New Solo

Technology and automation are vital when it comes to helping a new firm blossom in today’s environment. Guest Kellam Parks started out in a relatively large firm after law school, but his desire to go paperless and incorporate technology drove him to launch a solo practice that has grown to a three offices in the Virginia Beach area. The firm, Parks Zeigler PLCC, incorporates technologies from case preparation to presentation and to create seamless communication channels among attorneys, staff, and clients. Parks and his partner grew the firm and expanded into new locations and specialties by inviting like minded attorneys with a book of business who may not be happy in their current situation to join the firm. Learn how a practice management system and outside professionals can help you manage and direct your success. Your time is best used practicing law, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help, from tech administration to financial management, to coaching.Don’t be afraid to join professional groups, get involved, and learn from other attorneys who have been there and done that. If you’re a new solo interested in growing your firm, you can’t miss this episode. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: Technology can be a critical part of your firm. It creates efficiencies, encourages collaboration, improves cybersecurity, and builds your business (and yes, you can do this) Pay for professional help when you need it. You might be a great attorney, but you can’t do everything. Recognize when you’re doing so well that you need a professional, whether that’s a technology consultant or a financial officer or tax pro. When you’ve done all you can getting your firm up and running and don’t know how to take the next step, consider hiring a business coach, someone who can help you recognize opportunities and chart your path forward.   Mentioned in This Episode:Previously on Legal Talk Network, Digital Detectives, “ Cybersecurity: Getting to Good for the Small Law Firm”“Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business,” by Gino WickmanStephanie Everett, “The Lawyerist”The LawyeristAffinity ConsultingEOS WorldwidePreviously on New Solo, guest Debbie Foster, “Winning the Battle: When It’s Time to Modernize but There’s One Holdout”Previously on New Solo, guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson, “Ernie The Attorney: A Tech Whisperer Shares His Legal Tech Secrets”Ernie’s Inner CircleErnie The AttorneyCaret LegalMicrosoft 365 for BusinessLawmaticsAdobeHotDocs legal documentsDialpad VoIPLawyer on the Beach, Facebook1Password, password managerSentinelOne cybersecurityVirginia State Bar Special Committee “Technology and the Future Practice of Law”Florida Bar AssociationClio Cloud Conference 2025Clio Legal Trends Report

Peggy Gruenke, founder of CPN Legal, specializes in financial management for small law firms. She discusses the latest in automated accounting tools while emphasizing the enduring value of professional bookkeeping. Gruenke offers insights on achieving financial discipline and operational efficiency, urging lawyers to treat their practices with respect. She highlights the importance of using software solutions like Clio and QuickBooks and shares tips on managing expenses, improving profitability, and maintaining financial vigilance to prevent mismanagement.

Get the most out of today’s tech products that are specifically created to save you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on getting results for your clients. Guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson’s biz tech consulting firm helps small and solo firms apply tech solutions without being overwhelmed and learn the “80/20 Rule,” getting more output with less input.  When it comes to efficiencies, automation plays a big role. In a solo or small firm, resources come at a premium. Learn to reduce wasted input through standardized, repeatable operating procedures and automation. (There are even tech products that help you create written standard processes learning from and organizing the work you’re already doing). Imagine speaking into an app as you “brain dump” and having those thoughts come out organized and notated for later use. Imagine dictating legal work into an app and having AI organize your dictation, even correct it. You don’t need to type everything in today’s tech world. Maximize downtime.   It’s all about training yourself to think “automation first.” Even when a virtual assistant (VA) located in another country can fill gaps in your practice, learn your preferences, match your brand, and help you be your most efficient you without hiring a full-tie employee. Today’s most successful law firms are high-tech hubs. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: There’s no reason for a solo practitioner or small firm not to engage in today’s tech. Leverage technology to get a lot of results without a lot of effort. Learn how the “80/20 Rule” helps you get more done with less effort.  If you’re a lawyer, time spent marketing is time spent not lawyering. Automation can perform repeatable marketing tasks (even social media, newsletters, and referral marketing) to help you bring in new business while you focus on results for your clients.  Virtual assistants, or VAs, are remote workers, often in another country, who can perform the routine tasks that are eating up your time while you focus on practicing law. Mentioned in This Episode:ABA TechshowLoomZoom ClipsOtter.aiFireflies.aiLetterlyCleft Windows dictationText Expander “8 Great TextExpander Alternatives” FancyHands Lawclerk legal assistantsPerplexity.ai

Clio, the longtime, long-trusted software tech provider for lawyers, has plunged into the accounting game. Time and case management, billing, payments, and simply keeping track of your bottom line all take up time when you could be doing something else, like, you know, serving your clients’ needs. Now Clio has baked that accounting service directly into its practice management software package. Frankly, attorneys – especially new solo practitioners – may have been taught very little about running a business. Being a good lawyer is only part of the game. Lawyers also need to know how to manage money and accounting. That’s where software and money management programs can help, including tax prep, accounting for ongoing work in anticipation of payment, capital distributions, and handling funds your clients have entrusted you with.  Hear why legal-specific accounting is so important (hint, legal accounting is not like any other accounting, and mistakes can truly hurt your practice). Plus, the top five features that must be part of any legal accounting platform. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: Law schools and legal training may overlook the importance of accounting for a new law firm. It’s not intuitive. Hear how legal practice management firm Clio is incorporating legal-specific accounting functions into its platform Practicing law is what you signed up for, but managing money is what will keep your firm running. Never forget, your firm is a business that depends on accounting. Tax management, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow management are not only crucial, but very weirdly specific in the world of legal accounting. Mentioned in This Episode:Clio Clio Accounting and Demo2024 Legal Trends for Solo and Small Law FirmsNew Solo, “Oh, The Messes We See” New Solo, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals” New Solo, “Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To ‘Modernize’ But There’s One Holdout” cpnLEGALAffinity ConsultingJoshua’s Previous Appearances on Legal Talk Network: New Solo, “HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help” On Balance: “Insights on Clio’s 2023 Legal Trends Report with Joshua Lenon”

In this engaging discussion, Debbie Foster, the CEO at Affinity Consulting, shares her expertise on modernizing legal practices. She highlights the common roadblocks to adopting new technology, often stemming from deep-seated fears and resistance within teams. By emphasizing the importance of clearly defining problems and ensuring everyone understands potential solutions, she promotes a collaborative approach to overcoming internal obstacles. With actionable insights on navigating staff dynamics and focusing on firm-wide benefits, Debbie inspires legal teams to embrace innovation.

Accomplished mediators Renee Thompson and Liz McCausland discuss AI in law, ethical guidelines, client consent, and judge perception. They highlight the Florida Bar's initiatives, benefits of joining the Solo & Small Firms Section, legal tech tools, and expertise in AI. The podcast explores the use of AI in legal research, practice management, and mentoring for young lawyers.

Dan Lear, a legal tech expert, discusses the importance of tech skills for attorneys based on a new survey. He explores advancements in legal tech tools, opportunities for law grads in the tech field, and how lawyers can meet client expectations with the latest tools. The discussion emphasizes the need for efficient case management, online filing, and embracing digital advancements for client satisfaction.

Guest Joanne Martin, founder and lawyer at Align Family Law, shares tips on growing a solo law practice. Topics include hiring, tech, marketing, networking, and expanding services. Advice on being bold, spending when needed, and seeking professional help. Learn from others' experiences and take your practice to the next level.

Discover how AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday software like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Teams to enhance productivity. Learn how AI assistants can revolutionize document review, meeting summaries, and more. Embrace the benefits of AI in your workflow and see how technologies like Microsoft Co-pilot can transform tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations from Word documents.

Learn about the different Microsoft account types, AI add-ons like Microsoft Copilot, and the importance of keeping personal and work accounts separate. Explore Microsoft 365 subscription options, security features, and enhancements like Lists and Power Automate. Join the Unbillable Hours Community Roundtable for valuable discussions with other lawyers.