Most law firm owners treat reference calls as a formality. Something you do at the end of the process, not something that actually matters. But you're missing a massive opportunity to get the real story behind your candidates if you do so.

In this episode of Crushing Chaos with Law Firm Mentor, I break down exactly why most reference checks fall flat and how to fix them. You’ll learn:

• The right way to ask questions that cut through the fluff
• How to extract useful feedback even the negative stuff
• The "Red Flag Funnel" technique that gets people to open up
• Why off-list references might be your secret hiring weapon
• How to assess whether someone will truly fit your firm’s culture

If you’ve ever been burned by a hire who looked great on paper but bombed in the role, this episode is a must-listen.

Don’t let another smooth-talking candidate skate by. Equip yourself with the tools to dig deeper, ask smarter, and hire better. Tune in!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Common misconceptions about reference checks (01:51)

Be specific in reference questions (04:19)

The Red Flag Funnel (06:37)

Ask how the candidate will work for you (22:13)

How to handle reluctant references and off-grid references (25:41)

Additional Resources:

⚡ [Free Training] 5 steps to never stop growing: https://lawfirmmentor.net/go/

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Crushing Chaos With Law Firm Mentor is a podcast aimed to help lawyers and law firm owners scale their business, make more money, and escape the 60-hour week grind for a life they love. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss a thing!