Are you a law firm owner feeling the itch to expand beyond your current practice? Maybe you’re envisioning a successful venture that’s both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. You’re not alone.
Many ambitious lawyers find themselves pondering what’s next after establishing a thriving law firm. On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we uncover the extraordinary journey of Christopher Small—a law firm owner who didn’t just stop at one successful business but saw an opportunity in an industry-wide problem and seized it.
Christopher discusses:
The brutal truth about running two businesses at once.
How he identified a critical need within the legal industry and seized the opportunity to launch Big Bird Accounting.
How to shift your mindset from being a great lawyer to a business leader.
Following your gut and the role of intuition when making hiring decisions.
How to run Linkedin ads effectively.
How to align business growth and personal fulfillment.
Christopher Small has one goal – to build the best accounting firm in the country. He knows great people and great processes are the key to great clients, and he’s dedicated to maximizing all three.
Licensed attorney since 2005.
Founded CMS Law Firm LLC in 2009, an estate and tax law firm.
Hey there, ambitious law firm owners! Ever feel like you’re working harder than ever but still not seeing the financial freedom you dream of? You’re not alone. Many attorneys believe that the key to financial success is simply making more money. But what if it’s more about how you manage your money? Imagine turning your law firm into a lucrative wealth-building asset without sacrificing your sanity.
In our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire, we sit down with Marco Brown, a successful law firm owner who turned a debt-laden practice into a financial powerhouse. Marco candidly shares how a life-changing panic attack in his shower led him to overhaul his approach to business and finances, ultimately achieving true independence.
Marco discusses:
How Marco tackled $450K of debt and built a thriving law firm.
How Dave Ramsey’s program provided him with a framework to solve his financial woes?
The transition from a lawyer to a business owner mindset, emphasizing the need to treat your law firm as a thriving business.
The hidden power of simplicity.
Why teachers are among the most common millionaires?
Insider tips on client acquisition and closing deals.
I still remember the day a good friend called and asked me to help her get divorced. Hers was a very difficult situation, and while I had never done a divorce before, I knew I needed to take her case.
The night before I met with her, I stayed up until 3 a.m. reading everything I could about family law. Whatever I read that night worked because we got a great result.
Honestly, I had never thought about being a divorce attorney before my friend’s case. After her case, however, I was hooked.
At this point, I have to back up for a moment. I grew up in a little village in Alaska (and by little I mean 85 people little). Kids from places like that don’t become successful lawyers. Thankfully, however, my parents expected big things of their boys. They expected us to be like our grandmother, who had a doctorate and was a special education professor. We were to be educated and serve our communities. That was our duty.
I had searched since I was young to fulfill that duty, and I had done okay at it. I served a mission for my church in Italy. I worked full-time with intellectually impaired individuals for years. I clerked for judges in the third district in Iowa after law school.
All of that was great, and I loved it. But it wasn’t until I helped my friend that I found what I had been looking for in the law. Helping families successfully transition during such a difficult period was necessary, fulfilling, and important work.
Since finishing my friend’s case, I have dedicated myself to becoming the best divorce and family law attorney possible and developing the best family law firm in Utah.
Outside Work
When I’m not working, I hang with my family. My beautiful wife, Demaree, has a doctorate in vocal performance. In other words, she sings opera (yeah, she’s the one everyone likes, and I’m the lawyer). My son is a ham who loves bowling and often refers to himself in the third-person.
I also read. A lot. Like geek amounts a lot. It’s usually about history, law, or business. I don’t read much fiction, but when I do I prefer Steinbeck and Kafka. (I already used the word “geek,” right?)
I cook too — Italian mostly, because it’s awesome. My favorite food is pizza. (Not Domino’s or Papa John’s; the real stuff you find on spaccanapoli in Naples.) Pizza is how we know God loves us.
And to keep weight off while I read and cook, I hike or lift weights.
When possible, we vacation as a family in Europe. There’s nothing quite like walking the old streets, smelling the pastries, visiting the museums, and soaking in the amazing cultures.
Thank you so much for letting me introduce myself. I hope our website and our firm provide you the knowledge and service you need to be successful.
Areas of Practice
Divorce/Family Law
Litigation Percentage
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
Utah, 2010
New Mexico, 2008
U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2008
U.S. District Court District of New Mexico, 2008
U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit, 2008
Education
University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: The Decisions and Its, N.M. Bar Bulletin,, Mar. 1, at 9., 2010
Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges, A Book Review by Marco, N.M. Bar Bulletin, Sept. 22, at 10., 2008
Honors and Awards
Utah’s Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year, 2015
Professional Associations and Memberships
Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Utah State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
New Mexico Bar Association
Pro Bono Activities
Chair of Davis County Domestic Violence Coalition, 2012 – 2013
As a law firm owner, you understand the immense responsibilities and challenges that accompany your profession. Building a successful practice takes time, dedication, and substantial investment. However, in an increasingly litigious world, legal threats loom large, capable of undermining your achievements at any moment.
Wouldn’t it be prudent to ensure that your hard work and financial success are protected from unforeseen legal challenges? Our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast provides the answers you need.
In this episode, host Darren Wurz engages with esteemed asset protection attorney Blake Harris, who shares crucial insights into how offshore trusts can serve as a formidable defense mechanism for law firm owners. This podcast is essential listening for any legal professional serious about safeguarding their hard-earned wealth.
Blake discusses:
How offshore asset protection can apply to law firm owners?
How you can safeguard your hard-earned wealth?
The key steps involved in setting up an offshore trust.
The differences between protected and unprotected assets.
Historical background of offshore asset protection.
The benefits of using offshore jurisdictions like the Cook Islands.
His growth and success in the offshore asset protection industry.
Blake Harris is the founding principal at Blake Harris Law, where he assists clients throughout the world with Offshore Asset Protection. Having traveled to over 40 countries, Blake has built an extensive global network by meeting with trust companies, protectors, and bankers worldwide.
An accomplished author and international speaker, Blake has educated countless professionals through his continuing legal education lectures on asset protection and offshore planning. He has been quoted in numerous national publications, including Forbes, The Epoch Times, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, and MarketWatch. Beyond these accolades, Blake boasts a significant social media presence with hundreds of thousands of followers, further solidifying his influence in the field.
With a seasoned background in wealth management, Blake Harris previously worked with one of America’s premier wealth management firms, advising high and ultra-high-net-worth clients on strategies to safeguard their assets. His passion for helping families cultivate and preserve their legacy inspired him to establish Blake Harris Law, a firm deeply committed to providing tailored solutions and peace of mind for its clients.
Blake’s commitment to the field doesn’t stop at his firm. He has consistently been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine for the past 5 years and is an AV®️ Preeminent™️ Attorney.
A proud alumnus of the University of Florida, Blake obtained a degree in finance in 2007 and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010, a top-tier law school.
Blake is an active member of the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, the Florida Bar since 2010 (Florida Bar number: 86486), and the Colorado Bar since 2013 (Colorado Bar number: 45942). Blake resides in Miami Beach, in his limited free time, he enjoys traveling internationally, swimming in the ocean, and Muay Thai training.
For many law firm owners, the prospect of selling their practice—especially when they are the leading rainmaker—can be a daunting task. You’ve worked hard to build your firm and established a successful track record. But how do you ensure that it’s a thriving asset that can operate without your direct involvement? On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire podcast, host Darren Wurz and guest expert Ed Alexander offer insights into navigating the complexities of transitioning your law practice into a sellable venture.
Ed discusses:
Transitioning client relationships from yourself to your team is crucial.
Implementing systematic marketing processes can enhance your firm’s value.
The value of an email list.
The importance of giving yourself enough runway to prepare your firm for sale.
Why even solo practitioners can make their firms sellable with strategic changes.
Ed Alexander is an attorney, author, and founder/CEO of Alexander Business Law, PLLC in Orlando, Florida. Alexander Business Law helps their clients create greater autonomy and freedom with well thought out and profitable business relationships. Through education, advice, and guidance, their clients are able to enjoy their businesses and their lives.
Ed is admitted to practice law in Florida (1993) and New York (1994) and has been a business attorney since becoming a lawyer. He is the author of:
The Guide to Selling Your Florida Law Practice.
The Guide to Buying a Business.
The Guide to Partnerships and Partnership Agreements.
10 Common and Costly Business Killing Legal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. A Business Law Bible for Entrepreneurs.
The Florida Business Contracts Handbook.
Florida Business Entities Handbook.
Before becoming a lawyer, Ed held positions in the tech world with a pacemaker manufacturer, custom integrated circuit manufacturer, and laser barcode manufacturer, as a systems engineer and product marketing manager. He has been part of teams that designed software and hardware for the first generation of defibrillator pacemakers, and custom analog and digital integrated circuits used in automobiles and healthcare applications. In 1995, Ed was awarded U.S. Patent, No. 5,468,952, for a 1992 miniature laser scanner computer invention.
In 2015, Ed received the Partner Award from the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program for more than 15 years of service. In 2014, Ed received the Judge J.C. “Jake” Stone Distinguished Service Award for his pro bono work over the prior 18 years as a volunteer guardian ad-litem for abused and neglected children. In 2013, he was awarded the Small Business Development Center Regional Volunteer of the Year Award. Ed was the 2018 Chair of the Small Business Resource Network of the University of Central Florida Small Business Development Center and taught New Venture Finance as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida.
Ed loves outdoor activities and traveling with his wife of 38 years, Faith. Most weekends you’ll find him bicycling, kayaking, sailing, or hiking. Together, Ed and Faith live the mission they help create for others with frequent travel, vacations and time off from the law firm to spend with family.
Attention, law firm executives. If you find yourself caught in the relentless cycle of overwork without the anticipated growth and success, this episode of “The Lawyer Millionaire” is your call to action.
In a compelling dialogue, Darren Wurz leads a discussion with Dina Catalado on the importance of advancing beyond the old paradigms of extended work hours towards innovative mental frameworks that foster law firm success. Dina elaborates on the mindset changes that can significantly reduce stress and enhance work-life balance. Through personal experiences and tried methodologies, she emphasizes the effectiveness of meticulous time management and the art of setting clear boundaries with both clients and within personal routines.
Dina discusses:
Powerful mindset shifts that can transform your law firm and reclaim your life.
How using a simple calendar can be your secret weapon against stress and burnout.
Why setting boundaries with clients will earn you more respect.
How a mindful morning routine can supercharge your productivity.
Why just working harder isn’t the solution to changing your law firm.
Dina Cataldo is a leading legal industry expert, master certified coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast “Be a Better Lawyer.”
She helps lawyers take control of their lives and law practices by helping them remove obstacles to growth and create time freedom and peace. These skills allow lawyers to build their practices with more ease than they ever imagined possible.
Dina’s insights and advice have been featured on various prominent platforms. Through her coaching and speaking, Dina has positively impacted the lives of thousands of lawyers, helping them manage their time, overcome overwhelm, boost self-confidence, and find fulfillment in their legal careers.
Her empathetic and strategic approach has made her a sought-after coach among partners, solo practitioners, and boutique firm owners.
Dina Cataldo is a trailblazer in the legal industry, and she continues to inspire and empower big hearted female lawyers, to achieve professional success and personal fulfillment.
Hey Law Firm Owners! 🏛️ Are you ready to transform your law firm’s success into lasting financial freedom? Building wealth isn’t just about striking it rich—it’s about patience, smart planning, and seizing the right opportunities.
On our milestone 100th episode, Darren Wurz dives deep into the three essential principles of wealth-building: patience, survival, and opportunity. Through lessons drawn from Warren Buffett’s legendary journey and insights from Morgan Housel’s “The Psychology of Money,” Darren shows that you don’t need millions to start—you just need the right mindset and strategies. This episode is packed with valuable advice on how to start investing early, protect your earnings from unforeseen setbacks, and stay ready for those rare but transformative opportunities.
Darren discusses:
How starting early and consistent investing can accumulate significant wealth over time.
Discover why Warren Buffett credits his billions to the power of compounding, not secret strategies.
The power of small, consistent investments like $100 a month and how law firm owners can implement this concept into their financial planning strategies.
The critical distinction between getting wealthy and staying wealthy, and the strategies to protect your hard-earned money.
Insights into rare, high-impact “tail events” that can significantly influence your financial future.
Attention law firm owners: Are you constantly facing the pressure of making sound financial decisions as your practice grows? Ever wondered why even the smartest minds sometimes make poor financial choices? You’re not alone in grappling with these challenges. The latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast is here to provide you with critical insights. Host Darren Wurz explores the complexities of financial decisions, risk assessment, and understanding when enough is enough, drawing from Morgan Housel’s influential book, “The Psychology of Money.” This episode could very well be the key to transforming your financial strategy and ensuring the longevity and success of your practice.
Darren discusses:
Why smart people make dumb financial moves
How your unique experiences shape your financial decisions.
Why defining your financial ‘enough’ is crucial to avoid burnout and poor decisions?
The interplay of luck and risk in achieving success.
What Bill Gates & the 90s tech bubble teach us about money?
The importance of looking for broader patterns of success rather than focusing on outliers
Are you a law firm owner struggling to stand out in a crowded market? Do you find that, despite excellent service, potential clients just aren’t finding you? The solution may lie in mastering local SEO and leveraging online reviews.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a growing firm, understanding these digital marketing tools can supercharge your practice. Our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire dives deep into this topic with none other than SEO and digital marketing expert, Seth Price. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Seth discusses:
Why SEO isn’t dead?
How local SEO can become your secret weapon in attracting clients.
The evolution of SEO and its ROI.
Why local SEO might be more effective for a local law firm compared to a national strategy.
How AI tools like ChatGPT might affect future SEO strategies for law firms.
How each positive review can add up to $1,000 in revenue annually.
Practical strategies for gathering positive reviews and effectively handling negative ones.
Running a successful law firm requires more than just legal expertise; it demands strategic business acumen. Are you looking to scale your practice in a structured and sustainable way? On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz engages with Miriam Airington-Fisher, the accomplished founder of Arrington Law, to delve into the transformative impact of focusing on a niche market. Prepare to gain invaluable insights that can help you harness specialization for meaningful growth.
Miriam narrates her experience in specializing in immigration law, which predominantly serves Spanish-speaking clients from Central America and Mexico. Her journey underscores the effectiveness of targeted services in streamlining operations and enhancing client satisfaction.
Miriam shares the delegation exercise she adopted from the CRISP conference, which involves categorizing daily tasks to delegate less critical activities. She underscores the importance of making strategic initial hires, often in the form of support staff or 1099 employees, to heighten flexibility and efficiency.
Miriam discusses:
Why her firm specializes in Spanish speaking clients and immigration law.
A game changing task delegation exercise she learnt from the CRISP conference.
The benefits of hiring support staff and the flexibility of 1099 employees.
How niching down can streamline operations and boost efficiency.
On the latest episode of “The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast,” host Darren Wurz dives deep into the concept of ambitious goal setting and strategic planning. Drawing from personal experiences, client success stories, and his favorite book “10x is Easier Than 2x,” Darren explains how thinking big can revolutionize your law practice. With a focus on setting a lofty 10x revenue goal, breaking it down into manageable steps, and redefining your target market, this episode is a masterclass in vision-driven growth.
Darren discusses:
Why aiming for a 10x increase in revenue is not only feasible but easier than you think.
Understand how to convert your big vision into manageable, actionable steps.
Strategies to split your overarching goals into manageable three-year, one-year and quarterly targets.
Real-life examples of law firms that successfully implemented 10x thinking.
Learn the importance of innovation and strategic moves in achieving your growth targets.
