Smart Lawyers Position to Transition

In this episode of our series Life After Law®, from the Smart Lawyers Position to Transition podcast, host Victoria Collier sits down with Sarah Cottrell, founder of Former Lawyer LLC and host of the Former Lawyer podcast. Sarah shares her journey from practicing law to helping other lawyers transition out of the legal profession. They discuss the common struggles lawyers face, the importance of aligning career choices with personal values, and practical steps for those considering a career change. This insightful conversation provides valuable perspectives for any lawyer feeling unfulfilled in their current role. Key Takeaways:1.⁠ ⁠Discover the common reasons why many lawyers feel unfulfilled and consider leaving the legal profession. 2.⁠ ⁠Learn about the importance of aligning your career with your personal values and strengths. 3.⁠ ⁠Gain insights into practical steps for exploring alternative career paths and finding a better fit. Learn More About Our Guest Sarah Cottrell is the founder of Former Lawyer LLC and the host of The Former Lawyer Podcast. She practiced law for 10 years, and now she helps unhappy lawyers ditch their soul-sucking jobs. Sarah specializes in helping lawyers identify alternative careers so that they can leave the law. She is a Certified Career Management Coach and a member of the International Coaching Federation. Connect With Sarah https://instagram.com/formerlawyer https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjcottrell/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/former-lawyer/ 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 of Smart Lawyers Position to Transition, Victoria Collier sits down with Maya Markovich, Executive Director of the Justice Technology Association, to discuss how technology is revolutionizing law firms, transforming them into valuable businesses, and enhancing client service. Maya shares insights from her extensive experience in legal tech, innovation, and change management, highlighting the importance of adopting new technologies and strategies to create more efficient and profitable law firms. Key Takeaways: 1.⁠ ⁠Embrace Legal Tech: Discover how adopting the right technologies can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and increase the profitability of your law firm. 2.⁠ ⁠Overcoming Resistance to Change: Learn strategies to effectively manage change within your law firm, ensuring a smooth transition to new tech solutions. 3.⁠ ⁠Client-Centric Innovations: Explore how innovative tools and platforms can improve client experiences and satisfaction, setting your firm apart in a competitive market. Learn More About Our Guest Maya Markovich is an innovation leader who is passionate about legal industry transformation and client centricity. With a unique background spanning law, VC, behavioral science, and change design, Maya delivers technology, process, and business growth services worldwide. She helped launch Nextlaw Labs/Nextlaw Ventures, the first tech-focused legal innovation catalyst at Dentons, where she served as chief growth officer for six years. Connect With Maya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayamarkovich/ Twitter: @MarkovichMaya Get involved with JTA at https://justicetechassociation.org/get-involved/ 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 of the Smart Lawyers Position to Transition podcast, host Victoria Collier sits down with Autumn Noble, the inspiring founder of the Lawyer Life Collective. Autumn, an attorney, speaker, author, and coach, shares her insights on the unique challenges women face in the legal profession. With a focus on navigating firm politics, achieving work-life balance, and finding peace and happiness, Autumn offers invaluable advice for women looking to thrive in their legal careers. Join Victoria and Autumn as they explore the importance of mentorship, the power of coaching, and practical strategies for building a successful and fulfilling career in law. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠The Importance of Seeking Support: Discover why women in law often struggle with the notion of seeking help and how recognizing the need for coaching can transform their careers and personal lives. 2.⁠ ⁠Building Business and Personal Brand: Learn practical strategies for young attorneys to start building their own book of business and personal brand from day one, ensuring long-term success and career growth. 3.⁠ ⁠Balancing Priorities and Overcoming Cultural Biases: Gain insights into the pressures women face in balancing professional and personal responsibilities and how to manage these challenges effectively while addressing and overcoming ingrained cultural biases. Learn More About Our Guest Host of the Lawyer Life Podcast and founder of the Lawyer Life Collective, which provides life and career coaching to women attorneys. As a practicing attorney, she spent her career building and chairing her own practice group, teaching in colleges, traveling the speaking circuit, and ultimately landing an in-house job with a Fortune 300 company. She eventually left that role to start her own firm and formally kick off the Lawyer Life Collective. Now, she leverages all of those experiences to help her clients navigate all aspects of their career journey. She supports women all over the world in reclaiming their voice, navigating firm politics, and achieving greater work-life balance and happiness. Connect With Autumn •⁠ ⁠Find her on all social media platforms as @thelawyerlifecollective •⁠ ⁠https://thelawyerlifecollective.com •⁠ ⁠autumn@thelawyerlifecollective.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 of the Smart Lawyers Position to Transition podcast, host Victoria Collier sits down with Steve Fretzin, the president of Fretzin, Inc. and a seasoned expert in legal business development. Together, they delve into the step-by-step actions necessary to grow a successful law firm, exploring practical strategies and proven methods that attorneys can implement to enhance their business acumen. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, this episode provides valuable insights into mastering business development without feeling like a salesperson. Tune in to discover how to build a more valuable, sellable law firm. Key Takeaways: 1.⁠ ⁠Structured Growth Strategies: Learn about actionable strategies for growing your law firm that don't involve traditional sales tactics. 2.⁠ ⁠Balancing Business Development and Marketing: Understand the importance of integrating both business development and marketing to create a holistic approach to building your practice. 3.⁠ ⁠Commitment and Consistency: Discover the key elements of commitment and consistent activity that are crucial for long-term success in business development. About Steve Fretzin Driven, focused, and passionate about helping attorneys to reach their full potential, Steve Fretzin is regarded as the premier coach, skills trainer and keynote speaker on business development for attorneys. Over the past 18 years, Steve Fretzin has devoted his career to helping lawyers master the art of business development to achieve their business goals and the peace of mind that comes with developing a successful law practice. Connect with Steve https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/ https://www.facebook.com/salesresults/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc https://fretzin.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/

Digital marketing isn't just for tech companies. Discover how law firms are leveraging the power of digital marketing to increase their value. In this episode, our host, Victoria, sits down with Seth Price, CEO of BluShark Digital. Together, they explore the transformative impact of digital marketing on growing and scaling a law firm. Tune in to learn more about: •⁠ ⁠Maximizing Firm Value through Digital Marketing •⁠ ⁠Client Engagement •⁠ ⁠The competitive edge digital marketing tools give your law firm About our guest: Seth Price is an accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader. He is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, as well as the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital. Seth took a two-person law firm and scaled it to 36 lawyers in less than a decade. Now, he has taken the same digital power that built the firm to create a best in class digital agency focused on the legal sector in BluShark Digital. Get in touch with BlueShark Digital: Email seth.price@blusharkdigital.com bd@blusharkdigital.com Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/blushark-digital/ https://www.instagram.com/blusharkdigital/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTkE6k9rCYe_Vi65taIr4WQ 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 of our podcast series, Life After Law®, host Victoria Collier interviews Sarah- Nell Walsh, CEO and founder of Wayfinders LLC, about thriving personally and professionally after leaving the legal profession. Sarah-Nell, a former litigation partner turned professional certified coach, shares insights into finding fulfillment and balance in life after law. Key Takeaways 1.⁠ ⁠Recognizing Burnout: Sarah Nell discusses the common struggle lawyers face in balancing work and personal well-being, highlighting the signs of burnout and the importance of prioritizing self-care. 2.⁠ ⁠Setting Boundaries: She emphasizes the need for lawyers to set boundaries with clients and prioritize their own well-being, including making time for personal activities and appointments. 3.⁠ ⁠Transitioning Careers: Sarah Nell shares her personal journey of leaving the legal profession and starting her coaching company, Wayfinders LLC, driven by a desire to continue serving as a trusted advisor and problem solver. 4.⁠ ⁠Client Focus: She outlines her focus on helping small law firm owners and leaders in big law navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership while maintaining their well-being. About Our Guest Sarah-Nell Walsh is a professional certified coach, former practicing attorney, + Founder of Wayfinders LLC. Equal parts big-hearted cheerleader and bold challenger, she works with ambitious professionals who want to perform at the top of their game. Prior to coaching, Sarah-Nell was a litigation partner at an AmLaw 100 firm, where she was recognized as Mentor of the Year in 2016. In addition to numerous industry awards, she has been recognized as a Rising Star by Georgia Super Lawyers and named among the Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine. Connect With Sarah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nellwalsh/ Instagram: @wayfinders.coaches Apply for a complimentary discovery session at www.wayfinders-ATL.com/discovery 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 shares her expertise in the world of business brokers and their practices, sharing her recent experience attending a two-day training on becoming a business broker while highlighting the surprising revelations she encountered. Key Takeaways: 1.⁠ ⁠Insight into Broker Practices: The podcast provides valuable insights into the practices of business brokers, shedding light on common procedures and potential pitfalls in the buying and selling process. 2.⁠ ⁠Navigating Complexities: Listeners gain practical advice on navigating the complexities of engaging with brokers, ensuring clarity in representation, and safeguarding their interests through legal counsel involvement. 3.⁠ ⁠Ethical Considerations: The podcast addresses ethical considerations in broker-client relationships, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in business dealings. About Victoria Collier Victoria Collier, JD, CELA, CEPA, CVBA, is a highly accomplished professional who founded The Elder & Disability Law Firm of Victoria L. Collier, PC, in 2003, achieving consistent average gross revenue of $1.5M for five consecutive years before successfully selling the firm in 2020. Since 2008, Victoria has been a trusted consultant, providing valuable guidance to law firm owners on developing specific practice areas within their existing firms and enhancing overall firm value. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Certified Value Builder Advisor, Victoria specializes in advising law firm owners on strategic positioning and transitioning their firms, facilitating a smooth transition into 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, our host Victoria Collier, sits down with seasoned expert in legal marketing and mindset transformation, Jennifer Goddard, to explore the pervasive issue of the poverty mindset within law firms and the strategies to overcome it. Identifying the Scarcity Mindset: •⁠ ⁠Jennifer shares personal anecdotes and highlights symptoms of the scarcity mindset, such as high staff turnover and fear of decision-making. Strategies for Overcoming Scarcity: •⁠ ⁠Jennifer outlines four key strategies for shifting from scarcity to abundance. Seeking Guidance and Mentorship: •⁠ ⁠Victoria stresses the significance of seeking guidance from coaches and mentors with proven track records of success. Jennifer's podcast, available at www.marketinglawcast.com, offers valuable insights and motivational content for lawyers seeking to overcome the poverty mindset. Integrity Marketing Solutions, Jennifer's company, provides a free discovery call for lawyers interested in exploring marketing strategies and mindset transformation. Visit www.imsrocks.com to schedule a call. 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 special guest, Steve Piatkowski from Live Oak Bank. Together, they explore the intricacies of financing law firm acquisitions, while shedding light on the various challenges and opportunities in the process. Key Takeaways: •⁠ ⁠Challenges in Law Firm Acquisitions: The podcast highlights some common challenges in law firm acquisitions, such as owners unwilling to personally guarantee loans and unethical behavior from sellers, like breaching non-compete agreements. •⁠ ⁠Smooth vs. Troublesome Transactions: The conversation contrasts examples of smooth and troublesome transactions. •⁠ ⁠Emphasis on Expertise and Resources: The podcast emphasizes the significance of expertise and resources in facilitating successful law firm acquisitions. Whether it's specialized financing solutions from Live Oak Bank or guidance from legal experts like those at Quid Pro Quo Law, leveraging professional support can mitigate risks and streamline the acquisition journey for both buyers and sellers. More About Our Guest Steve joined the bank in 2019 as a business analyst for the wine and craft beverage team. In August 2021, he became an underwriter for the professional services teams. After underwriting for a year, he continued his focus on the professional services teams as a loan officer, where he supports the lending team and Live Oak's customers. Originally from New Jersey, Steve graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro with a degree in communication studies. In his spare time, Steve enjoys being as active as possible and spending time with his wife and daughter. Connect With Live Oak Bank - what we offer, how we are different, and why we are the best at what we do. https://www.liveoakbank.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 of our special series, Life After Law®, our host Victoria Collier sits down with Kyla Denanyoh, founder of KD Creative, to explore the role of storytelling in life and business. Kyla shares with us her journey from law school to podcasting, highlighting the importance of embracing creativity and taking risks. Through her own experiences and insights, Kyla reveals how storytelling can build brands, attract engaged audiences, and create meaningful connections. Tune in to learn about the world of storytelling and discover its power to shape our lives beyond the courtroom. Key Takeaways: •⁠ ⁠The significance of storytelling in business and personal branding. •⁠ ⁠Kyla's inspiration behind launching the "You Are a Lawyer" podcast. •⁠ ⁠Exploring the diverse paths of law school graduates and their extraordinary lives outside the courtroom. •⁠ ⁠How storytelling can help lawyers and business owners connect with their audiences and attract clients. •⁠ ⁠The importance of commitment, creativity, and authenticity in podcasting. More About Our Guest Kyla Denanyoh is a lawyer, storyteller, and founder of KD Creative. After focusing on writing and editing documents in law school, Kyla fell in love with editing audio and transcribed words as a podcaster. While working and managing an IP/e-commerce department, Kyla met incredible lawyers who inspired her to share their stories through podcasting. In 2020, Kyla launched the You Are A Lawyer podcast, a platform that celebrates the diverse paths of law school graduates. With a decade of project management and corporate organizational experience, Kyla founded KD Creative in 2021. KD Creative is a multimedia agency that helps business owners expand brand visibility and attract their ideal customers. When Kyla isn't creating, she is chasing her toddler or trying new restaurants with her husband. Learn more about Kyla Denanyoh at www.kyladenanyoh.com. Connect With Our Guest Visit skiptheboringstuff.com to start podcasting with Kyla today! instagram.com/mrsdenanyoh youtube.com/@kyladenanyoh www.kyladenanyoh.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/