A Different Practice

Hosted by ADifferentPractice.com

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114

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Jun 2025

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About the show

How do I build a solo law practice that doesn’t lead to burnout? How do I break free of the traditional, one-size-fits-all idea of being a lawyer? How do I create a sustainable, fulfilling, and profitable practice? If you’re ready to free yourself of the legal profession’s antiquated approach and build a better solo practice, this podcast is for you. A Different Practice is a business and well-being podcast for solo and semi-solo attorneys looking for actionable strategies to earn more and work less. It's hosted by Lauren Lester, an active solo attorney in Colorado. adifferentpractice.substack.com

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60 recent

June 26, 202538 min

Creating a Subscription Service: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In this bonus episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I dive into one of the most talked-about topics in modern legal services—subscription models.Mathew walked me through how subscriptions can be structured for different practice areas, including estate planning, and offered tons of practical insight on what makes a legal subscription model work. We talked about how to define clear benefits (like annual meetings or quarterly check-ins), use tech to streamline the admin side, and even collaborate with financial planners to create more value for clients.I shared some of my own hesitations—like the potential manual workload of managing subscriptions and how it fits with my current fixed-fee model—but I’m staying open to experimenting with new approaches that could better serve both my clients and my business.If you’ve been curious about how to make subscriptions work in your law firm—or whether they’re right for you at all—this episode is a great place to start.---Want proven tips to help you build a thriving solo practice from someone who's tested them already? Subscribe to the Solo Success Lab and learn what really works in solo practice: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 19, 202531 min

Parenthood and Entrepreneurship: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In the eighteenth episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I got personal. We talked about what it’s really like to run a law firm and a household, especially as parents.We shared how we navigate the demands of our practices while being present for our families and the systems we've built to make it all work. For Mathew, entrepreneurship has meant the flexibility to take on more household duties and be there for his child in a way traditional legal roles didn’t allow. For me, it’s been about setting boundaries, streamlining tasks at home and at work, and defining what balance actually means for me.We also talked about the role of supportive partners and community—how having people around you who understand (and help) makes all the difference. And we wrapped it all up by asking a powerful question: What does “enough” look like for you? In terms of time, money, energy—what’s truly enough to feel fulfilled?If you’re building a life alongside your business, this episode is for you.P.S. Stay tuned—we’ve got a bonus episode coming soon about incorporating subscription models into your law practice!--Want proven tips to help you build a thriving solo practice from someone who's tested them already? Subscribe to the Solo Success Lab and learn what really works in solo practice: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 17, 2025Episode 8917 min

The 6-Step System for Guilt-Free Time Off

When was your last real vacation? Not a “replying to client emails under a beach umbrella” kind of break, but an actual, restorative, inbox-free escape. If that question makes your eye twitch, this episode is for you.I’m walking you through the exact 6-step system I use to plan and take real vacations as a solo attorney. You’ll learn how to protect your time off like it’s a court date, prep clients without guilt, set up a no-panic pre-vacation sprint, and come back without a mountain of chaos.Vacations aren’t reckless. They’re a strategy. Tune in and learn how to finally take the time you need without your practice falling apart.Listen Now!---Subscribe to The Solo Success LabSee the Show Notes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 12, 202531 min

SOPs: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In the seventeenth episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I talked all about one of the most underrated tools for solo and small firm success—standard operating procedures or SOPs.I’ll be honest: we both initially resisted creating SOPs. They can feel tedious and time-consuming when you’re just trying to keep up with your caseload. But we make the case for why SOPs are actually essential if you want to streamline your operations, build in automation, and reclaim your time.We shared the tools we use to document and implement our SOPs and how each one plays a different role in helping us stay organized and consistent. Mathew gave specific examples from his own practice, including client intake and refund processes, while I talked about how writing things down has helped me spot opportunities for automation I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.Whether it’s managing client work or the business side of your practice, having efficient systems in place is what allows you to serve well and protect your work-life balance. This episode is all about how to make that happen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 11, 2025Episode 888 min

What I Do When Someone Doesn’t Hire Me (and Why You Should Too)

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox for free at ⁠adifferentpractice.com/subscribe⁠. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 5, 202527 min

Outsourcing: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In the sixteenth episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I explored a big growth topic for solos and small firm owners—outsourcing.We talked about how to decide what to outsource, the benefits it can bring to your business (and your sanity), and the practical challenges that come with it. I shared my limited but strategic experience with outsourcing, including how I partnered with a contract attorney for contested cases to help avoid burnout from litigation. Mathew shared his more theoretical approach and future plans, from hiring legal externs to even considering acquiring a title company.We also discussed why having solid standard operating procedures (SOPs) is critical before you start delegating, and how outsourcing can actually improve your client experience when done right. Plus, if you’ve ever thought about one day selling your firm, this is the kind of groundwork that makes it possible.Throughout the conversation, we kept coming back to the same core idea: if you’re going to outsource, you have to maintain quality, ensure compliance, and leverage technology to keep things running smoothly.If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start outsourcing—or just want to be ready when that time comes—this episode will help you think through the decision strategically. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

June 4, 2025Episode 877 min

The Surprising Power of No-Agenda Checkins

June 3, 202536 min

86: Building a Law Practice That Supports Your Life with Gordon Firemark

What if your law practice could actually support the life you want instead of consuming it? In this episode, I sit down with Gordon Firemark—aka "The Podcast Lawyer"—who's proof that you can build a thriving solo practice without selling your soul to billable hours.Gordon shares how his background in theater and TV led him to carve out a unique niche in entertainment and media law, and why niching down isn't limiting—it's liberating. We dive deep into his approach to marketing through podcasting, blogging, and video content, and how giving away knowledge freely has become his most powerful client development strategy.But here's what really sets this conversation apart: Gordon's designed a practice that works for his life, not the other way around. His morning commute? One flight of stairs. His philosophy? "I have a law practice that supports my lifestyle, not a lifestyle supporting a law practice."We explore practical strategies for lawyers who want to break out of traditional marketing ruts, embrace new technologies without the tech overwhelm, and build genuine connections with potential clients. Plus, Gordon shares his biggest reframe on how to approach marketing your law firm.If you've ever felt like the cookie-cutter law practice advice doesn't fit who you are or what you want, this episode will feel like the permission slip you didn't know you needed. Listen Now!---Subscribe to The Solo Success LabSee the Show Notes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe

May 30, 20255 min

The Client Who Hired Me Because I DON’T Work on Fridays

May 29, 202533 min

Costs: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In the fifteenth episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I tackled a topic every solo and small firm owner should be thinking about—how to keep costs low without sacrificing quality.We shared the ways we’ve intentionally kept expenses down by handling things like bookkeeping, marketing, and client meetings ourselves, especially in the early stages. Doing this not only saves money but also lets us pass those savings on to our clients—something that can really set you apart in today’s market.We talked about some of our favorite affordable (and even free) tools, like Wave Accounting, and other digital solutions that help streamline operations without a hefty price tag. We also explored the pros and cons of running a fully virtual law firm, how to manage credit card processing fees, and why it’s so important to regularly review your expenses to make sure every dollar you spend is working for your business.At the end of the day, smart spending isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being strategic. And this episode is packed with ideas to help you do exactly that. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe