Tag: The Lawyer Millionaire

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
How to Scale Your Law Firm From 6 to 7 Figures (Ep. 66)

How to Scale Your Law Firm From 6 to 7 Figures (Ep. 66)

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The legal profession demands not just expertise but strategic acumen to navigate the journey from a six-figure practice to a seven-figure powerhouse. In Episode 66 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Davina Frederick, a seasoned attorney, author, and founder of “Wealthy Woman Lawyer.”

Her impressive trajectory from a career in marketing to owning and scaling successful law practices offers a wealth of insights for law firm owners poised for growth.

In this episode, Davina Frederick delves into the intricacies of scaling a law firm, offering a candid look at her path to success—from initiating a law firm during the foreclosure crisis to running a virtual practice focused on sustainable growth.

Her experience underscores the necessity of building a proficient team, implementing effective systems, and mastering financial management to achieve seven-figure results. Guided by our host Darren Wurz, the discussion translates these experiences into actionable strategies for our audience.

Davina discusses:

  • The importance of focusing on one big idea for monumental success.
  • How to transition from a doer to a leader and team cultivator.
  • How high-flying women can balance work and life as law firm owners.
  • How hiring, training, and retaining lawyers can transform your business.
  • The role of robust systems in streamlining operations and driving growth.
  • How to overcome common pitfalls like money management fears and perfectionism.


Resources:

 

Connect with Davina Frederick:

 

 

About our guest:

Davina Frederick is a Florida-licensed attorney, law firm growth strategist, and business coach for women law firm owners. Prior to starting her own law firm in 2007 and growing it successfully during the 2008 recession and its aftermath, she enjoyed a career as a professional services marketer.

In 2013, she founded D. Frederick Media and Marketing, LLC, with the goal of helping professional service business owners implement their marketing strategies.

However, she quickly discovered that most did not even have a strategy! It was then she began to work with her clients to develop strategic growth plans for their businesses and to coach them through the implementation of these plans, including how to market and sell, cultivate A+ teams, and set-up systems-driven businesses.

Since most of Davina’s clients were women law firm owners who wanted the inside-scoop on how Davina had successfully created and scaled her own law firm, she began to focus on serving just women law firm owner clients. In 2020, Davina rebranded her company to reflect this shift, creating Wealthy Woman Lawyer.®

Wealthy Woman Lawyer® assists women law firm owners in scaling their law firms into $1M+ wealth-generating businesses, without overwork or overwhelm.

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FEATURE
Master Your Firm’s Cash Flow with Accounting Best Practices (Ep. 63)

Master Your Firm’s Cash Flow with Accounting Best Practices (Ep. 63)

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Are you a law firm owner grappling with your firm’s financial planning and cash flow management? If so, this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast is tailor-made for you! In our latest episode, Darren Wurz sits down with Rachel Blackburn, an experienced CFO consultant, to discuss critical accounting practices that can transform your firm’s financial health.

Rachel discusses:

  • The significance of starting the year with strong financial processes and goal alignment
  • How consistent and accurate bookkeeping can prevent costly mistakes and ensure timely financial reporting.
  • How to streamline billing processes and reduce clerical errors with tools like Quickbooks.
  • The importance of proactive communication with CPAs for better tax planning and financial management.
  • The benefits of a fractional CFO for law firm owners.
  • Why you must do today’s work today when it comes to accounting?

 

Resources:

 

Connect with Rachel Blackburn:

About our guest:

Rachel Blackburn is a proven business leader with over 15 years of experience in developing and leading executive-level engagements, as well as building and managing high-functioning teams and practices.

Rachel possesses a deeply rooted passion for understanding the needs of business owners and identifying optimal strategies to support their goals in an ever-changing marketplace. Before joining TP4 Advisors, Rachel held senior management positions at Cincinnati-based companies, including TRAK Group and Titan Chair.

As the Business Development Executive, Rachel leads the organization in engaging with potential clients to understand how TP4 Advisors can best support their needs and develop financial foundations for sustainable business growth.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys outdoor activities, reading, biking, traveling, bonfires, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

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FEATURE
Turn Your Firms Podcast Into a Content Marketing Machine (Ep. 56)

Turn Your Firms Podcast Into a Content Marketing Machine (Ep. 56)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to elevate your client engagement and marketing strategy? Discover the untapped potential of podcasting in this riveting episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast

Host Darren Wurz delves deep with podcasting expert Robert Ingalls who shares his transformational journey from a litigating attorney to a podcasting pro.

Robert recounts his transition from an unfulfilling career in litigation to a thriving business in podcast production. Inspired by a book and a podcast, Robert shares how he started his own podcast and eventually began producing content for others. Both Darren and Robert emphasize the importance of delivering quick, valuable content that respects the listener’s time and tackles their pain points directly. They also explore the benefits of evergreen content, high-quality audio, and the incredible value of consistency in podcasting.

Robert discusses:

  • How his journey from litigation to podcasting can inspire you to pursue your own passions.
  • Affordable and effective microphone options to ensure top-notch audio quality.
  • How to turn listeners into clients and referrals.
  • How law firm owners can stand out with a podcast.
  • The importance of creating valuable content before making an ask.
  • How to create high quality content consistently to keep your audience engaged and build credibility.

 


Resources:

 

Connect with Ross Pitcoff:

About our guest:

Robert Ingalls is a recovering attorney, professional speaker, and the founder of LawPods, one of the first podcast production agencies for law firms. At LawPods, Robert and his team help some of the premier law firms in the world launch and grow branded podcasts that build relationships and drive revenue.

Robert’s path to Podcast Producer to the Am Law 100 was anything but direct. For years he battled anxiety from the pressure, long hours, and constant conflict of a litigation career. When he was finally ready to throw in the towel, he had no idea what to do next. With no business/marketing background and only a love for podcasts he discovered while creating a podcast for his law firm, Robert decided to see if lawyers would pay him to help them launch podcasts. With very few takers in the early days, Robert spent two years in a corporate banking gig, grinding nights and weekends to finally bring LawPods to life.

As a speaker, Robert frequently speaks on topics including Positioning Your Firm Podcast for Success, Prioritizing Mental Health, Entrepreneurship, and Law Office Technology. In his spare time, he enjoys teaching podcasting at community events, spending time with his wife and daughters, and skateboarding/snowboarding.

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FEATURE
From Mom to Legal Mogul: Vanessa Vasquez’s Journey (Ep. 49)

From Mom to Legal Mogul: Vanessa Vasquez’s Journey (Ep. 49)

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From Mom to Legal Mogul: Vanessa Vasquez’s Journey (Ep. 49)

Are you a law firm owner grappling with the nuances of managing your business’s financial health? In Episode 49 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, Host Darren Wurz sits down with Vanessa Vasquez, a legal entrepreneur who has built her family law firm from ground up as she articulates the transformative steps her firm took in revising their financial strategies.

Throughout the episode, Vanessa elucidates the intricacies of liquidity, cost management, and leveraging credit, painting a vivid picture of resilience and proactive planning.

As she dives into the significant issue of delineating personal from business finances, Vanessa not only recounts her own experiences but also provides vital counsel to budding law firm owners. Her mission to advocate for families through legal practice, while pursuing goals influenced by personal devotion and philanthropy, adds a layer of depth to the discussion on legal entrepreneurship.

Vanessa discusses:

  • Strategies for maintaining liquidity, managing labor costs, and leveraging credit to buffer against unexpected business scenarios.
  • Tips for hiring and outsourcing effectively as a means to increase productivity within your law firm.
  • The importance of cultivating a positive work culture and the unique benefits your firm can offer to support associates in achieving work-life balance.
  • The critical transition from reactive financial decisions based on bank balances to proactive cash flow and budget-driven management.
  • Methods for leveraging international talent to expand your firm’s expertise and services in the wake of a global, pandemic-induced talent pool shift.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Vanessa Vasquez:

About our guest:

Vanessa Vasquez de Lara, Esq. is one of the most sought after family law attorneys in Miami. As the founder and owner of the Vasquez de Lara Law Group, she has dedicated her life to helping families navigate the intricacies of the law by ensuring their rights are honored and upheld in family court.

During one of the most stressful times in a family’s life, Mrs. Vasquez de Lara is there to provide strength, understanding and unwavering support for her clients.

Mrs. Vasquez de Lara graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 2002. Shortly after starting her own law practice, she was named to the Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars in 2015.

Through hard work and determination, Mrs. Vasquez de Lara has been recognized as one of the elite family law attorneys in Miami being named to the “Super Lawyers List” starting in 2016 every year through present. This not only shows her level of commitment and consistency to the legal profession but also shows the esteem she is held in by her fellow attorneys in Florida.

Mrs. Vasquez de Lara is accomplished in the legal community as well as the business community.

As the current President of the Coral Gables Bar Association, she is able to help facilitate networking within the association and connect like-minded attorneys to one another.  As a change agent and leader in the community, she has a knack for bringing people together to make a positive impact on the community.

As an elected member of the Board of the Miami Dade County Bar Association, she supports key initiatives to promote and highlight all the great work the association does in the community as well as assist attorneys with programming and continuing education.

Her extensive networking and prominence in the legal field allows connections to other attorneys and legal professionals which enhance the firm’s ability to operate more than effectively when helping clients move their cases forward.

As an entrepreneur and businesswoman, Mrs. Vasquez de Lara is committed to helping other businesses in her local community. As a former board member of the Pinecrest Business Association, she has helped sponsor charitable events through the organization, has volunteered her time and has participated in community events to bring recognition and goodwill to the businesses in the community.

Mrs. Vasquez de Lara is also involved in charity work in her community. She started a non-profit organization called the Supreme Scholars Foundation in honor of her younger brother Ricardo “Ricky Supreme”  de Lara,  who was tragically lost to gun violence in 2020. The foundation regularly offers scholarships to deserving and hard-working high school or college students who are moving on in their studies into college, graduate school or vocational school.

The foundation has also partnered with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations of Miami to award high school seniors full 2-year scholarships to a Florida school with a Two-year Florida Prepaid College Plan.

Mrs. Vasquez de Lara has been featured multiple times on Univision’s Despierta America, the No. 1 national morning show on Spanish language television that’s been running for more than two decades.  Mrs. Vasquez de Lara has demonstrated her legal expertise on the show numerous times, and her passion for family law shines through in every appearance. Her ability to break down complex legal concepts in a way that is both simple to understand and accessible makes her the perfect “guest” family law expert on the show.

And despite the growth of the Vasquez de Lara Law Group and the many accolades that Mrs. Vasquez de Lara continues to receive, she has been able to maintain a family atmosphere in her law practice that one would be hard-pressed to find at any other law firm.

This is due to the fact that she personally reviews every case that her law firm handles, and credits her incredible staff, who are as friendly and down to earth as they are knowledgeable and professional.

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

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

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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.

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FEATURE
Personal Injury Funding Demystified with Laura Moore (Ep. 39)

Personal Injury Funding Demystified with Laura Moore (Ep. 39)

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As a law firm owner, you are intimately familiar with the tension between managing case expenses and maintaining positive cash flow. In Episode 39 of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, we dive into a solution that not only alleviates financial stress for your firm but also offers a lifeline to your clients who might feel overwhelmed by the cost of litigation.

Join us as we sit down with Laura Moore, a beacon of hope in the injury funding sphere, who brings a wealth of knowledge and an inspirational personal story to the table.

In this episode, host Darren Wurz talks to Laura Moore, the resourceful founder of Moore Injury Funding, who reveals how her innovative approach to funding is transforming the way law firms and injury plaintiffs weather the long and costly process of litigation. From the outset, Moore’s candid discussion about the realities and ethical considerations of case funding sets the stage for an enlightening conversation.

Laura discusses:

  • How to determine if an injured plaintiff is a suitable candidate for funding.
  • The advantages of non-recourse funding.
  • The average duration for settling personal injury cases.
  • Financing options for attorneys who want to expand their business operations.
  • The importance of medical funding for injured plaintiffs.
  • A real-life success story that illustrates the profound impact of timely funding.
  • The future of personal injury funding.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Laura Moore:

About our guest:

Laura Moore, the founder and CEO of Moore Injury Funding, brings a diverse background and a deep commitment to helping those in need. Originally from Kaunas, Lithuania, in North Europe, Laura pursued her education at prestigious institutions, including Vilnius University in Kaunas and the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, where she studied German Philology.

In 2001, she immigrated to the United States and embarked on a journey that would lead her to make a significant impact in the personal injury arena. Laura Moore has a Pre-Medical Science Degree from Georgia State University. She spent eleven years in the medical field in various medical settings, including the ER, surgical ICU, pharmacy, cardiology, operating rooms, preventative and sports medicine, family medicine, OBGYN, emergency care, podiatry, DME, and functional medicine.

Laura’s personal experience with a life-altering accident became the catalyst for starting Moore Injury Funding. Following a T-bone collision in December 2021, Laura underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, enduring numerous procedures and therapies to manage her injuries. Throughout her challenging recovery, she recognized the financial strain and emotional toll that individuals face during the litigation process. Determined to alleviate the burdens of injured individuals, Laura established Moore Injury Funding in June 2022.

With her educational background, extensive knowledge of personal injury cases, and profound compassion for those suffering from injuries, Laura provides nationwide Legal Funding services. Her goal is to offer financial relief to injured individuals, enabling them to meet their basic needs, receive necessary medical treatments, and sustain themselves during the litigation process until a fair settlement is reached. Laura’s personal journey fuels her dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of their own injury claims with compassion and support.

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FEATURE
From crisis to triumph with Jeff Grant (Ep. 37)

From crisis to triumph with Jeff Grant (Ep. 37)

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In this insightful episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, host Darren Wurz sits down with Jeff Grant, a remarkable figure in the legal field who has turned his tumultuous journey into a beacon of hope for others.

Beyond his personal struggles in the past- a past riddled with opioid addiction, financial turmoil, and professional misconduct, Jeff shares how he was able to launch a renewed law practice that’s not only thriving but helping individuals navigate the daunting waters of white-collar prosecution.

Jeff’s story is not just a testament to personal resilience; it’s an incredibly relevant narrative for law firm owners on structuring a business that aligns with their values and the modern world’s demands.

Jeff discusses:

  • His battle with addiction and its negative impact on his life.
  • His experience with the criminal justice system.
  • How to maintain financial integrity in the face of adversity.
  • Upcoming plans with AI technology, implementing live chat on his website and pushing the boundaries of client accessibility and support.
  • How he restarted his law firm with a renewed sense of purpose.
  • His dedication to helping people with white-collar legal issues without overcharging by providing valuable resources through his ministry.


Resources:

Connect with Darren Wurz:

Connect with Jeff Grant:

 

 

About our guest:

Jeff Grant is on a mission. After a hiatus from practicing law, Jeff has founded the law firm of GrantLaw, PLLC, is once again in private practice in New York City and is committed to using his legal expertise and life experience to benefit others.

GrantLaw, PLLC, is a new type of law firm providing private general counsel services to clients facing, who have previously faced, or who could possibly be facing white collar prosecutions and/or regulatory proceedings, and their companies and families. In this role, Jeff and his team assist clients in making critical and timely business and family decisions, and in executing on them, so that they have the best chance to come out the other side with lives of purpose, meaning and success.

He also provides a broad range of legal services, all in a highly attentive, personalized manner. These include private general counsel, white collar crisis management, strategy and team building, services to family-owned and closely-held businesses, and support to special situation and pro bono clients. He practices in New York and on authorized Federal matters, and works with local co-counsel and criminal defense counsel to represent clients throughout country.

For more than 20 years, Jeff served as managing attorney of a 20+ employee law firm headquartered in New York City and then Westchester County, New York. The firm’s practice areas included representing family-owned and closely-held businesses and their owners, business and real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and litigation. Jeff also served as outside general counsel to large family-owned real estate equities and management and brokerage organizations.

Jeff is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, and in the Federal District Courts for the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Guiding people forward in their lives

After an addiction to prescription opioids and serving almost 14 months in Federal prison (2006 – 07) for a white collar crime he committed in 2001, Jeff started his own reentry. He earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, majoring in Social Ethics. After graduating, Jeff was called to serve at an inner city church in Bridgeport, CT as Associate Minister and Director of Prison Ministries. He then co-founded Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc. (Greenwich, CT), the world’s first ministry devoted to serving the white collar justice community. On August 10, 2023, Jeff celebrated 21 years of sobriety.

An ordained minister, Jeff has more than three decades of experience in crisis management, business, law, reentry, recovery (clean & sober 20+ years), plus executive and religious leadership. He works frequently with people prosecuted for white collar crimes (and their families) who want to emerge from isolation and join a supportive community. In this role he helps them navigate their journey through the criminal justice system to new, ethical, productive, joyful lives on the other side of their issues.

Sometimes referred to in the press as “The Minister to Hedge Funders,” Jeff regularly uses his experience and background to guide people forward in their lives, relationships, careers, and business opportunities – and help them avoid making the kinds of decisions that resulted in loss, suffering, and shame.

Service and more service

A verified Psychology Today professional, he also serves on the ministry team at St. Joseph Mission Church (Cliffside Park, NJ) and as Chaplain to the Woodbury Fire Department (Woodbury, CT).

From 2016 – 2019, Jeff served as Executive Director of Family ReEntry, Inc. (Bridgeport, CT), a 100+ person criminal justice organization with offices and programs in eight Connecticut cities. Jeff is the first person in the United States formerly incarcerated for a white collar crime to be appointed Executive Director of a major criminal justice nonprofit.

Jeff has served on numerous criminal justice-related Boards. They include the Legal Action Center (New York, NY), Co-Chair, American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Reentry & Collateral Consequences Committee, (Washington, DC), American Bar Association Lawyers Assistance Programs Advisory Commission (Chicago, IL) , Co-Chair, Mayor’s Advisory Council on Reentry Affairs (Bridgeport, CT), Family ReEntry (Bridgeport, CT), Community Partners in Action (formerly the Connecticut Prison Association, Hartford, CT), and Healing Communities Network (New York, NY). He has also served on the Advisory Boards of Creative Projects Group (Los Angeles, CA) and Reentry Survivors (Bridgeport, CT).

Recognition and more recognition

Jeff was twice selected a Nantucket Project Scholar (2012, 2014) and was recognized by JustLeadershipUSA as one of 15 Inaugural National Leaders in Criminal Justice (2015). He was selected a Keepers of the Commons Fellow (2017) and a Keepers of the Commons Senior Fellow (2018). Jeff has been the recipient of the Elizabeth Bush Award for Volunteerism (2011), received the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative Advocate of the Year Award (2013, 2014, 2015), and was selected the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative Professional of the Year (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). He has also been recognized by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2017) and by the Connecticut NAACP (2017), and was selected a 2019 Collegeville Institute Writing Fellow.

A Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, Jeff is an in-demand keynote speaker, panelist, moderator, and guest preacher. Speaking venues include Main Stage Presenter at The Nantucket Project (Nantucket, MA), American Bar Association Criminal Justice Conference (Washington, DC), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Webinar (December 2022), the Greenwich Leadership Forum (Greenwich, CT), the Corrections Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) Correctional Ministry Summit (Wheaton College, IL and Philadelphia, PA), Delaware Trust Conference (Wilmington, DE), Salons at Stowe – Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (Hartford, CT), Community Health Network of Connecticut Social Determinants of Health Summit (Wallingford, CT), The Neighborhood Project (Greenwich, CT), U.S. Small Business Administration Conference (Fairfield, CT), Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (NY, NY), Yale Divinity School (New Haven, CT).

Jeff has also spoken at many universities, colleges, and religious institutions across the country. For information or to book Jeff to speak, guest preach, or for a panel or other presentation, please see his e-speakers profile here.

Magazines, radio, television, podcasts, books

Jeff has authored, been the subject of, or been prominently mentioned in many national and regional publications. They include The New Yorker (Aug. 2021), Entrepreneur (Sept. 2021 & Apr. 2020), Bloomberg Law (Oct. 2021), Wells Street with CNBC’s Jane Wells (Oct. 2021), Reuters (May 2021), American Bar Association Criminal Justice Magazine (Spring 2021), Business Insider (July 2021), Forbes (July 2020), Philadelphia Inquirer (Oct. 2020), Vanity Fair (Aug. 2019), Greenwich Magazine (Mar. 2018), Law360, Inc., Medium, The Huffington Post, Absolute Return/HedgeFund Intelligence, Institutional Investor, CFO Dive, New York Magazine, Real Men Real Faith Magazine (cover story), Fairfield County Business Journal, Nonprofit Quarterly, Reentry Central, The Vision (the newspaper of the United Methodist Church NY Conference), Weston Magazine Group, Weston Forum, Hartford Courant, New Haven Register, New Haven Independent, Inner City News, Connecticut Post, Greenwich Sentinel, Greenwich Time, Greenwich Free Press, The Hour and others. Jeff authored a chapter in the book, Suicide and Its Impact on the Criminal Justice System (2021), served on the Editorial Board of the book The Justice Imperative: How Hyper-Incarceration has Hijacked the American Dream (2014), and was prominently mentioned/quoted in the books Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury (2021), Trusted White Collar Offenders: Global Case Studies of Crime Convenience (2021) and the Teal Book of Wisdom (2022).

He has been featured or interviewed on many radio shows, televisions segments and podcasts. They include the Rich Roll Podcast (# 644 November 2021, #440 May 2019), The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber (May 2021), The Sydcast (October 2021), Newsy (October 2021), Business Talk with Jim Campbell (June 2021), Tha Yard Hangout (June 2021), the Colin McEnroe Show on WNPR (October 2019), The Same 24 Hours podcast with Meredith Atwood (March 2020), the Fraud Stories podcast (September 2020), the Taxgirl Podcast (July 2020), Landmark Recovery Radio (November 2020), Clara CFO podcast with Hanna Smolinski (January 2021), and Founders Focus podcast with Scott Case (April 2021), among others.

Jeff is also editor of the important, widely-read website and blog prisonist.org, for which he authors, edits, and curates content around national and international criminal justice advocacy/ministry issues. He also co-hosts the Criminal Justice Insider podcast, hosts the White Collar Week podcast, and leads a weekly online confidential White Collar Support Group (the first in the country). The group, which has had more than 650 participants, held its 350th weekly online meeting in March 2023.

 

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FEATURE
Cracking the Code to Social Media Success for Law Firm Owners with Ryan Stygar (Ep. 34)

Cracking the Code to Social Media Success for Law Firm Owners with Ryan Stygar (Ep. 34)

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Are you a law firm owner looking to harness social media to achieve financial success and build a thriving practice? Then Episode 34 of The Lawyer Millionaire podcast is a must-listen.

Host Darren Wurz is joined by Guest Ryan Stygar, founder of Centurion Trial Attorneys and social media maverick as he delves into his career transformation from aspiring firefighter to trailblazing attorney.

Ryan sheds light on how he creates attention-grabbing content, how his firm quickly gained a strong following on social media and how to deal with haters.

Ryan discusses:

  • How being authentic builds trust and increases engagement with your content thus fostering client loyalty.
  • How to find out what kind of content catches traction
  • The importance of creating a high volume of content such as short 2-minutes videos
  • The benefits of positioning yourself as an industry expert
  • How to effectively manage fluctuations in income
  • How he manages client inquiries with Lead Docket.

Resources:


Connect with Darren Wurz:


Connect with Ryan Stygar:

 

About our guest:

Ryan Stygar grew up in San Diego, California. He spent several years as a firefighter for San Diego County and Cal Fire.

​While not fighting fires, Ryan was a desert-rescue specialist in the Ocotillo Wells State Park area. During his time as a firefighter, Ryan responded to everything from massive flames to complex rescues for trauma patients.

​After four years of service, Ryan left the fire department to earn a law degree. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law.

​Since then, Ryan founded Centurion Trial Attorneys, a California-based employment litigation firm. Ryan has also devoted much of his time to writing.
His nonfiction focuses on helping lawyers and law students develop trial skills.

​Today, Ryan is recognized as a leading voice in the field of Labor & Employment law. He has gained a massive following on TikTok as @AttorneyRyan aka “The Labor Lawyer.” Through his videos, Ryan empowers employees and small businesses by educating them about the law and worker’s rights.

Ryan is passionate about promoting education. That is why he started the Young Visionary Project, a nonprofit committed to empowering young people and building strong communities.

​His young-readers’ series, the Snot Rocket Adventures, has inspired young scientists, leaders, and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Snot Rocket uses hilarity, outlandish villains, and wild action to teach readers about math, science, and history.

​Ryan currently lives in San Diego where he is an active member of the legal, literary, and political community.

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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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