• 463. The Three C’s That Make or Break Every Hire with Emily Geddes
    Oct 3 2025

    Struggling to hire the right people—or worse, stuck with mis-hires who drain your time and energy?

    In this episode, Bridgit Norris sits down with Emily Geddes, an attorney licensed in Washington and Idaho, business strategist with an MBA, and adjunct professor at Gonzaga Law who graduated first in her class.

    Emily brings a rare perspective to the intersection of law, business, and leadership, shaped by years in business consulting, healthcare administration, and now transactional and real estate law at Malek + Malek.

    Together, she and Bridgit unpack how to hire with values at the center, build teams you can actually trust, and turn hiring from a dreaded chore into a growth tool for your firm.

    If you’re tired of playing roulette with your hires, this conversation will show you how to create clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and build a culture that lasts.


    Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Emily:

    1. Start with Values, Not Resumes

    Hiring starts long before the interview.

    When your mission and values are clear and visible, you naturally attract candidates who share your vision and filter out those who don’t.


    2. Use the Three C’s Framework

    Competence gets someone in the door, but character and chemistry determine whether they thrive.

    By looking beyond skills, you create space for integrity, humility, and teamwork to guide your decisions.


    3. Treat Hiring as a Team Sport

    A hiring process that includes staff and peers gives you a fuller picture of a candidate.

    This not only uncovers red flags but also strengthens buy-in from the people who will work with them every day.


    4. Prioritize Communication and Transparency

    Clear expectations and open conversations prevent issues from escalating.

    Addressing concerns right away allows for training or mentoring—and, when needed, timely decisions to part ways.


    5. Humanize the Hiring Process

    Every interaction leaves an impression.

    Closing the loop with candidates, even with a simple note, demonstrates respect and reinforces the kind of culture you want to be known for.

    "Close the loop. These are human beings who have feelings… even a quick email or a quick phone call saying, hey, we decided we’re not hiring for this position—it sets you apart as a good place to work." — Emily Geddes


    Get in touch with Emily Geddes:

    Website: http://malekattorneys.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhgeddes/


    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

    • My Legal Academy YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KGieDs
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    34 mins
  • 462. Stop Tipping Uncle Sam: Tax Strategies Every Attorney Must Know with Frank Rekas
    Sep 26 2025

    If you’re a law firm owner who feels like you’re working harder but keeping less, this conversation is going to hit home.

    Bridgit Norris sits down with Frank Rekas, a CPFA with 34 years in financial services who serves as a “Personal CFO” to attorneys and has earned the nickname “The Tax Whisperer.”

    Frank’s not just another advisor—he’s built a systematic approach to help lawyers minimize taxes, protect assets, and grow wealth with purpose.

    From uncovering hidden leaks in your finances to strategies for building generational wealth, Frank reveals why winging it with your money is costing you more than you realize.

    Stick around, because this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to finally make your money work as hard as you do.


    Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Frank:

    1. Stop Winging It With Your Finances

    Many attorneys bring in strong revenue but fail to track or plan their money, leaving them vulnerable to overspending, missed deductions, and tax surprises.

    Building even small proactive systems gives you control instead of chaos.


    2. Proactive Tax Planning Beats Reactive Returns

    Most CPAs look backwards, filing returns instead of helping clients plan ahead.

    Frank stresses the value of collaborating with proactive tax professionals who align entity structure, retirement contributions, and deductions to keep more money in your pocket.


    3. The Right Retirement Plan Unlocks Big Savings

    A simple 401(k) often isn’t enough for high-earning attorneys.

    Leveraging cash balance or defined benefit plans can allow six-figure contributions, creating massive tax savings while building long-term wealth.


    4. Protect and Pass on Generational Wealth

    Through approaches like the Rockefeller method, life insurance can be more than protection—it can become a tool for passing down wealth across generations and putting your heirs in a stronger financial position than you started with.


    5. The First Step Is Deciding to Act

    Whether you’re new or twenty years into practice, it’s never too late to put the right plans in place.

    Progress starts with one intentional step—like a 30-minute call with an advisor—to begin turning scattered finances into a strategy.

    "Every decision has a consequence—even not doing something is a decision." — Frank Rekas


    Get in touch with Frank:

    Website: https://palmwealthpartners.com/

    Email: frank@palmwealthpartners.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankrekas/

    Book time to meet with Frank



    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

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    39 mins
  • 461. Second Chances and Social Justice: Designing a Law Firm Around Your Values with Amanda DuBois
    Sep 19 2025

    📢 Live AI Workshop for Law Firms

    📅 Wednesday, Sept 24 | 🕛 12:00 PM PDT

    Watch a brand-new lead turn into a signed retainer — in real time.

    • See AI employees handle: Answering → Triage → Scheduling → Docs → Retainer
    • Live metrics on speed, booking rate, and conversion
    • One CRM pipeline. Zero fluff. Pure performance.

    🎁 Live-Only Bonus: Get the 30-Day Practical AI Blueprint

    (Only available to live attendees — not in the replay.)

    🔗 Register here → https://luma.com/ai-for-law-firms/?utm_source=TLE


    If your practice isn’t built on your values, it may be costing you more than you realize.

    In this episode, Bridgit Norris sits down with Amanda DuBois, founder of DuBois Levias Law Group and one of the longest-standing women-owned firms in Washington, to explore what it really takes to design a law practice that reflects who you are at your core.

    With over 30 years of experience, Amanda reveals how authentic leadership, intentional culture, and mentorship can reshape not just the way you practice law but the way you live your life.

    You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on building a firm that honors both your principles and your profitability.

    By the end, you’ll see that the most powerful strategy isn’t growth at all costs—it’s courageously leading with purpose.


    Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Amanda:

    1. Revenue Follows Culture

    Profitability naturally flows when a firm prioritizes values, excellence, and community engagement rather than chasing money first.


    2. Vision Over Fear

    Defining the environment, team, and client experience you want creates clarity that attracts alignment and success, instead of anxiety and scarcity.


    3. Hiring Beyond Résumés

    Life experience—such as parenting or second careers—often brings empathy, resilience, and judgment that enrich client service and team culture.


    4. Mentorship as the Model

    Replacing the traditional “sink or swim” approach with structured training and support builds competence, confidence, and loyalty.


    5. Freedom Through Flexibility

    Remote work, transparency, and honoring personal priorities create an environment where lawyers thrive without sacrificing family or well-being.

    "Be brave about being willing to step into the unknown." — Amanda DuBois


    Get in touch with Amanda DuBois:

    Website: https://duboislaw.net/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dubois-2b46071/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuBoisLeviasLawGroup

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duboisleviaslaw


    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms

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    40 mins
  • 460. LinkedIn for Lawyers: Why ‘Playing Professional’ is Killing Your Brand with Jimmy Lai
    Sep 12 2025

    If you’ve ever worried that you or your law practice are “too boring” to stand out, this conversation will change how you see yourself—and your marketing.

    In this episode, Bridgit sits down with Jimmy Lai, CEO of Lai & Turner Law in Oklahoma, where he helps immigrants secure U.S. visas to start, scale, and succeed in the U.S.

    But if you follow him online, you know him as the founder of the Unforgettable Professionals community—a space where so-called “boring” professionals learn to tell stories that attract clients, build authority, and actually make them unforgettable.

    Together, they dive into how Jimmy turned everyday experiences into content that resonates, why doubling down on one channel creates faster growth, and what consistency really looks like if you want lasting results.

    By the end, you’ll see LinkedIn not as another task to manage, but as a powerful tool to transform your brand—and maybe even yourself.


    Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Jimmy:

    1. Pick One Channel and Double Down

    It’s tempting to try every platform at once, but growth comes from focusing on the channel that drives the biggest return.

    Once you know what works, reinvest in it before scattering your energy elsewhere.


    2. Storytelling Beats Legalese Every Time

    People don’t connect with case updates—they connect with real stories, even small moments from daily life.

    Share personal, authentic content alongside authority-building posts to stay memorable.


    3. Nail the Hook or Lose the Reader

    On LinkedIn, the first three lines decide whether someone clicks “see more.”

    Spark curiosity right away, and keep paragraphs short and skimmable to respect busy professionals’ attention spans.


    4. Optimize Your Profile Like a Sales Page

    Don’t waste your headline with “Immigration Attorney.”

    Use clear, client-focused language that says who you help and how, so people immediately know why they should connect with you.


    5. Consistency Compounds into Authority

    One post won’t change your career, but consistent posting builds trust and recognition over time.

    Think long game—like SEO for your personal brand—and watch opportunities multiply.

    "You can be the best attorney in the world, but if no one knows you, if they don't like you, and if they don't trust you, you're going to struggle with business." — Jimmy Lai


    Get in touch with Jimmy Lai:

    Website: https://www.laiturnerlaw.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmylai-jdmba/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatAttorneyLai/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatattorneylai/


    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

    • My Legal Academy...
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    39 mins
  • 459. The Psychology of Legal Leadership: Creating Safe Cultures While Managing Compliance with Karen Ansen
    Sep 5 2025

    What if the secret to scaling your firm isn’t hiring more staff but stripping it back to the essentials?

    In this powerful episode, Bridgit Norris sits down with Karen Ansen, Principal Lawyer and Founder of Ignite HR and Employment Law, who brings over 20 years of experience guiding high-pressure organizations through complex employment law while building cultures where people actually thrive.

    Today, she runs a lean, highly profitable practice from Australia’s East Coast, handling some of the toughest employee relations cases without the chaos of a big team.

    You’ll hear how she reclaimed her health, freedom, and profit by redefining growth on her own terms—and why you can too.

    This conversation isn’t about theory; it’s about practical choices that could help you build a firm that serves your life instead of consuming it.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether “more” is really worth it, this episode will change the way you think about success.

    Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Karen:

    1. Consider Scaling Back Instead of Up

    Growth isn’t always about adding more people; it can also mean reducing complexity.

    By streamlining, you make space to focus on the work that delivers the most value and satisfaction.


    2. Guard Your Time Relentlessly

    Your time is your most limited resource, and boundaries are what protect it.

    When you control your availability, you preserve energy while still serving clients effectively.


    3. Price to Reflect Value, Not Just Demand

    A quick “yes” from a client often signals underpricing.

    Adjusting fees upward reinforces your worth and ensures your practice stays financially healthy.


    4. Build Psychological Safety Into Culture

    High-performing teams don’t thrive on pressure alone; they thrive on trust.

    When people feel safe to speak openly, they contribute more and stay longer.


    5. Align Your Firm With Your Life Goals

    Success is hollow if it costs your health or peace of mind.

    When your business is designed around your life priorities, freedom and profit can exist together.

    "You ask every single business owner that ever started a business, they want freedom. That’s all they want. It is freedom. The problem is that the business itself becomes your prison, in some ways." — Karen Ansen


    Get in touch with Karen Ansen:

    Website: http://www.ignitehr.com.au/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignitehrlaw

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenansen/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignite_hr_/



    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

    • My Legal Academy YouTube:...
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    52 mins
  • 458. Summer Success Series: Marketing and Mindset Mastery: Taking Your Law Firm to Unprecedented Heights
    Aug 29 2025

    Ready to take your law firm to the next level? This high-energy episode with Charley Mann, founder of Law Firm Alchemy, reveals the marketing and mindset shifts that separate thriving firms from struggling ones.

    From mastering referral marketing and crafting irresistible social media ads to avoiding SEO pitfalls and adopting a true CEO mindset, Sam Mollaei and Charley deliver strategies you can implement immediately. This isn't just inspiration—it's your roadmap to building a firm that thrives on trust, innovation, and unparalleled client service.

    Your next level is waiting. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to lead your law firm to success. Let’s dive in!

    

    Key Takeaways from Sam and Charley:

    1. Referral Marketing as a Cornerstone for Law Firms

    Referral marketing remains the most reliable strategy for law firms, especially in consumer-focused areas.

    It requires consistent relationship-building through personalized outreach, making a well-maintained contact list indispensable.


    2. Effectiveness of Social Media Ads

    Social media ads on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube yield high ROI with precise targeting and clear messaging.

    Rigorous testing of lead forms and ad copy ensures better lead quality and optimized results.


    3. Pitfalls in SEO and Digital Marketing

    SEO often provides poor ROI compared to strategies like increasing client reviews or running ads.

    Law firms must own their digital assets, such as Google Analytics and websites, to retain control and ensure transparency.


    4. Consistency and Specialization in Marketing

    Focused efforts, like weekly emails and newsletters, build trust and keep firms top of mind.

    Mastering one platform or strategy before expanding helps maximize results and prevents inefficiency.


    5. Mindset for Success in Law Firm Growth

    An entrepreneurial mindset built on openness and adaptability is key to growth.

    By embracing challenges and staying consistent, successful law firm owners unlock both traditional and innovative opportunities.

    "When you go through the motion and start sharing [your ideas and knowledge] with the world, you enjoy it. You enjoy the process. Also, you level up when it comes to those fields, and it acts as a daily affirmation [and keeps you top of mind for your audience]." — Sam Mollaei


    "There is no actual gatekeeper. It is entirely incumbent on you to say, 'I’m allowed to control my future...to communicate with people...to market myself...to provide a level of quality in my services [that seems of an absurd degree of value].' You get to make all those choices." — Charley Mann


    Get in touch with Charley Mann:

    Website: https://www.lawfirmalchemy.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleymann/


    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

    • My...
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    54 mins
  • 457. Summer Success Series: AI Revolution: How Technology is Transforming Legal Practice
    Aug 22 2025

    What if this episode wasn't just about AI—but was created BY AI? Dive into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing every aspect of legal practice, from client intake to profitability.

    Sam Mollaei, Esq. reveals cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT Mobile, Adobe Enhanced Speech, and automated review analysis that are transforming law firms. Learn how to leverage AI for faster intake, data-driven insights, and marketing strategies that maximize ROI while you focus on high-value work.

    This is innovation in action. Stay tuned and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your practice.


    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    1. AI Tools to Boost Productivity

    Cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT Mobile, Adobe Enhanced Speech, and Grammarly are empowering legal professionals to automate tasks, clean up workflows, and focus on what matters most.

    These tools aren't just helpful—they're transformative for efficiency.


    

    2. Google Reviews Powered by Data-Driven Insights

    Leveraging AI to analyze Google reviews can uncover trends in client satisfaction, helping firms optimize operations.

    AI-driven sentiment analysis transforms reviews into actionable insights for growth.


    3. AI in Client Intake

    Integrating AI into the client intake process ensures faster response times, better tracking, and seamless lead conversions.

    Firms that automate intake functions see significantly higher conversion rates—responding within five minutes can boost chances of success by 21 times.


    4. The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies

    AI-enabled tools like call tracking and Google Local Services Ads help lawyers focus their marketing efforts on what works, maximizing ROI and driving high-quality leads with precision.


    5. AI for Profitability and Niche Expertise

    Using AI to automate cost-heavy, repetitive tasks and streamline workflows frees up time to focus on high-value clients.

    AI also aids in identifying lucrative niches by analyzing market trends and client data, allowing firms to specialize and increase profitability.

    "If you're not already on board [with AI], you're already behind."


    "And while some lawyers might be intimidated by AI, Sam really sees it as a powerful tool that you can use to enhance your practice. You can streamline those workflows, provide better service to your clients, and he's all about using technology to create that leverage, freeing yourself up to focus on those tasks that only humans can do."


    🚀 Want to SCALE your law firm? Go here: https://bit.ly/3z7R5qM

    ⭐️Get our proven 2025 Law Firm Growth Plan that has generated millions in revenue for law firms just like yours.


    Follow us on social:

    • My Legal Academy YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KGieDs
    • My Legal Academy LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3X3D5qd
    • My Legal Academy Facebook: https://bit.ly/3VJloN7
    • My Legal Academy Instagram:
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    44 mins
  • 456. Summer Success Series: From Lawyer to CEO: The Business Development System That Changes Everything
    Aug 15 2025

    Being a great lawyer isn't enough. If you want consistent growth, predictable revenue, and freedom from the daily grind, you need to shift from lawyer to CEO.

    Sam Mollaei and Steve Fretzin expose the biggest mistakes law firm owners make and reveal how to attract high-quality clients without burnout. Discover the power of peer advisory groups, strategic partnerships, and automation that lets you build a firm that works for you—not the other way around.


    FREE Training for Law Firm Owners

    On Wednesday, August 20th at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, join attorney and My Legal Academy founder Sam Mollaei, Esq. for a live training where he reveals the exact Facebook Ads system his six law firms use to sign 1,300+ clients every month.


    In this exclusive session, you’ll learn:

    • Which practice areas see the best ROI from Facebook Ads
    • Why Facebook Ads can outperform Google Ads for client acquisition
    • How our AI-Powered Campaign Builder can launch winning ads in minutes


    Seats are limited — reserve yours here:

    https://link.mylegalacademy.com/facebook-ads-for-lawyers-webinar-3


    Key Takeaways from Sam and Steve:

    1. The Biggest Growth Mistake: Ignoring the Business of Law

    Law firm owners often focus solely on practicing law, neglecting essential business skills like marketing, systems, and financial strategy, which stunts growth.


    2. Consistently Attracting High-Quality Clients Without Burnout

    Lawyers who implement structured referral systems, client retention strategies, and strategic partnerships can create a steady flow of ideal clients with minimal effort.


    3. From Lawyer to CEO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

    To grow successfully, lawyers must transition from being service providers to business owners by prioritizing planning, processes, and performance improvement.


    4. How Peer Advisory Groups Accelerate Business Development

    Joining structured peer groups provides accountability, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives that help lawyers scale faster and avoid costly mistakes.


    5. Automation & Technology: The Hidden Superpower of Scalable Firms

    By leveraging automation, AI, and digital systems for scheduling and client management, law firms can eliminate inefficiencies and scale without unnecessary overhead.

    "In our show, we always focus on the future and early adoption, kind of leaning into all those early adoption strategies to take advantage of it, being aggressive on it as much as possible until the market catches up." Sam Mollaei


    "There's a table standing right in front of the lawyer, piled with money up to the ceiling, yet they're walking around it pretty much all day. And it's mainly because, again, they don't have a system, a process, or something they can feel comfortable executing." Steve Fretzin


    Get in touch with Steve Fretzin:

    Website:

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    24 mins