

Law Subscribed
Mathew Kerbis, The Subscription Attorney
Mathew Kerbis interviews attorneys and technologists building for subscription legal services and other innovations within the law.
https://linktr.ee/lawsubscribed. www.lawsubscribed.com
https://linktr.ee/lawsubscribed. www.lawsubscribed.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 27, 2024 • 2min
(105) Happy New Year, What's Next for Law Subscribed, and Welcome to New Subscribers
Happy New Year! It was a banner year for Law Subscribed. We crossed 100 episodes and got high quality and high profile guests for the podcast. There are a lot of new subscribers to Law Subscribed so I wanted to welcome the new folks and provide some updates to longtime subscribers. I’ve updated paid subscriber benefits to get shows early, and I plan on hosting office hours for paid-only subscribers in 2025. You can join the paid membership to Law Subscribed for only $9/month or $90/year at https://www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe. I don’t know what this will look like for free subscribers, but know that shows will still air on Fridays free for all. I’m going to test out Substack’s feature that lets me gift temporary paid benefits to free subscribers. If you’re interested in getting those benefits, I’m going to give them to the first 5 people who respond to this email or post a comment to this page at www.lawsubscribed.com/happynewyear2025. I’m taking a break from mainline episodes through the holiday and new year season, and I’ve got some exciting changes planned for 2025. My most downloaded episodes are those related to how to actually start and run a subscription-based law practice. I’ll still bring you interviews, but I’ll be focusing on creating more of that content next year. I’ve also got some great LinkedIn Live’s scheduled for 2025 with new and returning guests, so make sure to follow me there. I’ve also started to upload my backlog of videos to YouTube. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@lawsubscribed. Tune in next week for a promo of the special series I’m running in 2025 with a special co-host of a great legal podcast, and again, Happy New Year!__________________________Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Check out my other show, the Law for Kids Podcast.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Sign up for the Subscription Seminar waitlist at subscriptionseminar.com.Check out Mathew Kerbis' law firm Subscription Attorney LLC. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Dec 24, 2024 • 41min
(104.5) Part 3: Is a Hotdog a Sandwich, and Why?
Episodes 84-104 make up the third Law Subscribed compilation episode for Part 3: Is a Hotdog a Sandwich, and Why?Enjoy!Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Check out my other show, the Law for Kids Podcast.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Sign up for the Subscription Seminar waitlist at subscriptionseminar.com.Check out Mathew Kerbis' law firm Subscription Attorney LLC. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Dec 20, 2024 • 48min
(104) Tax Law + Subscriptions with Attorney Steven Leahy
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.Steven Leahy, a seasoned tax attorney, shares his journey and insights on transitioning to a subscription-based legal practice. Initially venturing into law with a business mindset, Leahy found his calling in assisting business owners with tax issues, evolving his services beyond mere IRS problem-solving to fostering business prosperity. His approach includes a five-step program aimed at not just resolving tax issues but also promoting business growth. Leahy’s transition to a subscription model was driven by the challenges of flat rate fees and the desire for a more sustainable practice that allows for continuous client support.Leahy’s subscription model has significantly transformed his practice, enabling him to maintain ongoing relationships with clients and offer comprehensive tax solutions. This model not only benefits clients by providing them with consistent support but also enhances the value of Leahy’s practice by ensuring a steady revenue stream and client engagement. Leahy’s innovative approach extends to offering additional services like bookkeeping, addressing the root causes of tax problems, and ensuring compliance with tax obligations. His focus on building a sustainable and valuable law practice through subscription services reflects a forward-thinking approach to legal service delivery.He also delves into the broader implications of adopting a subscription model in legal practice. Leahy discusses the benefits of this model for both attorneys and clients, emphasizing the importance of aligning incentives and building long-term relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by multi-jurisdictional practice and the potential for leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. Leahy’s experience highlights the transformative potential of subscription models in providing more predictable, accessible, and client-centered legal services.__________________________Learn about Opem Tax Advocates.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Dec 13, 2024 • 49min
(103) Mergers and Acquisitions + Subscriptions and Flat Fees with Conrad Everhard of Flatiron Law Group
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.Conrad Everhars, a seasoned lawyer with over three decades of experience, is a co-founder of Flatiron Law Group. His journey through the legal profession includes significant tenures as an associate and partner at major law firms like Jones Day and Bryan Cave, as well as a pivotal role as the general counsel of a solar company. Everhard's transition back to private practice led him to establish Flatiron alongside fellow veterans of BigLaw. Flatiron Law Group distinguishes itself as a disruptive entity in the legal industry, adopting a flat fee structure for premium deal work, primarily in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This innovative approach is bolstered by proprietary technology and a flexible labor model, aiming to deliver legal services more efficiently and cost-effectively than traditional firms.The firm’s ethos is deeply rooted in Everhard's critique of the billable hour model, which he views as outdated and inefficient. Flatiron’s operational model leverages technology and a network of skilled professionals to streamline the legal process, particularly in due diligence for M&A transactions. This method not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with Everhard’s vision of a more competitive pricing strategy without compromising service quality. The firm’s “deal driver” platform exemplifies this approach, organizing and simplifying the due diligence process to facilitate smoother transactions.Flatiron’s success and Everhard’s philosophy signal a potential shift in the legal industry, challenging the status quo of service delivery and pricing. By embracing fixed fees, virtual work arrangements, and cutting-edge technology, Flatiron Law Group aims to provide a viable alternative to traditional law firm models. This approach reflects a broader movement within the legal sector towards innovation and client-centric services, with Everhard and his team at the forefront of this transformation.__________________________Learn about Flatiron Law Group.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Dec 6, 2024 • 40min
(102) Criminal Law & Immigration + Subscriptions with John Heiderscheidt of Subscription Lawyer
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.John Heiderscheidt, a Chicago-based attorney with nearly 13 years of experience, specializes in criminal defense, immigration, and some aspects of civil law with a business focus. He discusses the evolving legal industry and the economic challenges both lawyers and clients face today. Highlighting the affordability crisis in legal services, John references a study by the American Bar Association which found that over 85% of Americans cannot afford legal representation when needed. This alarming statistic led him to adopt a subscription model for legal services, likening it to insurance against legal fees. He believes this model not only makes economic sense for clients by offering steep discounts but also anticipates their legal needs through regular check-ups, akin to a doctor’s visit for physical wellness.John elaborates on the subscription model’s benefits, emphasizing its role in providing legal wellness checks and steep discounts on services. He shares his journey into law, driven by a desire to help people and a recognition of his strengths in communication and analysis. Despite the challenges posed by market saturation and economic downturns, John remains committed to his subscription model, seeing it as a way to make legal services more accessible and affordable. He also touches on the impact of technology and automation on the legal profession, predicting significant changes in how services are delivered.John discusses the flexibility of his pricing and service delivery, including discounted hourly rates and flat fees for certain cases. He is exploring proprietary technology to further automate and streamline services, particularly for immigration law. Despite the potential of technology to replace some aspects of legal work, John emphasizes the irreplaceable human element in providing compassionate and effective legal counsel. He reflects on the unique trust clients place in their lawyers, underscoring the responsibility to guide and protect them through legal challenges, something that, at least right now, AI cannot do.__________________________Learn about Subscription Lawyer.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Dec 3, 2024 • 55min
(101.5) AI’s Impact on Competence and Fees: Ethically Become a Lawyer of the Future (Presented Live at NiftyCON 2024)
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.This is the recording of my live CLE presentation at NiftyCON in 2024 called AI’s Impact on Competence and Fees: Ethically Become a Lawyer of the Future.The CLE goals are: (1) learn to ethically incorporate AI into legal practice; (2) differentiate between various AI tools; and (3) learn about the most profitable and ethical billing methods. No CLE credit is available for listening to this podcast, but the content will still be super valuable and still worth a listen. In this talk, I share my journey from traditional practice to leveraging AI to revolutionize legal services. I argue against the billable hour (to no one’s surprise), presenting AI as not just a tool for profitability but an ethical necessity for modern legal practice. I focus on the ethical obligations on competence in technology and fair fee arrangements. I explain the concept of Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) for improving AI’s accuracy and stress the importance protected communications and client data security. I spend a good deal of time highlighting the distinction between legal-specific AI tools and general-purpose AI, emphasizing the need for legal AI to prioritize confidentiality and reliability (a/k/a using RAG).I argue that attorneys must use the subscription model since it aligns with ethical obligations to not bill clients by using wasteful procedures, and it promotes efficiency and transparency. I share practical tips for implementing subscription legal services, including pricing strategies. I make the case that lawyers should embrace AI and subscription models to enhance service delivery, access to justice, and firm scalability, and move towards a more client-centric practice.__________________________Here’s the related presentation deck.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Nov 29, 2024 • 53min
(101) Space Law + Subscriptions with Jack Shelton of Aegis Space Law
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.Jack Shelton, a seasoned lawyer with a rich background in maritime law and litigation, embarks on a journey to establish his own law firm, Aegis Space Law, amidst personal and global upheavals. His transition from working in various law firms to founding his own practice is driven by a desire for autonomy and the ability to innovate without constraints. The firm, which specializes in international trade, federal government contracting, and U.S. export controls, caters to the niche market of the space industry. Jack’s decision to start his own firm is catalyzed by securing a retainer from a client in need of fractional in-house counsel, providing him with the financial stability to navigate the early days of entrepreneurship and the COVID-19 pandemic.As Aegis Space Law grows, Jack and his co-founder, whom he connected with through their mutual interest in international trade and export controls, leverage their expertise to serve small and medium-sized businesses in the space industry. Their firm operates entirely remotely, with a team spread across various locations, reflecting a modern approach to law practice. The firm’s use of technology, such as Jira for client ticketing and the development of an AI-powered analysis tool, underscores their commitment to efficiency and innovation. The subscription-based pricing model they adopt allows for more predictable legal expenses for their clients, distinguishing Aegis Space Law from traditional law firms with hourly billing practices. Jack reveals his journey from a traditional legal career path to pioneering a subscription-based law firm focused on the space industry. His narrative highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the legal field, the strategic use of technology to enhance client service, and the importance of adaptability in meeting the needs of a specialized market. Jack’s story is a testament to the evolving landscape of legal practice, where innovation, technology, and a client-centered approach are key to success.__________________________Learn about Aegis Space Law.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Nov 26, 2024 • 16min
(100.5) Law Subscribed Live 100th Episode Celebration
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.To celebrate the publication of Law Subscribed’s 100th episode, I hosted a LinkedIn live to talk about the last 3 years and 100(+) episodes.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Nov 22, 2024 • 53min
(100) From Subscriptions to Total Monetization with Tien Tzuo of Zuora
Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing.Tien Tzuo, CEO of Zuora and a pioneer in the subscription economy, shares his journey and insights on transforming traditional business models into subscription-based ones. With over two decades of experience, starting with Salesforce, Tzuo has been at the forefront of the shift towards recurring revenue models, advocating for their application beyond software to various industries. His company, Zuora, provides technology that assists businesses in adopting subscription models, catering to a wide range of clients from tech giants like Salesforce and Zoom to traditional companies like General Motors and The New York Times. In 2018, Tzuo authored the book “Subscribed” to distill the lessons learned from diverse customer experiences, positioning himself as a leading voice in the subscription economy.Tzuo discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the subscription model, particularly in professional services like legal and accounting. He recounts his experience with Deloitte Australia, which transitioned to a subscription model for its accounting services, offering a fixed monthly fee for basic services and charging separately for additional expertise. This approach not only transformed the client-provider dynamic by eliminating the disincentive to use services but also led to a more efficient, higher-margin business for Deloitte. Tzuo advocates for more flexibility in professional services, suggesting that subscription models can enhance client relationships and service value.The conversation also explores the broader implications of the subscription economy, including its potential to revolutionize the legal industry. Tzuo highlights the importance of focusing on customer relationships and service flexibility, contrasting the traditional product-centric approach with a more dynamic, customer-centric subscription model. He suggests that businesses, including law firms, can leverage digital technologies to offer personalized, flexible subscription options, thereby deepening customer engagement and expanding their market reach. Tzuo’s insights underscore the transformative power of the subscription economy in fostering long-term customer relationships and driving business innovation.__________________________Learn about Zuora and subscribe to Subscribed.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Here’s a link to purchase lifetime access to the recordings of My Shingle’s AI Teach-In if you couldn’t make it live.I’ve partnered with Pii to make it easy for you to purchase the hardware I use in my law firm: (1) Studio Setup; (2) Midrange Setup; (3) Highrange Setup.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Check out Mathew Kerbis’ law firm Subscription Attorney LLC.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Click here to sign up for a new platform that helps law firms use subscription billing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe

Nov 19, 2024 • 56min
(99.5) The Future of Legal Services + Subscriptions with Jordan Furlong of Law21
Learn about Law21 and subscribe to Jordan Furlong’s newsletter.Sign up for Paxton, my all-in-one AI legal assistant, helping me with legal research, analysis, drafting, and enhancing existing legal work product.Get Connected with SixFifty, a business and employment legal document automation tool.Sign up for Gavel, an automation platform for law firms.Check out my other show, the Law for Kids Podcast.Visit Law Subscribed to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to listen from your web browser.Prefer monthly updates? Sign up for the Law Subscribed Monthly Digest on LinkedIn.Want to use the subscription model for your law firm? Sign up for the Subscription Seminar waitlist at subscriptionseminar.com.Check out Mathew Kerbis' law firm Subscription Attorney LLC. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lawsubscribed.com/subscribe


