Grow Your Law Firm

Welcome to episode 304 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken welcomes in Tanner Jones, Vice President of Business Development at Consultwebs and one of the leading voices in digital marketing for law firms. With over a decade of experience helping firms generate hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements from web-originated cases, Tanner brings deep insight into how SEO, paid search, and AI are reshaping the legal marketing landscape. His team at Consultwebs, composed of attorney content writers, digital strategists, and designers, has helped law firms nationwide build recognizable brands and achieve consistent year-over-year growth. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Paid Search in 2025 - How Google's LSA credit policy and PPC changes affect case volume - Why exact-match targeting outperforms broad match in competitive markets 2. AI's Impact on Visibility - How Google's AI Overviews and ChatGPT are influencing search and lead flow - What content structure helps firms appear in AI-generated answers 3. Attribution & Brand Building - Why tracking conversions is harder than ever in a multi-touch journey - The power of video and social content for building brand familiarity 4. Q4 Action Checklist - Auditing channels, cutting non-producers, and doubling down on top performers - Expanding review collection across Google, Facebook, and legal directories 5. Budgets, CAC, and ROI Targets - Understanding today's cost per case - Setting sustainable ROI goals Resources: Website: consultwebs.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tannerjonescw Facebook: facebook.com/consultwebs Twitter: twitter.com/Consultwebs Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 303 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Jonathan Hawkins, Founder of Law Firm GC, host of the Founding Partner Podcast, and author of The Law Firm Life Cycle. Jonathan serves as outside general counsel for law firms nationwide, advising on partnerships, succession planning, ethics, operational issues, and other day-to-day legal matters. His book and guidance help law firm owners navigate the lifecycle of their firm, from formation to expansion, mergers, acquisitions, partner transitions, and eventual exit strategies. What you'll learn about in this episode: Law Firm Lifecycle: - Key stages from starting a firm to growth and succession - Common challenges and strategies at each stage Partnership Agreements: - Structuring agreements to prevent disputes - Exit ramps and governance for minority and majority partners Firm Valuation & Sales: - Factors that determine a firm's market value - Insights on selling, cash flow, and maintaining revenue Operational Challenges: - Handling mergers, acquisitions, and team transitions - Managing ethics, notice requirements, and client choice Resources & Mentorship: - How Jonathan supports lawyers through coaching and his podcast - Tools and strategies to navigate law firm growth and legal operations Resources: Website: lawfirmgc.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hawkins-law-firm-general-counsel/ Facebook: facebook.com/LawFirmGeneralCounsel/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 302 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken is joined by Derek Weber of Lead With AI, the founder and AI integration expert helping businesses implement human-centric AI strategies. Derek has spent over two years transforming his 22-year-old marketing company through focused experimentation with AI, developing a proven progression from mindset to technique, tools, and technology. He helps leaders move past fear and frustration to implement AI as a productivity multiplier, enabling teams to handle more clients, complete senior-level work faster, and reduce outsourcing costs. Derek's approach works across industries and requires no prior AI expertise - just an open mind and a ChatGPT or Claude account. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. AI Mindset and Adoption: - Why starting with mindset is critical before implementing AI tools - Overcoming resistance and fear that keeps teams stuck in the status quo 2. Progression to AI as a Partner: - Stages of AI integration, from basic interaction to assistants and agents - How to delegate repetitive or low-value tasks to AI to free up high-value work 3. Structured Input and Training: - Using contextual prompts and structured outputs to increase AI accuracy - Stacking AI assistants with specialized training for complex task handling 4. Human-Centric AI Implementation: - Focusing AI on amplifying high-value work instead of automating chaos - Creating strategic partners and virtual advisors for problem-solving and decision-making 5. Practical Application and ROI: - Real-world results: increased efficiency, more clients, and reduced outsourcing costs - Applying Derek's methodology in any business, regardless of industry or AI experience Resources: Websites: LeadWithAI.Us/pilmma GBGmarketing.com Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derekaweber Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 301 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken is joined by Jeremy Alters of ClaimAngel, the co-founder and CEO of the pioneering legal funding marketplace. Jeremy has built ClaimAngel into a platform that standardizes, democratizes, and centralizes legal funding while connecting law firms with multiple funders. Before launching the company, he was recognized as one of the nation's top plaintiff attorneys, securing over $5.5 billion in settlements and verdicts. Jeremy has also held leadership positions in bar associations, including President of the Miami-Dade County Trial Lawyer Association, and mentors attorneys through his consulting practice with the Berman Law Group. What you'll learn about in this episode: Litigation Funding Marketplace: - How ClaimAngel connects law firms with multiple funders - Advantages of standardized, transparent funding rates Protecting Clients and Ethics: - How attorneys fulfill fiduciary duties using ClaimAngel - Ensuring clients receive needed funds without jeopardizing case outcomes Financial Efficiency and Technology: - Streamlining case funding through ClaimAngel's digital portal - Tracking funding, payoffs, and client access efficiently Funding Rate Structure: - Flat-rate model and capped interest for client protection - Comparison versus typical industry lending and credit card rates Partnerships and Adoption: - How top personal injury firms use ClaimAngel to support clients - Impact of ethical, efficient funding on law firm success and client satisfaction Resources: Website: claimangel.com/lawfirms LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremy-alters1 Facebook: facebook.com/claimangell Twitter (X): x.com/claimangel Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 300 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken welcomes back Micki Love, a personal injury law firm operations and marketing expert with decades of experience helping attorneys grow and scale their practices. Micki started her career as a runner at Hughes & Coleman, a small personal injury firm in Kentucky, and over 23 years rose to Chief Operating Officer, helping the firm expand to 175 staff across nine offices in three states. She organized M&L Legal Marketing and Management seminars, implemented advanced intake systems, and optimized operational efficiency. After Hughes & Coleman, Micki joined Vista Consulting to help law firms overcome operational challenges. Since 2018, Micki has served as President and Chief Brand Strategist at cj Advertising, leading agency accounts and launching cj Consulting to help hundreds of firms double revenue and profitability. Under her leadership, cj Advertising earned recognition as one of the Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies in 2024. Micki continues to guide law firms toward practical, results-driven strategies for growth while balancing her personal life, including traveling with her adult children. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Law Firm Growth and Strategy: - The evolution of personal injury law firm operations over the last three decades - Key strategies for scaling firms and maintaining high operational standards 2. Intake and Client Experience: - Optimizing intake to improve client satisfaction and case outcomes - How AI can assist in intake, case management, and client communication 3. Technology and Efficiency: - Leveraging AI and other tools to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden - Balancing technology adoption with maintaining high-quality client service 4. Financial Management and Metrics: - Tracking true cost per case versus traditional metrics for smarter decision-making - Using historical data and financial benchmarks to set realistic goals and KPIs Practical Guidance for Law Firms: - How to implement new processes and technology gradually to ensure adoption - Tips for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving legal industry 5. Resources and Next Steps: - How to connect with Micki through cj Advertising for consulting or mentorship - Actionable advice for law firms to start improving intake, operations, and revenue today Resources: Website: www.cjadvertising.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cj-advertising Facebook: facebook.com/cjAdvertising Instagram: instagram.com/cjadvertising Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 299 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by David Arato of Lexicon Legal Content. David is the founder and CEO of Lexicon Legal Content, established in 2012 to address a critical need: law firms and marketing agencies often struggle to source high-quality, compliant content at scale. A 2009 graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, David combines legal expertise with content strategy to deliver precise, effective results. He currently resides in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he leads Lexicon alongside his wife and business partner, Erin, while enjoying the mountains with their two dogs, Scout and Sadie. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. AI and Legal Content Creation: - How AI can accelerate content production without sacrificing quality - The importance of human oversight to maintain accuracy and compliance 2. SEO and Google Ranking Strategies: - Techniques for ensuring legal content ranks at the top of search results - How to create content that adds unique value beyond AI-generated outputs 3. Compliance in Legal Marketing: - Avoiding ethical pitfalls when describing services, specialties, or outcomes - Understanding jurisdiction-specific rules and model ethics to prevent violations 4. Optimizing AI Workflows: - Using AI for topic ideation, outlines, and draft creation effectively - How to integrate AI into existing workflows to save time and improve results 5. Scaling Content for Agencies and Firms: - Leveraging expert-driven content to service multiple law firms or marketing agencies - Best practices for producing large volumes of content without compromising quality Resources: Website: lexiconlegalcontent.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidarato Facebook: facebook.com/lexiconlegalcontent/ Twitter (X): x.com/ContentLexicon/status/1904697056024801589 Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 298 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Seth Price, founder of BluShark Digital and managing partner at Price Benowitz LLP. An accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader, Seth is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz LLP, as well as the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital. Seth scaled a two-person law firm to 45 lawyers and leveraged that same digital expertise to create a best-in-class agency focused on legal marketing. He frequently speaks at major U.S. law conferences on topics including firm growth, ethics, operational best practices, SEO, and digital marketing strategies for law firms. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. AI and SEO Strategy: - How law firms can optimize for AI-driven search results without losing monetizable traffic - Using mentions and strategic placement in AI indexing to maintain visibility 2. Local Search and Google Maps: - How expanding Google My Business listings and satellite offices increases local reach - The role of review velocity in improving rankings and attracting clients 3. Balancing AI Efforts with Revenue: - Allocating marketing budget to AI results while maintaining ROI from proven channels - Understanding which AI-driven initiatives provide social proof versus actual revenue 4. LSA and PPC Strategies: - Why Local Service Ads often outperform traditional PPC for cost-effective lead generation - Ensuring intake processes are dialed in to maximize the value of LSA leads 5. Digital Marketing Best Practices: - The importance of owning digital assets, websites, social profiles, and ad accounts - Leveraging content from podcasts, videos, and other organic sources for long-term SEO Resources: Website: blusharkdigital.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethprice/ Twitter (X): x.com/blusharkdigital Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 297 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Sean Garner, Founder and CEO of Sean Garner Consulting, to explore the critical role of digital marketing for local service businesses, especially in law firms. Sean Garner is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and fractional CMO with over a decade of experience. As the founder of Sean Garner Consulting, he partners with local service businesses, including law firms, helping them simplify their marketing strategies and become trusted leaders in their communities. Sean's expertise spans StoryBrand messaging, website design, and sales funnel strategies, empowering business owners to take control of their marketing and generate consistent leads. What you'll learn about in this episode: AI and SEO Strategy: - The growing importance of optimizing for AI-driven search results - How to leverage backlinks and citations for SEO success Local Service Ads vs. PPC: - Benefits of Local Service Ads for lead generation over traditional PPC - How LSAs help law firms save money while boosting profile visibility The Power of Digital Asset Ownership: - Why owning and controlling your online presence is crucial for long-term growth - Treating digital assets with the same importance as a physical storefront Retargeting and Organic Growth: - How retargeting strategies can increase conversion rates and visibility - The role of organic content in sustaining and growing law firm marketing Building Trust Through Professional Relationships: - The importance of fostering genuine, personal connections with clients - How respect and understanding in business relationships drive success Resources: Website: www.seangarner.co/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/seanagarner/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeanGarnerConsulting/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 296 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Eric Morgan, President and CEO of Roux Advertising, to discuss how law firms can develop authentic brand positioning that attracts ideal clients, even when competing against the biggest advertisers in the market. Eric Morgan leads Roux Advertising, a New Orleans-based agency that helps law firms build differentiated, sustainable brands. With decades of experience in media strategy, campaign development, and analytics, Eric specializes in uncovering what makes a firm truly unique - and turning that into marketing that delivers real growth. What you'll learn about in this episode: Brand Positioning for Competitive Markets: – Why smaller law firms don't need to "out-yell" or outspend big competitors – How to stand out by identifying and owning a unique brand message Using Client Insights to Shape Strategy: – The value of interviewing past clients to uncover real differentiators – Leveraging referrals and testimonials as brand-building tools Identifying Your Firm's Audience Sweet Spot: – Mapping competitor messaging to find open market space – Aligning your message with your ideal client's values and mindset Operational Alignment with Brand Identity: – How client service philosophies can drive both marketing and internal systems – Building processes and team culture around brand promises Avoiding the Data Overload Trap: – Why over-analyzing attribution can hurt more than help – Embracing a media mix and measuring success holistically Resources: Website: www.rouxadvertising.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-morgan-b6a6042/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RouxAdvertising/ Twitter (X): twitter.com/RouxAdvertising Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Welcome to episode 295 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Dirk Derrick, founder of The Derrick Law Firm, to discuss how data-driven strategies and focus group insights are transforming case valuation, negotiation leverage, and trial outcomes. Dirk shares the evolution of his practice, how he escaped the "insurance matrix," and how his firm now helps attorneys nationwide unlock the true value of their cases. Dirk Derrick is the founder of The Derrick Law Firm in South Carolina. He pioneered the use of large-scale focus groups and data analytics to shift the power dynamic away from insurance companies and in favor of injured clients. Dirk's approach has helped double his average case value and is now used by plaintiff attorneys nationwide. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Escaping the Insurance Matrix: – Why traditional case valuation methods undervalue claims – How Dirk's data-driven approach creates new leverage with insurers 2. Running Focus Groups at Scale: – How Dirk built in-house courtrooms and ran 850+ mock juries – Using juror data to improve presentations and trial outcomes 3. Leveraging AI and Analytics: – The role of AI-generated reports in legal strategy – Turning juror data into case valuation and negotiation tools 4. Creating Client-Centered Service Models: – How Dirk's team builds lifetime fans through intentional relationship-building – The impact of communication cadence and client touchpoints 5. Expanding with Purpose: – How Dirk scaled to 10 offices and 30+ attorneys without losing quality – The leadership model he uses to maintain consistency firm-wide Resources: Website: www.derricklawfirm.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-derrick-law-firm/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/derricklawfirm Twitter (X): x.com/DerrickLawFirm Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind