On today’s episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Lee Rudin who serves as the founder of Rudin Law.
Launching a law firm is a bold step, especially in an industry known for its competitive nature. Lee Rudin has not only taken that plunge but has also achieved rapid success, reaching seven figures in revenue within months of opening his doors. We dive deep into Lee’s insights on creativity, effective marketing, client relationships, and the importance of financial strategy for law firms.
Darren and Rudin discuss:
How to develop your creative streak.
The mindset of going all-in and financial preparedness.
How to build a remote team.
The importance of tracking your marketing efforts.
Getting cases through referrals and fostering client relationships.
How to translate your skills as a salesperson to the sales team.
Lee Rudin is the founder of Rudin Law, a personal injury law firm that has made a significant mark in a short time. With a decade of experience as a defense lawyer, Lee transitioned into plaintiff work, leveraging his unique approach to stand out in a crowded market. His innovative strategies and focus on client relationships have been instrumental in his firm’s quick growth.
On this episode, Darren Wurz sits down with Delisi Friday, founder of First Call Friday and a champion of referral marketing for law firms. Together, they bust myths about what referral marketing really means (hint: it’s not just networking!), and swap actionable strategies that any practice no matter the size can start using right now.
You’ll hear real-world stories about how leveraging relationships, not just ad spend, can generate your highest value clients and set your firm apart in an age where digital noise is at an all-time high. Whether you’re a boutique practice or managing a multi-seven-figure firm, this episode is packed with practical advice that’s actually doable.
Darren and Delisi discuss:
Why referral marketing is more than just networking.
How building genuine relationships can foster the growth of your practice.
Why human connection will always outshine the algorithm.
The future of referral marketing in an AI driven world.
Simple and budget friendly referral tips you can start adopting today.
How to make interactions with colleagues and clients feel more authentic and valuable.
Delisi Friday is a legal marketing strategist and business development expert with over 20 years of experience in the legal industry. Raised inside a law firm and born the day her father became a lawyer, Delisi grew up immersed in the realities of owning a law firm. From intake and operations to trial preparation in criminal and civil matters, she has worked nearly every role inside a law firm—giving her a deep, practical understanding of how law firms operate, scale, and sustain growth.
Throughout her career, Delisi has worked in multiple 7 and 8-figure businesses. She spent 7 years as Marketing Director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, an 8-figure boutique personal injury law firm, where she led the marketing and intake departments, helped grow the firm from 7 to 8-figures, produced the award-winning podcast Trial Lawyer Nation, and scaled the staff in San Antonio from 3 to 30 through referral-based, relationship-driven marketing.
Delisi later served as Chief of Staff to RJon Robins, founder of How to Manage a Small Law Firm, and an 8-figure serial entrepreneur. She helped RJon launch and scale a business that generated $50 million in revenue within 18 months and supported 17,000 small businesses nationwide. She also led the marketing campaign connected to the best-selling book Profit First for Lawyers and its companion podcast.
In 2025, Delisi founded First Call Friday, a business focused on helping lawyers grow their practices through intentional relationships, strategic referrals, and systems that produce measurable ROI. Whether a law firm wants to generate more inbound referrals, or refine their outbound referral process, Delisi brings her experience working on both sides of the attorney referral partnership to help law firms ranging in size from 6-figures to 9-figures.
Recognized as a top 1% LinkedIn creator and ranked among the Top 50 legal professionals in the United States on LinkedIn, Delisi uses her podcast From Coffee to Cases with the Legal Podcast Network to teach lawyers every month how to do relationship driven referral marketing for themselves.
With a background in theatre, television, and film in Los Angeles and New York, including time behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live, and as Miss Latina World (2008–2009), Delisi brings confidence, clarity, and relatability to every stage. Her message resonates across practice areas: sustainable law firm growth still comes down to trust, relationships, and consistent human connection
On today’s episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Eric Gros-Dubois, founder of EPGD Business Law in Miami, Florida, a firm that’s grown to 30 attorneys and eight figures in revenue, all without outside debt or acquisitions. But what’s the secret behind Eric’s success? Spoiler alert: it’s not obsessing over profit or revenue but a single, often-overlooked number that drives every decision.
Eric shares his strategies for scaling a law firm, why knowing your break-even number is more than just accounting, and how cultivating relationships and building the right team fuels lasting growth. We dive deep into the financial operating system that has propelled his firm from humble beginnings to powerhouse status and uncover practical wisdom for law firm owners aiming to build wealth without losing margin or sanity.
If you’re a law firm owner ready to rethink how you measure, manage, and maximize your business, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation. Let’s get started!
Darren and Eric discuss:
How to know your breakeven number.
Why word of mouth is still important even in the age of digital advertising.
How to build a team and culture that drives real profitability.
The biggest waste of money in law firms.
How building genuine relationships enhances business development.
Eric Gros-Dubois founded EPGD Business Law in 2013 and is the current head of the firm’s corporate, estate planning, and tax practice, and manages the firm’s Miami office. With a JD and MBA, and a specialization in finance, Eric is able to step back and view the legal world through a commercial lens while also acting as a trusted business advisor for his clients. He does his best to be solutions oriented, and tries to think like a business owner, not just a lawyer. When asked to identify his thoughts on practicing law, Eric answers without hesitation: “People aren’t hiring us to solve legal problems, they’re hiring us to solve personal problems.” With his hands-on approach, Eric works to build strong client-attorney relationships and finds himself intimately involved in each of his cases even after they’ve been resolved.
While a partner at a prominent firm located in Washington, DC, his path led him to Miami where he handled commercial transactions and business litigation. As a law student, Eric worked at a non-profit organization, a private equity group, and the Federal Tax clinic representing taxpayers before the U.S. Tax Courts, laying the foundation for the future of EPGD Business Law.
Eric does his best to be an outstanding member of the community. Finally, his hobbies include marathon running, cooking, chess, tennis, and sailing.
Community Involvement
Elected to Coral Gables Community Foundation Board of Directors
Chair of Trustee Council, Executive Committee Member, Board Member of the Coral
Gables Chamber of Commerce
Elected to Board of Coral Gables Museum
Former president of the Rotary Club of Brickell
Former president of BNI Coral Gables
Former president of his homeowner’s association
Member of Coral Gables Bar Association
Merrick Society Member of Coral Gables Community Foundation
Member of Coconut Grove Sailing Club
Former member of the International Affairs Coordinating Counsel for the Sister-Cities of
Coral Gables on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce
Former member of the board of directors of Global Ties Miami (formerly the Miami
Council for International Visitors)
Sigma Chi Fraternity (Southern Methodist University)
Beta Gamma Sigma honor fraternity (Kogod School of Business)
Supporter of many fundraisers devoted to the community
Schools
Washington College of Law. Juris Doctor (JD)
Kogod School of Business. Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
Southern Methodist University. Bachelor of Arts (BA). Sigma Chi Fraternity
Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Bar Admissions
State of New York, 2008
State of Maryland, 2008
State of Texas, 2020
District of Columbia, 2008
State of Florida, 2010
Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2010
Federal District Court for Maryland, 2008
U.S. Tax Court, 2008
Lectures & Presentations
CLE Lecture: “Franchising 101 – The Essential Guide for New Entrepreneurs.” May, 2024
CLE Lecture: “The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)” March, 2024
CLE Lecture: “Estate Planning 101” Feb, 2024
CLE Lecture: “Trademarks 101 – Everything an Entrepreneur Needs to Know.” November, 2023
Featured Speaker at The SelectUSA Investment Summit 2022, “Various Corporate Structures Available in the U.S and Which Might be Best Suited for Your Business.” June, 2022.
CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil.” March, 2021
CLE Lecture: “Grow Your Firm with Great Law Clerks” November, 2020
Featured Speaker: Palm Beach Startup Week 2019, “5 Legal Things Every Business Owners Needs to Know.” June, 2019
Key Note Speaker: PT Now Annual Physical Therapist Conference, Cancun, Mexico. “Legal Points Every Franchisee Should Know.” June, 2019
Featured Speaker: Guayaquil, Ecuador. “Business Law in the U.S.” May, 2019
Featured Speaker: Bogota, Colombia. “Doing Business in Miami.” May, 2019
CLE Lecture: “New and Emerging Topics in Employment Law.” May, 2019
CLE Lecture: “New DOL Guidance on Tip Credit.” May, 2019
CLE Lecture: “Corporations v. Partnerships Top Tax Pitfalls to Avoid.” March, 2019
CLE Lecture: “LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, New Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.” March, 2019
Featured Speaker: Medellin, Colombia. “Migracion, negocios y inversiones en Los Estados Unidos.” February, 2019
CLE Lecture: “Corporate Tax Planning and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.” December, 2018
Featured Speaker: Polanco, Mexico, D.F. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” October, 2018
CLE Lecture: “IRS Form 1099: New Requirements.” September, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Issues with Employment Status: Salary vs hourly, independent contractors vs employee, Non-competes and legal discrimination.” August, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil and Reverse Piercing Fundamentals (2018 Edition).” August, 2018
Featured Speaker in Panama City, Panama. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” July, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Law Firm Management: Different Types of Engagement Letters, Referral Fees, and Trust Accounting.” July, 2018
CLE Lecture: “The Intersection of Employment Law and Business Immigration.” July, 2018
CLE Lecture: “The New Tax Rules for Mergers and Acquisitions.” June, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Employment Law 101: Independent Contractors versus Employees; Hourly versus Salary; Restrictive Covenants and Discrimination.” June, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Piercing and Reverse Piercing the Corporate Veil 2018 Update.” May, 2018
Featured Speaker in Bogota, Colombia. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” April, 2018
CLE Lecture: “Law Firm Management – Engagement Letter Variations, Referral Fees, Trust Accounting, and Law Firm Financial Management”.
CLE Lecture: “Fundamentals of Form 1099: New Requirements!”
CLE Lecture: “Accounting 101 for Attorneys (2018 Edition).”
CLE Lecture: “Corporate Tax Planning and the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017”
CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil and Reverse Piercing Fundamentals.”
CLE Lecture: “Major Mistakes to Eliminate in Forming & Operating LLCs.”
CLE Lecture: “Accounting 102 for Lawyers.”
CLE Lecture: “EB-5 and Beyond: Counseling the Foreign Entrepreneur on Immigration, Business, Tax, & Legal Considerations.”
CLE Lecture: “Starting and Running a Small Law Firm.”
Featured Speaker at Universidad de La Sabana in Chia, Colombia and Club de Bridge in Bogota, Colombia. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” May, 2016
Panelist at 2016 American Immigration Lawyer Association’s Las Vegas Symposium on Law Firm Management. June, 2016
Featured Speaker at Jornadas Asia Pacifico Conference in Santiago, Chile. July, 2016
Featured Presenter at Microsoft Startup Institute, “5 Things Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know.” September, 2016
Featured Speaker at III Regenerative Medicine Symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “Tax Concerns and Foreign Nationals.” October, 2016
Featured Speaker at SCORE at Venture Café Miami. “5 Legal Issues for Every Startup.” January, 2017
Featured Speaker at Ibague, Colombia, Business and Immigration Law Conference. “Coming to, and Doing Business in the United States.” July, 2017
Featured Speaker at Impact Seminar for Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “The Entrepreneur Life Cycle.” July, 2017
Featured Speaker at American Immigration Lawyer Association’s Miami Roundtable: “Financial Bootcamp for Law Firm Owners and Immigration Attorneys.” August, 2017
Featured Speaker at OWIT, Organization of Women in International Trade: “Doing Business in the United States.” August, 2017
*Courses are available online through myLawCLE
On this episode, we’re going deep into the story behind RSH Legal, Iowa’s largest and most recognized personal injury and truck accident firm, with the firm’s majority owner, Tim Semelroth. Tim reveals the strategies that propelled his firm to state and national prominence and he did it without relying solely on flashy billboards or digital marketing.
In this insightful conversation, you’ll hear how Tim and his team built an unrivaled “one-stop shop” for injury and disability victims, strategically niching down both by practice area and geography. We’ll discuss what it really takes to build a referral engine that keeps your firm growing, why diversifying your caseload protects your cash flow, and how sticking close to your roots can be the best business decision you’ll ever make.
If you’re a law firm owner ready to level up your financial future, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can act on today. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, you’ll learn how to maximize profits with purpose, avoid the pitfalls of lifestyle creep, embrace new tools like AI, and keep your practice and your life aligned with what matters most.
Darren and Tim discuss:
Why specialization is the secret to predictable growth?
How Tim discovered his passion within truck accident law.
The real story behind profitability in PI law (and how to avoid cash flow rollercoasters).
How Tim avoided lifestyle creep and prioritized diligent savings.
AI tools and automations that would benefit your practice right now.
Tim Semelroth is a seasoned Iowa trial attorney known for his dedication to representing people harmed by negligence. With over 27 years of legal experience, he concentrates on serious injury cases, including trucking accidents, wrongful death, and car collisions. His commitment lies in helping everyday Iowans stand up to powerful insurance companies.
Tim began his academic path at Drake University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1994. He continued his education at the University of Iowa College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1997. His pursuit of legal excellence is reflected in his board certification in Trucking Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Tim chose to represent working people, not corporations or government agencies. His approach is shaped by his upbringing in a blue-collar family, giving him a strong sense of fairness and a drive to protect those without the means to fight back. He focuses on ensuring injured individuals are treated justly, especially in the face of complex legal systems and uncooperative insurers.
Tim is recognized as Iowa’s first and only truck accident lawyer to achieve board certification in his specialty. He also completed the Legacy Corporation Trucking Course for Legal Professionals, gaining hands-on training in handling truck crash cases. His expertise has made him a frequent speaker at legal seminars and conferences nationwide.
Tim has earned numerous honors, including the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition as a Super Lawyer by Great Plains Super Lawyers. He is a member of prestigious legal groups such as the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers, showing his continued commitment to legal excellence.
Tim Semelroth continues to be a trusted voice for clients during their most difficult times. His passion for justice and his skill in the courtroom make him a powerful advocate for those facing life-changing injuries or loss.
Law Office Affiliations
Trial Attorney, RSH Legal
Member, American College of Trial Lawyers
Member, Iowa Association for Justice
Member, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Member, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Licensed State
Iowa
Education
University of Iowa College of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
On this episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Chicago and Naples family law entrepreneur Russell Knight, a firm owner who’s not just survived but thrived in today’s competitive climate. Together, they tackle one of the profession’s most persistent pains: how to end cash flow headaches and create sustainable systems that keep your firm flush, your team supported, and your growth on track.
Think of this conversation as candid business therapy. You’ll hear the hard lessons Russell Knight learned on the way to boosting collections from 80% to 95% (and what truly made the difference), his rules for setting retainers, and why being firm on fees is a confidence builder not a turnoff. Whether you’re a solo star or scaling up, this episode is packed with clear, actionable advice you can use today.
Darren and Russell discuss:
Common cash flow pitfalls family law attorneys face.
Benefits of hiring virtual assistants to handle billings and collections.
The emotional difficulty of law firm owners directly asking clients for payments.
How Russell grew his business through content creation rather than ad spend.
Why discounting fees or competing on price is not advisable.
How to invest in team happiness for long term profitability.
Russell Knight is a dedicated divorce and family law attorney focused exclusively on resolving complex legal matters in Illinois. With an extensive portfolio of over 700 published articles on Illinois family law, he is widely regarded as a thought leader in the field of family law. His commitment to clarity and client advocacy sets him apart.
After earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2006, Russell began his legal career with a focus on family law. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Systems from Bradley University, which he received in 2000. He is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Florida.
Russell’s litigation skills are finely honed through advanced training from NITA’s deposition course, the National Family Law Trial Institute’s Kolodny Trial Skills Course, and an advanced cross-examination program. He is also a faculty member of the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the author of Chapter 3, “Obtaining Orders of Protection,” in the 2024 IICLE Family Law guide.
Throughout his career, Russell has helped countless clients navigate the emotional and legal complexities of divorce, child custody, and protective orders. His work has been cited by media outlets such as NBC News, Parents’ Magazine, and Newsweek. His ability to communicate complex legal principles in straightforward terms empowers clients to make informed decisions.
Known for his sharp strategy and strong courtroom presence, Russell Knight brings structure and predictability to the often-chaotic realm of family law. His fluency in English, French, and Spanish allows him to serve a diverse clientele with compassion and clarity. If you’re facing a divorce or family law issue, Russell offers experienced and personalized representation focused on achieving results.
What if the debt crushing your law firm isn’t a revenue problem but a cash flow problem. On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz dives into the real reason so many successful law firm owners find themselves drowning in debt.
Darren dives deep into practical advice, relatable stories (including a real-life seven-figure firm facing bankruptcy!), and a proven roadmap for debt destruction. You’ll get candid, straightforward tips to help you make smarter decisions and see your law firm thrive again.
Darren discusses:
How the Profit First system benefits law firm owners struggling with mounting debt.
Why you need to ditch your credit card and switch to a cash based system.
The importance of an expense audit.
How revenue often masks the debt problem.
Why your accounts receivable could be fueling your law firms debt.
How to effectively negotiate with vendors to save money.
Profit First is hailed as a brilliant cash management tool, splitting every dollar into accounts for profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses. On this episode, host Darren Wurz explains why too many law firm owners treat Profit First like a total business strategy rather than a behavioral tool. The result? Fake profit, growing debt, and a business running on fumes.
You’ll hear stories (like Sarah, whose “profit” hid a mountain of credit card debt), clear explanations of where Profit First goes wrong, and practical fixes that will help you avoid the pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting to use Profit First, or you’ve been following it for years, this episode will help you get real about your finances and build a system that truly works for your firm.
You know Profit First could transform your law firm’s finances but something keeps you from diving in. Maybe it feels too complicated. Maybe you’re stuck in old habits, or you’re just not convinced it’ll actually work for you. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Many ambitious law firm owners struggle to bridge the gap between knowing about better systems and actually putting them into practice.
This week on the podcast, Darren Wurz delivers the nudge you need to stop waiting and start building a more profitable practice. Darren uncovers the real reasons Profit First works and hint: it’s not about crunching numbers. It’s about how our brains work under stress, and how you can harness psychology to outsmart your worst financial habits.
Darren discusses:
How your spending habits may be sabotaging your firm’s growth
The behavioral psychology behind the Profit First System.
The powerful impact of setting up separate bank accounts for profit, taxes, and expenses.
How mental accounting makes saving effortless.
Nobel laureate Richard Thaler’s work on mental buckets.
Why people fear losses more than they value equivalent gains?
If you’re a law firm owner, chances are you’ve stared at your revenue numbers and wondered, “Why am I still stressed about cash flow even when business is booming?” Maybe you’re chasing top-line growth, hoping that more cases and bigger settlements will magically lead to personal wealth, ease, and a guilt-free mortgage payment. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: revenue isn’t profit. And if you want your firm to start serving your life not just your clients, it’s time for a fundamental shift.
This week on The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, Darren Wurz breaks down the game-changing “Profit First” system. He’s been using it for years and swears by how it delivers peace of mind, real bankable profits, and an end to that nagging, never-enough feeling so common in law firm life.
Darren discusses:
How to setup the Profit first system in your law firm.
Why profit matters more than revenue for law firms.
5 changes you should make to your cash flow to reduce stress and boost profits.
Why business should have an emergency fund.
Why you need to setup multiple dedicated bank accounts.
The potential consequences of not having a dedicated tax account.
On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, Darren Wurz tackles a topic law firm owners can’t afford to ignore: The hidden mental traps that silently sabotage your profits. Drawing from real-life business mistakes and the experience of advising multi-million dollar firms, Darren reveals how even thriving firms can struggle to generate real wealth. You’ll hear about the five most common psychological pitfalls and, more importantly, how to spot and sidestep them before they drain your cash flow.
