Smart Lawyers Position to Transition

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/

Every law firm owner dreams of multiple offers when it's time to sell. But what happens when you're the one holding the cards and now have to choose? In this episode, host Victoria Collier unpacks how to compare offers beyond just the purchase price. You'll learn: •⁠ ⁠Why deal structure matters as much as the dollar figure •⁠ ⁠How to evaluate cash up front versus performance-based payments •⁠ ⁠The role of transition periods and whether you'll be compensated fairly for your time •⁠ ⁠And much more! 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 your law firm, the question isn't just what's my firm worth? It is what's it worth to me? In this episode, Victoria explores the intangibles behind a sale. The purchase price may grab attention, but for most sellers, factors like time, health, stress, and what comes next in life carry equal or greater weight. What You'll Learn in This Episode: •⁠ ⁠Why the "highest offer" isn't always the best offer •⁠ ⁠How time commitments in a deal can make or break it •⁠ ⁠Why health can outweigh every other factor in your decision •⁠ ⁠The role of stress, peace of mind, and future opportunities in choosing your next step •⁠ ⁠How to evaluate offers based on your personal goals, not just the dollar signs If you're considering selling your law firm, this conversation will help you think beyond the balance sheet and get clear on what matters most to you. 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/

Every law firm goes through distinct stages: from the hustle of startup, through the rapid growth of scaling, to the challenges of repelling, and finally the stability of plateau. In this episode, host Victoria Collier breaks down what each stage looks like, how income changes along the way, and when it makes the most sense to sell. Whether you're just starting out, feeling the stress cracks of growth, or enjoying a period of stability, knowing where you are in the cycle is key to making smart business and exit decisions. What you'll learn in this episode: •⁠ ⁠The four stages of the law firm life cycle: startup, scaling, repelling, and plateau. •⁠ ⁠How income, expenses, and owner take-home shift in each stage. •⁠ ⁠Why scaling is the best time to sell, and plateau is the second best. •⁠ ⁠The risks of trying to exit too early in the startup phase or during repelling. Take a moment to reflect: where is your firm right now, and what does that mean for your next move? 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/

What happens after you sell your law firm? In this powerful interview, Victoria Collier talks with Joey Masiuk, one year after selling his firm, about the emotional, financial, and practical realities of exiting a long-time practice. From his early days as a PI lawyer, through building a family-centered estate planning firm with his wife, to navigating the highs and lows of selling, Joey's story offers law firm owners a candid look at what it really takes to prepare, let go, and move on to a new chapter. What You'll Learn in This Episode •⁠ ⁠Why emotional readiness can be the hardest part of selling your law firm •⁠ ⁠How Joey and his wife built a family-centered practice that supported both their clients and children •⁠ ⁠The importance of preparing your systems, staff, and client relationships before a sale Meet Joey Masiuk Joey Masiuk is a former estate planning attorney who built and ran a successful family-centered law firm with his wife. After years of practicing law, he prepared his firm for sale, navigated the challenges of finding the right buyer, and ultimately transitioned out of practice in 2023. Today, one year after selling his firm, Joey reflects on the lessons of business ownership, the emotional side of letting go, and the importance of leaving a legacy for clients and staff. In addition to life after law, Joey has built a new career in voice acting. 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/

A profit and loss statement may seem basic, but when you're preparing to sell your law firm, it can be the difference between closing a strong deal or watching a buyer walk away. In this episode, host Victoria Collier explains how to transform your P&L into a buyer-friendly tool that inspires confidence and justifies your asking price. From breaking down income streams to spotlighting discretionary earnings and cutting duplicate expenses, you'll learn how to make your numbers tell a story buyers can't resist. What you'll learn in this episode •⁠ ⁠Why a messy P&L raises red flags and lowers offers •⁠ ⁠How to break out income by services to show buyers where revenue really comes from •⁠ ⁠Simple ways to make your P&L visual, clear, and persuasive 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, what you see on the books isn't always the whole story. Some costs are real for the seller but won't carry over to the buyer — and those hidden savings can dramatically change a firm's true value. In this episode, Victoria Collier uncovers the overlooked world of duplicative expenses. From accounting to software to office rent, these "double costs" can either drag down your firm's valuation or create hidden upside for savvy buyers. What You'll Learn in This Episode Duplicative expenses can mask a firm's true profitability — learn how to spot them and why they matter in valuations. Buyers can find hidden opportunities to instantly boost net income by cutting redundant costs. Sellers who highlight these expenses proactively can position their firm as more valuable and secure a better price. 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/