accessible while reducing unnecessary suffering for children of divorce - a mission stemming from his own childhood experiences.
The conversation provides valuable insights for lawyers looking to innovate their practices through entrepreneurial thinking, systematic learning, and modern business practices.
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