

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

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.

17 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 45min
291: Judge Scott Schlegel Explores the Use of AI in the Court System
Judge Scott Schlegel, a tech-savvy appellate judge with a finance background, delves into the intersection of AI and the legal system. He argues for the necessity of legal professionals to understand AI tools, highlighting their potential to streamline processes like jury instructions and document review. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns, the importance of human judgment, and the implications of AI innovations on legal language and copyright. Schlegel's insights point towards a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the judicial process.

Sep 4, 2024 • 43min
290: 3 Keys to a Smooth Running Practice
Elise Buie is an accomplished attorney known for creating a thriving and enjoyable law practice. In this conversation, she reveals her top secrets for success, emphasizing the importance of controllable elements and using technology effectively. Elise discusses the pivotal roles of self-reflection and personal responsibility in legal practices. She also highlights how AI and efficient delegation can enhance productivity. Focusing on stoic principles, she encourages listeners to prioritize processes over outcomes for greater workplace satisfaction.

Aug 20, 2024 • 38min
289: The Best AI Note-Taking App for Lawyers
Lawyers, take note! Discover the top AI note-taking apps that can revolutionize your documentation process. Delve into personal experiences that emphasize efficiency and accuracy. A detailed comparison highlights the crucial aspects of reliability, security, and integration capabilities. Learn about innovative headset technology that enhances communication without blocking your hearing. Finally, join a community of legal professionals to share insights on tech tools that can streamline your practice.

Aug 6, 2024 • 23min
288: ABA Ethics Opinion on Lawyers use of AI
The ABA's new ethics opinion claims AI can predict judicial rulings, sparking skepticism over its authority. Lawyers face ethical challenges when using AI tools in their practice, especially regarding competence and confidentiality. The podcast explores how AI is reshaping tasks like electronic discovery and contract analytics. It also discusses AI's potential to analyze judicial biases, highlighting tools that evaluate written opinions. This transformation calls for ongoing education for legal professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.

21 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers
Discover effective social media marketing strategies for lawyers, emphasizing authenticity over chasing viral content. Learn the importance of relationships in marketing and tips on engaging effectively. Explore content harvesting and sharing strategies, plus insights on AI contract drafting software.

Jul 2, 2024 • 42min
286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work
Discover the best online workspaces for modern law work, including Craft and Notion. Learn about the benefits of remote collaboration and affordable tools. Get insights on efficient communication with Loom videos and Substack newsletters. Join the inner circle for enhanced virtual collaboration.

46 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 53min
285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)
Kristen David, a lawyer coach, shares 6 key systems for law practices, including effective lead acquisition, team collaboration, and communication. She emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and documenting procedures for success and work-life balance in law firms.

11 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 34min
284: Get Better Clients Using Conversational Emails
Learn how to attract better clients as a lawyer by using sincere and thoughtful conversational emails, avoiding cliches and aggressive tactics. Discover effective marketing strategies, client referral techniques, and the importance of testimonials. Get insights on email marketing, educational courses, and valuable resources to improve client acquisition in the legal profession.

May 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)
New York business lawyer, Gabriel Marous, shares insights on leveraging overseas VAs for business success. Topics include recruiting, managing, and training VAs, transitioning to remote work, using virtual office tools, and cybersecurity measures. Learn how to apply the 80-20 principle for maximum efficiency in your practice.