Tag: Podcast

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

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

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.

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)

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.

Unlocking the Power of Delegation for Law Firm Success with Dan Warburton (Ep. 40)

Unlocking the Power of Delegation for Law Firm Success with Dan Warburton (Ep. 40)

Are you a law firm owner buried in administrative tasks, leaving little time for your true passion for practicing law? It’s time to change the narrative and steer your firm toward greater profits and personal freedom.

In today’s episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, Guest expert Dan Warburton, a seasoned leadership coach, joins host Darren Wurz to explore the critical importance of delegation as a strategic tool for the modern legal practitioner.

Dan’s transformative strategies, explores how proper delegation transcends merely offloading tasks but can serve as a pathway to elevating your firm’s profits and team morale.

Dan discusses:

  • Why no leader is ever a true leader without a loyal team.
  • Empowering staff to take responsibility.
  • The fastest way to break down team members loyalty.
  • The critical role of mentorship in reducing staff turnover and increasing profitability.
  • How to make clear requests without manipulating people or using scare tactics.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Dan Warburton:

About our guest:

Dan Warburton helps Law Firm Partners & CEOs increase their profit and reduce their workload

Dan Warburton a well travelled British entrepreneur is someone who has always had a great ambition to create, live and share an extraordinary lifestyle yet he spent a major part of his life dealing with sadness, anxiety and frustration.

The cause of his deep dissatisfaction was a feeling of not fitting in at school and college, failing to succeed in numerous business ventures and not being able to make his father proud. From his mid-twenties and throughout his thirties Dan became ever more determined to discover why he found himself to continually fail in creating even one satisfying business and so turned to self-reflection and development for the answer.

Initially, Warburton read hundreds of books about leadership and success all in an attempt to find that missing key to breaking through and begin succeeding as a business owner. He implemented what he learned from books such as The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Losing My Virginity by Sir Richard Branson, The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior By Dan Milman and A New Earth By Eckhart Tolle, The 4 Hour Work Week By Timothy Ferris and The Richest Man in Babylon By George Clason.

Along with reading such literature Dan also spent time learning to meditate with Buddhist monks, he practised Thai Chi for years and was awarded a Thai Chi Master certificate, he also practised Yoga under great teachers in India and in the Himalayas. All of this was again to enhance his abilities in creating and living the greatest lifestyle an entrepreneur possibly can.

While reading and carrying out such practices Dan also completed nearly two-hundred courses in self-development that covered ontology (the study of being), leadership skills and self-transformation which is now his primary expertise.

Warburton gained great insights as to how he’d been subconsciously dominated by ways of thinking that no longer served him. These where totally life-transforming insights for Dan. After further years of studying self-transformation, Dan is now able clearly to guide others to implement the self-transformational methods that he’s discovered to have greatly elevated his lifestyle as an entrepreneur.

Dan now has numerous testimonials online from entrepreneurs stating that the quality of their life has dramatically elevated from receiving Dan’s coaching and thus he is now seen as the pioneer of transformational coaching and is often invited to speak at large events around the world about what transformation makes possible for those who truly want to succeed.

What makes Dan happier than anything is coaching entrepreneurs, seeing them impact humanity in a great way and in the process create and live their dream lifestyle.

From his own lives journey and from now having coached over one thousand entrepreneurs, in his books, the author Dan Warburton reveals his greatest insights about what it takes to succeed in an extraordinary way as an entrepreneur both in business and in dream lifestyle creation.

Sales-Free Selling for Law Firm Owners: Secrets to Business Success (Ep. 25)

Sales-Free Selling for Law Firm Owners: Secrets to Business Success (Ep. 25)

Are you a law firm owner looking to enhance your business development skills and build lasting client relationships? Embracing the art of ‘sales-free selling’ might be the secret weapon.

Join Darren Wurz as he chats with Steve Fretzin, a renowned author, podcast host, and advisor to lawyers. Get ready to discover proven methods and practical advice to revolutionize your law firm’s marketing efforts. In this power-packed episode, Steve unveils the essence of his ‘sales free selling’ technique, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationship-building over traditional hard sales. Through real-world examples and practical tips, he highlights the importance of developing soft skills, leveraging existing relationships, and adapting to the evolving legal industry. 

Throughout this episode, Darren and Steve discuss:

  • Unleashing the power of sales-free selling: Growing your law firm without feeling salesy by developing genuine relationships and focusing on client needs. 
  • Mastering the Art of Relationship Building: Techniques to strengthen rapport and trust through effective communication and understanding different personality types. 
  • Embracing Intentional Marketing: Insights into strategic marketing, time management, and business development to maximize your law firm’s growth potential. 
  • Navigating the Zoom World: Practical advice on optimizing virtual meetings, making eye contact, and preparing for successful Zoom interactions in the digital era. 
  • Adapting to the Changing Legal Landscape: Current challenges in the legal industry, new marketing platforms, and setting yourself apart from the competition. 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

About Steve Fretzin:

Steve Fretzin is the “business development therapist” for lawyers. He teaches everything you never learned in law school.  As a bestselling author of three books on legal business development, Steve offers modern-day coaching, offering fresh ideas, precise tips, and actionable tasks that get results. He’s not just any coach; he’s the voice behind the “BE THAT LAWYER” podcast and a recognized figure in media, with features in the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, and Entrepreneur.com, and appearances on NBC News and WGN Radio. Steve also contributes regularly to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and to prominent platforms like Attorney at Law magazine, the National Law Review, the American Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association.

7 Common Money Mistakes For Attorneys and Law Firm Owners to Avoid (Ep. 15)

7 Common Money Mistakes For Attorneys and Law Firm Owners to Avoid (Ep. 15)

One of the most important things you can do to ensure a secure financial future is to take proactive steps now to manage your finances. This involves making smart choices in the present that will set you up for long-term success and avoiding financial mistakes that can set you back. 

In this episode, Darren uncovers the most common mistakes attorneys can make that may negatively impact their retirement plans. He also discusses potential roadblocks and the steps you can take to avoid them.

Darren discusses:

  • Savings strategies when you own your own business 
  • What living too large looks like based on your personal circumstances
  • Making sure you don’t miss out on potential tax savings 
  • How to balance paying down debt and investing for your retirement 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

What’s A Law Firm Worth? With Serena Amlie, CFA (Ep.13)

What’s A Law Firm Worth? With Serena Amlie, CFA (Ep.13)

There are any number of reasons to determine the value of your firm, especially if you are planning to sell your practice. But how do you do that? 

In this episode, Darren Wurz talks with Serena Amlie, CFA, a manager at ComStock Advisors, about the process of performing a valuation for a law firm. She also explains what you can do to improve the value of your business to sell it for top dollar.

Serena discusses:

  • Two reasons why law firms get a valuation done 
  • Ways a law firm valuation is different from other businesses
  • Two different methods she typically uses to evaluate the law firm
  • Ways to improve the value of your law practice ahead of sale
  • And more

Connect With Darren Wurz:

Connect With Serena Amile:

About Our Guest:

Serena is a Senior Associate in ComStock Advisors’ Cincinnati office and has performed hundreds of valuations of businesses ranging in size from under $1.0 million in revenues to over $0.5 billion. She assists business owners in determining the value of their company for purposes including succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, employee stock ownership plan implementation and annual updates, estate and gift tax, shareholder disputes, divorce litigation, corporate planning, and appraisal reviews. Highlights of Serena’s valuation industry experience include manufacturing, marketing and branding, architecture and engineering, food and beverage, and construction. Serena is a Chartered Financial Analyst ® and a member of the ESOP Association, the American Society of Appraisers, and the Covington Business Council. She teaches a monthly financial literacy course to high school students at Covington Classical Academy. Serena earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Xavier University.

Law Firm Succession With Thomas Cuni (Ep.12)

Law Firm Succession With Thomas Cuni (Ep.12)

As a business owner, growing your law firm is one of your priorities. However, what happens when you’re ready to retire or sell your business, do you have a succession plan?

In this episode, Darren Wurz talks with Thomas Cuni from Cuni, Ferguson & LeVay Co., L.P.A. He discusses the importance of having a succession plan and why money isn’t everything when it comes to lawyers deciding when the right time to retire is. 

Thomas discusses:

  • The importance of having a succession plan in place
  • Why most firms might not survive after their founder leaves the business
  • How retirement planning and succession planning go hand in hand
  • Why selling your practice isn’t a retirement plan
  • And more

Connect With Darren Wurz:

Connect With Thomas Cuni:

About Our Guest:

Thomas L. Cuni earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. He was one of the founding partners of Cuni, Ferguson & Levay Co., LPA, where he currently serves as of counsel. His primary focus throughout most of his career has been the representation of small businesses, especially the formation of companies and purchase and sale of businesses. He has organized several hundred business entities and represented clients in the purchase and sale of more than 200 significant commercial real estate holdings. These skills and experiences led to his current work—helping law firm owners develop succession plans and successfully sell their practices.

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle During The Holidays With Jerry Scarlato (Ep.11)

Maintaining A Healthy Lifestyle During The Holidays With Jerry Scarlato (Ep.11)

Attorneys and law firm owners are already busy as it is. Now, throw in gift shopping, holiday parties, and time away from work and this time of year can really be very stressful. How do you manage stress and stay healthy during the holidays?

In this episode, Darren Wurz talks with Jerry Scarlato, owner of Thriveology, and fitness coach. He will offer tips for staying healthy during the holidays and explain how shifting your perspective on what a healthy lifestyle looks like can help you live a happy life.

Jerry discusses:

  • How shifting your mindset around exercise can increase your productivity
  • Some tips on how to stay active on your laziest days
  • How to stay on track with your lifestyle when going to holiday parties 
  • The importance of balance
  • And more

Connect With Darren Wurz:

Connect With Jerry Scarlato:

About Our Guest:

Jerry Scarlato is an Entrepreneur, Fitness Coach, Performance Advisor, author, speaker, foodie and book lover. His passion is helping people become the best version of themselves through fitness and lifestyle development. As a coach and advisor, he has spent the last 10+ years honing my skills on what it takes to create lasting change in my clients. Because if you’re not able to make fitness or nutrition stick, the rest of it doesn’t matter. As an entrepreneur, Jerry has been a part of a wonderful team that has grown Thriveology at a rate of 20% a year since its inception in 2014. Time flies when you’re having fun! As an author, speaker and corporate presenter, he has educated people on the importance of developing sustainable habits to fit their life. Jerry has also advised groups and individuals on a corporate level to help maximize their performance and become as productive as possible via better health and vitality. 

Investing In Your Future (Ep.10)

Investing In Your Future (Ep.10)

A little self-care can go a long way. This may include taking some personal time, eating better, and getting regular exercise. But it should also mean investment planning for your future.

In this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire, Darren Wurz shares how four investment groups thrive in different environments and how your returns are a function of your risk tolerance.

Darren discusses:

  • The concept of compound growth
  • Why it’s a mistake to dip into your retirement funds
  • The four major groups of investing asset classes and when to use them
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With Darren Wurz:

Starting Your Own Practice with Russell Kohn (Ep.8)

Starting Your Own Practice with Russell Kohn (Ep.8)

Starting an individual practice in law is not an easy step. But will you let that stop you from starting your own business?

In this episode, Darren Wurz talks with Russell Kohn, a personal injury attorney and owner of Kohn Law Office. Russell shares some insights on how he started his practice, turned it into something profitable and built a successful career.

Russell discusses:

  • What encouraged him to initially practice law
  • What inspired him to go out on his own
  • His biggest fears when he was transitioning into a solo practice
  • What marketing strategies are working for him
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Russell Kohn:

About Our Guest:

As the founder of the Kohn Law Office, Attorney Kohn has limited his practice to representing injured victims in car accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability matters since 1987. Mr. Kohn is a lawyer for people, and does not represent businesses, corporations or insurance companies.

He enjoys the personal and professional satisfactions that come from helping injured people obtain full and fair compensation. He is a lawyer who empathizes with his clients, and takes the time to understand the unique effects of the injuries to the specific lifestyle of each client.

As an attorney for people, Mr. Kohn is attentive and responsive to his clients. Each client’s case is personally handled by him, rather than by paralegals or office staff. He believes that a successful resolution of a case is only achieved if the client is satisfied with the result. He also believes that a satisfied client is one who is fully informed about the applicable law, facts, and available options. For this reason, Mr. Kohn is always accessible to his clients by phone and office visits. He is trustworthy, experienced, and aggressive.