Grow Your Law Firm

Welcome to episode 315 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com. Colleen shares her journey from building Lawyer.com into an 8-figure legal powerhouse to how the company is leveraging AI to revolutionize legal intake and marketing. The conversation dives into the dual-sided marketplace Lawyer.com offers, where consumers can easily find lawyers, while law firms get powerful tools to grow smarter and faster. Colleen explains how the integration of AI into the intake process has helped firms improve client conversion, rescue lost leads, and better track their marketing spend. The discussion also touches on the growing role of branding and technology in law firm success and the changes the legal industry will face in 2026. What you'll learn in this episode: 1. How Lawyer.com Helps Law Firms Thrive - Connecting consumers with the right lawyers - Tools for law firms to improve marketing and streamline intake 2. Leveraging AI for Legal Intake - How AI agents are enhancing intake efficiency - The balance between AI and human involvement for optimal results 3. The Future of Legal Technology - Why AI is crucial for law firms' future success - How AI is transforming client conversion and case handling 4. The Power of Branding and AI - The role of branding in the age of AI search engines - How branding and technology work together to stand out in the market 5. Adapting to Change in 2026 - What's next for law firms as AI and technology continue to evolve - How law firms can remain competitive in an increasingly tech-driven market Resources: Website: lawyer.com LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/colleenjoyce Facebook: facebook.com/lawyerdotcom Instagram: instagram.com/lawyerdotcom Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 314 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by brothers Hayden and David Haskins, co-founders of SPEED.AI, a platform built to solve one of the most expensive and overlooked problems in law firms: lost leads during intake. The conversation dives deep into how AI can finally give law firm owners real visibility into what actually happens on intake calls, why traditional call audits fail at scale, and how missed details on a single call can mean losing six- or seven-figure cases. Hayden and David explain how SPEED.AI analyzes every intake call in real time, flags "lead leaks," rescues rejected cases, and gives firms a second chance to capture revenue they already paid to generate. What you'll learn in this episode: Intake as a Hidden Revenue Leak - Why firms lose valuable cases during intake without realizing it - How small mistakes on calls can cost six- and seven-figure fees AI-Powered Lead Rescue in Action - Identifying rejected or mishandled calls that should have been signed - Recovering high-value cases within minutes of the intake ending Why Traditional Call Audits Fall Short - The limits of manual reviews and CRM records - How AI provides real visibility into what actually happens on calls Improving Intake Performance at Scale - Using call analysis to coach agents and spot training gaps - Tracking performance trends without listening to hours of recordings Maximizing Marketing ROI Through Intake Optimization - Protecting the leads firms already paid to generate - Why intake efficiency matters more than ever in a competitive market Resources: Website: https://speed.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryspeedai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tryspeedai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryspeedai Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

Welcome to episode 313 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Eric Sanchez and Stacie Monahan of Maestro Strategic Partners for a practical conversation about what it really takes to scale a law firm without breaking the business. They dig into the role of a true second-in-command and executive team, why "yes people" and echo chambers quietly stall growth, and how firms have to re-engineer systems as they move from a small shop to a larger operation. Eric and Stacie also share what they're seeing in the market around technology and AI adoption, and why execution, culture, and strong middle management become non-negotiable as headcount and complexity rise. What you'll learn about in this episode: Why law firm growth requires "second-in-command" leadership - How strong executive teams unlock the owner's highest-value work - Why avoiding "yes people" prevents echo chambers and stalled success Scaling changes everything - Why what worked at 30 people breaks at 70, 100, and beyond - How intake and operations must be re-engineered as volume increases What Maestro Strategic Partners actually does - Fractional leadership, advisory support, and vendor selection guidance - Helping firms cut through "AI snake oil" and adopt tech that fits The real issue with "lifers" and blockers - Why longevity isn't the same thing as loyalty - Options: restructure, scaffold, isolate, or part ways to protect culture Culture and execution as competitive advantages - Why execution beats ideas and values help make hard calls fast - How technology is becoming mandatory for survival, not just growth Resources: Website: mstratpartners.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/maestro-strategic-partners Facebook: facebook.com/maestrostrategic Book: amazon.com/Invested-Leadership-Empower-Your-Heart/dp/1544547218 Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind https://calendly.com/jenna-pilmma/strategy-session-with-pilmma AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo

In this insightful discussion, Eric Sanchez, Managing Partner of Maestro Strategic Partners and former CEO of a major North Carolina personal injury firm, shares his expertise in legal tech. He emphasizes the importance of strategy when introducing AI in law firms, advocating for a pain-point analysis to identify key areas for improvement. Eric distinguishes between AI enhancement and full automation, highlights the need for tailored tools, and introduces the concept of agentic AI. He also discusses the significance of empathetic leadership and staff buy-in amid technological change.

Welcome to episode 311 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Tim McKey, CEO and co-founder of Vista Consulting, a longtime CPA and law-firm operations expert who has spent more than 15 years helping plaintiff firms improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term stability. Through Vista, Tim has worked with nearly 300 firms to build stronger systems, enhance financial reporting, implement accountability, and navigate major transitions including mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Disruption in Today's PI Landscape - How aging ownership, new capital sources, and ABS laws are reshaping the industry - Why institutional investors are moving aggressively into plaintiff firms 2. Understanding MSOs and Ownership Changes - How Managed Service Organizations work as an alternative structure - When selling to an MSO makes sense—and when a traditional sale is better 3. Competing in a Market of Roll-Ups and Mega-Firms - Why differentiation—not spending more—is the key to survival - How boutique firms can win even as consolidation increases 4. Building a Firm That's Valuable - The operational ratios healthy firms monitor - The importance of systems, processes, and a true second-in-command 5. Using AI, Metrics, and Accountability to Improve Margins - Why AI and offshore support are pushing labor ratios down - Why every team member needs KPIs and clear expectations to drive performance Resources: Website: vistact.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timmckey Facebook: facebook.com/Vistact Instagram: instagram.com/vistaconsultingteam 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 310 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Jake Soffer, Founder and CEO of FirmPilot, an AI-driven marketing platform built to help law firms acquire more clients through intelligent automation and deep market data. Jake brings over a decade of experience in natural language processing and artificial intelligence, rooted in his computer engineering studies at RPI and NYU. Before founding FirmPilot, he built and exited companies in the NLP space and now leads one of the most advanced AI marketing systems in the legal industry—what he calls a "high-performing AI agency in a box." With FirmPilot now supporting more than 120 firms, Jake is at the forefront of how AI, competitive intelligence, and real-time data are reshaping the way legal practices grow. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. How AI Content Really Works - What differentiates low-quality AI content from high-performing - Why models trained on legal sources outperform generic tools like ChatGPT 2. Using Market Data to Outperform Competitors - Why copying what you see your competitors doing will usually fail - How to analyze deeper signals like backlinks, markup, and behavioral data 3. Domain Authority and Backlinks - What domain authority really measures and how to interpret it - Why quality, consistency, and relevance in link building now outweigh volume 4. Attribution and Tracking in a Multi-Channel World - Why last-touch attribution no longer gives you the full picture - How Google Tag Manager and call-tracking create accurate marketing feedback loops 5. Preparing for the Future of AI Search - How generative engines like ChatGPT and Gemini evaluate legal expertise - Why optimizing for "fanned-out queries" and AI overviews is becoming essential Resources: Website: firmpilot.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jake-soffer-jd-00797a62 Facebook: facebook.com/p/FirmPilot-100092301576461 Instagram: instagram.com/firmpilot 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

Seth Deutsch, founder of Samson Partners Group, shares his expertise on private equity's impact on personal injury practices. He dives into how authentic branding can outperform aggressive marketing tactics and the importance of client-centric insights. Deutsch emphasizes the value of long-term brand identity over gimmicky approaches and discusses the rising trend of mergers and acquisitions. He also highlights the role of non-lawyer investments and shares lessons from the dental and accounting sectors on navigating these changes.

Welcome to episode 308 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken welcomes back Eric Morgan, President and CEO of Roux Advertising, to discuss the importance of planning effective marketing strategies for small and midsize law firms. They focus on the Brand Realization Program, which helps firms identify their unique selling points and core values to create impactful marketing strategies. Eric highlights the significance of differentiation, client feedback for continuous improvement, creating memorable brand identities, and standing out without excessive spending. The discussion emphasizes the need for firms to articulate their unique value propositions and differentiate themselves from competitors by focusing on authenticity and purpose. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Planning effective marketing strategies for small and midsize law firms involves: - Identifying unique selling points and core values - Creating impactful marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences 2. Small law firms need to: - Clearly articulate their unique value propositions - Differentiate themselves from larger competitors 3. Soliciting client feedback is crucial for law firms to: - Continuously improve - Leverage genuine client experiences over self-promotion 4. Memorable brand names and workshops can help firms: - Create distinct brand identities - Make informed marketing decisions 5. Enhancing competitive edge and market presence requires law firms to: - Focus on authenticity, purpose, and differentiation - Stand out without excessive spending Resources: Website: rouxadvertising.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-morgan Facebook: facebook.com/RouxAdvertising Instagram: instagram.com/rouxadvertising 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 307 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken welcomes Ed Levy, creator of I Love My PI Lawyer—a curated client-gifting and referral system for personal injury firms. After two decades in promotional marketing for brands like Porsche, Gallo Wines, and major agencies, Ed spotted a gap: PI firms were under-leveraging their happiest audience. His program turns thoughtful, high-perceived-value gifts into stronger relationships, better reviews, and consistent referrals, without looking like advertising. What you'll learn about in this episode: 1. Client Gifting That Actually Moves the Needle - Why gifts must feel personal (not promo) to change client attitudes - How "high perceived value" (typically $25–$35+) beats swag every time 2. Timing & Touchpoints Across the Case - Best moments to gift: onboarding, mid-case, and 30–60 days post-settlement - How mid-case gifting calms nerves and post-settlement gifting says "not forgotten" 3. Design, Messaging & Differentiation - Crafting firm-specific designs and note cards that tell why this gift was chosen - Removing calls-to-action so the gift strengthens trust (not sells) 4. Execution Without the Headaches - Creative, production, warehousing, and weekly fulfillment handled for you - Practical ranges with glassware, blankets, tech, and more 5. ROI, Referrals & Ethics Nuance - How a 1–3% referral lift can pay for the entire program - Ideas for past-client/referrer tiers—plus watching state-bar rules on gifts Resources: Website: edventurepromotions.com/ilovemypilawyer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edlevy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilovemypilawyer/ 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 306 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Jon Robinson and Marc Rioux, no-BS marketing technologists with over a decade of proven success in the legal industry. Jon and Marc have built tech-first teams that handle every aspect of law firm marketing. Their work is tracked through dashboards that measure what matters, connecting marketing results to intake and operations in platforms like Litify and SmartAdvocate. Their mission is clear and ethical: help law firms gain more clients, deliver better client experiences, and provide full-funnel visibility for owners. As co-hosts of the Jon & Marc Podcast and frequent conference speakers, they share what works—and what doesn't—so firms can focus on out-executing their competition, not out-spending them. What to expect in this week's episode: Omnipresent Branding in a Moving Market - Why firms must show up across channels as search fragments into AI, social, and local touchpoints - Practical ways to build memorable multi-touch awareness without out-spending competitors SEO+ for the AI Era - Keeping core SEO strong while adding credible brand mentions, list inclusions, and near-real-time iteration - How to make your content the source AI cites by injecting proprietary insights and local expertise Paid Media That Actually Converts - Maxing LSAs, defending brand terms, and when (not) to run non-brand PPC - Measuring full-funnel impact from click to signed case—not just "leads" Rebrands, Migrations & Reputation - Changing names/domains fast without losing equity—what to update and in what order - Turning reviews, PR, and community proof into durable advantage over PE-backed entrants Ops Alignment & Authentic Content - Connecting marketing to intake and case ops for higher close rates - Why real humans beat avatars for trust—and how to scale authentic content across channels Resources: Website: jonandmarc.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jon-and-marc Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578375167789 YouTube: youtube.com/@JonandMarc 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