Smart Lawyers Position to Transition

In this episode, host Victoria Collier dives into a surprising truth: solo law practices are often the simplest, cleanest, and fastest firms to sell. Inspired by a buyer who was specifically excited to acquire a solo firm, Victoria unpacks why the simplicity and lean structure of one-lawyer practices are powerful assets, not drawbacks. If you are a solo practitioner thinking your firm is too small to sell, this episode is a must-listen for a major confidence boost and a shift in perspective. In This Episode, You'll Learn The Power of Simplicity: Why buyers often prefer solo firms. The Buyer's Perspective: The true reason a strategic buyer was excited to purchase a solo practice. Faster & Smoother Transitions: Why the solo model leads to faster closings, cleaner handoffs, and a quicker return on investment—the "express lane for law firm positions." Loyalty Sells: Why solos have the most loyal, well-maintained client databases and how this built-in trust allows for a seamless, personal referral-style handoff to the new owner. About Victoria Collier Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Are your goals too realistic? In this episode, host Victoria Collier unpacks the concepts from the book The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson. Victoria explores why setting "impossible goals"—like 10x-ing your revenue or removing yourself entirely from case management—is actually more effective than setting "stretch" goals. It's not just about business strategy; it is about neuroscience and psychology. She explains how aiming for the impossible forces your brain to rewire, filter out distractions, and demand that you evolve from a "doer" into a "visionary leader." If you are a law firm owner stuck in the day-to-day grind, this episode will challenge you to lead from your future self and build a firm that gives you true freedom. In this episode, you'll learn: •⁠ ⁠The Trap of Realism: Why setting "achievable" goals is actually the biggest risk to your firm's growth—and the specific type of goal you need to set instead to trigger a breakthrough. •⁠ ⁠Flipping the Identity Script: The common misconception about personal growth that keeps lawyers trapped in the "doer" role, and the mental shift required to finally become the visionary. •⁠ ⁠The Neuroscience of Scaling: How to leverage your brain's Reticular Activating System (RAS) to automatically spot opportunities and solutions you are currently missing. •⁠ ⁠The 3-Stage Roadmap: Victoria breaks down Dr. Hardy's framework for moving a law firm from a chaotic practice to a streamlined, sellable business. •⁠ ⁠"Strategic Constraint": The uncomfortable but necessary filter you must apply to your daily decisions if you want to collapse the time it takes to scale. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Clarity is not something you hire. It is something you create. In this episode, host Victoria Collier explains why so many law firm owners look for a coach when what they really need is something far more powerful: stillness. If you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck in constant motion, this conversation shows you why the answers you want are already inside you. You just haven't slowed down enough to hear them. In this episode, you'll learn: •⁠ ⁠Why lawyers confuse confusion with discomfort •⁠ ⁠How constant reaction mode blocks intuition and big picture thinking •⁠ ⁠What "white space moments" are and why they matter •⁠ ⁠The three questions every law firm owner should ask during scheduled silence •⁠ ⁠How your emotions reveal the real truth about what you want •⁠ ⁠Why clarity comes from facts and data, not from drama •⁠ ⁠How to align your goals with your actual values, not someone else's •⁠ ⁠When coaching becomes valuable and when it does not •⁠ ⁠One question that cuts through noise and reveals what matters most today If you are considering coaching, selling, or restructuring your firm, start here. The clarity you want might not require a coach. It may require courage, quiet, and a notebook. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Coaching has become the reflex answer for every challenge in the business world, especially for law firm owners. But here is the truth many people never hear. Most firm owners do not need a coach. At least not yet. In this episode, Victoria Collier breaks down when coaching truly helps and when it becomes an expensive distraction. Victoria explains why vague goals lead to vague results, why clarity must come before coaching, and why comparison and fear push law firm owners into programs they are not ready for. She also outlines the specific scenarios where coaching delivers real value and where it does not. If you have ever wondered whether you need a coach or simply need commitment, this episode will give you a clear test and a practical starting point. In this episode you will learn •⁠ ⁠Why "I just want to do better" is not a real goal •⁠ ⁠The three question coaching test that reveals if you are ready •⁠ ⁠The difference between a clarity problem and an accountability problem •⁠ ⁠Why law firm owners are especially vulnerable to unnecessary coaching •⁠ ⁠The scenarios where coaching creates real change in a firm •⁠ ⁠Why the most important voice you need to listen to may be your own If you want to prepare your firm for growth, transition, or sale, start by asking the right questions. Clarity always comes before coaching. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

When it comes to selling or buying a law firm, numbers and contracts often steal the spotlight, but ethics are what make or break the deal. In this episode, host Victoria Collier goes into the ethical framework that governs law firm sales and explains how to navigate compliance without sacrificing client trust. From competence and confidentiality to client notifications and handling trust accounts, Victoria walks through the key ABA rules every lawyer must understand, especially Rule 1.17, and shares practical insights for keeping your transaction ethical, professional, and smooth from start to finish. What You'll Learn •⁠ ⁠Why Rule 1.17 is the backbone of ethical law firm sales •⁠ ⁠How to protect client confidentiality during due diligence and negotiations •⁠ ⁠What to include in a client notice letter (and when to send it) •⁠ ⁠The right way to handle conflict checks without breaching privacy •⁠ ⁠Best practices for transferring client files and trust funds safely •⁠ ⁠How to ethically market a law firm for sale under Rule 7.1 •⁠ ⁠Why ethics and profitability go hand in hand in successful law firm transitions Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Think you know your firm's profit? Think again. In this episode, host Victoria Collier breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of selling a law firm: the true meaning of profit. Victoria explains the critical differences between Net Profit, EBITDA, and SDE—and how each number tells a very different story about your law firm's financial health and value. Whether you're still growing your practice or preparing to sell, understanding these metrics can mean the difference between a fair price and leaving hundreds of thousands on the table. You'll learn •⁠ ⁠Why "profit" isn't a one-size-fits-all term •⁠ ⁠The big mistake law firm owners make when relying on their tax returns •⁠ ⁠How EBITDA and SDE reveal your firm's true earning power •⁠ ⁠What buyers are really looking for in your financials •⁠ ⁠How to use these numbers to increase your valuation and negotiation leverage Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Everyone wants that big check on closing day, but what if not getting it all upfront could actually work to your advantage? In this episode, host Victoria Collier breaks down why seller financing can be a smart, strategic move when selling your law firm. Learn how seller financing works, how to structure it safely, and why it can help you: * Maximize your firm's value * Expand your pool of qualified buyers * Earn interest income while enjoying a smoother transition * Potentially lower your tax burden Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

Is there really a "right time" to sell your law firm? In this episode of Smart Lawyers Position to Transition, Victoria Collier breaks down how timing affects sellers and buyers differently—and what both sides should be doing before the year ends. Victoria shares why sellers shouldn't wait for a "perfect" season, and how buyers often use Q4 to plan and position themselves for a strong start in Q1. From financial prep to strategic timing, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take action now. You'll learn: •⁠ ⁠Why the best time to sell is when you're ready—financially, emotionally, and strategically •⁠ ⁠How buyers view seasons differently and factor in the economy, politics, and practice type •⁠ ⁠Why Q4 activity often sets the stage for Q1 acquisitions •⁠ ⁠What sellers must do now to look attractive in January (hint: clean financials and strong net income) •⁠ ⁠How buyers can use Q4 to line up financing, define criteria, and build relationships The market rewards readiness. Sellers who prepare before the new year attract stronger buyers, and buyers who plan now move faster later. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

You've signed the papers, the wire hit your account, and you're ready to celebrate, but your work isn't done yet. In this episode, Victoria Collier uncovers the often forgotten post-sale details that can create real problems if they are ignored. From websites that go dark to phones that stop ringing and trust accounts that are not properly transferred, these "little things" can quickly turn a smooth sale into a stressful mess. Victoria shares real examples from law firm transitions to help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your firm's reputation, clients, and cash flow. In this episode, you will learn •⁠ ⁠Why closing day is not the finish line, but the start of your transition •⁠ ⁠The most overlooked post-sale tasks that can disrupt your firm's operations •⁠ ⁠How to correctly transfer your website domain, phone numbers, and trust accounts •⁠ ⁠What to do if your firm owns its office building, including utility changes that are easy to miss •⁠ ⁠How to keep your team and clients reassured during the handoff so business continues without interruption If you are preparing to sell or buy a law firm, this episode will help you handle the small details that make a big difference once the ink dries. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/

IRS Form 8594 might sound like dry paperwork, but it's one of the most important documents in a law firm sale. In this episode, our host Victoria Collier breaks down what the form is, why it matters, and how to avoid post-sale IRS problems. From understanding asset classes to negotiating allocations that minimize taxes, this conversation shows how smart preparation can save both buyers and sellers from stress (and money) down the road. Key Topics Covered •⁠ ⁠What IRS Form 8594 is and why both parties must file it •⁠ ⁠Why the buyer's and seller's forms must match •⁠ ⁠How asset classes like furniture, accounts receivable, goodwill, and non-competes are taxed differently •⁠ ⁠Real-world example of a seller facing IRS trouble a year after closing •⁠ ⁠When the form should be completed and filed •⁠ ⁠Why professional advisors (brokers, accountants, attorneys) are essential in this process Form 8594 isn't just another piece of paper—it's a critical tax document that can make or break your post-sale peace of mind. Handle it early, handle it correctly, and avoid costly IRS surprises. Victoria Collier is a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and expert in law firm sales and valuations. With a background in law and accounting, including her prior military service and CPA training, she brings a unique perspective on the financial intricacies of business valuations. Victoria helps transform law firms into more valuable and sellable businesses, guiding attorneys through life after law. We want to hear from you! You can leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Click here and then scroll down the page to the rating and review section. You can also leave us a rating in Spotify by clicking here. Connect with Victoria Collier https://quidproquolaw.com/ Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1284225722042602 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-collier-coaching/