Category: Finance

FEATURE
Effective trial preparation strategies with Mike Alder (Ep. 44)

Effective trial preparation strategies with Mike Alder (Ep. 44)

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Are you ready to elevate your legal career and financial future? Take a note from a lawyer who’s truly mastered it all.

On Episode 44 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we explore the profound techniques and financial acumen of Mike Alder, an esteemed trial attorney who has mastered the art of wealth-building within the legal profession.

Host Darren Wurz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Alder, who shares his systematic approach to trial preparation, the significance of a positive mindset, and the delicate balance between financial success and giving back to the community. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every facet of law practice.

Alder discusses:

  • How to refine your trial preparation strategies to enhance your courtroom efficacy and create an optimal experience for jurors.
  • How a lawyer’s upbringing shapes their approach to the industry.
  • The impact of positive language and intentionality on success.
  • How to stay grounded irrespective of the level of success you have attained.
  • Why failure is a critical path of success and part of the journey.
  • How to use wealth for systemic change and philantrophy.

 


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Mike Alder:

About our guest:

Michael Alder is recognized as one of the top trial attorneys in California and has recovered over $2.1 billion in verdicts & settlements.

Michael Alder is the owner and Senior Trial Attorney at AlderLaw, a leading Los Angeles firm that represents plaintiffs in personal injury and employment litigation cases. He is known as one of the top trial attorneys in California, an advocate for underdog clients, and a generous supporter of fellow trial attorneys, charitable causes, and community giving.

Mr. Alder vigorously pursues all cases on behalf of his clients who have suffered injustices and takes pride in being personally involved in every case his firm takes on. Along with his team of lawyers and staff, he consistently breaks records and earns the praise of the press with significant settlements and impressive verdicts including the City of Modesto v Dow Chemical $60 million total verdict. To date, his firm has recovered over $2.1 billion in verdicts and settlements for his clients.

Over his 29+ years in litigation, he has received numerous accolades. This includes being the youngest recipient ever of CAALA’s Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2004 (the nation’s largest association of plaintiff’s attorneys), winning the prestigious California State Bar Clay Award “California Attorney of the Year” for personal injury in 2014, named one of the Daily Journal’s 2012 Top 100 Lawyers in California and named a “Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyer” 13 consecutive years. Mr. Alder has also been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) since 2003 and currently serves on their Executive Committee.

A well-renowned speaker and published author on trial strategy, Mr. Alder has a long history of supporting other trial attorneys. He maintains a 9,000-deposition database and expert witness directory plus provides information, at no charge, to his colleagues. He is a devoted mentor to young lawyers and offers access to his archived depositions, as well as financial assistance with the establishment of the AlderLaw Warrior Fund program, networking opportunities, and free seminars.

Michael Alder is a strong believer in giving back. His involvement in the community includes being a founding member of the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities (LATLC), a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized to improve the lives of those in need in Southern California. He served as LATLC’s President in 2017 and continues to serve on the Board. Mr. Alder is also a founder of the American Museum of Tort Law and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Inner City Law Center (ICLC), a pro bono skid row law firm dedicated to ending homelessness and advocating for veterans’ benefits. In 2020, Mr. Alder was awarded ICLC’s highest honor – the “Katherine Krause” award – for his pro bono trial work on behalf of victims of slumlords. In 2020, he joined the board of directors for the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the Metro Los Angeles YMCA.

Most recently, Mr. Alder and law partner/wife Gina Zapanta founded Z.A. gives, a non-profit formed in response to the COVID-19 crisis to aid food and education insecurities. The charity is funded by a percentage of profits earned through their law firms, AlderLaw and Z.A. Lawyers.

Since March 2020, Z.A. gives has donated more than $150,000 in food and support to local hospitals and restaurants. In all, over 25,000 people have been fed by Z.A. gives’ direct giving.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling to the family’s Louisiana ranch, exercising, collecting knives, taking care of his chickens and goats, and entertaining family and friends. He has a teenage daughter and son, is a bonus Dad to Gina’s two daughters, and two baby boys.

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FEATURE
How to plan towards Retirement and enjoy it fully with Denise Henry (Ep. 43)

How to plan towards Retirement and enjoy it fully with Denise Henry (Ep. 43)

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As a legal professional, you’ve dedicated years to building a successful practice, but have you given the same meticulous attention to your retirement plans? It’s not just about financial security—it’s about creating a fulfilling life after the courtroom battles and client meetings cease.

In Episode 43 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, esteemed retirement and transition coach Denise Henry sits down with host Darren Wurz to deliver an essential masterclass for law firm owners poised to make their transition from the legal landscape to retirement.

Denise discusses:

  • Practical tips to combat social isolation and maintain a vibrant community life.
  • The ideal time to start contemplating retirement.
  • How to navigate identity crisis and find new purpose.
  • How to embrace the “messy middle” of transitions, whether it’s retirement,
  • empty nesting, or stepping into a grandparent role, and emerge with renewed purpose.
  • The changing nature of retirement from relaxation to purpose seeking.
  • The importance of balancing finances, health, mental well-being, relationships and social life.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Denise Henry:

About our guest:

Denise Henry is the founder of Summit Coaching & Consulting, Inc., an organization dedicated to assisting individuals in crafting successful pre-retirement transitions and providing invaluable support for retirees navigating the multifaceted challenges of this life phase.

With a distinguished reputation for her empathetic yet candid coaching approach,

Denise has empowered and mentored countless executives and leaders since 2003. Whether engaging in personalized one-on-one sessions or leading group coaching, her unwavering commitment lies in helping individuals attain a clearer vision for their retirement journey. Her exceptional capacity to establish trust swiftly and her collaborative coaching style cultivate an environment where individuals feel encouraged to express their authentic selves, thereby embarking on a purposeful retirement with newfound confidence.

Denise boasts certification as a retirement coach and holds an MBA from the University of Dallas, underscoring her expertise in facilitating successful transitions. She is in high demand as a facilitator and speaker for corporate engagements and community events.

Denise firmly believes that everyone deserves the keys to unlocking the mysteries of retirement.

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FEATURE
Mastering the Art of Effective Leadership and Delegation in Law Firms with Walt Hampton (Ep. 42)

Mastering the Art of Effective Leadership and Delegation in Law Firms with Walt Hampton (Ep. 42)

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As a law firm owner, the struggle to balance the demands of your practice with the aspirations for growth and financial freedom can seem unending. In this pivotal Episode 42 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz engages with Walt Hampton, founder and CEO of Summit Success International.

Walt talks about the critical transitions law firm owners must navigate to shift from active practitioners to strategic business owners. With Darren, they dissect the intricacies of leveraging a lawyer’s inherent skills into tangible wealth creation and the importance of strategic delegation and goal setting.

Walt discusses:

  • A huge mindset shift lawyers need to embrace to achieve their business goals.
  • The importance of effective delegation by using a pancake metaphor.
  • The necessity of self-care, structured daily habits, and the power of saying no, to safeguard well-being and spur productivity.
  • Why you should have an evening routine together with your morning routine to end your day.
  • How he was able to balance his career aspirations as a single parent.
  • The significance of solid referral marketing and lead generation strategies.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Walt Hampton:

About our guest:

Walt Hampton, J.D. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Success International, a global personal and professional development firm; and the Acquisitions Director at Summit Press Publishers, a premier publisher of expert positioning books.Walt is a business coach, management consultant, leadership trainer and motivational speaker.

He is the bestselling author of Journeys on the Edge: Living a Life That Matters, named a Top 10 Non-Fiction Book and a two-time recipient of the North American Book Awards; as well as the author of The Power Principles of Time Mastery: Do Less, Make More, Have Fun.

A 1984 graduate of The Cornell Law School, Walt was managing partner of a law firm for nearly 30 years with a practice focused on commercial litigation and criminal defense.

He was trained as a Results Coach by Robbins Research International and worked directly for Tony Robbins as one of Tony’s elite-level certified business coaches.

Walt’s passions are high-altitude mountaineering, ultra-distance running, blue-water sailing & adventure photography.

He and his wife, the publisher Ann Sheybani, reside in Intervale, New Hampshire.

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FEATURE
Using Automation to Scale your Law Firm with James Grant (Ep. 41)

Using Automation to Scale your Law Firm with James Grant (Ep. 41)

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In the competitive arena of law firm ownership, every decision can make the difference between lasting success and missed opportunity.

In the 41st episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz takes an incisive look into the journey of James Grant, a civil engineer turned law firm co-founder who mastered the art of converting professional hurdles into strategic growth for Georgia Trial Attorneys.

Join us as we delve into the vital role of refining processes within your niche, leveraging technology and automation to streamline operations, and the continuous journey of embracing change that every entrepreneur faces.

James Grant’s story is a testament to strategic acumen and the power of resilience in the face of the trials he endured on his path to achieving triumph in both the courtroom and the financial market.

James discusses:

  • The immense value in hiring experts and not cutting corners when it comes to business and financial operations.
  • Why he is a massive fan of AI and the disruptive effect it is poised to have in the legal industry.
  • The importance of implementing strategic systems and procedures that will streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
  • How niching down in a specific area can differentiate your firm and lead to greater profitability.
  • How law firm owners can save time by automating payment processes.
  • Tax strategies that law firm owners can explore to benefit their business and their employees.
  • Why entrepreneurs need to embrace change and creative disruption.

 


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with James Grant:

About our guest:

James Grant isn’t just an attorney; he’s a game-changer. As the co-founding partner of Georgia Trial Attorneys, he’s revolutionized the field of personal injury law in Georgia. He has created a powerhouse law firm that serves as the outsourced litigation arm for other personal injury firms. Gone are the days of personal injury lawyers juggling pre-litigation and courtroom battles. James’ mantra says it all: “We litigate, so you don’t have to!”

Together with his co-founder, Mark Kirchen, James has designed a form that embodies the future of law: where partners thrive, justice is swift, and technology leads. His leadership has shaped Georgia Trial Attorneys into a beacon of:

  • Absolute Accountability: We own it, fix it, and finish it
  • Forward Momentum: We accelerate cases, not just activity
  • Relentless Refinement: We are always looking to elevate
  • Every Conversation Is A Chance To Excel

Not just a powerhouse litigator, James is a tactical businessman. His dual expertise proves that you can win in the courtroom while maintaining a well-balanced life. A seasoned veteran in the courtroom, his prior roles include stints as an Assistant Solicitor-General and Senior Associate Attorney, where he honed his skills in both criminal and civil litigation. His diverse experiences make him the ultimate weapon against insurance companies and their greed, leveling the playing field for every client he represents.

But James isn’t all business. Outside the courtroom, he’s an amateur strongman competitor and an avid golfer. He values the harmony of a fulfilling personal life,. He lives in Roswell, Georgia with his wife Meredith and their children, James and Leah.

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FEATURE
Personal Injury Funding Demystified with Laura Moore (Ep. 39)

Personal Injury Funding Demystified with Laura Moore (Ep. 39)

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As a law firm owner, you are intimately familiar with the tension between managing case expenses and maintaining positive cash flow. In Episode 39 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we dive into a solution that not only alleviates financial stress for your firm but also offers a lifeline to your clients who might feel overwhelmed by the cost of litigation.

Join us as we sit down with Laura Moore, a beacon of hope in the injury funding sphere, who brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspirational personal story to the table.

In this episode, host Darren Wurz talks to Laura Moore, the resourceful founder of Moore Injury Funding, who reveals how her innovative approach to funding is transforming the way law firms and injury plaintiffs weather the long and costly process of litigation. From the outset, Moore’s candid discussion about the realities and ethical considerations of case funding sets the stage for an enlightening conversation.

Laura discusses:

  • How to determine if an injured plaintiff is a suitable candidate for funding.
  • The advantages of non-recourse funding.
  • The average duration for settling personal injury cases.
  • Financing options for attorneys who want to expand their business operations.
  • The importance of medical funding for injured plaintiffs.
  • A real-life success story that illustrates the profound impact of timely funding.
  • The future of personal injury funding.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Laura Moore:

About our guest:

Laura Moore, the founder and CEO of Moore Injury Funding, brings a diverse background and a deep commitment to helping those in need. Originally from Kaunas, Lithuania, in North Europe, Laura pursued her education at prestigious institutions, including Vilnius University in Kaunas and the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, where she studied German Philology.

In 2001, she immigrated to the United States and embarked on a journey that would lead her to make a significant impact in the personal injury arena. Laura Moore has a Pre-Medical Science Degree from Georgia State University. She spent eleven years in the medical field in various medical settings, including the ER, surgical ICU, pharmacy, cardiology, operating rooms, preventative and sports medicine, family medicine, OBGYN, emergency care, podiatry, DME, and functional medicine.

Laura’s personal experience with a life-altering accident became the catalyst for starting Moore Injury Funding. Following a T-bone collision in December 2021, Laura underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, enduring numerous procedures and therapies to manage her injuries. Throughout her challenging recovery, she recognized the financial strain and emotional toll that individuals face during the litigation process. Determined to alleviate the burdens of injured individuals, Laura established Moore Injury Funding in June 2022.

With her educational background, extensive knowledge of personal injury cases, and profound compassion for those suffering from injuries, Laura provides nationwide Legal Funding services. Her goal is to offer financial relief to injured individuals, enabling them to meet their basic needs, receive necessary medical treatments, and sustain themselves during the litigation process until a fair settlement is reached. Laura’s personal journey fuels her dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of their own injury claims with compassion and support.

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FEATURE
How to grow your law firm and impact your community with Dan Fulkerson (Ep. 38)

How to grow your law firm and impact your community with Dan Fulkerson (Ep. 38)

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Attention law firm owners and aspiring legal entrepreneurs! Are you ready to unlock the secrets of ethical prosperity and community impact?

Today, we have something that could be a game-changer for your practice. On Episode 38 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with Dan Fulkerson, the co-founder and managing partner at Batta Fulkerson Law Group.

Dan’s approach transcends the traditional models of law firm management as he intertwines ethical business practice with genuine philanthropy, supporting different nonprofits and embedding transparency at the core of his law group’s philosophy. No greedy pursuits, no mass marketing—just a bulldog mascot symbolizing their tenacity and unique grassroots marketing tactics that resonate with the community.

Dan shares his commitment to sustainable growth, demonstrated by his firm’s cautious financial strategy and dedication to ethical representation.

Dan discusses:

  • Why keeping at least 6 months worth of overhead is critical.
  • Why he dislikes the solicitous approach to legal advertising.
  • The power of transparency and building ethical practices in your law firm operations.
  • Why it is vital to put people over profit.
  • How to merge your career with causes you care about.
  • The importance of monitoring your business activities and how to build systems for scaling your business.

 

Resources:


Connect with Darren Wurz:


Connect with Dan Fulkerson:

About our guest:

Dan Fulkerson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Batta Fulkerson Law Group.

Dan completed his Juris Doctor degree at California Western School of Law in San Diego in conjunction with his Masters of Business Degree at San Diego State University. He is the only person to complete both degrees at the same time in only two and a half years.  He has successfully handled over 15,000 car accident cases and personally helped recover tens of millions of dollars for victims.

Dan’s personal experiences with serious injury car accidents, combined with his experience handling thousands of accident cases, make Dan a dynamic accident injury attorney who helps get his clients the results they deserve. In addition to Attorney Dan Fulkerson’s impressive success rate, it is evident to clients that Dan goes out of his way to treat you like family. Outside of work, Dan sits on 6 charity boards including Active Valor for Gold Star families, Roadogs dog rescue, and Positive Movement Foundation.  He also has his own Bulldog rescue that focuses on rescuing French and English bulldogs.  Dan loves spending time with friends, family, and his five bulldogs; Winston, Dolly, Teddy, Juan Carlos and Gigi.

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FEATURE
From crisis to triumph with Jeff Grant (Ep. 37)

From crisis to triumph with Jeff Grant (Ep. 37)

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In this insightful episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with Jeff Grant, a remarkable figure in the legal field who has turned his tumultuous journey into a beacon of hope for others.

Beyond his personal struggles in the past- a past riddled with opioid addiction, financial turmoil, and professional misconduct, Jeff shares how he was able to launch a renewed law practice that’s not only thriving but helping individuals navigate the daunting waters of white-collar prosecution.

Jeff’s story is not just a testament to personal resilience; it’s an incredibly relevant narrative for law firm owners on structuring a business that aligns with their values and the modern world’s demands.

Jeff discusses:

  • His battle with addiction and its negative impact on his life.
  • His experience with the criminal justice system.
  • How to maintain financial integrity in the face of adversity.
  • Upcoming plans with AI technology, implementing live chat on his website and pushing the boundaries of client accessibility and support.
  • How he restarted his law firm with a renewed sense of purpose.
  • His dedication to helping people with white-collar legal issues without overcharging by providing valuable resources through his ministry.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Jeff Grant:

 

 

About our guest:

Jeff Grant is on a mission. After a hiatus from practicing law, Jeff has founded the law firm of GrantLaw, PLLC, is once again in private practice in New York City and is committed to using his legal expertise and life experience to benefit others.

GrantLaw, PLLC, is a new type of law firm providing private general counsel services to clients facing, who have previously faced, or who could possibly be facing white collar prosecutions and/or regulatory proceedings, and their companies and families. In this role, Jeff and his team assist clients in making critical and timely business and family decisions, and in executing on them, so that they have the best chance to come out the other side with lives of purpose, meaning and success.

He also provides a broad range of legal services, all in a highly attentive, personalized manner. These include private general counsel, white collar crisis management, strategy and team building, services to family-owned and closely-held businesses, and support to special situation and pro bono clients. He practices in New York and on authorized Federal matters, and works with local co-counsel and criminal defense counsel to represent clients throughout country.

For more than 20 years, Jeff served as managing attorney of a 20+ employee law firm headquartered in New York City and then Westchester County, New York. The firm’s practice areas included representing family-owned and closely-held businesses and their owners, business and real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and litigation. Jeff also served as outside general counsel to large family-owned real estate equities and management and brokerage organizations.

Jeff is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, and in the Federal District Courts for the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Guiding people forward in their lives

After an addiction to prescription opioids and serving almost 14 months in Federal prison (2006 – 07) for a white collar crime he committed in 2001, Jeff started his own reentry. He earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, majoring in Social Ethics. After graduating, Jeff was called to serve at an inner city church in Bridgeport, CT as Associate Minister and Director of Prison Ministries. He then co-founded Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc. (Greenwich, CT), the world’s first ministry devoted to serving the white collar justice community. On August 10, 2023, Jeff celebrated 21 years of sobriety.

An ordained minister, Jeff has more than three decades of experience in crisis management, business, law, reentry, recovery (clean & sober 20+ years), plus executive and religious leadership. He works frequently with people prosecuted for white collar crimes (and their families) who want to emerge from isolation and join a supportive community. In this role he helps them navigate their journey through the criminal justice system to new, ethical, productive, joyful lives on the other side of their issues.

Sometimes referred to in the press as “The Minister to Hedge Funders,” Jeff regularly uses his experience and background to guide people forward in their lives, relationships, careers, and business opportunities – and help them avoid making the kinds of decisions that resulted in loss, suffering, and shame.

Service and more service

A verified Psychology Today professional, he also serves on the ministry team at St. Joseph Mission Church (Cliffside Park, NJ) and as Chaplain to the Woodbury Fire Department (Woodbury, CT).

From 2016 – 2019, Jeff served as Executive Director of Family ReEntry, Inc. (Bridgeport, CT), a 100+ person criminal justice organization with offices and programs in eight Connecticut cities. Jeff is the first person in the United States formerly incarcerated for a white collar crime to be appointed Executive Director of a major criminal justice nonprofit.

Jeff has served on numerous criminal justice-related Boards. They include the Legal Action Center (New York, NY), Co-Chair, American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Reentry & Collateral Consequences Committee, (Washington, DC), American Bar Association Lawyers Assistance Programs Advisory Commission (Chicago, IL) , Co-Chair, Mayor’s Advisory Council on Reentry Affairs (Bridgeport, CT), Family ReEntry (Bridgeport, CT), Community Partners in Action (formerly the Connecticut Prison Association, Hartford, CT), and Healing Communities Network (New York, NY). He has also served on the Advisory Boards of Creative Projects Group (Los Angeles, CA) and Reentry Survivors (Bridgeport, CT).

Recognition and more recognition

Jeff was twice selected a Nantucket Project Scholar (2012, 2014) and was recognized by JustLeadershipUSA as one of 15 Inaugural National Leaders in Criminal Justice (2015). He was selected a Keepers of the Commons Fellow (2017) and a Keepers of the Commons Senior Fellow (2018). Jeff has been the recipient of the Elizabeth Bush Award for Volunteerism (2011), received the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative Advocate of the Year Award (2013, 2014, 2015), and was selected the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative Professional of the Year (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). He has also been recognized by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2017) and by the Connecticut NAACP (2017), and was selected a 2019 Collegeville Institute Writing Fellow.

A Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, Jeff is an in-demand keynote speaker, panelist, moderator, and guest preacher. Speaking venues include Main Stage Presenter at The Nantucket Project (Nantucket, MA), American Bar Association Criminal Justice Conference (Washington, DC), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Webinar (December 2022), the Greenwich Leadership Forum (Greenwich, CT), the Corrections Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) Correctional Ministry Summit (Wheaton College, IL and Philadelphia, PA), Delaware Trust Conference (Wilmington, DE), Salons at Stowe – Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (Hartford, CT), Community Health Network of Connecticut Social Determinants of Health Summit (Wallingford, CT), The Neighborhood Project (Greenwich, CT), U.S. Small Business Administration Conference (Fairfield, CT), Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (NY, NY), Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT).

Jeff has also spoken at many universities, colleges, and religious institutions across the country. For information or to book Jeff to speak, guest preach, or for a panel or other presentation, please see his e-speakers profile here.

Magazines, radio, television, podcasts, books

Jeff has authored, been the subject of, or been prominently mentioned in many national and regional publications. They include The New Yorker (Aug. 2021), Entrepreneur (Sept. 2021 & Apr. 2020), Bloomberg Law (Oct. 2021), Wells Street with CNBC’s Jane Wells (Oct. 2021), Reuters (May 2021), American Bar Association Criminal Justice Magazine (Spring 2021), Business Insider (July 2021), Forbes (July 2020), Philadelphia Inquirer (Oct. 2020), Vanity Fair (Aug. 2019), Greenwich Magazine (Mar. 2018), Law360, Inc., Medium, The Huffington Post, Absolute Return/HedgeFund Intelligence, Institutional Investor, CFO Dive, New York Magazine, Real Men Real Faith Magazine (cover story), Fairfield County Business Journal, Nonprofit Quarterly, Reentry Central, The Vision (the newspaper of the United Methodist Church NY Conference), Weston Magazine Group, Weston Forum, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, New Haven Independent, Inner City News, Connecticut Post, Greenwich Sentinel, Greenwich Time, Greenwich Free Press, The Hour and others. Jeff authored a chapter in the book, Suicide and Its Impact on the Criminal Justice System (2021), served on the Editorial Board of the book The Justice Imperative: How Hyper-Incarceration has Hijacked the American Dream (2014), and was prominently mentioned/quoted in the books Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury (2021), Trusted White Collar Offenders: Global Case Studies of Crime Convenience (2021) and the Teal Book of Wisdom (2022).

He has been featured or interviewed on many radio shows, televisions segments and podcasts. They include the Rich Roll Podcast (# 644 November 2021, #440 May 2019), The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber (May 2021), The Sydcast (October 2021), Newsy (October 2021), Business Talk with Jim Campbell (June 2021), Tha Yard Hangout (June 2021), the Colin McEnroe Show on WNPR (October 2019), The Same 24 Hours podcast with Meredith Atwood (March 2020), the Fraud Stories podcast (September 2020), the Taxgirl Podcast (July 2020), Landmark Recovery Radio (November 2020), Clara CFO podcast with Hanna Smolinski (January 2021), and Founders Focus podcast with Scott Case (April 2021), among others.

Jeff is also editor of the important, widely-read website and blog prisonist.org, for which he authors, edits, and curates content around national and international criminal justice advocacy/ministry issues. He also co-hosts the Criminal Justice Insider podcast, hosts the White Collar Week podcast, and leads a weekly online confidential White Collar Support Group (the first in the country). The group, which has had more than 650 participants, held its 350th weekly online meeting in March 2023.

 

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FEATURE
How to build an efficient, effective and profitable law firm with Mike Chastaine (Ep. 36)

How to build an efficient, effective and profitable law firm with Mike Chastaine (Ep. 36)

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Are you a law firm owner languishing over unmet profit goals and overwhelmed with the business side of running your firm? Profits seem elusive, productivity is low, and happiness is just another dream.

Today, we have something that could be a game-changer for your practice. On Episode 36 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with experienced attorney, consultant, and author Mike Chastaine to discuss the secrets of transforming your law firm into a profitable business.

Mike discusses the importance of having a financial plan, efficient bookkeeping systems and how to set rules for client and employee engagement.

Mike discusses:

  • How law firm owners can use the 80/20 rule to maximize their productivity.
  • Embracing the “profit first system” as a key to lasting success.
  • The importance of setting up effective intake systems and rules of engagement.
  • Creating a hiring strategy that ensures every legal employee amplifies your law firm’s profit.
  • The importance of financial readiness and why you need an emergency fund.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Mike Chastaine:

About our guest:

Mike Chastaine is an award-winning attorney, speaker and author. His career spans many decades and covers a wide range of experiences, both in and out of the court room. As a successful entrepreneur, nationally recognized trial lawyer and endurance athlete, he has a unique perspective for success that puts him in a unique position to help others.

 

  • Nationally Recognized criminal defense attorney for over 37 years
  • Founder of Chastaine Law – “Best Criminal Defense firm in Northern California in 2020 and 2021 by New World Reports
  • Legal Excellence Award for Literary distinction, LEA award and author of five books
  • Radio host of ‘Legal Ease’
  • Video blogger of 20 minutes with Mike
  • Entrepreneurial Attorney of the Year finalist in 2017 and 2018
  • Extreme Adventure Racer
  • National Ski Patroller Alumni
  • Harmonica and bass player
  • Husband, father and grandfather

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How law firm owners can build their brand and attract clients with Ali Awad (Ep. 35)

How law firm owners can build their brand and attract clients with Ali Awad (Ep. 35)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to build your brand and attract clients?

In this exciting episode of The Lawyer Millionaire podcast, Host Darren Wurz is joined by Guest Ali Awad, a renowned law firm owner whose expertise as a personal injury attorney and a savvy business owner & marketer has propelled his firm to great heights. With over 1.5 million followers on Instagram, he is known as the CEO Lawyer.

Ali sheds light on his early realization of the importance of hard work, the power of perseverance and how he transformed his law firm from a one-man operation into one of the fastest growing firms in the country.

Ali discusses:

  • How he started his law firm from the trunk of his car.
  • How to use social media to reach and engage with potential clients.
  • The two essential ingredients you need to build your business.
  • Why your expertise and qualifications are not enough to attract clients.
  • Why you need to choose a name you can grow into when branding your business.
  • Why the money you don’t take is way more important than the money you do take.
  • Why you don’t learn how to practice law in law school.


Resources:


Connect with Darren Wurz:


Connect with Ali Awad:

About our guest:

Mr. Awad’s personal injury practice primarily consists of auto collisions, but also involves premises liability and medical malpractice suits. Mr. Awad is fluent in three languages (Arabic, English, Spanish) and conversational in two others (Chinese, Portuguese). These linguistic skills allow Mr. Awad to effectively communicate with a wide array of clients, fostering strong long-term relationships.

During law school, Mr. Awad became a published author on Immigration Law while working as a Senior Editor for a law review journal. He also clerked with a business litigation firm and an immigration firm in Atlanta, GA to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of client communication in a legal setting. Mr. Awad has studied internationally during his undergraduate and post-graduate career, spending extended periods of time in countries like China, Turkey, Mexico, and Brazil. This diverse international experience helps Mr. Awad connect with people from all walks of life.

Mr. Awad’s hobbies include flying planes (private pilot in training) and building show cars (from antiques to 1500-horsepower exotics). Mr. Awad also holds a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and has competed on a regional and national level over the past 15 years.

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Cracking the Code to Social Media Success for Law Firm Owners with Ryan Stygar (Ep. 34)

Cracking the Code to Social Media Success for Law Firm Owners with Ryan Stygar (Ep. 34)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to harness social media to achieve financial success and build a thriving practice? Then Episode 34 of The Lawyer Millionaire podcast is a must-listen.

Host Darren Wurz is joined by Guest Ryan Stygar, founder of Centurion Trial Attorneys and social media maverick as he delves into his career transformation from aspiring firefighter to trailblazing attorney.

Ryan sheds light on how he creates attention-grabbing content, how his firm quickly gained a strong following on social media and how to deal with haters.

Ryan discusses:

  • How being authentic builds trust and increases engagement with your content thus fostering client loyalty.
  • How to find out what kind of content catches traction
  • The importance of creating a high volume of content such as short 2-minutes videos
  • The benefits of positioning yourself as an industry expert
  • How to effectively manage fluctuations in income
  • How he manages client inquiries with Lead Docket.

Resources:


Connect with Darren Wurz:


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About our guest:

Ryan Stygar grew up in San Diego, California. He spent several years as a firefighter for San Diego County and Cal Fire.

​While not fighting fires, Ryan was a desert-rescue specialist in the Ocotillo Wells State Park area. During his time as a firefighter, Ryan responded to everything from massive flames to complex rescues for trauma patients.

​After four years of service, Ryan left the fire department to earn a law degree. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law.

​Since then, Ryan founded Centurion Trial Attorneys, a California-based employment litigation firm. Ryan has also devoted much of his time to writing.
His nonfiction focuses on helping lawyers and law students develop trial skills.

​Today, Ryan is recognized as a leading voice in the field of Labor & Employment law. He has gained a massive following on TikTok as @AttorneyRyan aka “The Labor Lawyer.” Through his videos, Ryan empowers employees and small businesses by educating them about the law and worker’s rights.

Ryan is passionate about promoting education. That is why he started the Young Visionary Project, a nonprofit committed to empowering young people and building strong communities.

​His young-readers’ series, the Snot Rocket Adventures, has inspired young scientists, leaders, and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Snot Rocket uses hilarity, outlandish villains, and wild action to teach readers about math, science, and history.

​Ryan currently lives in San Diego where he is an active member of the legal, literary, and political community.

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