The Agile Attorney Podcast

Have you ever delegated legal work to a colleague, only to get back something that completely misses the mark? Maybe they dove way too deep into the weeds, or perhaps they barely scratched the surface of what you needed. As a lawyer, calibrating expectations when delegating tasks can be a constant challenge.In this episode, I tackle a listener question about managing the extremes when delegating legal work. What do you do when you've got a true "lawyer's lawyer" on your team who loves to explore every rabbit hole? And how do you handle a junior team member who doesn't yet have the context to know which path to take? Listen in to find out.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/62Mentioned in this episode:Greenline.legal is Officially in BetaTo set up a demo of this software with me, talk through the workflow challenges and opportunities you have in your practice, and see how Greenline could help, click here: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/greenlinelegalGreenlineLegal DemoNew Workshop: Adaptive Kanban for Legal TeamsThis live, half-day workshop will teach you the core principles you'll need to create visual workflow systems tailored to the way legal work really happens — so you can spend less time chasing tasks and more time delivering value to your clients. Click here to secure your spot: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/classesKanban Workshop Sept 2025

Does your firm have legal matters that are endlessly dragging on, frustrating both you and your clients? It may seem like investing in the latest AI tools is the obvious next step to speed up your firm's delivery, but the real solution lies in managing the flow of work across your entire system.This week, I share three powerful strategies for reducing waiting time in your law practice. By implementing these techniques, you'll be able to deliver quality outcomes to your clients faster, improve their overall experience, and boost your firm's profitability and sustainability. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/61Mentioned in this episode:Greenline.legal is Officially in BetaTo set up a demo of this software with me, talk through the workflow challenges and opportunities you have in your practice, and see how Greenline could help, click here: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/greenlinelegalGreenlineLegal DemoNew Workshop: Adaptive Kanban for Legal TeamsThis live, half-day workshop will teach you the core principles you'll need to create visual workflow systems tailored to the way legal work really happens — so you can spend less time chasing tasks and more time delivering value to your clients. Click here to secure your spot: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/classesKanban Workshop Sept 2025

Have you been wondering how AI can help your law practice today?In this episode, I talk with Damien Riehl, a lawyer and legal technologist who has been at the forefront of AI in law for years. We skip past the usual AI ethics debates to focus on the most important question: how can small and mid-sized firms use AI right now to improve client service and profitability?Damien breaks down the core functions of lawyering - assessing risk, navigating complexity, and providing wise counsel - and explains how today's AI tools can enhance each one. Whether you're an AI skeptic or an enthusiastic early adopter, you won't want to miss Damien's practical, actionable insights on the tools that are already transforming law practice.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/60Mentioned in this episode:Greenline.legal is Officially in BetaTo set up a demo of this software with me, talk through the workflow challenges and opportunities you have in your practice, and see how Greenline could help, click here: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/greenlinelegalGreenlineLegal DemoNew Workshop: Adaptive Kanban for Legal TeamsThis live, half-day workshop will teach you the core principles you'll need to create visual workflow systems tailored to the way legal work really happens — so you can spend less time chasing tasks and more time delivering value to your clients. Click here to secure your spot: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/classesKanban Workshop Sept 2025

Jonathan Stark, a former software developer and author of *Hourly Billing Is Nuts*, challenges traditional billing methods in the legal industry. He advocates for value-based pricing over hourly rates, emphasizing its benefits for client relationships and income potential. Stark discusses the importance of understanding client values to tailor pricing strategies effectively. He explores innovative models like subscriptions and fractional executives, highlighting their potential to enhance collaboration and trust in service delivery. A must-listen for any professional seeking a pricing transformation!

Are you drowning in an overwhelming caseload, struggling to keep up with the demands of clients and the court? This week, I speak with family law attorney and author Brita Long about how flat fee pricing can be a catalyst for creating a healthier, more balanced law practice. Whether you're curious about flat fees, feeling skeptical, or just looking for ways to achieve better balance in your practice, this conversation will give you a new perspective on an age-old problem in the legal profession. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and discover a path to becoming a happier attorney.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/58Mentioned in this episode:New Workshop: Adaptive Kanban for Legal TeamsThis live, half-day workshop will teach you the core principles you'll need to create visual workflow systems tailored to the way legal work really happens — so you can spend less time chasing tasks and more time delivering value to your clients. Click here to secure your spot: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/classesKanban Workshop Sept 2025Greenline.legal is Officially in BetaTo set up a demo of this software with me, talk through the workflow challenges and opportunities you have in your practice, and see how Greenline could help, click here: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/greenlinelegalGreenlineLegal Demo

As attorneys, we often forget that our engagement letters occupy a unique space - they're not just contracts, but also the final step in our marketing cycle. So why do so many of these crucial documents end up feeling dense, overwhelming, and even off-putting to clients?Tune in this week to learn how to create engagement letters that not only protect your firm but also set the stage for a positive, productive attorney-client relationship. I share some simple, actionable ways to make your engagement letter a seamless, welcoming transition into the legal services you provide.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.agileattorney.com/57Mentioned in this episode:Greenline.legal is Officially in BetaTo set up a demo of this software with me, talk through the workflow challenges and opportunities you have in your practice, and see how Greenline could help, click here: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/greenlinelegalGreenlineLegal DemoNew Workshop: Adaptive Kanban for Legal TeamsThis live, half-day workshop will teach you the core principles you'll need to create visual workflow systems tailored to the way legal work really happens — so you can spend less time chasing tasks and more time delivering value to your clients. Click here to secure your spot: https://the-agile-attorney.captivate.fm/classesKanban Workshop Sept 2025

Struggling to manage too many tasks? Discover how limiting work in progress (WIP) can transform your productivity. The podcast dives into the Kanban method, offering tools and strategies to streamline your workload. Learn how WIP limits can enhance your client experience and commitment reliability. With practical insights, you'll find a clear roadmap to regain control and consistently achieve your best work.

Tired of client homework slowing down your cases? Discover why the real bottleneck often lies in how assignments are structured, not in the clients themselves. Learn a six-part framework to enhance efficiency and communication, ensuring clients are engaged and accountable. With strategies to set clear expectations and short due dates, you can transform the process into a fluid experience for both your firm and your clients.

Tim Lennon, an expert in Kanban methodology, returns to share insights on the Taoist concept of Wei Wu Wei, or 'action without action.' He emphasizes the importance of navigating obstacles instead of just pushing through them. The discussion highlights the significance of effective feedback loops and intentionality in legal practices. Tim also critiques the inefficiencies in hourly billing, advocating for smarter working methods that align with client needs, making it easier for lawyers to thrive without burnout.

Feeling overwhelmed by your commitments? Discover practical strategies to take control of your time! Learn about calendar blocking and bucketing to enhance your productivity. These techniques help you dedicate specific slots for tasks while allowing flexibility for urgent needs. Plus, uncover the MVP approach for tackling legal motions effectively. Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a structured yet adaptable schedule that keeps you focused on what really matters!