Lawyerist Podcast

Drew Bloom, an AI practitioner from Affinity Consulting Group, discusses the transformative potential of agentic AI in law firms. He highlights how these systems can autonomously handle tasks like redlining contracts and conducting deep research, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. Bloom outlines the importance of structured data and good integrations for maximizing AI benefits, while also recommending practical ways for firms to start experimenting with AI connectors. As agentic features evolve, firms need to prepare now to stay ahead in legal tech.

Jake Soffer, CEO of FirmPilot, is a visionary in artificial intelligence and machine learning, helping law firms revolutionize their marketing strategies. He explains how AI can enhance SEO, moving beyond traditional methods to embrace AEO (AI Engine Optimization). Jake emphasizes creating concise, answer-first content to appeal to AI algorithms. He shares insights on conducting effective AI experiments and the importance of adapting fundamental marketing principles. This conversation unveils smart, data-driven tactics for law firms looking to thrive in a changing landscape.

Amy Woods, founder of IOLTA Consulting, shares her expertise on managing trust accounts effectively. She outlines the common pitfalls lawyers face with IOLTA accounts and the importance of timely setup and three-way reconciliation. Woods explains the risks of outstanding checks, defines escheatment, and clarifies how to handle unclaimed funds. She emphasizes that QuickBooks alone isn't sufficient and suggests combining it with legal case-management reports. Her insights aim to help lawyers safeguard client funds and avoid serious compliance issues.

Tangi Chow, a representative from Paxton.ai, discusses the future of legal AI, focusing on how their tools streamline document ingestion and legal workflows. Nelson Dellis, a six-time USA Memory Champion, shares techniques like memory palaces and storytelling, emphasizing their usefulness for lawyers in high-pressure situations. Both guests highlight the importance of training the brain not just for memory enhancement but also to reduce stress and improve overall mental health, making it essential in today's fast-paced legal environment.

Sam Harden, an innovation strategist at Affinity Consulting with a wealth of experience in civil justice technology, joins to transform how law firms perceive AI. He emphasizes that AI isn't just about efficiency or cutting costs; it's a key player for growth and innovation. By adopting tools like generative AI and the intriguing concept of 'vibe coding,' firms can create new services and enhance client experiences. This shift can lead to exploring new markets and developing sustainable business models in the evolving legal landscape.

In episode 576, learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and create space for growth by embracing both mentorship and sponsorship. Stephanie Everett talks with Michael Cohen, partner at Duane Morris and leadership coach, about what it really takes to inspire and support a team.  Mike shares his journey from employment litigator to building a training and coaching practice focused on culture, mental health, and leadership. He explains why sponsorship goes further than mentorship, how to adapt your style to truly know your people, and why allowing room for failure is essential to innovation.  Drawing on stories from coaching his daughters’ softball team and lessons inspired by The West Wing, Mike highlights how intentional check-ins, vulnerability, and empathy can transform leaders into authentic allies. You’ll leave with practical strategies to foster stronger workplace cultures, empower people to advocate for themselves, and lead with greater humanity in challenging times.  Listen to our other episodes on leadership & growth.  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #527 – Casting Your Vision and Leading Your Firm, with Kevin DeShazo Apple | Spotify | LTN  #499 – Conquering Self-Doubt, with Tim Atler Apple | Spotify | LTN  #491 – Crafting Your Purpose-Driven Leadership Vision, with Leticia DeSuze Apple | Spotify | LTN  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.  Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Growth, AI & Leadership at Lawyerist  06:01 – Small Team vs. Large Team Leadership  08:10 – Meet Michael Cohen  12:05 – From Litigator to Leadership Coach  22:02 – Lessons from Coaching & Embracing Failure  34:46 – West Wing Parable & Final Takeaways 

Chad Fox, a Lawyerist Lab business strategist, shares his expertise on helping law firms overcome feelings of overwhelm. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from daily tasks to high-value CEO work, allowing lawyers to lead with clarity and vision. The discussion includes powerful strategies for effective delegation without guilt and inspiring stories of attorneys who have successfully scaled their practices. Chad encourages lawyers to dream bigger, transform their mindsets, and embrace community support for sustainable growth.

Most people facing legal problems don’t see them as legal at all—they see them as life problems with landlords, employers, or benefits agencies. That disconnect leaves millions without meaningful help, even when lawyers or courts are available.  In this episode, Zack Glaser talks with Professor Rebecca Sandefur (Arizona State University, American Bar Foundation) and Matthew Burnett (Georgetown Law, ABF) about their research on community justice workers and why people-centered solutions may be the key to closing the justice gap.  They explore how community justice workers operate in Alaska and beyond, why legal help doesn’t always have to come from lawyers, and how rules around unauthorized practice of law are evolving. You’ll hear evidence that trained non-lawyers can be just as effective—sometimes more so—than attorneys in resolving critical issues like housing or benefits.  Rebecca and Matthew also discuss what “success” really means: scalable, sustainable programs that meet people where they are, in their own communities, in their own language. And they argue that broadening access to justice isn’t just about legal services—it’s about strengthening democracy itself.  This episode is for lawyers, policymakers, and innovators who want to reimagine how legal help is delivered—and build a justice system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve.  Additionally, Zack and Stephanie talk about the upcoming ClioCon 2025 in Boston, MA. Check out the conference and get your tickets at cliocon.com. Use the code “LawyeristxClioCon” for a $300 discount on your ticket.    Listen to our other episodes on Access To Justice:  #129: The Business of Public Access to Law, with Tim Stanley   Apple | Spotify | LTN  #228: The Real Access-to-Justice Problem and How We Might Solve It, with Rebecca Sandefur  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori  Apple | Spotify | LTN  #440: A Path to Meaningful Regulations, with Rebecca Sandefur  Apple | Spotify | LTN  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.    Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters/Timestamps:  00:00 – Fall & ClioCon in Boston05:24 – Meet Rebecca Sandefur & Matthew Burnett06:50 – A People-Centered Justice Approach11:08 – Community Justice Workers Explained15:55 – Legal Help Without Lawyers20:31 – What Success Really Looks Like25:23 – State Models & Next Steps34:30 – Scaling Justice & Strengthening Democracy38:49 – Final Takeaways 

In this engaging discussion, Kat Vellos, author of 'We Should Get Together', shares her expertise on nurturing friendships and building community. She dives into overcoming busyness to cultivate meaningful connections and emphasizes moving beyond small talk. Kat introduces her four "seeds of connection" framework, offering practical strategies for deepening relationships. The conversation highlights the vital role of friendships in well-being and provides actionable tips for creating a supportive network in both personal and professional spheres.

In this discussion, Jim Detert, a professor at UVA's Darden School of Business and author of 'Choosing Courage,' delves into the skills lawyers need to cultivate courage in their careers. He highlights the importance of addressing fear in the workplace and offers a 'courage ladder' to help professionals build confidence step by step. The conversation also covers the cost of silence in legal practice and the necessity of aligning personal values with professional actions. It's a practical guide for cultivating integrity and leading with bravery.