Lawyerist Podcast

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.

Tanya Hernandez, a law professor at Fordham University, specializes in anti-discrimination law and critical race theory. In this conversation, she breaks down the true meaning of DEI for small law firms and the legal context behind it. Tanya discusses the impact of unconscious bias in hiring and why 'culture fit' could be misleading. She offers practical strategies for fostering an equitable workplace that doesn’t require a large HR team and clears up misinformation about DEI after recent Supreme Court rulings, providing valuable insights for law firm leaders.

In this engaging conversation, Bruce Politsky, Director of Sales at Tabs3, shares insights into legal practice management and adapting to new technologies. He discusses the importance of the revamped Small Firm Scorecard™, which now features just 20 key questions, making it easier for firms to assess their growth stages. The episode also dives into how understanding performance metrics can tailor strategies for hiring and long-term planning. Discover how flexible digital solutions can transform law firm workflows and boost efficiency.

David Allen, author of "Getting Things Done" and a renowned productivity coach, shares insights on managing chaos in the legal profession. He outlines the five key steps of the GTD framework, stressing that a clear mind is essential for leadership. Strategies for avoiding burnout and creating efficient team dynamics are also explored. Allen discusses how structured lists and regular assessments can enhance personal and team productivity, offering practical tools for lawyers to reclaim control over their workload and foster a healthier work environment.

Victoria L. Collier, founder of Quid Pro Quo and former estate planning attorney, shares insights on building a sellable law firm. She discusses the importance of detaching personal identity from the business and creating operational independence. Key topics include what buyers really want, strategies for effective hiring, and the critical role of AI in firm valuations. Victoria unveils surprising truths about law sales, such as potential cash upfront and the necessity of a self-sustaining firm to attract buyers.

Heidi Brown, a law professor and author dedicated to well-being for legal professionals, discusses how introverts can harness their unique strengths in the legal field. She clarifies the differences between introversion, shyness, and social anxiety, framing introversion as a superpower. The conversation delves into practical strategies for building confidence, such as developing routines and reflecting on successes. Heidi also emphasizes the value of empathy and active listening, advocating for a supportive culture that recognizes individual strengths within law teams.

Katya Fisher, CEO and founder of Aricor, is a legal tech pioneer with over 15 years in mergers and acquisitions. She discusses her transition from solo practice during the Great Recession to creating innovative solutions for dealmakers. Katya shares insights on identifying inefficiencies in legal processes and how she built tools to enhance clarity and efficiency. She reveals why many tech tools fail lawyers and emphasizes the need for self-awareness and collaboration in the legal field, inspiring those seeking to innovate beyond traditional practices.

In this engaging discussion, Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader and founder of AI Leadership, shares insights on integrating AI into leadership. He emphasizes viewing AI as a liberator rather than a threat, highlighting the five core human skills needed in an AI-driven world. Geoff shares practical applications for lawyers, such as leveraging AI for reviewing NDAs and role-playing arguments. He also introduces his "CRIT" framework for effective AI engagement, focusing on context and strategic thinking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology.