Creating A Business Culture to Better Serve Your Clients and Grow your Firm   Welcome to episode 109 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with Craig Goldenfarb and they talk about how creating a positive culture can better serve your clients and help to grow your business.   While Mr. Goldenfarb is primarily occupied with building the teams that directly manage client cases, he is devoted to serving the legal needs of our “Critical Case” clients. Mr. Goldenfarb directly handles pre-suit and litigation matters that involve significant loss, such as catastrophic injury cases, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, negligent security, and heart attacks in public places (AED law). Whether a client suffers due to an auto accident, boating accident, medical malpractice, defective product, nursing home neglect or abuse, addiction rehab abuse, premises liability, slip and falls, heart attacks in public places, or cases involving Wrongful Death, Mr. Goldenfarb takes pride in being able to fight the insurance companies to obtain fair compensation for his clients.     What you’ll learn about in this episode: The role model that Craig’s mother, one of the first female law professors at Harvard Law, was and how it shaped his career The importance of personality and people skills in a law firm The benefits of having a mentor and all the things they can teach you Looking at starting a law firm as a business and not just a profession The exponential growth that comes with focusing on your business instead of living in your business The many dividends focusing on culture pays How happy employees make for very happy clients Craig’s Personal Injury Response Unit and how it helps build his brand in positive ways Working remote because of new realities and what that will look like going forward Onboarding employees from far-flung places and whether or not it is worth it The growing influence of digital marketing The power of networking and collaboration to grow your business     Resources:  Website: https://800goldlaw.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawofficesofcraiggoldenfarb/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-offices-of-craig-goldenfarb-p-a-/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/craiggoldenfarb?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSIYod5uqslFCJPFh2gOCjg       Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

How to Operate and Market A Prosperous Yet Caring Personal Injury Firm Welcome to episode 108 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with J. Chad Parker and they talk about all that comes back to you when you focus on giving the right care and attention to your clients.   Chad Parker has been board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal specialization since 1998 and practices in Tyler, Texas. Prior to starting his personal injury practice, he spent over 20 years as an insurance defense lawyer. His vast trial experience and jury verdicts over the last three decades sets him apart in the market that he serves and he is recognized as a formidable opponent by insurance company attorneys. Mr. Parker is known for taking cases both big and small because he truly cares that the wrongly injured achieve the fair and positive outcome they deserve. Call J. Chad Parker and Don’t Get Hurt Twice!     What you’ll learn about in this episode:   How and why Chad made the transition from insurance defense to personal injury The advantages gained with experience on the “other side” The nexus of Chad’s hook, Don’t Get Hurt Twice, and how he uses it to market his practice Chad’s methods of separating himself from his competition with a focus on compassion The importance of being able to pivot when changes in the legal landscape occur Marketing yourself in a smaller marketplace Finding opportunities in cases where others see little worth How a large staff can provide the support needed to give clients the attention and care that they deserve The unexpected surprises that come with leaving a large firm and starting your own What personal injury lawyers should know about the insurance companies that they don’t know The power of staying consistent and visible with your advertising     Resources:    Website: https://www.jchadparker.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-chad-parker-2b1683105 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JChadParker Twitter: https://twitter.com/jchadparkerlaw?s=20     Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

A Glimpse Into Lem Garcia’s Humble & Intelligent Approach To Law Welcome to episode 107 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with Lem Garcia and they talk about hi law firm and how he built the successful firm that he has.   Lem Garcia founded Lem Garcia Law in 2014. With only a few thousand dollars of his own money in the bank, lots of donated time and handiwork from his family, and bargain furniture found on Craigslist, Lem Garcia Law was born. It has become one of the fastest growing and most well-respected personal injury law offices in Southern California, having recovered millions of dollars for clients, with top settlements of $1.75M, $1.3M, $1.1M and $1M. Lem attributes the success of the firm to always doing what is best for his clients and its unique Lem Garcia Law Promise, which delivers top-notch personal service and results.   What you’ll learn about in this episode: Information on Lem’s background and how he built a multimillion dollar law firm from just a coupe thousand dollars. Why Lem decided to go into personal injury law and to help others in that way. What Lem does to create a personal touch and a personal service so as to get the amount of referrals that he does. What Lem attributes his high settlement figures to. Advice for young lawyer who are just starting out in their career. The reasons that Lem went into journalism as an undergraduate and how that informed his decision to go into law school (hint: to help people!). The best advice the Lem has received in the past several years. Why it is so important to stay humble, especially as you find success in life.   Resources:  Website: https://www.lemgarcialaw.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/westcovinacaraccidentattorney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemgarcialaw/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wcovinainjury     Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/    

Lessons From The Attorney Who Invented The Field Of Truck Crash Cases Welcome to episode 106 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with Joe Fried and they discuss his career, how he became to be so successfully recognized within his niche, and his advice for other attorneys trying to grow their firm.  Joe Fried is considered by many to be the preeminent truck accident attorney in the country. His office is in Atlanta, Georgia, but he has handled cases in over 35 states recovering more than $1 billion for his clients. He is the Founder of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, former Chair of the American Association of Justice Truck Litigation Group, former President of the National Trial Lawyers Trucking Trial Lawyers and founding Chair of the National Board of Truck Accident Lawyers. He is among the first lawyers to be Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Truck Accident Law and sits on the NBTA Board. In addition to his expertise in trucking, Joe is a former police officer with advanced training in crash investigation and reconstruction, human factors, psychodrama, storytelling and neurolinguistic programming. He is widely known for his creative and unique approaches to preparing and presenting cases and for his ability to craft and present the compelling human story in each of his cases. Joe handles a small number of catastrophic truck crash cases at a time so he can focus his resources on achieving the best possible results for his clients. He spends the rest of his time working as a trucking safety advocate, author, and educator. Joe has authored books, DVDs and articles on trucking and litigation best practices, and has Joe given over 600 presentations on these subjects to lawyers, judges, and trucking industry stakeholders.     What you’ll learn about in this episode: Information on Joe’s background and how it is he came to specialize in trucking accidents Why it is that if you focus on what you’re passionate about and don’t focus on the money that the money will eventually come. How it was that Joe was able to basically invent the field of truck crash cases. Information about Joe’s new book A Law Enforcement Guide To Truck Safety Standards. The ways that Joe was able to differentiate himself in the first year he was handling truck crash cases, and lesson within that for others (including things such as going to truck driving school himself). How Joe got the insight that he needed to market his services to other lawyers as opposed to the general public. A look at the not-for-profit Joe created, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. The way that Joe is a great marketer, by striving to raise the standard and truly help people, which can be just as effective as investing in advertising. A few pieces of simple advice for young lawyers looking to grow their practice.   Resources:  Website: https://www.friedgoldberg.com/the-firm/joseph-a-fried/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriedGoldbergLLC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fried-goldberg-llc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruckingAttys Website: Trucksafetystandards.com     Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

One Of The Nation’s Most Successful Attorneys Shares His Stories And Advice. Welcome to episode 105 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with Morris Bart and they discuss exactly how he became the second largest personal injury attorney in the country and his advice for other lawyers for marketing, hiring, and persevering.   Mr. Bart has been a trial lawyer for over 40 years. During his career, he has developed a national reputation as a leader in handling pharmaceutical, medical devices, and other Mass Torts litigations. In this area, he has successfully achieved many multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients. Mr. Bart has also been a pioneer in legal marketing in America and has lectured extensively on the subject at Tulane University, Loyola Law School, and University of New Orleans.     What you’ll learn about in this episode: Morris Bart’s background, and how he went into law and eventually found himself as one of the biggest personal injury lawyers in the country. What Morris did to be on his way to become one of the most respected marketers in his profession. How Morris came up with his ubiquitous tag line “One Call, That’s All”. Why television marketing needs to be the cornerstone of any attorney’s advertising budget, even in the age of digital. Why having charisma is an important part of an advertising campaign, regardless of the amount of money one has to spend. What Morris has, and hasn’t, changed about operating his firm during the pandemic. The issues that Morris has had recently when it comes to hiring new employees and what he’s doing to address that. Advice for young lawyers who are trying to succeed in a difficult market.   Resources:  Website: https://www.morrisbart.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morrisbartlawfirm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrisBartLawFirm Twitter: https://twitter.com/morrisbart?lang=en       Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

How Your Firm Can Receive Cash From The IRS Through ERC Today Welcome to episode 104 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with John Gentille and they discuss how his company, ERC Today, helps businesses to apply for and receive employee retention tax credits. John is a visionary connector and graduated from Chowan University.  As Chief Revenue Officer, John oversees the company’s sales, partnerships, and strategies surrounding business development.  John spent most of his career at ADP.  Aside from traveling the world with ADP, he generated millions in revenue and also developed  several strategic partnerships.      What you’ll learn about in this episode: John Gentilly’s background, how he got into working around the Cares Act, and how he started ERC Today. The steps they take at ERC Today to help firms and companies get money from the government for retaining employees during Covid. What exactly is the employee retention tax credit and how it works. What qualifies a business for this credit and what type of employees qualifies. How it works with what type of impact your business has had to experience due to covid. The calculations inherent in deciding what kind of cash payment from the IRS you could receive. How ERC Today bills the clients that they work with. The site that firms can go to (listed below) to learn more about the process as well as what information they will need to begin the process.   Resources:  Website: erctoday.com/pilmma LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johngentille/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ERCtoday/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erc_today/?hl=en Contact Info: Company: ERC Today Email: John Gentille Gentille@erctoday.com Mobile: 803-833-0309     Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

How “The Hammer” Cares For Clients, Works Hard, And Employs Smart Marketing   Welcome to episode 103 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode Ken sits down with Darryl Issacs and they discuss how he has grown his firm through proper care for his clients, knowing how to work hard while working smart, as well as employing some very shrewd marketing endeavors.     Attorney, Darryl Isaacs, also known as “The Hammer”, is CEO and President of Isaacs & Isaacs P.S.C., which he co-founded with his late father, Sheldon N. Isaacs in 1993.  The firm has helped thousands of clients recover over two billion dollars practicing in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. The firm handles Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, Traumatic Brain Injury, Dog Bites and Class Action cases. Darryl created and manages several “Mastermind Marketing Groups”, whose law firms have earned over 70 billion dollars in revenues. Darryl has shot over 700 commercials with one of his Superbowl Commercials receiving over 15 million views. He is a dynamic self-promoter and independent, “out of the box thinker” who strives to find solutions to help others.      What you’ll learn about in this episode: Darryl’s backstory, what initially drew him into law, and how he evolved into a prominent PI lawyer. A look into Darryl’s reputation for having an aggressive demeanor in the court room, and why it is that he has found that the more you litigate the better your settlements. The impressive size of Darryl’s practice, but also why he believes it’s important to not become too big of a firm. How to approach social media marketing, which platforms provide the best results, and how it levels the playing field. Why Darryl decided to build a full sized courtroom at his office, and the benefits that has provided. Information about Darryl’s Super Bowl ad, which got him 15 million views! Why when it comes to advertising, it’s not about matching competitors dollar for dollar, it’s about taking care of clients and doing what you do as best as you can. Advice for young lawyers out there trying to make it, especially if they are in personal injury law.   Resources:    Phone: 502-817-1000 Website: https://www.isaacsandisaacs.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaacsandisaacs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-isaacs-21534162/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/isaacsandisaacs?lang=en Company: Isaacs Isaacs PSC Email: Darryl Isaacs darryl@isaacsandisaacs.com Assistant: Haley oneal@isaacsandisaacs.com       Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

From Little Money In His Pocket To Running One Of The South’s Largest Firms, With Scott Monge   Welcome to episode 102  of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast. In this episode Ken sits down with Scott Monge and we hear his story about how he grew his own firm and advice on how others can do the same.   Scott Monge’s passion for helping innocent injury victims comes down to the Platinum Rule: Treat people the same way your friends and family would want to be treated when facing a life challenge. Scott’s on a lifelong mission to win outstanding results for innocent injury victims battling against big insurance companies. This calling started when he launched his practice in 1993 in a rented one-person office in Atlanta. Today, Monge & Associates is recognized as one of the most influential law firms in America. Each team member is chosen for their passion and commitment to improving the lives of innocent injury victims. Thanks to their legal work with thousands of innocent personal injury and car accident victims, they’re regularly featured on television, print media, the internet, and many other media platforms.   In fact, Monge & Associates commitment to creating an exceptional client experience comes with a first of its kind guarantee. If you’re not totally satisfied with how you’re treated during the initial 30 days after you hire them, you can take your file — no questions asked — and they won’t charge you anything. Scott Monge is also the author of the book “Secrets to Win Your Injury Case.” Scott firmly believes you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give back to others. That’s why they’re here to make good things happen for other people.     What you’ll learn about in this episode:   How and why Scott went from the plains of the Midwest, without a lawyer in his family, to having one of the largest law firms in the South. Information on the impressive size that Scott’s firm has grown to. The unique process that Scott takes when it comes to customer service and attorney client communications (hint: it’s start with the employees). How Scott’s firm has weathered the pandemic and how it’s affected the way people work. The case that brought Scott the most personal reward. Examples of when Scott has taken a big risk that lead to grow for his firm. Advice for young attorneys who are just starting and want to establish themselves. The 3 things every law firm needs to survive. What Scott does to market his past clients so that his successful work leads to more in the future.   Resources:    Website: https://www.becauseyouwanttowin.com/team/scott-monge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MongeandAssociates/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmonge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teammonge         Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

Going Your Own Way & Taking The Right Risks With Lee Coleman   Welcome to episode 101 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast. In this episode Ken sits down with Lee Coleman and they discuss his career and firm along with some sage advice from a successful attorney.    Lee Coleman is the Founding Partner of Hughes and Coleman. In 1985, he opened Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers with Partner J. Marshall Hughes. To date, founding Hughes & Coleman has been both Lee’s greatest accomplishment and his biggest channel for advocacy. Even though Lee’s legal career has been polished and time-tested, Lee never stops learning how to continuously better his firm for his clients. He constantly attends legal seminars and lectures across the nation in order to learn new and innovative ways to make Hughes & Coleman a leading firm in the industry.   What you’ll learn about in this episode:   Lee’s background and how he got into law. The types of cases that Lee likes to practice the most, and why. The amount of employees Lee has at his firm and how he has managed them working though the pandemic. Thoughts on how you know it’s right to move your firm into another market. Thoughts on when it is the right decision to buy another law firm and when it isn’t. What kind of personal injury cases it makes sense to take on and put forward in front of a jury. Advice about what kind of risks are worth taking as an attorney with your own practice. Advice for young lawyers who are thinking about going into personal injury law (hint: it might be easier now than ever!)   Resources:    Website: https://www.hughesandcoleman.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HughesColeman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hughes-and-coleman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hughescoleman?lang=en       Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/  

The 17 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My First Law Firm   In this special episode, to celebrate our 100th release, Ken decided to have his wife, TianaHorace,interview him and he shares with us things he wish he knew when he started his law firm.   Ken Hardison has fought for people’s rights as a trusted personal injury lawyer for over 35 years. His ethics, integrity, and passion for his clients helped to build one of North Carolina’s most successful firms, Hardison & Cochran, and a successful Social Security disability firm, Carolina Disability Lawyers, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Now, as owner and publisher of the law firm management website, Law Practice Advisor, and founder and president of PILMMA, Ken devotes his time to helping attorneys build their own preeminent law practices with proven marketing strategies and management resources. Ken has been recognized as one of the top 100 Trial Lawyers in North Carolina and is a member of the exclusive Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Systematic Marketing is his tenth book. Ken has authored 5 books on marketing and managing law firms. He is a sought-after speaker throughout the country on marketing and managing law firms.   Ken is known as the “Millionaire Maker” due to his coaching clients doubling and quadrupling their law practices and income following Ken’s practice growing advice and insights.   Ken lives in North Myrtle Beach, SC where he enjoys playing golf and fishing when he is not helping lawyers grow their practices.         What you’ll learn about in this episode:   Why it is “lonely at the top”, and some of the unique stresses that comes along with starting a firm and having the buck stop with you. The importance of having and espousing a set of core values at your firm. Why you need to know your own differentiator, what sets you apart from others, before you begin marketing your firm. That it is important to hire slow and fire fast at your firm. Thoughts on how to properly compensate employees, and why it’s important. Why 20% of your cases should be producing 80% of your income. The importance of having a dedicated intake person and how that can greatly increase your revenue. What price elasticity is and the importance of understanding it. That if you are the boss at your firm you should look into attending Mastermind courses as you will find yourself amongst people that can relate to the issues you are facing.     Additional Resources: PILMMA’s Super Summit: https://www.pilmma.org/summit/ The Mastermind Effect: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect/ PILMMA’s Free Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/resources/ PILMMA Join Page: https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind/