Tag: Financial Independence

Retirement for Law Firm Owners Pt 3: Prepare for Exit Now (Ep. 71)

Retirement for Law Firm Owners Pt 3: Prepare for Exit Now (Ep. 71)

As a law firm owner, are you prepared for the inevitable exit from your practice? Whether retirement is on your immediate horizon or decades away, strategic exit planning is not a future consideration but a present imperative.

In this critical discussion, we delve into why planning your exit now is indispensable to maximize the value and profitability of your law firm.

On the latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz concludes a pivotal three-part series on retirement strategies for law firm owners.

Darren emphasizes that exit planning is an integral part of good business strategy, regardless of your age or retirement timeline. This episode underscores the necessity of contingency planning and the benefits of creating a transition-ready law firm.

Darren discusses:

  • The importance of succession planning, regardless of your age.
  • The three core areas of exit planning.
  • How making your law firm transition ready can increase its worth and profitability.
  • Practical steps you can apply to de-risk your firm, improve operational efficiency, and foster a culture of growth.
  • How to structure your retirement, safeguard your financial future, and find purposeful activities post-business life.

Resources:

 

Retirement for Law Firm Owners Pt 1: Closing the Wealth Gap (Ep. 69)

Retirement for Law Firm Owners Pt 1: Closing the Wealth Gap (Ep. 69)

Have you ever wondered if you are financially prepared for retirement or if you’re just hoping for the best? As a law firm owner, the difference between financial freedom and endless work hours hinges on a crucial concept – your wealth gap.

In this solo episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz guides you through understanding and closing your wealth gap, specifically tailored for law firm owners.

Darren discusses:

  • The wealth gap and why it is critical for your financial strategy.
  • The importance of tracking your expenses to gauge your current standard of living.
  • How to differentiate between traditional retirement and financial freedom.
  • How to calculate your wealth gap.
  • The differences between your income gap and wealth gap and how to address each of them.
  • How to transform your law practice into a major financial asset.


Resources:

Secrets for LinkedIn Success in 2024 for Lawyers (Ep. 67)

Secrets for LinkedIn Success in 2024 for Lawyers (Ep. 67)

In the digital age, LinkedIn isn’t just a networking platform; it’s a gateway to new opportunities and connections. Success on LinkedIn doesn’t come from simply having a profile; it comes from making the most of every pixel and feature. For ambitious law firm owners, optimizing LinkedIn can translate to business growth and professional acclaim.

In our latest episode of “The Lawyer Millionaire,” we bring you Marc Halpert, LinkedIn specialist and business growth guru, who shares his top strategies to elevate your LinkedIn presence in 2024.

Marc discusses:

  • Strategies for consistently creating high-quality posts on LinkedIn.
  • The critical components of an impeccable LinkedIn profile, from eye-catching visuals to a compelling “About” section.
  • Practical tips on crafting posts that inspire action, without over-relying on superficial engagement tactics like emojis.
  • How to create a compelling “About” section.
  • The nuances of using client and colleague reviews ethically on LinkedIn, and why it’s crucial for compliance.
  • How to create a powerful first impression that significantly attracts potential clients.

 


Resources:

 

Connect with Marc Halpert:

About our guest:

Marc W. Halpert is a self-described “multi-preneur.” Since leaving the corporate finance world in 2001, Marc has started 3 companies, all of which he still operates.

Two of those companies offer specialized, paperless electronic payment services to optimize cash flow of by speeding of payments, to:

  • retailers, small- and medium-sized businesses (Your Best Interest LLC)
  • nonprofit organizations, professional and membership groups (e-giving).

In 2010 he started his third company, connect2collaborate, to spread his LinkedIn and networking evangelism to train and coach others. In all his LinkedIn training and coaching, he offers professionals the opportunity to better explain their brand and positioning on their LinkedIn profile pages: who they really are and why them vs. the competition.

As a LinkedIn trainer, Marc has been recognized as a high-energy speaker at national and regional conferences and instructor to sales/marketing and HR/training departments at large and small professional service firms and businesses.

He is one of a handful of “evangelists” recognized by LinkedIn nationwide to train nonprofits to cultivate their talent pool, volunteer, board member and donor development opportunities.

His specialty in customized personal coaching has helped individuals in all walks of life and industries to use LinkedIn to better achieve their professional goals.

Marc has authored numerous articles on innovations using the latest LinkedIn techniques for self-branding in national publications, both in paper and online. He serves as a subject matter expert for the business, technology and social media press. He is a frequent contributor to inc.com and has been heard frequently on WCBS Newsradio 880 AM giving LinkedIn advice on their business reports. He blogs every business day with a LinkedIn Nugget.

In April 2021 the second edition of his book published by the American Bar Association “LinkedIn Marketing Techniques for Law and Professional Practices was released.

A perfect gift: “I wanted to let you know that my son was very happy to get your book on LinkedIn for attorneys for Christmas!”

In June 2018, he self-published the only book on the market specifically aimed at teaching LinkedIn concepts to nonprofit professionals, “You, Us, Them: LinkedIn Marketing Concepts for Nonprofit Professional Who Really Want to Make a Difference,” available on Amazon and Kindle. This book has an online course as a companion, available at https://connect2collaborate.wordpress.com/nonprofitcourse/.

Estate Planning as a Subscription Service: Rethinking Legal Fees (Ep. 65)

Estate Planning as a Subscription Service: Rethinking Legal Fees (Ep. 65)

Are you a law firm owner aiming to build a fortune that lasts generations? If so, our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast is a must-listen!

In Episode 65, Host Darren Wurz welcomes Bobby Sawyer, a seasoned estate planning attorney, to explore innovative strategies for securing generational wealth.

Together, they delve into innovative approaches to estate planning, including the novel concept of a subscription-based model designed to adapt to your evolving life circumstances.

Bobby discusses:

  • The essential documents involved in Estate planning.
  • The innovative Forever Estate Plan and its benefits.
  • Why you need to select a competent trustee.
  • How to safeguard your assets from increasing tax liabilities.
  • Key considerations for succession planning in law firms.
  • Essential estate planning tools for law firm owners.


Resources:

 

Connect with Robert (Bobby) Sawyer:

About our guest:

Attorney Robert Sawyer, known as Bobby, is a highly skilled attorney focusing on estate planning, business law, and helping families continue their legacies. With experience representing individuals, companies, and local governments, Bobby is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions to his clients.

Before embarking on his legal career, Bobby served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he held the position of combat engineer platoon leader and executive officer. During his service Bobby was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal.

Bobby graduated from Auburn University in 2001, obtaining a BS degree in Education. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for law and achieved remarkable success. Bobby graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Charlotte School of Law in 2011 and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in August of the same year. Subsequently, he obtained admission to the South Carolina Bar in February 2012.

In 2015, Bobby established Sawyer Law, a law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel and services to clients. Recognizing the value of collaboration, he later co-founded Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC in June 2016, further expanding his legal expertise.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Bobby cherishes spending quality time with his family. He has his pilot’s license, loves to barbecue all sorts of meat and pork. He and his wife Katie, also an accomplished attorney serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Cleveland County, have been proud residents of Belmont, North Carolina since 2005. Together, they raise their three children.

With his diverse background, dedication, and commitment to his work, Bobby Sawyer is a trusted legal professional who continues to positively impact the lives of his clients and his community.

Grow Your Law Firm Through Add-On Services (Ep. 62)

Grow Your Law Firm Through Add-On Services (Ep. 62)

Are you ready to elevate your law firm to new heights by integrating innovative add-on services? In our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we sit down with Nellie Akalp, the entrepreneurial force behind Corpnet.com.

Nellie shares her entrepreneurial story, highlights the growth and evolution of Corpnet.com, and reveals how lawyers can leverage these services to attract clients early and ensure they receive the best possible advice. This episode is packed with actionable insights, real-life examples, and practical advice on making your law firm more dynamic and client-focused.

Nellie discusses:

  • How passion drives success in business and in life.
  • How offering business startup, compliance, and tax registration services can prevent common client mistakes and add significant value to your practice
  • Corpnet’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service, responsiveness, and real-time access to information.
  • Partnership opportunities with Corpnet that can expand your service offerings, whether through reselling products or acting as referral partners
  • The future of legal services and how Corpnet aims to continue supporting law firms with comprehensive business solutions.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Nellie Akalp:

About our guest:

Nellie Akalp is a passionate entrepreneur, recognized business expert and mother of four. She is the CEO of CorpNet.com, the smartest way to start a business, register for payroll taxes, and maintain business compliance across the United States.

Loved by entrepreneurs, accountants and lawyers, CorpNet offers transparent pricing, a simple ordering process, and quickly scalable software and API solutions.

Achieving True Wealth with Rho Thomas (Ep. 57)

Achieving True Wealth with Rho Thomas (Ep. 57)

In today’s high-stakes legal world, finding the time and energy to manage your finances can feel overwhelming. But what if reclaiming control over your money could grant you the freedom and flexibility you’ve always dreamed of?

In this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with financial counselor Rho Thomas to explore actionable insights designed to help law firm owners like you achieve true wealth.

Rho discusses:

  • The art of proactive budgeting.
  • How she overcame her student loan debts.
  • The inherent dangers of the good debt vs bad debt dichotomy.
  • How inflation influences the cost of living.
  • Why it is important to celebrate little victories.
  • How to balance financial health with quality of life


Resources:

 

Connect with Rho Thomas:

About our guest:

Rho Thomas is a former Biglaw associate who knows what it’s like to make a lot of money and still feel broke.

She also knows what it’s like to want to make a change in your life and feel constrained by your financial situation.

Her mission is to help you master your money so you can create freedom and choice in your life.

She helps lawyers master their personal finances to create freedom and choice in their lives.

She also hosts the Wealthyesque podcast where she shares strategies each week for lawyers to improve their money mindset and manage their money to achieve true wealth

Time is our most limited resource. Money is a tool you can use to literally buy back your time.

She can teach you how to manage your mindset and money to improve your finances and start building wealth. Let’s talk about how we can work together.

Scaling Smart: Ross Pitcoff’s Law Firm Growth Journey (Ep. 54)

Scaling Smart: Ross Pitcoff’s Law Firm Growth Journey (Ep. 54)

In the fiercely competitive legal landscape, achieving breakthrough success requires more than just legal expertise—it demands astute business acumen and strategic foresight.

Join us in this insightful episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, where Ross Pitcoff, a seasoned attorney and law firm owner, unveils the core strategies that helped catapult his practice to the forefront of the industry.

Ross delves into the significance of precisely identifying and understanding your client base, the intricacies of financial management within a law firm, and the transformative impact of targeted digital marketing strategies.

Ross discusses:

  • How to identify and target your ideal clients.
  • How he uses Linkedin to build brand awareness and attract clients.
  • Practical steps to boost your firm’s finances.
  • The key reason most lawyers lack business acumen.
  • The evolution of legal professionals in the digital age.
  • How to hire the right team members to support law firm operations.

 


Resources:

 

 

Connect with Ross Pitcoff:

 

About our guest:

Ross Pitcoff is the Managing Partner & Founder of Pitcoff Law Group, PC (formally known as: Ross Pitcoff Law), a New York City business law firm with a principal office located on Park Avenue.

Mr. Pitcoff is a highly skilled commercial & business litigator, specializing in cases involving business divorce, partnership disputes, contractual breaches, fraud, and alternative dispute resolution. Known for his fierce oral advocacy skills and unique ability to simplify factually complex legal scenarios, Mr. Pitcoff is a powerful advocate for his clients both inside and outside the courtroom.

Having been admitted to practice in the Southern and Eastern districts of New York, Mr. Pitcoff demonstrates his versatile legal skills and ability to effectively navigate complex legal landscapes. He obtained his law degree from the prestigious Fordham University School of Law in 2010, further enhancing his deep knowledge and understanding of the law.

As the Managing Partner of Pitcoff Law Group, Mr. Pitcoff has spearheaded the Firm’s recent tremendous growth, earning the Firm the prestigious “Law Firm 500” award in 2023 while officially ranking as the 11th fastest-growing small law firm in the country. This notable achievement is a testament to Mr. Pitcoff’s exceptional leadership, commitment to excellence, and passion for delivering exceptional legal services to his clients.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Pitcoff is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing his insights and expertise on topics related to commercial business practices and alternative dispute resolution. His ability to provide strategic guidance and navigate complex legal challenges has earned him the trust and respect of his clients and peers alike.

Mr. Pitcoff’s areas of expertise extend beyond litigation. He and the Firm also act as trusted General Counsel to business owners, providing strategic guidance to businesses in matters such as entity structuring, operating and shareholder agreements, contractual negotiation and review, internal investigations, and overseeing acquisitions via asset sales or stock purchases. His comprehensive approach ensures his clients receive exemplary legal support and guidance tailored to their specific needs.

How We Serve Law Firm Owners as Chief Wealth Counsel (Ep. 52)

How We Serve Law Firm Owners as Chief Wealth Counsel (Ep. 52)

Are you a law firm owner tirelessly chiseling away at the bedrock of your practice, feeling the weight of financial complexity bearing down on you?

On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz explores the rugged terrain of wealth management and business expansion, Darren breaks down how meticulous financial planning is not just a service, but a transformative experience for your practice and personal prosperity.

Darren exposes the reality that many law firm owners face – a landscape riddled with financial convolutions and missed opportunities.

Darren provides a powerful in-depth analysis of how his role as a Chief Wealth Counsel can provide clarity and growth to both your personal finances and business endeavors.

Darren discusses:

  • The importance of demystifying your financial positions, both personal and business, to make informed decisions for your future.
  • How to utilize passive income streams that allow you to earn you while you sleep and diversify your earnings beyond billable hours.
  • Proactive tax planning and cash flow optimization to ensure every dollar is working its hardest for you.
  • How to transcend the traditional plateau of law practice growth, and build a roadmap toward selling your firm as a significant wealth asset.
  • The distinctive financial planning model Wurz financial services adopts, which contrasts sharply with generic advisors and offers a flat, transparent fee structure.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Innovate to Thrive: New Models in Legal Business with Allen Rodriguez (Ep. 51)

Innovate to Thrive: New Models in Legal Business with Allen Rodriguez (Ep. 51)

Are you tired of the traditional law firm model holding you back from true financial liberation?

In this eye-opening episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we dive deep with Allen Rodriguez, a visionary legal product development strategist, who shares groundbreaking strategies to transform your law firm into a well-oiled machine, generating wealth while increasing access to justice. Discover Allen’s insider insights on marrying cutting-edge technology with savvy business practices to catapult your firm’s efficiency and profitability.

Allen discusses:

  • How a subscription-based legal service can transform your firm’s revenue stream, ensuring predictable cash flow and deepened client relationships
  • Discover the power of treating legal services as products and how to employ AI and software tools for commoditized legal tasks to optimize your firm’s efficiency.
  • Be inspired by Allen’s mission to solve the ‘4 billion people’s access to justice problem’ and how innovations in the legal sector can contribute to a more just world.
  • How to offer additional services to divorced clients.
  • Learn the importance of providing strategic value over administrative tasks and how to shift towards lucrative pricing models that reward high-impact work.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Allen Rodriguez:

About our guest:

Allen Rodriguez is a national speaker, product development strategist and legal innovator who has been serving the legal industry for 19 years. Over the course of his career, Allen has built a reputation for creating innovative legal services products as well as developing highly effective law firm business models and marketing strategies. Allen is a valued speaker on the topics of legal services product development, design thinking in law and future of law issues. He has provided consulting and engineering services for such companies as McKinsey & Co., Fastcase, Gavelytics, LexisNexis, and Littler.

Prior to founding ONE400, Allen was the Director of Attorney Services at LegalZoom. While there, his work contributed to a substantial portion of overall revenue at the company and helped LegalZoom move from a provider of “do-it-yourself” legal services to a comprehensive legal solutions provider, incorporating attorney-fulfilled work across all U.S. jurisdictions. Allen’s immersion in the legal industry began running operations at the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service. While there, his marketing knowledge, operational developments, and leadership helped generate millions of dollars in revenue for the association.

Mastering Profit First: Transform Your Law Firm with RJon Robins (Ep. 50)

Mastering Profit First: Transform Your Law Firm with RJon Robins (Ep. 50)

In the competitive world of law, success is not solely measured by case wins, but also by the financial strength and stability of your practice. The latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast offers a rigorous exploration of the tenets of financial acumen in the legal profession.

Host Darren Wurz engages with esteemed guest RJon Robins in a deep dive into the critical application of the “profit first” approach and the moral obligations law firm owners face in maintaining financial probity. With a focus on stability, sustainability, and ethical practice, this episode presents an analysis of financial strategies that align with the core values of justice and service inherent to the legal profession. Listeners will gain a wider understanding of the fiscal prudence required to navigate the future of law with confidence and clarity.

RJon discusses:

  • How the “profit first” system can revolutionize the financial health of your law firm.
  • Strategies for dealing with resistance from staff when implementing new financial systems.
  • The psychological and ethical implications of running a profitable practice for both clients and law firm teams.
  • How to stop the money leaks and transform your law firm finances today
  • The important truths most broke lawyers don’t like to hear
  • The essential financial tools included in his bonus package — bookkeeper assessment template, financial quiz, and more


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with RJon Robins:

About our guest:

RJon Robins is the one common denominator behind more multi-million-dollar law firms than anyone else on the planet. RJon believes in profit, and he detests loss.

Since he first reported for duty as a Small Law Firm Management Advisor with The Florida Bar’s Law Office Management Assistance Service (LOMAS) under the legendary J.R. Phelps (1999) and since founding How To Manage A Small Law Firm (2009) RJon and his team of wildly qualified law firm business management advisors have coached, counseled, advised, and kicked the butts of thousands of wildly successful small law firm owners. Yes, we know we used the word “wildly” twice in that sentence – what How to Manage a Small Law Firm does is that good.

The only three things that piss RJon off are:

  1. The Doctrine of Sacrifice
  2. People who would have you embrace The Doctrine of Sacrifice
  3. The BS those people often spew to try and convince you, as an entrepreneur that you should somehow take pride in how much you suffer but apologize for how much value you create for yourself and others.

Oh, and in case you’re impressed by this sort of thing RJon is a Member of The Florida Bar, he’s authorized to appear before The Southern District Federal Court, he’s a Member of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, his company How To Manage A Small Law Firm has been named by Inc Magazine as one of the 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the United States every year since 2015 and after 15 years of marriage his wife still thinks he’s funny.

Why Did RJon Write Profit First for Lawyers?

After working with thousands of law firm entrepreneurs for many years, RJon wanted to write a book dedicated to business owners who are committed to growing their law firm and living a better life. RJon has seen first-hand how “conventional wisdom” has led many entrepreneurs astray and wanted to share what he knows will help them turn their businesses around.

If entrepreneurs implement what’s explained in the book, their law firms WILL become more profitable and they WILL feel more satisfied.

But this book will probably piss them off too.

Why? Because when they discover the culprits who have been keeping them separated from their profits… It will probably piss them off. One day they will wake up and be pretty pissed about all the bad advice they’ve been given.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are ready to take the next step and experience even MORE personal and professional growth, then you may be ready to become a member of How to Manage a Small Law Firm.

If you already know an HTM Member, GOOD. Now you need the courage to begin your journey “through the looking glass.”

Don’t know an HTM Member?

Several of our Members volunteer each quarter to “pay it forward” and have a conversation with potential new members about what it’s really like to work with How To Manage. Based on that conversation, they’ll send you a referral to have a formal consultation with someone from our New Member Engagement group.

If our team believes we can help you achieve your goals they’ll recommend the next-best step for you. Fill out the “I’m Interested in Joining HTM” form and you’ll be introduced to one of our members.