Tag: Retirement Planning

FEATURE
Scaling Your Law Firm Nationally with Eddie Dabdoub (Ep. 72)

Scaling Your Law Firm Nationally with Eddie Dabdoub (Ep. 72)

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For law firm owners aspiring to elevate their practice from local prominence to national dominance, our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast offers a treasure trove of strategic insights. We sat down with Eddie Dabdoub, the visionary founder of Dabdoub Law Firm, to uncover the secrets behind scaling your practice on a national level.

Eddie’s journey from a small firm lawyer to a national player in disability insurance law is rich with insights, strategies, and actionable advice that will inspire and guide your path to expansion.

Eddie discusses:

  • How to establish a niche within the overcrowded legal market to stand out against large firms with extensive marketing resources.
  • The importance of bringing marketing and IT infrastructure in-house for better control and efficiency in a larger operation.
  • Creating a strategic growth plan with clear benchmarks for five-year, one-year, and quarterly goals to guide your expansion journey.
  • How to build a talented team, implement incentive programs, and transition from micro-management to trusting your processes and people.
  • Understanding the tangible assets of your firm, such as cash flow and processes, and how they contribute to the overall value and potential sale of your firm.

 


Resources:

 

Connect with Edward Dabdoub:

 

 

About our guest:

EDWARD DABDOUB

Founding Attorney

Dabdoub Law Firm is led by nationally-known disability lawyer Edward Dabdoub.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, he is one of five attorneys in his immediate family. Since becoming a lawyer, he has focused his law practice on representing people who are entitled to disability benefits from insurance companies.

Why Disability Law?

Eddie’s passion for helping people with disability insurance claims started when he was in law school.

As a law student, Eddie helped a man suffering from chronic pain get back his long term disability benefits after his insurance company wrongly terminated payments, even though he was still disabled. After handling that case, he decided to dedicate his legal career to holding disability insurance companies accountable, and he built the Dabdoub Law Firm for that purpose.

About His Practice

Eddie represents clients at all stages of disability insurance claims. He has extensive knowledge of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) since many of his clients’ long term disability cases are governed by the federal statute.

With such a focus on disability insurance, Dabdoub Law Firm has successfully taken on the toughest opponents and have won major disability lawsuits. Big disability lawsuit wins include:

– Ashmore v. NFL Disability Plan, in which the firm represented a former NFL player who was denied benefits.

– Bradshaw v. Reliance Standard Insurance, where Eddie successfully argued to a federal court of appeal that pregnancy is not a preexisting condition that caused a stroke.

– Kaviani v. Reliance Standard Life Ins. Co., in which Eddie successfully showed that Dr. Kaviani’s evidence of disability far outweighed Reliance Standard’s evidence for no disability.

– Kaviani Win in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, after Eddie won the lawsuit for a dentist with disabling cervicalgia, Reliance appealed the case. The firm won the appeal and Reliance was ordered to pay our client long-term disability benefits.

– Millis v. Ameritas, where Eddie fought against Ameritas and their specialty own-occupation disability insurance policies for his client who was a liver transplant surgeon in Illinois.

– Gimeno Win in the United States Court of Appeals, after our client lost in district court, Eddie took the case up on appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court upheld our client’s right to equitable relief under ERISA.

Eddie has experience litigating disability cases in federal and state courts against all major disability insurance companies, including:

  • Aetna
  • UNUM
  • Hartford
  • CIGNA / LINA
  • Mass Mutual
  • Liberty Life
  • Met Life
  • Lincoln Financial
  • Prudential

Hear Eddie argue convincingly to a panel of federal judges that his client’s disability due to a stroke is not a preexisting condition caused by her pregnancy.

Speaker, Lecturer & Author

Attorney Dabdoub has participated as a guest speaker at law conferences both on local and national stages, discussing disability insurance benefits and ERISA for legal organizations such as the American Association for Justice and the Florida Association for Justice.

He has also authored articles on disability insurance and advises other lawyers on disability insurance and ERISA matters.

Education & Background

Eddie graduated with cum laude honors from the University of Miami School of Law. While at law school, he was the recipient of the Ambassador Sue Cobb Scholarship.

Before attending law school, he graduated at the top of his class from Florida International University, earning a Masters in Business Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Miami.

Awards

  • Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in Insurance Law, 2022
  • Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, 2021
  • Selected to Super Lawyers list, 2019 – 2023
  • Clients’ Choice Award – Avvo, 2015 – 2021
  • Selected to Rising Stars list, 2014 – 2017
  • “Top Attorney” – Avvo

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FEATURE
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)

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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:

 

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

James discusses:

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

 


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with James Grant:

About our guest:

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

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

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

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

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

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FEATURE
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)

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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.

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FEATURE
Succession Planning Series, Part 4: Creating a Pathway to Partnership with Camille Stell (Ep. 23)

Succession Planning Series, Part 4: Creating a Pathway to Partnership with Camille Stell (Ep. 23)

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As a law firm owner, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to the success of your practice. In a rapidly changing legal landscape, embracing modern technology, addressing succession planning, and creating clear pathways to partnership are essential to attracting the next generation of lawyers. In this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, join host Darren Wurz and guest Camille Stell as they dive into the importance of time and billing software, navigating partnership transitions, and creating a forward-thinking law firm. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a thriving and sustainable practice.

In this captivating episode, Darren Wurz engages Camille Stell in a thought-provoking discussion on modernizing law firms and ensuring a prosperous future. From harnessing the full potential of time and billing software to strategically planning for partnership transitions, Camille offers valuable insights and actionable strategies.

Key takeaways from this episode:

  1. Discover the negative impact of inefficient time and billing practices and embrace the potential of software solutions.
  2. Understand the vital importance of creating a clear path to partnership for your associates, attracting the next generation of lawyers to your firm.
  3. Navigate the complexities of succession planning, including the challenges of unexpected disruptions and the advantage of exploring multiple options.
  4. Learn how to elegantly approach conversations about firm ownership, nurturing an environment that aligns with the aspirations of your associates.
  5. Embrace the power of modernization by investing in technology, engaging your team in the decision-making process, and making your law firm more attractive to potential successors.

Are you a law firm owner seeking ways to modernize and ensure long-term success? Don’t miss out on this insightful episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast. Tune in now to gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies that will help you navigate the complexities of time and billing software utilization, partnership pathways, and seamless succession planning. Your firm’s future is within reach. Listen today!

Remember, the key to a thriving law practice lies in adapting to change, embracing technology, and actively planning for the future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the secrets to running a successful law firm. Listen to the episode now and take your firm to new heights.

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Camille Stell:

About our Camille:

What does it take to create a first-of-its-kind consulting company that helps law firms evolve and thrive? For Camille Stell, it took years of helping lawyers navigate the most difficult challenges of their professional lives.

Camille is the founder, president and CEO of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services. She is a nationally recognized speaker, writer and thought leader on building modern law firms, succession planning, and Life After Law. She counsels law firms on next-level solutions, and she coaches individual lawyers on real-time problems.

After graduating from Meredith College and its paralegal program, Camille worked at top law firms in North Carolina and managed Client Services for the state’s largest legal malpractice insurance provider. She has chaired the Law Practice Management Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Legal Marketing Association Raleigh City Group. She has served on the North Carolina State Bar Committee to Study Regulatory Reform, the Duke Law Tech Lab Advisory Group, and the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center Advisory Board.

Camille is a Fellow in the College of Law Practice Management. She was honored by the Triangle Business Journal with its 2016 “Women in Business” award and by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in its 2011 inaugural class of “Leaders in the Law.” In the process of winning these and many other accolades, Camille gained a unique perspective into why some lawyers thrive while others merely survive. She discovered that successful careers don’t just happen. They have to be created. A happy, fulfilling Life After Law doesn’t simply materialize from thin air. It has to be designed. Learn more at www.lawyersmutualconsulting.com

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