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Maximum Lawyer

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Jun 6, 2023 • 26min

Building a Lucrative Niche Dental Practice with Ashely Smith

Have you ever considered building a niche law practice? Ashley did just that and has found great success in her niche dental law practice. Ashley's unique background as a former legal assistant turned attorney and touring musician has given her the confidence and skills to build relationships with clients and create great content for social media.Ashley's decision to pivot from litigation to a niche dental practice was driven by the pandemic and a desire to explore other areas of law. She took advantage of a regulatory sandbox in Utah and used social media and referrals to bring in clients. Ashley's workshops with dental lenders, brokers, and CPAs have also been successful in bringing in clients.Now, Ashley is looking to expand her dental practice around the country by hiring attorneys in other states to work as of counsel. Her niche dental law practice has been lucrative and has led to many referrals from lenders, brokers, and other professionals in the dental industry. If you're considering building a niche law practice, take a page out of Ashley's book and use social media and referrals to bring in clients. And don't forget to create great content that showcases your expertise and builds relationships with clients.02:17 Working as a paralegal for 10 years before attending law school 05:28 Pivoting from litigation to a niche dental practice, including the challenges of working during the pandemic08:15 Bringing in clients through social media and referrals09:21 Niching into dental law practice11:24 Utah's regulatory sandbox, which allows non-lawyer ownership in law firms and sharing of referral fees18:29 Expanding her practice around the country by working with attorneys in other states19:15 Struggling with creating content Jim’s Hack: Using Pip Deck cards to come up with story structure. Pipdeck.comAshley’ s Tip: Email hack: Check your email 3 times a day for 30 mins each time. Tyson’s Tip: Bill.com for employee budgets - a credit card on steroids. getdivvy.com🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Ashley:WebsiteInstagram Facebook Linkedin 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
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Jun 1, 2023 • 21min

Core Values: The No BS version

Are you looking to create a more cohesive and successful law firm? Ron Payne's presentation at MaxLawCon 2022 sheds light on the importance of core values in guiding the direction of a law firm and creating a positive work environment.Ron emphasizes that core values should be more than just words on a wall, but should be integrated into the hiring process and daily operations of the firm. He shares his own core values, which include honesty, respect, family first, teamwork, and lifelong learning. These values guide his hiring decisions and help him create a positive work environment.Ron also discusses how he uses core values in his job ads to attract candidates who align with his values. This has resulted in more qualified candidates and better hires for his firm. He also advises being selective with clients, only working with those who align with the firm's values and prioritize their family and children.Ron reminds listeners that core values are an ongoing process of learning, innovating, and striving to be better. By incorporating core values into a law firm's culture and operations, it can attract the right people to the team and create a more cohesive and successful firm.So, what are your core values? Consider identifying your "why" and defining the qualities and values you admire in your team, colleagues, and clients. Run these values by your leadership team and incorporate feedback, but do not compromise on who you are as a firm. Start the journey towards a more successful law firm today!00:38 The importance of core values in law firms and how they can help improve the firm's direction04:10 The process of choosing core values that match personality and where you want to be in three years06:09 The importance of honesty and respect in the workplace and how it can affect the firm's success10:35 How using firm's core values in job ads to attract qualified candidates who aligned with the firm's values12:32 The importance of core values in law firms and how it affects the type of clients they take on14:17 The importance of knowing your "why" and how it drives you to go to work every day16:49 How to define core values by identifying the qualities and values you admire and what you don't want to work with18:40 The importance of incorporating core values in law firms and how to share them with the team19:18 How he conducts team evaluations based on the core values of his law firm19:59 Suggests ways to market the core values of a law firm to stand out from competitors🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Ron:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedinYoutubeResources: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
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May 30, 2023 • 27min

Starting a Law Firm Right Out Of School: Challenges and Opportunities

Starting a law firm right after law school can seem like a daunting task, but Kevin Cheney, a personal injury attorney from Denver, Colorado, shows us that it is possible to build a successful practice with the right mindset and skill sets. On the latest episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Kevin shares his journey of starting his own law firm and the challenges that came with it. Here are some takeaways from the episode:➡️ Seek out mentors and have a high risk tolerance. Starting a law firm right after law school requires a lot of courage and risk-taking. Kevin emphasizes the importance of seeking out mentors who can guide you through the process and having a high risk tolerance to overcome challenges.➡️ Be comfortable with asking for business. Getting clients is the hardest and most important thing any law firm does. Kevin advises being comfortable with asking for business and networking to build a client base.➡️ Create a mission statement, vision statement, and core values for the firm. Kevin stresses the importance of involving all staff members in the process and constantly reevaluating the firm's mission, vision, and core values to ensure they reflect the firm's goals and values. ➡️ Plan for growth. Kevin recommends creating a 10-year plan, a 5-year plan, and a 1-year plan, with a focus on the 10-year plan as success and growth compound over time. He suggests considering factors such as the number of staff and employees, practice areas, and offices, as well as the role of the firm's leaders and their workload.➡️ Invest in the personal growth of employees. Kevin recommends investing in the personal growth of employees through initiatives such as a book club to achieve growth and success.Listen in to this episode that provides valuable insights and tips for lawyers considering starting their own law firm right out of law school.01:55 Starting a law firm 04:40 The challenges of building a personal injury law practice and the necessary funds to handle cases effectively07:04 Should you open a law firm right after law school?09:55 The process of shifting roles in a law firm, the importance of focusing on the business for growth15:10 The importance of creating a mission statement, vision statement, and core values for a law firm21:56 The thing that’s holding you back from growth Jim’s Hack: Light Comes Through: Buddhist Teachings on Awakening to Our Natural Intelligence by Dzigar Kongtrul Kevin’s Tip: Invest in the personal growth of your team through a monthly bookclub. Tyson’s Tip: Case Text: Meet your new AI legal assistant. Cocounsel does document review, legal research memos, deposition preparation, and contract analysis in minutes - with results you can trust.🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Kevin:Website TikTok InstagramFacebookResources: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
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May 25, 2023 • 20min

Zero to 1 (Million) with Devon Slovensky

Are you a lawyer looking to build a million-dollar law firm? Devon Slovsky's presentation on "Zero to 1 Million" provides valuable insights and practical tips on how to grow your firm. In her talk, Devon emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset and overcoming fear to take risks. She encourages listeners to implement good standard practices and warns that the bootstrapping early success is not sustainable in the long term, so there is a shift needed to uplevel.Devon also stresses the importance of systematizing processes and improving management skills to serve a wider client base. She advises on two basic tools to build out early in your law firm: a chart of accounts and a firm budget. Having these tools in place, even for small firms, will be essential for future growth and making accurate projections.Moreover, Devon shares some surprising things that financially improved her business, including hiring a professional accountant and having organized books and financial records. She also encourages paying yourself a market wage and providing benefits like health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance for your staff.So, if you're ready to take your law firm to the next level, take a cue from Devon and start implementing these valuable tips today.03:54 The importance of being prepared to pay market prices when starting a law firm06:09 The importance of paying yourself a market salary 07:43 Building a detailed budget and chart of accounts early on 10:53 Finding your firm's natural billing rhythm14:12 Hiring an expensive professional accountant 15:07 Market wage and the mindset shift that came with it15:50 Adding health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance benefits for your staff18:06 Starting with new clients to change their expectations🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here.Connect with Devon:Website Facebook 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
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May 23, 2023 • 38min

Simplifying Your Business for Better Results with James Ashford

Are you struggling to grow your business? Do you find yourself getting stuck in negative thought patterns that hinder your progress? In this episode, entrepreneur and bestselling author James Ashford shares his insights on how to improve your mindset and achieve business success. Here are five tips inspired by his interview:➡️ Have a dream and a goal that is beyond your means: According to James, having a big dream and a goal that seems impossible can push you to do better and achieve more.➡️ Simplify your business: James suggests automating processes, outsourcing non-core tasks, and creating a culture of autonomy to help you focus on the key things that need to be done.➡️ Focus on delivering exceptional experiences to your customers: By focusing on results rather than just delivering services, you can stand out from the competition and command higher fees.➡️Let go of past negative experiences and surround yourself with positive influences: James emphasizes the importance of rewiring your core belief system to improve your results and achieve success.➡️ Block out distractions and focus on the task at hand: To achieve big outcomes in short timeframes, James suggests ignoring everyone and being comfortable with being ignorant to people during times of absolute focus.By adopting these tips and focusing on improving your mindset, you can overcome challenges and achieve success in your business. So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips today and see the results for yourself!02:01 Meet James, successes and fails 07:08 When you do not have the right systems and people in place07:47 When you spread resources too thinly 10:39 How a scarcity mindset can lead to undermining11:35 The importance of simplifying a business16:17 The challenges of running a professional services business21:52 Helping firms increase their fees24:50 The importance of working on your mindset Jim’s Hack: Pick an anthem of the day song to listen over and over to help you focus. James Tip: achieving big outcomes in short timeframes: ignoring everyone and blocking everything else out.Tyson Tip: book "Make Your Bed" by Admiral William McRaven, which offers tips on how small things can change your life and maybe the world. Speech at graduation of Texas on YouTube Books:Selling to Serve: Sell Your Accounting & Bookkeeping Services with Unshakeable Confidence for More Than You Thought Possible by James Ashford Untapped: Break Through the Fear & Grow Your Revenue from Existing Clients by James Ashford Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekTwo Lengths of the Pool: Sometimes the simplest ideas have the greatest impact by Simon Hartley Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms by Ronald J. Baker Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with James:Website Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedinYoutube GoProposal 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
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May 18, 2023 • 21min

Driven, How I Ran My Companies From the Road with Jordan Ostroff

If you're a law firm owner looking to create a firm that doesn't require your constant presence, take a page out of Jordan’s book and start implementing the strategies he talks about in this episode, today. This podcast episode is a presentation from MaxLawCon22 about running a law firm that doesn't require the owner's constant presence. Jordan, shares his experiences, processes, and strategies for creating a successful law firm that allows for remote work and delegation of tasks. He emphasizes the benefits of having more family time and empowering his team in his absence and also discusses the importance of:➡️Creating standardized processes and procedures➡️Delegating tasks to specific team members➡️Implementing marketing strategies to grow the business. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve a work-life balance that allows you to focus on what matters most, all while growing your business and serving your clients to the best of your ability. Enjoy!03:19 Taking a 14-Month road trip 04:46 Jordan describes his weekly schedule, including meetings, networking, and social media, and how he prioritizes his to-do list06:45 The benefits and drawbacks of running a law firm remotely, including more family time and team empowerment09:38 Process for training employees remotely, including screen recording and transcribing procedures12:49 Difficulties of networking and childcare while running a law firm from the road14:09 Start with the most time-consuming tasks17:06 Marketing strategies, including recording videos, social media, re-engagement, and advertising20:31 Outsource marketing tasks 🎥 Watch the full video here.Connect with Jordan:Website Instagram Linkedin Youtube 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
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May 16, 2023 • 24min

How to Use 'Red, Yellow, Green' to Check in on Employee Well-being

Are you tired of the same old methods of communication in the workplace? Do you find it difficult to express your stress levels or workload to your boss? Look no further than the "red yellow green" system!Jim and Tyson, hosts of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, discuss the benefits of this simple yet effective tool. By rating yourself on a scale of red (over capacity and stressed), yellow (pulled in several directions), or green (everything is good), you can communicate your current state to your team without feeling the need to filter or explain.One of the real powers of the system is the pause between when the question is asked and when the employee answers. It allows for a revealing question and answer into what's going on in their life if they choose to share. This system helps reveal problems in the machine and helps leaders address issues quickly.The hosts emphasize the importance of digging deeper if someone reports being in the red, and checking in on their well-being outside of work as well. They also suggest using the system in one-on-one meetings or team meetings, but not necessarily in daily huddles.The "red yellow green" system promotes a positive work culture and addresses employee needs. It's a simple tool that allows for connection and helps introverts and high fact finders connect with others. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or pulled in several directions, use the "red yellow green" system to communicate your needs effectively.08:36 The ‘Red Yellow Green’ system, which is a simple tool for checking in employees' emotional well-being and workload capacity.15:33 Digging into Red Jim explains that if an employee reports being in the red zone during a Red Yellow Green check-in, it's important to follow up with them separately to address their concerns.16:22 ‘Red Yellow Green’ system in their office, which allows employees to share where they are at in an honest way without feeling the need to necessarily filter or explain.22:31 The importance of checking in on whatever that thing is that is important, whether it be work, health, or family, on a regular basis to avoid getting skewed.Jim’s Hack: The benefits of fasting, not for religious reasons but for body and focus reasons, as it is a great tool to use if you have a hard day coming up or need to be at your best.Tyson Tip: The importance of checking in on a regular basis: work, exercise, fun, family. 🎥 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
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May 9, 2023 • 22min

The Stress of Practicing Law: How it Affects Attorneys' Mental Health

As a lawyer, the pressure to succeed and maintain a certain level of professionalism can be overwhelming. The recent suicide of a fellow attorney who was publicly called out in a Facebook group for being disbarred is a stark reminder of the need for mental health awareness and self-care in the legal profession.In addition to the stress of practicing law, running a law firm, and paying off student debt, it's important to recognize the need to charge a fair price for legal services to avoid undervaluing one's services. But what about the adversarial nature of the profession? Why do attorneys feel the need to be so aggressive towards each other? It's important to resist the urge to pass on negative information about other attorneys and instead reach out with kindness and support.At the end of the day, mental health and fairness should be at the forefront of every legal practice. Let's strive for growth and success while also taking care of ourselves and each other.04:30 How suicide can be prevented by reaching out to those in need.08:58 The differences in how each state handles bar complaints and the surprising automatic bar complaint for malpractice10:19 Undervaluing one's worth, and the importance of making a viable living19:50 Being kind and supportive to fellow attorneys, even if they have been disbarred or suspendedJim’s Hack: Book by Dr. Ben Hardy and Dan Sullivan 10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing LessTyson’s Tip: Be kind to each other. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call 988. https://988lifeline.org🎥 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
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May 4, 2023 • 20min

Are You Playing Checkers or Chess? The Future of Law

In a world where technology is rapidly changing the way we live our lives, it's no surprise that the legal profession is also evolving. In a MaxLawCon 22 presentation, Ryan McKeen talks about the future of law and how lawyers can stay ahead of the curve.The key to success in the legal profession is to focus on:➡️ efficiency and organization➡️ acquiring online real estate➡️ well-organized tech stack with data at your fingertipsJust like in a game of chess, lawyers need to think several moves ahead and anticipate what their next move will need to be for their law firms. The demand for legal services will only increase as society becomes more complex, with lawyers embracing change and experimenting with new approaches —- we can stay ahead of the curve.So, are you playing checkers or chess? The legal profession is changing, and it's up to lawyers to adapt and evolve. With the right mindset and a focus on efficiency, the future looks bright.01:26 Efficiency is the macro trend 06:35 Consolidation is a macro trend 08:33 Are lawyers safe?10:04 The role of lawyers in the future 12:26 Building your brand 16:12 Efficiency in the legal profession 17:08 Opportunities for law firms 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Ryan:WebsiteInstagram Facebook TwitterYoutube 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
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May 2, 2023 • 22min

Letting Go of What's Holding You Back with Greg Steele

Wondering if you are doing a good job as a lawyer? Wanting to quit, give up and close up shop? You are not alone. Today's guest Greg Steele shares his story of startup, struggles with self-doubt, confidence, and owning his own law firm. Maybe your challenges are not external but internal, like Greg? Listen in to how Greg reached out to peers, found his community, let go of a practice area that was draining his resources and how being part of the Maximum Lawyer Guild has helped him achieve success. Let’s get started.01:14 Greg's journey to becoming a family lawyer 03:04 Struggling with self-doubt and confidence 08:01 The importance of having a community of peers to share experiences and gain new perspectives.08:33 Expanding your mindset09:46 Growing your team13:18 Letting go of a practice area 16:34 Revenue growthJim’s Hack: Find content ideas by using Google's "People also ask" feature.Greg’s Tips: Book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" by Amy Morin Tyson Tip: Use Apple iphone automations to send yourself text messages for reminders etc. 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube here. Connect with Greg:WebsiteInstagramFacebook  LinkedinResources: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

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