Episodes

  • Mastering Law Firm Partnerships and Growth Strategies With Jonathan Hawkins

    Mastering Law Firm Partnerships and Growth Strategies With Jonathan Hawkins
    Oct 31 2025
    Welcome to episode 303 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Jonathan Hawkins, Founder of Law Firm GC, host of the Founding Partner Podcast, and author of The Law Firm Life Cycle. Jonathan serves as outside general counsel for law firms nationwide, advising on partnerships, succession planning, ethics, operational issues, and other day-to-day legal matters. His book and guidance help law firm owners navigate the lifecycle of their firm, from formation to expansion, mergers, acquisitions, partner transitions, and eventual exit strategies.


    What you'll learn about in this episode:
    1. Law Firm Lifecycle:
      - Key stages from starting a firm to growth and succession
      - Common challenges and strategies at each stage

    2. Partnership Agreements:
      - Structuring agreements to prevent disputes
      - Exit ramps and governance for minority and majority partners

    3. Firm Valuation & Sales:
      - Factors that determine a firm's market value
      - Insights on selling, cash flow, and maintaining revenue

    4. Operational Challenges:
      - Handling mergers, acquisitions, and team transitions
      - Managing ethics, notice requirements, and client choice

    5. Resources & Mentorship:
      - How Jonathan supports lawyers through coaching and his podcast
      - Tools and strategies to navigate law firm growth and legal operations




    Resources:
    Website: lawfirmgc.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hawkins-law-firm-general-counsel/
    Facebook: facebook.com/LawFirmGeneralCounsel/




    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    26 mins
  • Human-Centric Approach: Embracing AI Technologies in Legal Practice With Derek Weber

    Human-Centric Approach: Embracing AI Technologies in Legal Practice With Derek Weber
    Oct 24 2025
    Welcome to episode 302 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken is joined by Derek Weber of Lead With AI, the founder and AI integration expert helping businesses implement human-centric AI strategies.

    Derek has spent over two years transforming his 22-year-old marketing company through focused experimentation with AI, developing a proven progression from mindset to technique, tools, and technology. He helps leaders move past fear and frustration to implement AI as a productivity multiplier, enabling teams to handle more clients, complete senior-level work faster, and reduce outsourcing costs. Derek’s approach works across industries and requires no prior AI expertise - just an open mind and a ChatGPT or Claude account.


    What you’ll learn about in this episode:

    1. AI Mindset and Adoption:
    - Why starting with mindset is critical before implementing AI tools
    - Overcoming resistance and fear that keeps teams stuck in the status quo

    2. Progression to AI as a Partner:
    - Stages of AI integration, from basic interaction to assistants and agents
    - How to delegate repetitive or low-value tasks to AI to free up high-value work
    3. Structured Input and Training:
    - Using contextual prompts and structured outputs to increase AI accuracy
    - Stacking AI assistants with specialized training for complex task handling

    4. Human-Centric AI Implementation:
    - Focusing AI on amplifying high-value work instead of automating chaos
    - Creating strategic partners and virtual advisors for problem-solving and decision-making

    5. Practical Application and ROI:
    - Real-world results: increased efficiency, more clients, and reduced outsourcing costs
    - Applying Derek’s methodology in any business, regardless of industry or AI experience



    Resources:
    Websites: LeadWithAI.Us/pilmma GBGmarketing.com
    Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derekaweber
    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    29 mins
  • Revolutionizing Legal Funding with Jeremy Alters With Jeremy Alters

    Revolutionizing Legal Funding with Jeremy Alters With Jeremy Alters
    Oct 17 2025
    Welcome to episode 301 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken is joined by Jeremy Alters of ClaimAngel, the co-founder and CEO of the pioneering legal funding marketplace.

    Jeremy has built ClaimAngel into a platform that standardizes, democratizes, and centralizes legal funding while connecting law firms with multiple funders. Before launching the company, he was recognized as one of the nation's top plaintiff attorneys, securing over $5.5 billion in settlements and verdicts. Jeremy has also held leadership positions in bar associations, including President of the Miami-Dade County Trial Lawyer Association, and mentors attorneys through his consulting practice with the Berman Law Group.


    What you'll learn about in this episode:
    1. Litigation Funding Marketplace:
      - How ClaimAngel connects law firms with multiple funders
      - Advantages of standardized, transparent funding rates

    2. Protecting Clients and Ethics:
      - How attorneys fulfill fiduciary duties using ClaimAngel
      - Ensuring clients receive needed funds without jeopardizing case outcomes

    3. Financial Efficiency and Technology:
      - Streamlining case funding through ClaimAngel's digital portal
      - Tracking funding, payoffs, and client access efficiently

    4. Funding Rate Structure:
      - Flat-rate model and capped interest for client protection
      - Comparison versus typical industry lending and credit card rates

    5. Partnerships and Adoption:
      - How top personal injury firms use ClaimAngel to support clients
      - Impact of ethical, efficient funding on law firm success and client satisfaction



    Resources:

    Website: claimangel.com/lawfirms
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeremy-alters1
    Facebook: facebook.com/claimangell
    Twitter (X): x.com/claimangel


    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    30 mins
  • Strategic Intake for Maximizing High-Value Cases With Micki love

    Strategic Intake for Maximizing High-Value Cases With Micki love
    Oct 10 2025
    Welcome to episode 300 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. On this episode, Ken welcomes back Micki Love, a personal injury law firm operations and marketing expert with decades of experience helping attorneys grow and scale their practices.
    Micki started her career as a runner at Hughes & Coleman, a small personal injury firm in Kentucky, and over 23 years rose to Chief Operating Officer, helping the firm expand to 175 staff across nine offices in three states. She organized M&L Legal Marketing and Management seminars, implemented advanced intake systems, and optimized operational efficiency. After Hughes & Coleman, Micki joined Vista Consulting to help law firms overcome operational challenges.

    Since 2018, Micki has served as President and Chief Brand Strategist at cj Advertising, leading agency accounts and launching cj Consulting to help hundreds of firms double revenue and profitability. Under her leadership, cj Advertising earned recognition as one of the Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies in 2024. Micki continues to guide law firms toward practical, results-driven strategies for growth while balancing her personal life, including traveling with her adult children.


    What you'll learn about in this episode:
     1. Law Firm Growth and Strategy: - The evolution of personal injury law firm operations over the last three decades
    - Key strategies for scaling firms and maintaining high operational standards

    2. Intake and Client Experience:
    - Optimizing intake to improve client satisfaction and case outcomes
    - How AI can assist in intake, case management, and client communication

    3. Technology and Efficiency:
    - Leveraging AI and other tools to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden
    - Balancing technology adoption with maintaining high-quality client service
    4. Financial Management and Metrics:
    - Tracking true cost per case versus traditional metrics for smarter decision-making
    - Using historical data and financial benchmarks to set realistic goals and KPIs

    Practical Guidance for Law Firms:
    - How to implement new processes and technology gradually to ensure adoption
    - Tips for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving legal industry

    5. Resources and Next Steps:
    - How to connect with Micki through cj Advertising for consulting or mentorship
    - Actionable advice for law firms to start improving intake, operations, and revenue today




    Resources:

    Website: www.cjadvertising.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cj-advertising Facebook: facebook.com/cjAdvertising
    Instagram: instagram.com/cjadvertising




    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    44 mins
  • Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Oversight in Content Creation With David Arato

    Balancing AI Efficiency with Human Oversight in Content Creation With David Arato
    Oct 3 2025
    Welcome to episode 299 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by David Arato of Lexicon Legal Content.

    David is the founder and CEO of Lexicon Legal Content, established in 2012 to address a critical need: law firms and marketing agencies often struggle to source high-quality, compliant content at scale. A 2009 graduate of St. Louis University School of Law, David combines legal expertise with content strategy to deliver precise, effective results. He currently resides in Breckenridge, Colorado, where he leads Lexicon alongside his wife and business partner, Erin, while enjoying the mountains with their two dogs, Scout and Sadie.


    What you'll learn about in this episode:
     1. AI and Legal Content Creation:
    - How AI can accelerate content production without sacrificing quality
    - The importance of human oversight to maintain accuracy and compliance

    2. SEO and Google Ranking Strategies:
    - Techniques for ensuring legal content ranks at the top of search results
    - How to create content that adds unique value beyond AI-generated outputs

    3. Compliance in Legal Marketing:
    - Avoiding ethical pitfalls when describing services, specialties, or outcomes
    - Understanding jurisdiction-specific rules and model ethics to prevent violations

    4. Optimizing AI Workflows:
    - Using AI for topic ideation, outlines, and draft creation effectively
    - How to integrate AI into existing workflows to save time and improve results

    5. Scaling Content for Agencies and Firms:
    - Leveraging expert-driven content to service multiple law firms or marketing agencies
    - Best practices for producing large volumes of content without compromising quality




    Resources:
    Website: lexiconlegalcontent.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidarato
    Facebook: facebook.com/lexiconlegalcontent/
    Twitter (X): x.com/ContentLexicon/status/1904697056024801589




    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    18 mins
  • Optimizing Law Firm Visibility Through Local Search With Seth Price

    Optimizing Law Firm Visibility Through Local Search With Seth Price
    Sep 26 2025
    Welcome to episode 298 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Seth Price, founder of BluShark Digital and managing partner at Price Benowitz LLP.

    An accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader, Seth is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz LLP, as well as the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital. Seth scaled a two-person law firm to 45 lawyers and leveraged that same digital expertise to create a best-in-class agency focused on legal marketing. He frequently speaks at major U.S. law conferences on topics including firm growth, ethics, operational best practices, SEO, and digital marketing strategies for law firms.


    What you'll learn about in this episode:

    1. AI and SEO Strategy: - How law firms can optimize for AI-driven search results without losing monetizable traffic
    - Using mentions and strategic placement in AI indexing to maintain visibility

    2. Local Search and Google Maps:
    - How expanding Google My Business listings and satellite offices increases local reach
    - The role of review velocity in improving rankings and attracting clients

    3. Balancing AI Efforts with Revenue:
    - Allocating marketing budget to AI results while maintaining ROI from proven channels
    - Understanding which AI-driven initiatives provide social proof versus actual revenue

    4. LSA and PPC Strategies:
    - Why Local Service Ads often outperform traditional PPC for cost-effective lead generation
    - Ensuring intake processes are dialed in to maximize the value of LSA leads

    5. Digital Marketing Best Practices:
    - The importance of owning digital assets, websites, social profiles, and ad accounts
    - Leveraging content from podcasts, videos, and other organic sources for long-term SEO



    Resources:
    Website: blusharkdigital.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethprice/
    Twitter (X): x.com/blusharkdigital


    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind


    AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    33 mins
  • Take Control: Owning Your Digital Marketing Assets With Sean Garner

    Take Control: Owning Your Digital Marketing Assets With Sean Garner
    Sep 19 2025
    Welcome to episode 297 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Sean Garner, Founder and CEO of Sean Garner Consulting, to explore the critical role of digital marketing for local service businesses, especially in law firms. Sean Garner is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and fractional CMO with over a decade of experience. As the founder of Sean Garner Consulting, he partners with local service businesses, including law firms, helping them simplify their marketing strategies and become trusted leaders in their communities. Sean's expertise spans StoryBrand messaging, website design, and sales funnel strategies, empowering business owners to take control of their marketing and generate consistent leads.

    What you'll learn about in this episode:
    1. AI and SEO Strategy:
      - The growing importance of optimizing for AI-driven search results
      - How to leverage backlinks and citations for SEO success

    2. Local Service Ads vs. PPC:
      - Benefits of Local Service Ads for lead generation over traditional PPC
      - How LSAs help law firms save money while boosting profile visibility

    3. The Power of Digital Asset Ownership:
      - Why owning and controlling your online presence is crucial for long-term growth
      - Treating digital assets with the same importance as a physical storefront

    4. Retargeting and Organic Growth:
      - How retargeting strategies can increase conversion rates and visibility
      - The role of organic content in sustaining and growing law firm marketing

    5. Building Trust Through Professional Relationships:
      - The importance of fostering genuine, personal connections with clients
      - How respect and understanding in business relationships drive success



    Resources: Website: www.seangarner.co/
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/seanagarner/
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/SeanGarnerConsulting/


    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind AI for PI Expo: www.pilmma.org/ai-for-pi-expo
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    34 mins
  • Attracting Your Ideal Audience Through Authentic Brand Messaging With Eric Morgan

    Attracting Your Ideal Audience Through Authentic Brand Messaging With Eric Morgan
    Sep 12 2025
    Welcome to episode 296 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Eric Morgan, President and CEO of Roux Advertising, to discuss how law firms can develop authentic brand positioning that attracts ideal clients, even when competing against the biggest advertisers in the market.

    Eric Morgan leads Roux Advertising, a New Orleans-based agency that helps law firms build differentiated, sustainable brands. With decades of experience in media strategy, campaign development, and analytics, Eric specializes in uncovering what makes a firm truly unique - and turning that into marketing that delivers real growth. What you'll learn about in this episode:
    1. Brand Positioning for Competitive Markets:
      – Why smaller law firms don't need to "out-yell" or outspend big competitors
      – How to stand out by identifying and owning a unique brand message

    2. Using Client Insights to Shape Strategy:
      – The value of interviewing past clients to uncover real differentiators
      – Leveraging referrals and testimonials as brand-building tools

    3. Identifying Your Firm's Audience Sweet Spot:
      – Mapping competitor messaging to find open market space
      – Aligning your message with your ideal client's values and mindset

    4. Operational Alignment with Brand Identity:
      – How client service philosophies can drive both marketing and internal systems
      – Building processes and team culture around brand promises

    5. Avoiding the Data Overload Trap:
      – Why over-analyzing attribution can hurt more than help
      – Embracing a media mix and measuring success holistically


    Resources:
    Website: www.rouxadvertising.com/
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-morgan-b6a6042/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RouxAdvertising/
    Twitter (X): twitter.com/RouxAdvertising


    Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    30 mins