Maximum Lawyer

Are you unsure if it is time to hire someone new for your business? In this podcast, Tyson discusses the timelines of adding a new face to the team as well as the financial aspects of hiring. He touches on the difference between capacity versus capabilities when hiring and how to make good hiring decisions.The difference between capacity and capability is crucial to knowing when it is time to bring somebody onboard. Capacity is about the numbers. How many people do you have currently and how many tasks are getting completed? Capability is about leveraging the right skills and innovation to grow your business. Focus on hiring someone who will be an asset and will give you the leverage needed to be a better company.For many the question is this: When do I know it is time to hire someone new? You need to look at overcapacity and if your team is overworked and staff are stretched too thin. Another important thing is if someone is “wearing too many hats'' and multitasking regularly. The last thing is opportunity cost, which for some might be losing out on clients because you don't have enough team members to take them on.It is one thing to know more people are needed on a team, but it is another thing to be able to afford it. It is important to know if a company is in the right spot financially to hire someone new. Considering if a person being hired will bring the company revenue is significant as well.Aside from the cost of hiring, culture fit is another consideration. Warren Buffett says to consider 3 things when hiring someone: integrity, intelligence and energy. Focus on these aspects of someone’s overall character and mindset to ensure they are going to succeed in a company.Use these tips to ensure you get the right people for the job!Take a listen.3:41 Discusses the signs of overcapacity 6:05 Discusses the cost of hiring 9:56 Discusses the importance of a streamlined onboarding process🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Do you want to know how to grow a company to include the best people possible? In this episode, Adela Zepcan, the Director of People and Culture at a law firm, shares her insights on running a law firm effectively.Living in a post-COVID world, many companies are struggling with employee retention and high turnover. This has been due to people quitting their jobs to pursue their passions or people leaving for opportunities for more remote work.Working in HR means you are selling your culture and company to prospective employees. You are bringing everything to the table including the company’s values, missions and what they can offer someone. It is important to use your resources to find candidates whether it be using your connections or investing in trusted job sites.It is important to create a cheat sheet when going through the process. Keep interview questions clear and to the point to get the best possible answers and make sure the questions match the job descriptions. When you are in the process of hiring, you need to ensure it is quick as many candidates don’t wait and will grab the first option they are given.During the onboarding process, get your team members involved to assist in giving new employees the best experience. Make sure details like assets and accounts are set up in time and training or manuals are ready to go. If these aspects of onboarding are not prioritized, new employees can feel that companies don't value them or their time. An employee stays with a company for an average of 2.8 years. When someone is leaving, it is crucial employees leave on a good note. Make sure to thank them for their time with the company, celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well on their new venture.Ultimately, HR is all about people. It is all about how to attract, retain and grow your company.Take a listen!2:18 The importance of tailoring job descriptions and investing in the right job posting platforms4:22 Tips on pre-screening resumes and conducting phone screenings to identify top candidates8:23 Don't miss out on good candidates 9:10 When reviewing resumes, consider candidates who may not have direct experience but have relevant skills or experiences. Ask behavioral questions that relate to the job16:02 Tips on how to end an employee's service on a positive note, including thanking them, distributing work, and removing their presence from systems🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you trying to improve processes within your company? In this episode, Jim and Tyson interview Melanie Leonard, an attorney and expert in legal practice management software. She is also one of the first certified consultants in Clio. They discuss the adoption of technology among lawyers, in which Melanie gives lawyers a low grade.Many law firms are behind the times and don't have a well thought out process that will serve law firms well. Melanie speaks to how creating workflows will lead to more efficiency and productivity in a firm. Workflows are simply just steps that people use to accomplish a task. But, not having one or not having a defined one can lead to many challenges.Many companies do not have defined workflows because no one naturally thinks in systems. No one is going to add something that is obvious to a workflow. But, every step needs to be documented to ensure nothing is missed and the process is the same for everyone. When creating a workflow, don't assume people know the common sense of it. Add as much detail in there so whether someone is new to the company or a veteran, they will be able to accomplish the task.In a law firm setting, it is best to create workflows for routine parts of the job like client intake or billing. They can even be applied to legal work that seems unique or that changes from case to case. Melanie says that creating workflows for things like filing a complaint or a motion can connect together to ultimately create a system.Many lawyers truly underestimate how workflows can help them in their practice. Because many lawyers use the same process for different tasks, it makes way more sense to focus on creating that system. The truth is no one wants to recreate the wheel.Take a listen if you want to use workflows to elevate your firm!Jim's Hack: For those who want to create more content, listen to Gary Vaynerchuk to get more inspired on distributing and repurposing content.Melanie’s Tip: Open up whatever project management software you are using and find the workflow feature to document steps in the process of a project. This feature allows for people to be alerted to when it is their turn to work on the next step.Tyson's Tip: Make sure you get your quarterly meeting scheduled to talk about planning for 2024.2:25 The overall adoption of technology by lawyers and gives a grade to their progress8:31 Workflows! and the significance of having clear and documented procedures in law firms10:58 The process of building workflows, starting with cover letters and tracking everything in the packet, and the importance of taking an organized approach21:26 Advice on starting with workflows for the intake and sales process, followed by billing, and then focusing on substantive legal work29:25 Advice to use the workflow feature in practice management software to document processes and alert team members about their tasks🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Melanie:WebsiteFacebookYouTubeLinkedIn InstagramTwitter

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, host Tyson Mutrux explores the powerful influence of personal networks on goal setting and achievement. Drawing on scientific studies and personal anecdotes, Tyson emphasizes the impact that our connections have on our behavior, habits, and overall success. He encourages listeners to intentionally curate their inner circle, surrounding themselves with supportive and inspiring individuals. Tyson provides practical steps for evaluating and refining personal networks, including conducting a "five person audit." 00:25 The influence of personal connections on behavior, habits, and goal attainment, citing scientific studies and examples06:34 The importance of evaluating and removing relationships that hinder progress and prevent achievement08:44 Intentionally surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals for personal and professional growth🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, guest speaker Brett Trembly shares valuable insights on time management and productivity for lawyers. He introduces the OI90 formula, a three-step business system consisting of office hours, an issue matrix, and a 90-minute weekly team meeting. Brett shares the importance of protecting one's time and focusing on high-value tasks. He suggests implementing office hours for both team members and clients to minimize interruptions. Additionally, he suggests using software tools to streamline operations. Brett's practical tips and strategies provide actionable steps for lawyers to improve efficiency and success in their practices.00:40 Introducing the OI90 formula and how it has been life-changing 3:00 The challenges of running a one-man show8:43 The importance of spending time on high-value tasks12:15 A three-step business system that includes office hours, issue matrix, and 90-minute weekly team meetings15:58 Setting office hours to minimize interruptions and increase productivity17:08 Determining when interruptions are allowed based on specific criteria18:01 Running productive 90-minute weekly meetings to address issues and push the business forward🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Brett:Website FacebookCompany LinkedInLinkedIn  Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for ways to maximize your work week and have a more productive mindset at work? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, hosts Jim and Tyson discuss the most valuable parts of their work week. Both speak to 3 things they do each week to help with productivity.For individuals who own their own company, it is important to spend some time at the beginning of your week going over your priorities and to-dos. Jim talks about how spending 15 minutes with his personal assistant each week allows him to know who he needs to connect with, what meetings he has and go through his emails. Having that support allows you to delegate your tasks to other people so you can take some of that workload off of you.Physical and mental health is so important to ensure you have a good work week. Both Tyson and Jim speak to the importance of prioritizing self care before they start the day, which helps get them focused and in the right mindset. Whether it be working out first thing in the morning or having a standing massage session in the middle of the week, these self care moments allow for you to recharge and refocus to continue your day.Having weekly leadership team meetings is a huge part of not only having a successful company, but ensuring members of your team are on the same page and working well. Think of these meetings like a football team huddle, where you get in, figure out your game plan and “break” to get back to business. It allows for everyone to understand the goals for the week and speak to any wins or challenges.For those in the legal field, mastermind sessions are a great way to network and learn from others. It is a chance to share your struggles with other law firm owners who will advise you on how to work through them.Implement some of these strategies into your work week to achieve more productivity! Take a listen!2:42 Jim discusses the importance of spending 15 minutes each day with his personal assistant to delegate tasks and clear out his calendar and email inbox.4:16 Tyson talks about the significance of his daily workouts in helping him stay focused and release extra energy, as well as the added benefits of cold plunges.8:53 Tyson highlights the value of the L10 meeting, a weekly leadership meeting where the firm's leadership team comes together to address issues, align goals, and move the firm forward.11:35 Speaker 2 emphasizes the need to take time to rest and relax in order to have a clear mind and come up with innovative ideas.13:51 Speaker 3 explains what a mastermind is and how it involves sharing goals, wisdom, and problem-solving among law firm owners.Jim’s Hack: In every conversation you have you are being presented with content ideas. Notice, pay attention and write it down! Tyson’s Tip: Grab the YouTube Transcript Extractor Chrome Extension!🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.

Do you have a habit that affects your daily productivity and performance? In this episode, Tyson discusses the approach to getting things done by focusing on the top three tasks for the day. It is perfect for those who have busy work days and need to keep their heads down with no distractions.Tyson suggests writing down the top three most important tasks each day, focusing on those that will have the greatest impact on your goals. But why only three goals? Why not five or ten? Having a long list of daily tasks means all of them are not important. This approach is about finding the balance and narrowing down your priorities to a select few.Think about your long term goals and what daily actions will lead you to achieving them. For those in the legal field who want to grow their firm, tasks might be reaching out to referral partners or working on a high profile case. It is all about figuring out your vision and then tying critical goals to it.Create space in your day to focus on these important tasks. One great way is to knock them out at the beginning of your day. Block time in your calendar and mute your emails and notifications so you are not distracted. That way they are complete and you can go about your day doing other things.Achieving your goals through focusing on 3 tasks is a mindset that will only lead to greater success. This approach will create momentum and boost productivity.Take a listen!1:15 Tyson discusses the concept of focusing on the top three tasks for the day and how it can significantly impact productivity and performance.5:15 Tyson explains the importance of executing the top three tasks and how it sets you up for a successful day and boosts productivity.07:07 Tyson discusses common mistakes in choosing tasks and emphasizes that mastering the top three tasks is not just a productivity hack, but a mindset of knowing what matters most.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. https://youtu.be/nY0-nM6H6XI Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Are you looking for growth in your business? Did the pandemic cause a slow down? In this episode, Adam Rossen shared his experience in growing a law firm. He speaks to how the pandemic caused a decrease in business, but how adopting a few new habits and new ways of working, turned his business into a success again.In order to get his business back to how it was pre-pandemic, Adam double downed on marketing his business. He focused on internet marketing projects and revamping his website.When you run your own business, wearing too many hats can be an issue. It can even lead to you becoming overwhelmed and burnt out. Adam mentions how during his quest to make his business successful again, he was doing all the bookkeeping and office management for the business. This took him away from the real work. From this, Adam speaks on learning how to delegate tasks, hire the right people and hold yourself accountable.When searching for new people to join a business, it is crucial to develop a streamlined hiring process. It's important to be smart in your hiring. Don't overanalyze everything but focus on those who are the right fit for your company.Forecasting can be a helpful way to predict what your business will look like in a few months or years. If your business is set to grow, it could be an indicator you will need to hire people to support that growth. Being proactive is a great way to get ahead.A mix of the right team and hard work will lead to increased success and revenue.Every challenge is a new opportunity to grow and learn! Listen in.2:11 Significant law firm growth 9:17 The experience with the hiring process and how they streamline it10:09 The importance of taking action in business decisions, but also being smart and not getting caught up in chasing new ideas without careful consideration13:09 The process of letting go of control in various aspects of their business, such as bookkeeping and office management, in order to grow and scale their firm19:34 The goal of becoming a data-driven firm and the need for another lawyer🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Links mentionedTraction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino WickmanEat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

With court data difficult to access, Nicole Clark created Trellis. In this episode, Jim and Tyson interview Nicole, the CEO and co-founder of Trellis Research, an innovative legal analytics platform. Nicole shares her background as a business litigation and labor and employment attorney, who after dealing with the challenging task of accessing state court data, created Trellis. The best thing about Trellis is that it leverages technology that helps lawyers gain a competitive advantage in the courtroom and help win their cases. Law firms who use this platform use it for a variety of things, such as judge and opposing counsel research, writing motions and learning about other cases.As CEO, Nicole speaks to the importance of evolving in any industry, especially one as complex as the legal field. Building something new is full of ups and downs and trying to figure out how to do something is challenging. Most people do not tackle an issue simply because it’s too hard. But, Nicole speaks to thinking strategically and working with others to push through challenges.In a world where AI has become so popular, Trellis has a data set that can assist lawyers when they are stumped and don’t know where to start. Are you writing a motion on an unfamiliar topic? Trellis can pull up a few similar motions so you can use them as a template to begin writing. With this, the platform fills in the legal gaps and gives lawyers the confidence to practice!Attorneys can decide for themselves if Trellis is right for their firm.With Trellis Research, you never have to go to a confusing county court website again for legal support!Take a listen.Jim’s Hack: Book revisiting: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey — so many great lessons in there, especially for law firm owners. https://amzn.to/3KH85XHNicole Tip: Podcast listen: It's called “the Knowledge Project” with Shane Parish.Tyson’s Tip: Do a 1:1 check ins with leadership team members for 15 mins a month.3:22 Nicole explains how her frustration with the lack of access to state court data led her to create Trellis Research, a legal analytics platform that provides litigators with strategic legal intelligence and judicial analytics.8:49 Nicole talks about the monumental task of collecting and structuring data from different counties, including the antiquated system in Cook County, and how Trellis Research tackles this challenge.18:13 Exploration of how Trellis Research's unique data set can be incorporated into AI technology and improve legal research and writing.21:06 Discussion about the analytics available on Trellis Research, including active cases, average case length, motion granted rate, verdict plaintiff versus defendant, and the potential impact of other companies buying similar platforms.25:05 Discussion about how Trellis Research provides value to attorneys, particularly small firms, by offering access to court of appeals case law, helping with research, and providing a platform for efficient and fast work.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Nicole at Trellis:Website TwitterLinkedInFacebook Instagram YouTube Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn

Ever stop to consider the inward and outward motivation it takes to run a law firm? Tyson shares his insights on the importance of enjoying the journey and not just the destination, which helped him become successful in owning a law firm.It is important to shift the perspective towards achieving pleasure from the effort you put into your work, especially living in a world that focuses on rewards. Sometimes these external rewards (like money) can take the joy out of an activity.In the legal field, the effort you put into the work - whether it be the research or crafting the argument is just as valuable as winning the case. Ultimately, you want to grow in your career and unlock your full potential.Look beyond rewards and embrace the joy because life is all about balance!Definitely a must listen!00:25 The concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the context of running a law firm02:23 The idea of finding pleasure in the effort and journey of practicing law, rather than solely focusing on external rewards04:57 Tyson challenges listeners to look beyond external rewards and embrace the intrinsic joys of the legal profession to unlock their true potential🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer YouTube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn Resources:Join the Guild MembershipSubscribe to the Maximum Lawyer Youtube ChannelFollow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook GroupFollow the Facebook PageFollow us on LinkedIn