

The 80/20 Principle
Ernie Svenson
This podcast is for solo/small firm lawyers who want more freedom, autonomy, and ease. We focus on the 20% of tech—automation, outsourcing, marketing, cybersecurity, remote work, and AI—that yields 80% of the results.
No buzzwords. No hype. Just clear, sensible advice on using tech to reduce friction, streamline workflows, and run your practice your way—from anywhere.
No buzzwords. No hype. Just clear, sensible advice on using tech to reduce friction, streamline workflows, and run your practice your way—from anywhere.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2025 • 43min
301: Stop Losing Billable Hours: How AI Simplifies Time-Keeping & Billing for Lawyers
Nancy Jeng, co-founder of Billables.ai and AI pioneer in legal billing, shares insights on revolutionizing timekeeping for lawyers. She discusses how passive time capture can streamline tracking with zero effort, benefiting both billable and non-billable professionals. The conversation dives into the seamless integration of Billables.ai with popular platforms, the transformative impact of AI on legal billing practices, and the versatility of the tool across various billing models. Personalization and user adaptability are emphasized as key to effectiveness.

19 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 20min
300: Leveraging AI by Balancing Critical & Creative Thinking
Discover how AI can transform legal practices for solo and small firm lawyers. Learn the importance of balancing critical and creative thinking when using AI tools. Get practical tips for starting with low-risk tasks to minimize potential pitfalls. Explore collaborative learning and peer support as essential elements for successful AI integration. Embrace the imperfections of AI while unlocking its vast potential to innovate in the legal field.

25 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 22min
299: The Future of Legal Work: What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025
Solo lawyers can harness AI to boost productivity and stay competitive. Insights from Microsoft reveal how AI is reshaping legal research and client service. The concept of microproductivity helps simplify tasks, while AI tools improve client communication and streamline contract drafting. Concerns about AI diminishing human roles are addressed, highlighting collaboration benefits. Additionally, advancements in AI aim to increase access to legal services, contributing to a more equitable legal system.

Dec 24, 2024 • 39min
298: Thinking Like a Philosopher: Jonny Thomson on Truth, AI, and the Socratic Method
Jonny Thomson, a best-selling author and Oxford professor, shares insights on philosophy, ethics, and AI's impact on truth. He emphasizes how critical thinking can uncover biases in our complex world. The Socratic method plays a crucial role in both philosophy and law, promoting deeper inquiry. Thomson also discusses his writing journey and the challenges of adapting philosophical ideas for social media. The interplay between AI and human intelligence raises important questions about knowledge reliability and the nature of truth.

6 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 32min
297: A Year of Remote Lawyering: How Jeff Austin Took His Practice to Patagonia
Jeff Austin, an estate planning attorney from Durham, North Carolina, shares his remarkable journey of practicing law remotely while living in Argentina. He discusses the transition to a paperless, remote practice and innovative solutions for challenges like notarization and client communication. Jeff emphasizes the importance of tech tools like eSIM cards and virtual mail services for staying connected. Balancing family life with professional responsibilities in Patagonia, he offers insights into maintaining ethical standards and building client trust in a virtual landscape.

Nov 26, 2024 • 17min
296: Mastering Your Zoom Presence: Tips for Looking Professional Online
Optimize your online presence with simple yet effective strategies for Zoom. Discover the importance of professional lighting, a polished background, and quality equipment. Learn why your appearance matters in the 'Zoom Economy' and how to engage effectively in virtual meetings. Get practical DIY tips for an impressive look, plus insights on best practices for hosting and attending. Explore resources to transform your Zoom experience into a professional showcase.

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
295: Deb Feder, a Business Attorney Now Helps Professionals Grow Their Businesses
Deb Feder, a former business attorney turned coach, shares insights into her journey from law to coaching professionals. She discusses the challenges of a low-tech legal environment and the evolution of legal practices. Deb offers valuable tips on email efficiency, time management, and building authentic client relationships. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, boundary setting, and the power of personal communication over digital methods. Listeners will also hear about her favorite books and the significance of genuine connections in business.

7 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 18min
294: Google NotebookLM (plus AI in the Courtroom)
Discover Google's innovative NotebookLM, designed to streamline document analysis with impressive features like summaries and FAQs. Explore a fascinating legal case that highlights the use of AI in court, tackling issues from inheritance disputes to the admissibility of AI-generated evidence. Delve into the ethical implications of integrating AI in the justice system and discuss the balance between its benefits and potential risks. This discussion uncovers a new frontier at the intersection of technology and law.

Oct 15, 2024 • 38min
293: Want to Travel the World While Practicing Law? Here’s How Brian Dixon Made It Happen
Brian Dixon, a lawyer turned digital nomad, shares his inspiring journey from traditional practice to traveling the world while working. He reveals how the pandemic opened doors for remote legal work and discusses the best legal fields for aspiring nomads. Dixon offers practical tips on staying connected, exploring useful tech tools like VPNs and Airalo for seamless work abroad. He emphasizes the importance of established systems for efficient client management and highlights the benefits of a balanced work-life, making legal practice more fulfilling and adaptable.

Oct 1, 2024 • 45min
292: The Keys to AI-enhanced Legal Writing (with Ross Guberman)
Ross Guberman, founder of Legal Writing Pro, shares insights on the transformative power of generative AI in legal writing. He discusses how AI can craft better briefs and contracts, emphasizing the importance of effective prompt construction. Guberman introduces BriefCatch, an AI tool enhancing legal writing clarity and creativity. The conversation also touches on the balance of technology and human judgment, as well as the impact of pessimism in achieving optimal outcomes. His insights offer lawyers strategies to improve their writing in a digital age.