
Tip the Scales
Let's face it - theory learned in law school has little practical application when building a successful firm. Host Maria Monroy, President, and Co-founder of LawRank is here each week with conversations that inspire you to build a better practice and be a stronger attorney. When success lies in the balance of law and life - we're here to help you Tip the Scales.
Latest episodes

May 10, 2023 • 60min
31. Build Your Team: Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement | Glen Lerner, Lerner and Rowe
What does it take to build a firm that has offices in half a dozen states, signs over 70 cases a day in one office, and employs more than 450 people? Glen Lerner of Lerner and Rowe can tell you that the key is consistency and having a team you can trust. In the past two decades, Glen has grown a firm that has some of the best brand recognition in the country.Glen has built a national reputation and a firm that has recovered over a billion dollars for their clients in the last five years alone. He has worked as a teamster and a garbage man to gain a better understanding of the people he represents. And today, he prides himself on fighting for “the little guys” in personal injury cases.On this episode of Tip the Scales, Glen talks to us about what exactly makes Lerner and Rowe so successful and how they’re navigating the challenges of a post-COVID world. We dig into why good processes are so critical, how to stand out in a competitive market, and Glen’s deep-rooted obsession with trees.Key takeaways:Focus on improving. Build processes that help your firm consistently deliver a better client experience. You should never feel like you can rest on your laurels — always be looking for ways to get better.Worry less. Delegate tasks to people you trust, and trust that everything will work out okay in the end. Learning to go with the flow can help you find a healthier, happier mindset in your life.Find the right people. Hire people into your firm who are dedicated to the same principles as you. If you have a solid team that believes in your company values, you’ll be able to create a great culture and brand.Links and ResourcesTip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterGlen Lerner LinkedInLerner and Rowe WebsiteLerner and Rowe FacebookLerner and Rowe InstagramLerner and Rowe TwitterLerner and Rowe LinkedInLerner and Rowe YouTubeLerner and Rowe TikTok

May 3, 2023 • 1h 6min
30. Investing Masterclass: The Simple Truth About Making Smart Investments | Rick Ferri, Ferri Investment Solutions
Investing your money can be a scary, overwhelming, and confusing process. How do you create an investment plan that will not only support you through your golden years, but also give your children and grandchildren a strong inheritance? These are exactly the questions Rick Ferri has been answering for over thirty years, and some of his answers may surprise you.Rick has worked in a variety of finance roles, from his beginnings as a stockbroker in a large Wall Street firm to running an industry-changing private advisory firm. At its peak, Rick’s firm was managing over $1.5 billion in assets and had a revolutionary low rate of just 0.25 percent per year. Today, he offers as-needed financial advice to families looking for the best way to build a more secure future.We sit down with Rick this week to talk about what really goes into making good investment decisions. He explains the machine that drives market fluctuations, the importance of a diversified portfolio, and the simple approach to investing that gives you the best chance at a solid return. Cut through the media hysterics and bad counsel from unethical financial advisors to discover how you can take back control of your money and your future.Key TakeawaysAdvocate for your own interests. Just because someone says they’re a fiduciary doesn’t necessarily mean they’re acting in your best interests. It’s best to learn all you can and be proactive in making sure you’re getting the best investment setup for you.Good investing is not sexy. It’s incredibly difficult for even the most educated financial advisors to outperform the stock market. You have a better chance of success if you invest in a solid, diversified portfolio and give it lots of time to grow.Investing in the stock market is betting on capitalism. As long as we continue to believe capitalism works and that it’s going to persist as the global financial system, the stock market is going to continue to grow and thrive. Tip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterRick Ferri WebsiteAll About Asset AllocationAll About Index FundsThe ETF BookThe Power of Passive InvestingProtecting Your Wealth in Good Times and BadSerious Money: Straight Talk About Investing for RetirementThe Bogleheads’ Guide to Retirement PlanningBogleheads ForumJohn C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy WebsiteJohn C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy FacebookJohn C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy TwitterJohn C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy YouTube

Apr 26, 2023 • 30min
29. Be the Frontier: Exploring New Technologies to Grow Your Firm | Yosi Yahoudai, J&Y Law Firm
Running a successful law firm means always being willing to adapt, explore new technology, and make bold moves. Yosi Yahoudi has built a successful firm following these principles, even recently implementing an exciting new piece of software called Levitate. His firm has also switched case management software multiple times as their needs have changed.Yosi began his law firm, J&Y Law, in the middle of the 2009 recession and has grown it to a successful practice nearly fifteen years later. J&Y has recovered millions of dollars for their clients, and Yosi has become a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, as well as a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. This week, we dive into the features you can get with software like Levitate or Litify. We talk about whether AI is really going to replace humans in the content creation space and how you can be confident in taking daring action for the future of your firm.Key TakeawaysAI has potential, but it’s not a silver bullet. Programs like Chat GPT may show promise for eventually creating high-quality legal content, but the field is still very new. For the time being, human-generated content remains the gold standard.Don’t be afraid to make bold moves. Investing in your firm, particularly in advertising, is scary, but it’s well worth the risk. Figure out what works for your firm, and then be bold in taking the leap and putting your firm out there.The right software can transform your client experience. Programs like Litify and Levitate can help you create a streamlined client experience. But make sure you have the budget to support these programs so you avoid overextending yourself.Tip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterJ&Y WebsiteJ&Y LinkedInJ&Y FacebookJ&Y TwitterJ&Y YouTubeYosi Yahoudai LinkedInYosi Yahoudai Instagram

Apr 19, 2023 • 48min
28. Study Connection: Learning from the Best to Improve Your Communication | Dan Ambrose, Trial Lawyers University
Learning to better connect with the people around you can help you build stronger professional relationships and may even improve your communication with a jury. Dan Ambrose of Trial Lawyers University has dedicated himself to studying all the minute details that help a lawyer better connect with a jury. And, in fact, his TLU conferences grew out of his own desire to grow a strong community of attorneys.Dan brings plenty of expertise to the table in his TLU seminars. He has personally litigated over 150 jury trials, and he’s spent two decades studying trial advocacy. He’s attended Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, as well as the National Criminal Defense College and the Western Trial Advocacy Institute.This week, we break down the importance of investing in improving yourself and growing stronger connections. You’ll also hear more about how you can learn from the top experts in the field at TLU.Use our promo code, LawRank200, for $200 off the registration fee for TLU 2023.Key TakeawaysFocus on connection. Connecting with a jury, with your fellow lawyers, and with the people around you can help you become a better attorney.Invest in improving yourself. Growing your skills as a trial lawyer takes time, commitment, and work. But your clients’ lives often depend on you investing that effort and becoming the best advocate you can be.Learn from the experts. Conferences like TLU give you an excellent opportunity to study the best in your field and learn exactly what they do to get the outcomes they do in their cases.Links and ResourcesTip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterDan Ambrose LinkedInTLU WebsiteTLU InstagramTLU FacebookTLU YouTubeTLU LinkedIn

Apr 5, 2023 • 33min
27. Find Your Footing: Growing Confidence and Prioritizing Health | Greyson Goody, The Simon Law Group
Finding your footing in your legal career can take time, but it’s an important process. Over the course of his career, Greyson Goody has grown from a rookie attorney with The Simon Law Group to one of the most respected trial lawyers in California. One of his secrets for success is prioritizing his physical, mental, and emotional health.Greyson is now a partner at The Simon Law Group and at Goody Law Group. He has won over $40 million in jury verdicts and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2018, 2019, and 2020. This week, Greyson talks to us about the qualities that make him a great trial lawyer and how he found his footing in the legal world. He also gave us a view into how he decompresses after a case and why it’s so important for young lawyers to build a habit of relaxation into their routines.Key takeaways:Be honest. Being transparent and owning the negative aspects of a case will help you earn trust with a jury and get a better result.Make relaxation a habit. Working all the time will just leave you burned out and unhealthy. You need to set aside time to decompress and do things you love.Learn to trust yourself. It’s important to grow your skills and confidence to the point that you would want to have you as your trial lawyer.Tip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterGreyson Goody InstagramGreyson Goody LinkedInSimon Law Group WebsiteSimon Law Group FacebookSimon Law Group InstagramSimon Law Group TwitterGoody Law Group WebsiteGoody Law Group FacebookGoody Law Group InstagramGoody Law Group YouTube

Mar 29, 2023 • 46min
26. Be the Outlier: Breaking the Marketing Mold to Tell Your Unique Story | Teresa Diep, Outlier Creative Agency
Sometimes, finding success in business means breaking with tradition. Teresa Diep, founder of Outlier Creative Agency, has made a career of thinking outside the box when it comes to marketing. From one-of-a-kind conferences like Law-Di-Gras and Bourbon of Proof to unique branding, Teresa isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo to achieve powerful results.Teresa is an icon on the California legal scene. From her start working with the Simon Law Group to her current roles as COO of the May Firm, partner in Athea Trial Services, and co-founder of JHQ, she has helped to revolutionize the way law firms approach their marketing. Teresa has also produced multiple high-caliber events (including the Law-Di-Gras conference) for Fox Studios, James Cameron, and other VIP clients.In this episode, Teresa breaks down the importance of honing your brand story, why marketing directors are worth the investment, and how to craft your marketing strategy to play to your strengths. We also get a sneak peek into some of the exciting things to expect at the upcoming Law-Di-Gras conference.Key takeaways:Be creative in your marketing. Do things differently, and don’t be afraid to try new things.Play to your strengths. Don’t stick to a platform or strategy that isn’t working for you just because everyone else is doing it.Invest in your marketing. Hiring a marketing director may seem expensive, but it can transform your firm’s success. Links and ResourcesTip The Scales PodcastTip the Scales InstagramMaria Monroy InstagramMaria Monroy LinkedInLawRank WebsiteLawRank InstagramLawRank FacebookLawRank LinkedInLawRank TwitterTeresa Diep InstagramTeresa Diep LinkedInOutlier Creative Agency WebsiteOutlier Creative Agency FacebookOutlier Creative Agency InstagramOutlier Creative Agency TwitterJustice HQ WebsiteJustice HQ LinkedInJustice HQ InstagramThe May Firm WebsiteThe May Firm FacebookThe May Firm InstagramThe May Firm LinkedInLaw-Di-Gras Website

Mar 22, 2023 • 36min
25. Social Media Breakdown: A Step-By-Step Guide to TikTok for Attorneys | Taly Goody, Goody Law Group
Social media marketing has taken the personal injury industry by storm. The benefits of TikTok seem endless. It is perfect for humanizing a brand, reaching a large audience, creating an attorney referral network, and flexing those creative skills. Any smartphone user can access the platform and post content. But creating content that converts impressions to leads requires care and tact. Taly Goody, Founder of the Goody Law Group, understands how to use social media correctly. She comes across as genuine and provides a ton of value. She has distilled the components needed to stand out into a replicable formula for success. She shares that recipe with us today. Key takeaways:
Find what fits. Tap into what you already enjoy doing when looking for content themes to use regularly. These themes create familiarity, consistency, and provide a break from a steady stream of personal injury content. Avoid dances and trends that don't feel genuine.
Add value. Share motivational and educational tips from personal experience. Create content that resonates with your audience.
Keep it consistent. When posting content on TikTok, stick to a schedule that fits your workflow. Start with three or four posts a week and ramp up. To take off, posting once a day is recommended.
Links and Resources
Tip The Scales Podcast
Tip the Scales Instagram
Maria Monroy Instagram
Maria Monroy LinkedIn
LawRank Website
LawRank Instagram
LawRank Facebook
LawRank LinkedIn
LawRank Twitter
Goody Law Group Website
Taly Goody LinkedIn
Taly Goody TikTok
Taly Goody Instagram
Microphone Taly Uses

Mar 15, 2023 • 31min
24. Cultivating Culture: Jury Selection, High-Low Agreements, and Work-Life Balance | Sevy Fisher, Simon Law Group
It's easy to think that becoming a successful lawyer requires sacrificing personal life in favor of billing more hours. Having time for family isn't possible between appearances, conferences, and an ever-growing caseload. But as Sevy Fisher, partner and trial attorney at the Simon Law Group, explains, creating your desired life is possible. Getting there requires a bit of leg work. His advice includes finding a firm that shares your values, a willingness to trust the team, tapping into empathy, and letting go as critical to a happier life in law. As well as tips for finding a work-life balance, hear why Sevy believes empathy is his strongest tool in the courtroom. He walks us through high-low agreements and why building relationships with the opposition is good business. Key takeaways:
Take calculated risks. While in trial, it can feel like all of the burdens fall on the shoulders of the most senior attorney. The desire to control every aspect of the case is a natural response. However, a team that is not allowed to take risks and possibly fail will never grow.
Set boundaries. An attorney can not be everywhere all at once, but it is possible to carve out time for what matters most. Be present.
Create win-win relationships. Make the other side look good. The opposing council will remember you and think of you as both reasonable and capable of striking a deal with.
Links and Resource
Tip The Scales Podcast
Tip the Scales Instagram
Maria Monroy Instagram
Maria Monroy LinkedIn
LawRank Website
LawRank Instagram
LawRank Facebook
LawRank LinkedIn
LawRank Twitter
Simon Law Group Website
Sevy Fisher LinkedIn
Sevy Fisher Instagram
Western Trial Lawyers Association
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
Tip the Scales: 1. Drop the Ego: Delegate to Scale | Bob Simon, Simon Law Group

Mar 8, 2023 • 31min
23. Rebranding Masterclass: The Meaning of Lyfe | Sahm Manouchehri, Lyfe Law
There are a million reasons not to rebrand a firm. It is time-consuming, expensive, and has the potential to lose hard-earned goodwill. It could be a complete disaster. So why did an established firm undergo a rebrand right after securing its largest client? Sahm Manouchehri explains repositioning a brand to grow with the firm, the story of Lyfe Law, and how to transition successfully in this rebranding masterclass. Key takeaways:
Choose wisely. Rebranding a firm is expensive and time-consuming. Pick a name that will grow with your firm. Consider selecting one that is both easy to remember and spell.
Automate. Thanks to Filevine, Sahm could easily alert stakeholders about the transition from one name to another - A nearly impossible process without an automated system.
Create a safe space. Clients come to personal injury attorneys during some of the worst moments of their lives. Win their trust by creating a brick-and-mortar location where they feel cared for.
Links and Resources
Tip The Scales Podcast
Tip the Scales Instagram
Maria Monroy Instagram
Maria Monroy LinkedIn
LawRank Website
LawRank Instagram
LawRank Facebook
LawRank LinkedIn
LawRank Twitter
Lyfe Law Website
Lyfe Law Instagram
Sahm Manouchehri LinkedIn
Sahm Manouchehri Instagram
Filevine Website

Mar 1, 2023 • 41min
22. Law Firm Refresh: Growing an Established Practice | Mike Agruss, Agruss Law Firm
When Mike Arguss started his firm in 2012, it was just him in a basement apartment. Like most firms, his growth was slow and steady. The tipping point was when Mike decided to learn everything he could about the business side of law and integrate it into his practice. That decision changed everything. Mike's Chicago-based Arguss Law Firm has expanded substantially and today employs 5 attorneys and 10 staff. Most of this evolution has taken place over the past four years. Mike reveals how he moves one strategic goal at a time. He shares his experience implementing data-rich client management systems, ramping up marketing, and perfecting customer service.Key takeaways:
Make data-driven decisions. When implemented correctly, client management systems can reveal how best to spend resources.
Seek help. A vision is only as good as the execution and integrators can help you bring ideas to life.
Take down the walls. Learn from others. Offer guidance in return. Find the right mentoring groups, conferences, or masterminds to exchange ideas and accelerate the firm.
Links and Resources
Tip The Scales Podcast
Tip the Scales Instagram
Maria Monroy Instagram
Maria Monroy LinkedIn
LawRank Website
LawRank Instagram
LawRank Facebook
LawRank LinkedIn
LawRank Twitter
Tip The Scales: 20. Courage and Intention: How Radical Honesty Creates Stronger Attorneys
Agruss Law Firm Website
Mike Agruss LinkedIn
Litify Website
Records on Time Website
Birdeye Website
DocuSign Website
Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS) Website
Trainual Website
WizeHire Website
Darryl Isaacs, Brain Trust Legal Summit
National Trial Lawyers, Business of Law Conference
Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton, PhD
Google My Business for Lawyers: How to Optimize Your Profile and Enhance Your SEO Strategy