
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

Nov 9, 2022 • 40min
11. Outshine the Competition: Authentic Branding and Wise Spending | Amanda Baggett, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury attorney, a Board Certified expert in construction law, and Partner at Baggett Law Personal Injury Attorneys, Amanda Baggett has built a thriving practice with her husband Matt. She received an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an honor given to only 10% of all attorneys. She has been named to the Super Lawyers List every year since 2009, and has repeatedly been recognized for excellence by Florida Trend Magazine. Today, she covers how to convey a brand perception that balances friendliness with effective lawyering. How to stand out in a competitive market like Florida. What successfully onboarding a client looks like and where to invest in your firm - after SEO.

Nov 2, 2022 • 41min
10. Punch Above Your Weight: Success On Any Budget | Max Antony, Attorney at Antony Law Group
To come out on top as a new firm, Max Antony knows that you must get creative, niche down, and never give up. He started with a shoestring budget and has grown over the past five years to a staff of four. Attorney at Antony Law Group, Max is living proof that even a solo attorney on a shoestring budget can punch above his weight and develop a thriving practice. He shares the most difficult parts of starting a new firm - and how to get through them. When his firm had no marketing budget, he found success by tapping into social media. And he explains how building a network can help your firm succeed.

Oct 26, 2022 • 49min
9. Grit and Determination: Creating Your Own Opportunities | Mohammad Ramadan, Attorneys of Chicago
You can build a successful practice without paid marketing - IF you are willing to hustle. Mohammad hits the ground HARD with guerrilla marketing on a daily basis. And he reaps the rewards of community engagement and the trust that comes from sowing face. A man of the people, he understands the needs of his clients. The Owner and Founder of Attorneys of Chicago serves hundreds of personal injury claimants and is rapidly growing. Today, we discuss reaching your goals by any means necessary and the unstoppable power of guerrilla marketing. Why money matters to your firm - especially if you think it doesn't. And why you should own who you are - proudly - at all times. Mohammad gets personal about intake and moving beyond survival mode.

Oct 19, 2022 • 53min
8. Integrity: Hiring Automation and Living Your Values | Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert, Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group-Gore
Owner of Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert's firm has grown 7200% since opening just under a decade ago. She has served over 5,000 clients and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars. A recent addition to the INC. 5000 list, her firm is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. She is also a mother who infuses her core values into both her professional and personal life.

Oct 12, 2022 • 31min
7. Hiring Systems: Find your "A" Team | Lena Haviland, TEKsystems
When you command a team of over 300 consultants, you learn a thing or two about identifying "A" players. Executive Director of Technology Enablement, Lena Haviland has spent the past 16 years perfecting hiring systems. She understands that the acquisition and retention of top talent begins with identifying their "why" and meeting their needs accordingly. She shares with us what hiring slow and firing fast really means and why it is essential to the health of your firm. How setting goals and expectations with your team is an evolving process that should be communicated frequently. And she reveals why firing an employee is best for everyone involved.

Oct 5, 2022 • 60min
6. Pick a Winning Jury: Make the Emotional Connection | Harry and Claire Plotkin
Few people have more experience with jury selection than Harry and Claire Plotkin. Over the past 20 years, their expertise in picking the right jury has helped attorneys recover over $2 Billion in over 800 trials. The California-based husband and wife team turn to values, beliefs, and expectations to help craft the ideal jury. They help attorneys focus on the most important aspect - creating a bond with each juror. We discuss why jurors make value-based decisions - and what to do about it. And the best open-ended questions to ask a potential juror, the right way to uncover their true feelings, and what to avoid. We cover jury selection myths and what chess has to do with jury selection.

Sep 28, 2022 • 47min
5. Trust and Exposure: The Secret Promise of Media Campaigns | Gary Sarner, ROI360+
In broadcast since 1987, Gary Sarner is a legal marketing expert who knows how to construct a winning media campaign. Founder of ROI360+, Gary and his team have over 55 years of combined experience in media planning and buying. They combine practical expertise with data to help maximize a firm's ROI. Successful firms invite potential clients to do business with them- both on and offline. When the unthinkable happens and they need a trusted attorney. Gary's insights can keep your firm top of mind. Today, we cover how your firm should be spending on broadcast media to have the most impact - at any budget. And we get into how success is won through addressing your fears, embracing patience, turning to the data, and adjusting accordingly.

Sep 21, 2022 • 44min
4. Make the Choice: Champion for Kindness | Irving Pedroza, D'Egidio & Pedroza Injury Attorneys
Irving Pedroza is the definition of resiliency. When faced with extreme adversity, he took life into his own hands and created the world that he wanted to see. Through deep healing and work, he has come out empathetic and kind - truly wanting others to succeed. With Irving, what you see is what you get. He has worked to be the same person both in and out of the courtroom and has litigated hundreds of cases and recovered millions for his injured clients. His unique experiences have set him on a mission to help people feel less broken. Today, we discuss recovering from betrayal and lifting up others. He reveals how sharing trauma can heal both the storyteller and the listener. And how in the face of adversity - we get to decide who we become.

Sep 14, 2022 • 54min
3. Lead With Passion: Build On Strength | Chad Dudley, CJ Advertising
Chad Dudley knows a thing or two about making good firms great. CEO of CJ Advertising, for 25 years he has helped personal injury brands dominate their space. Currently, he represents over 45 Personal Injury brands across the country. His guidance is not theoretical. His firm, Dudley DeBosier Injury Attorneys was built from the ground up. Today they employ 60 attorneys and over 220 staff - helping thousands across the state of Louisiana in the process. Today, Chad explains why the biggest bottleneck at a growing firm is the owner and how to "let go to grow". Every successful firm is built on the strengths of leadership - not their weaknesses or what they hate doing. He delves into the importance of identifying limiting beliefs surrounding firm growth and the mechanics of delegating with accountability.

Sep 7, 2022 • 51min
2. The 2 Billion Dollar Man: Lessons from 30 Years of Law | Darryl Isaacs, Isaacs & Isaacs
Darryl "The Hammer" Isaacs is set to celebrate 30 years in the Personal Injury field. His firm has become a stand-out example of what it looks like to succeed on your own terms. Isaacs & Isaacs has recovered over $2 Billion and amassed over 400 years of combined legal experience. But he did not get where he is through greed or putting others down. His growth has come from helping others - even his competition - coupled with the constant desire to learn. Today, Darryl explains why his focus is never on money and how masterminds make good lawyers great. Hear his passion as he discusses the Brain Trust Summit and why he still gives out his cell phone number.