Smart Lawyers Position to Transition

Are you wasting money on a business coach? Or have you been holding off on hiring one, thinking the timing isn’t right? In this episode, host Victoria Collier speaks with Doug Brown, a seasoned law firm leadership coach, to uncover the truths behind effective coaching. Doug explains how the right business coach can transform your law firm—and your mindset—helping you work smarter, prioritize better, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether you're looking for better team dynamics, improved time management, or more personal freedom, this episode provides the insights you need to make the most of coaching. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠How to assess whether your current or potential business coach is delivering the results you need. 2.⁠ ⁠The surprising mindset shift lawyers must make to unlock true growth and freedom. 3.⁠ ⁠Why prioritizing leadership and emotional intelligence is essential for building a thriving law firm. About Our Guest Doug Brown is a licensed attorney and the Chief Learning Officer at Summit Success International, where he coaches law firm owners to achieve maximum profitability and sustainability. With a wealth of experience in law, business, and executive coaching, Doug is passionate about helping professionals create scalable and balanced practices. His tailored, empathetic approach ensures that clients get the tools they need to transform both their firms and their lives.   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/      

In this episode, host Victoria Collier goes into the complexities of lateral partner moves in the legal industry. She explores why attorneys make this career shift, the benefits for both the individual and the firm, and the potential risks involved.  If you've ever wondered what a lateral partner move entails or how it differs from other transitions like mergers, this episode unpacks it all. Whether you're a law firm looking to grow strategically or a partner contemplating a move, you'll gain valuable insights to make informed decisions. Key Takeaways (Without Spoilers): 1.⁠ ⁠Understand what motivates lateral partner moves and why they’re increasingly common in today’s legal market. 2.⁠ ⁠Discover the mutual benefits and challenges for firms and attorneys in these transitions. 3.⁠ ⁠Learn the crucial factors—beyond compensation—that ensure a successful partnership fit. 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/      

In this episode, host Victoria Collier, goes into the complexities of law firm mergers. As Quid Pro Quo Law works increasingly with larger firms, mergers have become a significant part of the conversation. Victoria shares insights on the process, typical compensation structures, and the role brokers play in bringing firms together. Whether you're considering a merger or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers valuable information for law firm owners. 3 Key Takeaways from the Episode 1.⁠ ⁠The Strategic Foundations of Mergers – Discover how alignment in vision, client bases, and culture lays the groundwork for a successful law firm merger. 2.⁠ ⁠Compensation Models Demystified – Gain insight into common structures like equity swaps and profit-sharing, and how they impact merging partners' financial futures. 3.⁠ ⁠Navigating Change with Success – Learn how proactive communication and clear planning can ensure smooth transitions for employees, clients, and leadership in the merger process. 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/        

In this episode, host Victoria Collier discusses the practical steps lawyers can take to increase their profit margins and, ultimately, their firm's valuation. She shares advice on reading and understanding P&L statements, the importance of efficient labor management, and why marketing dollars must yield a high return to truly benefit the business. Victoria also reveals some common pitfalls that law firm owners face when they overlook critical profit margin areas—and what actionable steps they can take today to create a more valuable, sell-ready law firm.  Listen now to learn more about leveraging your financials to build a profitable, scalable, and sell-ready firm. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠Understanding Labor Costs: Learn how labor costs, if left unchecked, can quickly eat into profit margins—and what to consider when analyzing the true cost of staffing. 2.⁠ ⁠Efficient Billing & Systems: Discover why consistent billing practices and streamlined systems are essential to maximizing profit, freeing up time, and avoiding costly inefficiencies. 3.⁠ ⁠P&L for Better Valuation: Victoria explains how even modest profit percentage improvements can significantly impact your firm’s valuation and set you up for a profitable sale.   About the 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/      

In today’s episode,  host Victoria Collier talks with Spencer Hilligoss, investor in Madison Investing, about what to do after selling your law firm. Spencer shares valuable insights on transforming your sale proceeds into a lasting income stream, exploring how passive investments can open new opportunities for financial freedom. They dive into lessons from Spencer’s transition from tech to investment and discuss strategies law firm owners can use to align their money with their life goals—without getting bogged down in active management. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠Goal Setting Is Essential – Establishing specific, long-term financial goals creates a strong foundation for successful post-sale investing. 2.⁠ ⁠Passive Income Opportunities – Real estate and alternative investments can offer reliable, passive income with the right planning and partnerships. 3.⁠ ⁠Don’t Reinvest Without Reflection – The initial exit strategy is just the first step; carefully selecting how to allocate your proceeds can enhance security and satisfaction over the long term. About Our Guest Spencer Hilligoss is a passive investor who has deployed 7-figures of his own capital into passive investments in the past 6 years. In 2019, Spencer retired from a 13-year career in Silicon Valley tech companies in order to give full focus to serving fellow investors in Madison Investing - a club where passive investors gain access to the same types of alternative investment opportunities where Spencer deploys his own capital. Spencer lives with his family in Alameda, California - is a proud father of two, graduate of the University of Colorado and member of the Forbes Business Council. For more about Spencer and Madison Investing, visit madisoninvesting.com.   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/        

In this episode, Victoria Collier welcomes Philip Fairley, president and owner of The Rainmaker Institute, to explore the transformative impact of effective intake processes and data analytics on law firm growth. Philip shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to law firm marketing leader and provides actionable strategies for building a firm that runs smoothly, scales efficiently, and offers work-life balance for its owners. Whether you’re looking to grow, sell, or streamline your firm’s operations, this episode offers a blueprint to make it happen. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠Discover the first essential steps to establish a sustainable and scalable law firm model. 2.⁠ ⁠Learn how data-driven decision-making can reveal unexpected growth opportunities. 3.⁠ ⁠Get actionable advice on transforming client intake to improve lead quality and retention.   About Our Guest Philip Fairley is the president and owner of The Rainmaker Institute, a marketing and client generation firm dedicated exclusively to law firms. With a background in tech entrepreneurship, Philip joined Rainmaker after selling his own companies, bringing fresh perspectives on data and client conversion to the legal space. Under his leadership, Rainmaker has co-developed innovative tools like Turbine, a platform that automates client intake, and Rainalytics, a tool for data-driven decision-making. Philip’s mission is to help law firms scale by integrating data, improving intake, and creating operational systems that support a sellable, lifestyle-focused business model. Learn more about The Rainmaker Institute http://www.rainmakerretreat.com/   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/      

In this one-of-a-kind episode of Smart Lawyers Position to Transition, the roles are reversed as our host, Victoria Collier, steps into the hot seat. For the first time, Victoria opens up about her personal journey as a law firm owner—sharing the highs, the hardships, and ultimately, her decision to step away from the law. Interviewed by her podcast producer, Jen Edds, Victoria candidly reveals what it was like to face burnout, rediscover her purpose, and navigate the emotional complexities of exiting her firm. This isn’t just another episode—it’s an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how even the most successful lawyers can find themselves ready for a new chapter. Key Discussion Points •⁠  ⁠Burnout or Time to Leave?: How to tell if you’re experiencing temporary burnout or ready for a bigger change. •⁠  ⁠Listening to Your Body: Victoria explains how physical symptoms can be signals of deeper issues at work. •⁠  ⁠Situational vs. Inherent Discontent: When life events clash with your work, how do you know if it's situational or something more permanent? •⁠  ⁠The Moment of Clarity: A pivotal realization that led Victoria to finally decide to leave her firm. •⁠  ⁠The Emotional Journey: The challenges of letting go of a successful practice and the identity that comes with it. •⁠  ⁠What’s Next?: How selling one law firm led to Victoria’s next big entrepreneurial ventures.   About Victoria 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/        

In this episode, host Victoria Collier talks with Jack Flaherty, author of The Decision Switch, about how lawyers can make purpose-driven decisions to build better firms. They discuss the impact of AI on the legal field, generational divides in marketing, and the value of clear goal-setting. Jack emphasizes the need to align decisions with core values to achieve professional and personal fulfillment, whether growing a practice or preparing for a transition. Key Points •⁠  ⁠The evolving role of AI and technology in disrupting traditional law practices. •⁠  ⁠The importance of embracing change and adapting to new marketing tools. •⁠  ⁠How purpose-led decision-making leads to better outcomes for firms and individuals. •⁠  ⁠Jack’s advice on goal-setting, collaboration, and aligning decisions with values. •⁠  ⁠Mentorship's critical role in navigating industry changes, especially for younger lawyers. Guest Information Jack Flaherty is a coach, consultant, and author specializing in leadership and decision-making strategies. His book The Decision Switch focuses on the principles that guide successful personal and professional decisions. Jack works with law firms and other professional service industries to foster growth through purposeful leadership. Resources Mentioned •⁠  ⁠Jack Flaherty’s book: The Decision Switch (Available on Amazon) •⁠  ⁠Jack’s website: thedecisionswitch.com   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/      

In this episode, host Victoria Collier goes into an often overlooked metric when valuing law firms: the sales conversion rate. She explains how the percentage of consultations that convert into paying clients can significantly affect a firm's revenue and overall valuation. Whether you’re preparing to sell or looking to buy a law firm, understanding this key metric can offer deeper insights into a firm's financial health and growth potential. Learn how boosting your conversion rate can enhance your firm's value and make it a more attractive investment. 3 Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠The crucial role conversion rates play in determining law firm value. 2.⁠ ⁠Why buyers should ask about conversion rates—and not just focus on revenue and profit. 3.⁠ ⁠The impact of practice area differences on sales conversion rates and what that means for valuations. About the 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/      

In this episode, host Victoria Collier sits down with Charley Mann, founder of Law Firm Alchemy, to discuss how law firm owners can transform their entrepreneurial mindset and build essential business skills. Charley shares insights on overcoming growth plateaus, marketing strategies for law firms at various stages, and the importance of embracing the identity of an entrepreneur. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your law firm, this episode is packed with practical advice on leadership, marketing, and sustainable growth.   Key Takeaways: 1.⁠ ⁠Entrepreneurial Mindset Shift: Charley discusses how many law firm owners hesitate to embrace their entrepreneurial identity, but doing so is key to unlocking firm growth. 2.⁠ ⁠Referral Marketing Essentials: Charley’s three-part referral marketing plan—meetups, email newsletters, and monthly printed materials—can help law firms build strong, sustainable growth. 3.⁠ ⁠Overcoming Growth Plateaus: If your firm has hit a growth plateau, it’s likely because you need to refocus on one of three key areas: marketing, operations, or finances.   About Our Guest: Charley Mann is the host of "They Don't Teach This in Law School" and founder of Law Firm Alchemy, a company dedicated to providing resources and coaching for law firm growth. With over 14 years of experience in the legal industry, Charley guides law firm owners in optimizing their practices and achieving success. He emphasizes the importance of networking, providing value, and maintaining strong client relationships, focusing on both business operations and personal growth. Known for his approachable demeanor and deep industry knowledge, Charley values integrity, transparency, and genuine connections.