Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a firm owner who is struggling with solving operational issues for the firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss strategies for law firm success through defining operational clarity and efficiency. This is part three of a five part series discussing how firms can have a successful launch in 2024.Jim shares that he would spend his hour going over the organizational charts of the firm to see what the 5 most important things for each role are. It is important to meet with each person and get an understanding of how they are doing and if their roles or responsibilities have changed since they began. This will provide more clarity on what that role consists of. Law firms are always changing and the way people did things a year prior or the responsibilities staff have will change as time goes on. It is important to ensure this is being reviewed each year.Tyson shares the need to think about a strategy when you choose to grow a law firm. Growing a firm is expensive, especially if you want to create a new team. For example, a team or a pod can consist of a case manager, an attorney and a litigation assistant. That is a team of 3 people with 3 salaries, which can be expensive if you want to grow. Think about how to expand in order to get that new team without hiring everyone all at once. Also think about who should be hired first and where to leverage across other areas until you are ready to hire the second and third person. Tyson also delves into looking at processes and where to trim the fat. Looking at areas where too much is going on and where workflows can be improved is another way to get clarity and efficiency for a firm.Listen in to learn more!1:00 The importance of assessing each person in the firm to see how they're doing4:05 Focusing on evaluating processes and optimizing workflowsTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREDo you need to reevaluate your firm’s intake process? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Jim and Tyson discuss ways to improve the intake process, which is part of a series aimed at preparing law firms for the upcoming year.The intake process is a very important part of the client-lawyer relationship. This is when a client is first coming on board and it is used to see if a lawyer will take on a case. Jim shares how lawyers should spend time looking at their firm’s process and focus on analyzing how fast or slow it takes for a client to sign up with the firm. Speeding the process up will ultimately lead to more money.Another part of the intake process is focusing on the sales aspect of it. Make a list of the common objections and questions that you receive in your intake process and then address them as you are marketing your firm to potential clients. An example is while on the phone speaking with someone who would like to take some time to review a contract, have the intake person ask if there is anything that needs to be addressed on the spot. This cuts out the need for someone to call back asking for more clarity. As firm owners, you have a wealth of knowledge that your intake staff might not have. So writing down responses to those commonly asked questions for your staff to have as a script is a great way to ensure more clients are coming through the door.Listen in to learn how to improve your firm’s intake process!00:56 Discussion on evaluating the firm's intake process2:47 Exploration of common objections during the intake process5:08 Importance of providing information about the firm's background to enhance credibilityTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner who is hoping to better market your firm? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson introduce a five-part series aimed at preparing law firms for 2024, with the first episode focusing on marketing strategies. Marketing is all about convincing people to buy what you are selling. For law firms, it is about getting your name out there and telling people why they should hire you if they are in need. Tyson and Jim share how it is important to understand what your competition is doing in order to assess what is being talked about already and what marketing strategies other people are doing. This way it can be used to inform your strategies. If you are trying to improve your marketing for the new year, spend an hour doing this work and make some goals. Think about how your firm is different and what else you can offer.Auditing your firm’s website is another thing that can help with marketing. Tyson and Jim share how many companies who have not audited their websites have numbers and addresses that are out of date. This is so important because if this information is not reviewed or updated frequently, people will not be able to find you and not become clients to the firm. Auditing can be done on your own or through hiring an SEO person. It is a key aspect of marketing so people know who and where you are.Take a listen!00:00 Assessing marketing strategies for law firms8:12 How to evaluate market positioning as an expert9:22 The importance of auditing your websiteTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson Mutrux recommends the book "Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven. He discusses key principles from the book, such as starting the day with a simple task and being your best in your darkest moments. Tyson emphasizes the importance of staying optimistic and working as a team. He share that the book as a beneficial read for individuals and teams, especially in the context of running a law firm. Tyson concludes by encouraging consistent action to achieve goals.02:23 Starting the day with a completed task04:01 Life isn't always fair, and sometimes you have to accept setbacks 05:45 Even in the worst circumstances, it's important to stay optimisticBook: “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World” by Admiral William H. McRavenSpeech: If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. by Admiral William H. McRavenTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

Are you a law firm owner who is hoping to branch out and learn new ways of working? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Becca Eberhardt, CEO at Maximum Lawyer, encourages law firms to seek inspiration and strategies from outside their industry. Becca shares how she has seen a narrow focus to only learn and grow within one’s own industry, which is happening across many organizations including law firms. It is important to understand how other areas are succeeding so it can be applied to your own industry. In the case of law firms, not exploring the business advice or strategies of other industries can have a negative impact. Becca expresses that if all attorneys or firms do everything the same way, clients will look at them like commodities rather than individual people who bring different things to the table.Looking at other industries for inspiration can really benefit a law firm. It can lead to learning unique and innovative ways to practice. Maybe there is a new recruitment technique happening within the HR space that could really help a law firm do better when it comes to recruiting lawyers. Exploring outside of an industry can also help increase efficiency and improve client services. Looking at industries such as retail, hospitality and sales is great because they do this every day and are experts.Take a listen to learn more!00:24 The tendency to stay narrowly focused within one's own industry1:21 How being focused on one's own industry can lead to tunnel vision5:18 Examples of businesses that are innovatingTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a law firm owner or attorney that needs help in reflecting for the new year? In the final Maximum Lawyer Podcast episode of the year, Jim and Tyson reflect on 2023 and share recommendations for the upcoming year.Jim and Tyson share their thoughts on what attorneys should think about as they enter the new year. In relation to financial management, Jim emphasizes the importance of spending money that is just sitting there. This money could go towards the employees, such as bonuses for the holiday season or gifts to show appreciation. Other ways to spend that extra money is to invest in more office equipment, especially if a firm is expecting to hire in the new year. Jim suggests spending money on paying vendors up front for monthly subscriptions or softwares, as many companies provide discounts to firms that do.Jim and Tyson also delve into the benefits of reflecting on the past year as well as what to look forward to for the upcoming year. The time between Christmas and New Year’s is the best time for this reflection. Jim suggests that listeners get a pen and paper and write about the great things that happened this year and what you want to see for yourself in the upcoming year. As law firm owners, Jim and Tyson see this as a great way to really envision what a practice will look like and what needs to be done to ensure a firm reaches the next milestone.Law firms are always busy and usually have dozens of cases occurring at the same time. Tyson suggests getting rid of cases you don’t want anymore as a way to lighten the workload for staff. It is important to look at those files that can be resolved by the end of the year and get them done. Any cases that can’t be resolved need to be off the roster. Don't be afraid to fire clients or employees to make things easier for the firm.Listen in to learn more tips for the new year!1:11 The importance of reflecting on the past year5:46 Improving financial aspects of an organization6:45 Reflecting on the year10:51 Getting rid of cases that are no longer desired or valuableJim's Hack: Read the book “Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet” by: Taylor Lorenz. The book goes into the history of social media and understanding the different platforms that exist currently. Tyson's Tip: Clean your office. Cleaning your office and organizing your shelves is a great way to declutter for the New Year, that way 2024 will be the best year yet.

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a new lawyer who is in the early stages of starting their own law firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson provides advice for those considering starting their own law firm in 2024. Owning a law firm means that a lawyer becomes more than just a legal expert, but becomes a business owner and entrepreneur who is responsible for more than just arguing cases. A new firm owner becomes a leader and employer who will be wearing many hats. Tyson emphasizes the need to niche down when opening a firm. It is important to specialize in one form of law. Is it personal injury, tax, entertainment or criminal? It is key to know what kind of law you will practice that way clients looking for that one thing will come to you.Tyson delves into the topic of having an online presence as a lawyer and firm owner. These days, people are going straight to Google to find the closest lawyer to them that specializes in what they need. If you do not have an online presence, you will not make money. Start with a website and add all the important information there. Then create an Instagram or Facebook page to get your name out there to those that use the platform. It is all about having the most reach so multiple people (and potential clients) will be able to find you. Starting a new law firm means you need to make connections so other lawyers get to know you and will refer clients to you. It is important to reach out to those in your space and schedule weekly or monthly chats with them so you don't lose that connection and you are always top of mind. It can pay off in the end and guarantee you more money if other lawyers know your name and the work you do.Listen in to learn more!00:23 Tyson provides advice for anyone thinking about starting their own law firm in 20242:20 The importance of choosing a specific niche for your law firm4:08 The significance of building an online reputation and focusing on one social channel

Are you someone who is thinking of starting a podcast? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Becca, CEO at Maximum Lawyer shares her insights on starting a podcast and covers the various aspects needed to get things off the ground.Podcasts are quickly becoming a popular platform for people to talk about different things and share their thoughts, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a podcast is a fairly easy thing to do but there are a few key things to consider in order to do it the right way. One thing is deciding how you will record your audio. Using the voice recorder on your phone, the microphone on your computer or even an external microphone makes recording a podcast versatile. It allows people to record audio from anywhere, whether it be at home, in the office or from the car. Many podcasters begin with a simple setup and overtime will upgrade as their audience and fan base increases.Becca provides some options for editing podcasts. There are many softwares like Audacity and GarageBand that can be used to edit. AI driven softwares have also been released which edits podcasts for you, making the process faster. Another way to edit is to outsource and hire someone who can use their skills to take editing off your plate so you can focus on recording. Starting a podcast also includes choosing a podcast host, which is where you will upload all of your recordings. Whether it is Transistor, SimpleCast or Anchor, it is important to use this tool to submit your podcast episodes into the directories for Apple Podcasts or Spotify so listeners can access it.Take a listen to learn how to start your podcast!00:24 How to start a podcast1:21 Options for recording audio5:51 The different podcast hosting platforms

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a lawyer who is struggling with keeping your head above water? In this podcast episode, Jim and Tyson interview Maria Parker, a training and development consultant specializing in trauma-informed practice. Maria shares her journey from mental health nursing to psychotherapy, her work with legal professionals, and her approach to addressing mental health issues. There is no doubt that legal professionals deal with stress, trauma and burnout. It is a part of the job that some handle well and others don’t at all. Lawyers work with people who are going through tough times and deal with situations that are not light in nature, Maria talks about the psychotherapy approach she brings to addressing this aspect of the job. Many lawyers deal with trauma and the profession is the perfect way to get away from it. Working a job that is always busy and on the go allows for your brain cognitively to leave your body or leave that trauma and focus on other people’s needs. Lawyers are always thinking about the client, the case, prepping for the trial and the list goes on. It is the perfect way to not think about anything that is upsetting you personally.Maria talks about the importance of having a safe space for people to talk about their trauma and stressors. A lot of people will not tell anyone about their troubles because they may feel that person will judge them or misunderstand them. Once there is a safe space, whether that be in a friend’s home or therapist’s office, people feel validated in their thoughts and experiences. From this point, things can really change for someone who is going through a hard time. There is an issue with just diagnosing someone and prescribing medication so they can deal with the pain and go on with life. Maria believes it is crucial to get the diagnosis and acknowledge it, but then parking it and getting to what is underneath. This means getting to the root of the trauma and working backwards to know what has led someone to where they are now.Tyson, Jim and Maria talk about how common anxiety is among lawyers. Because of the stressful nature of the legal field, many lawyers struggle with anxiety and all that comes with it. There is a struggle to say yes to everything because of the competition that exists within firms. Many lawyers don't get much rest because they are up at all hours working on cases or researching for their trials. There is also an emotionless nature that comes with law where lawyers have to be serious and stone cold to remain professional, which really adds to someone feeling anxious. Listen in to learn more from Maria Parker!1:57 Maria shares the gap she saw in addressing stress and trauma in the legal profession11:11 The significance of creating a safe space for individuals in therapy20:43 The increasing prevalence of anxiety among lawyers23:15 How anxiety serves as a protective mechanismJim's Hack: Check out the book “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon”, by Michael Lewis. Which talks about Sam Bankman-Fried and the rise and fall of crypto. The book provides some good lessons on paying attention to the rules and about the importance of following procedures. Maria Tip: Check out the book “No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model” by Dr. Richard Schwartz which is all about family systems.Tyson's Tip: Check out the new feature in Canva called Magic Studio, in which you tell it what you want and it will create it for you using AI. https://www.canva.com/Connect with Maria:Linkedin 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you looking for ways to begin the New Year the right way? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer podcast, Tyson shares three tips for lawyers to start 2024 on a positive note. It is common for people to have New Year’s resolutions. Whether it be creating a good workout routine, eating healthier or saving more money, it is a great way to hold yourself accountable and begin working on a goal. Tyson shares a few things lawyers can do to elevate their practice. The first thing is to develop a new routine that is unique. This could be spending 5 minutes every morning meditating, ending the night with writing in a gratitude journal or taking nature walks during your lunch break. It is all about creating a healthy habit.The second tip is to learn a new skill that is unrelated to law, which helps decompress and move yourself away from thinking about work all the time. Whether it be pottery, painting or coding, these new skills can help with stimulating your brain and sparking creativity in a different way. The third tip is to plan a day for a random act of kindness. This is a great way to give back to someone and pay it forward. Random acts of kindness are really about spreading positivity to others and it can have an impact in a way you will never imagine.Take a listen!1:08 Start a unique routine before the new year2:05 Pick up something completely unrelated to your law practice3:51 Dedicate a day to performing random acts of kindnessTune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.