Tag: Succession Planning

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Mastering Financial Success for Law Firm Owners with Chelsea Williams (Ep. 27)

Mastering Financial Success for Law Firm Owners with Chelsea Williams (Ep. 27)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to achieve financial success and create a thriving practice? Look no further! 

In this episode, Darren Wurz and guest Chelsea Williams explore the unique challenges faced by law firm owners when it comes to financial success. They discuss the importance of assessing the current situation, and delving into team KPIs, marketing KPIs, and profitability KPIs. Chelsea shares insights on building a successful mindset, understanding human psychology and neurobiology, and decoding the numbers of your law firm to drive positive change. From creating effective cash management systems to strategic decision-making and scaling, this episode provides invaluable advice for law firm owners seeking financial mastery.

Throughout this eye-opening conversation, you will: 

  1. Learn how to bridge the gap between human behavior and financial management by decoding the numbers of your law firm.
  2. Discover the importance of financial literacy for lawyers and attorneys and the steps needed to overcome any barriers in understanding.
  3. Gain insights on the significance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics in monitoring your law firm’s growth and profitability.
  4. Understand the art of balancing business investments and personal wealth creation, as well as the role of mental well-being in achieving financial success.
  5. Uncover effective cash management systems and strategies tailored specifically for law firm owners, such as the Profit First system.

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Chelsea Williams:

About our guest:

With over a decade of experience helping business owners understand their numbers, Chelsea has the knowledge to not just get your financial house order but set it up for long-term sustainability at a healthy profit.

For the past 6 years, she has been focusing her zone of genius on law firms. Why law firms? It’s a pretty cool story you can check out here.

It’s about the day she met a local lawyer who changed her life and showed her exactly what she can help law business owners avoid. It’s why she does what she does with such conviction. Learn how to get a grip on the numbers so you can continue the journey with clarity.

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Rethinking the Business of Law: Unveiling the Secrets to Law Firm Success with James Crawford (Ep 26.)

Rethinking the Business of Law: Unveiling the Secrets to Law Firm Success with James Crawford (Ep 26.)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to take your practice to new heights? Struggling to strike a balance between the practice of law and the business side of things? Look no further! In this eye-opening episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with James Crawford, a highly successful lawyer, to discuss the untapped potential within the legal industry. Prepare to rethink how law firms function and unlock the keys to maximizing services for clients.

In this episode, James Crawford, our guest, dives headfirst into the perennial challenge of running a law firm while shedding light on the positive and negative aspects of the old partnership model. James challenges the conventional notions by advocating for a results-driven approach that merges the worlds of law and business seamlessly. From sales techniques to system creation, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for law firm owners aiming to scale their practice.

In this episode, James discusses: 

  1. The power of reframing legal services as a sale: Discover how viewing legal services as a sale instead of a mere consultation can enhance the client’s understanding of the resolution process, leading to better outcomes for both parties involved.
  2. The importance of the business side of law: Gain invaluable insights into striking a harmonious balance between the practice of law and financial considerations, ultimately driving success and growth for your law firm.
  3. Mastering cash flow management: Learn how to anticipate and understand cash flow on a weekly basis, a skill crucial for law firm owners aiming to expand their practice and hire more lawyers.
  4. Marketing techniques beyond personal injury law: Explore how innovative marketing strategies, including media outreach and sales conversations during consultations, can be applied to various areas of law, revolutionizing how law firms attract and retain clients.
  5. Unshackling limiting beliefs: Discover the path to rising above mediocrity and reaching your desired level of success—an inspiring journey that requires sincere self-reflection and a willingness to challenge your own beliefs.
  6. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s foremost trailblazers.

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with James Crawford:

About our guest:

After law school, Mr. Crawford immediately went into private practice in 1992 by opening a law office in Baltimore. At the time he was a young general practitioner who handled many different types of cases with a focus on criminal law. Gradually, over the years he established himself as a premier practitioner in the State of Maryland. In order to accomplish his mission of practicing law on an extremely high level, he realized that he must offer the type of services to the community that he would want if he needed legal representation himself. He gradually expanded the firm into the full-service law firm that exists today. Presently JC Law is viewed as a “go-to” firm for many Marylanders and businesses. With over seventeen lawyers and forty support staff, JC Law is well-equipped to take on any issue presented.

One of Mr. Crawford’s passions has always been politics. He comes from a family that believed service to the community and being involved in political life was a fundamental requirement as a productive member of society. Mr. Crawford’s political career ranges from being noted as one of the youngest elected officials in the State’s history to handling and running many state, local and judicial campaigns. Since entering private practice Mr. Crawford has handled many notable cases that appeared in the media. The type of clients he represents ranges from ordinary citizens to police officers, professional athletes, lawyers, doctors, politicians, and other persons of notoriety.

Jim is highly regarded by his clients, peers, and the judiciary. It is, without doubt, undisputed that to obtain a successful result you need a zealous and relentless trial lawyer. That’s Jim. He has also put his fingerprints on the firm as to how each lawyer represents their clients.

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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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Succession Planning Series, Part 5: Mastering Law Firm Mergers and Transitions with Margaret Burke (Ep. 24)

Succession Planning Series, Part 5: Mastering Law Firm Mergers and Transitions with Margaret Burke (Ep. 24)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to expand and take your firm to new heights? Or are you looking to merge with another firm as part of your retirement and succession plan?

In our latest episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we sit down with Margaret Burke – founder of MB Law Consulting – to uncover the secrets of a successful law firm merger. If you’re eager to learn how to navigate the integration process, establish and maintain relationships, and grow your client base, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Margaret Burke shares her expertise on law firm mergers and integration processes. She delves into the importance of practice theory and individual relationships, as well as the methods used to establish and maintain these relationships. From in-person meetings to PR marketing and business development, Margaret leaves no stone unturned when discussing the keys to a successful merger. She also emphasizes the value of communication in marketing and selling a law firm, as well as the challenges and strategies involved in integrating an acquired group into a new firm.

Margaret discusses:

  • The crucial role of relationships in the success of a law firm merger.
  • Practical methods to establish and maintain strong connections with acquired firms.
  • Key factors to consider during the integration process, such as technology, training, and culture.
  • Strategies to effectively communicate the benefits of a merger to clients.
  • Insights into selling a law firm and planning for succession.

 And more! 

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Margaret:

About our guest:

Margaret Burke, President, and Founder of MB Law, has decades of experience consulting with lawyers, Partners, and small to midsize law firms. She specializes in managing operations, finance, HR, IT, and business development to improve law firm operations, streamline processes and scale revenue. She has advised and led acquisitions, relocations, succession planning, restructuring and start-ups. Prior to MB Law, she helped launch and build a startup providing consulting services to law firms. She also served as CEO and member of the Executive Committee at a Boston-based law firm.  

Margaret earned her MBA at Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University. She is a CLM Certified Legal Manager, Yellow Belt Legal Lean Sigma, and Certified Professional Coach. She is the recipient of the Excellence in the Law in Firm Administration and Operations Honoree. She is a proud member of the ALA, Association of Legal Administrators, and a current member of the ALA’s Program’s Committee. Margaret is truly passionate about partnering with Law Firm leaders to help each practice achieve their goals. She loves a challenge and, as a lifelong learner, prioritizes her professional development to ensure she brings the best to her clients and their firms. When not working, she can be found cooking fun and funky vegan cuisine, mastering her latest kitchen gadget, taking a barre class, on a day trip or travelling internationally with her husband.

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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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Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners Series, Part 2 with Jeremy E. Poock, Esq. (Ep. 21)

Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners Series, Part 2 with Jeremy E. Poock, Esq. (Ep. 21)

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A law practice sale as part of your retirement plan is not only possible, it’s highly achievable, and there are several benefits that you might not know about… and we are here to show you how you can make it happen! 

In part two of the Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners mini-series, Darren Wurz speaks with Jeremy E. Poock, Esq., founder and president of Senior Attorney Match, focused on designing and implementing law firm sales for attorneys who have practiced for over 30 years. Jeremy also elaborates on his experience working with buyers and sellers and gives us some incredible tips on successful succession planning.

Darren discusses:

  • His story; entrepreneurship, the unspoken pressure to pursue law and finding his niche
  • Common obstacles to selling a practice and how you can overcome them 
  • How to structure the sale of your law firm and why selling to a growing practice makes a lot of sense 
  • Best and worst case scenarios for selling a law practice and the biggest mistake you’ll want to avoid
  • Current trends in the law firm sales market 
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Jeremy:

About our guest:

Jeremy E. Poock, Esq. is the founder and President of Senior Attorney Match, Inc., which designs and implements law firm sales for attorneys who have practiced for 30+ years.

Jeremy founded Senior Attorney Match in 2013, having practiced as a Massachusetts business law attorney since 2000 with a focus on representing buyers and sellers in the sales of small Businesses.

Recognizing a market need for Senior Attorneys to sell their well-established law practices and the constant need for Growing Law Firms to generate new clients and referral sources, Jeremy founded Senior Attorney Match to address both of those needs.

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Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners Series, Part 1 (Ep. 20)

Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners Series, Part 1 (Ep. 20)

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Why do law firm owners need a succession plan? What makes succession planning difficult? Can I really sell my law firm? How much is it worth? What does a succession plan look like? How is selling a law firm different from selling other businesses? 

In this episode, part 1 of a mini-series on Succession Planning for Law Firm Owners, Darren Wurz answers these questions and more! Over the next several episodes, Darren and his guests will highlight the importance of succession planning for law firm owners and provide solutions to common challenges that prevent you from planning for the next phase of your career.

Darren discusses:

  • Biggest barriers to succession planning
  • How to align succession planning with your personal life goals
  • Options for exiting your law firm (internal transition, apprenticeship, merger, and more)
  • Tips for a smooth transition of leadership and ownership
  • And more

Connect with Darren Wurz:

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Law Firm Succession With Thomas Cuni (Ep.12)

Law Firm Succession With Thomas Cuni (Ep.12)

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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.

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