Hot Docket Podcast – Biweekly Bites of Law firm Marketing by MeanPug

What’s the secret to building a strong referral-based law firm? How does a lawyer succeed in high-stakes litigation, like trucking cases? Let’s break it down…In this week’s Hot Docket, you’ll meet Michael Cowen, a renowned lawyer, author, and founding partner/specialist in trucking litigation at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock. He’s here to share invaluable tips on building a thriving referral-based practice, handling high-stakes trucking cases, and much more.Michael also discusses his popular book "Big Rig Justice: A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Value in Truck Accident Cases", offering valuable resources and advice for aspiring trial lawyers.From strategic marketing to effective negotiation tactics, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories that’ll highlight your own potential for growth and success.Tune in to explore the world of high-stakes litigation and attorney-to-attorney marketing with one of the industry's leading experts! Then, stick around for a game of “Sleazy or Not Sleazy” where Michael decides which legal advertising channels are sleazy or not.In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Michael:Top 3 ways to build a referral-based law practiceTips for enhancing law firm relationships and building a strong networkStrategies for high-stakes trucking and commercial policy cases (vs. typical PI cases)The nuances and potential pitfalls of attorney-to-attorney marketingHow to do lead generation, billboard advertising, and influencer marketing (without the sleaze)Negotiation Strategies: Understanding economic damages and potential jury reactions, leveraging the "piss off factor”Advice for new/aspiring lawyersKey Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners: Consistency in Deals and Communication: Maintain consistent referral terms and keep open communication to build trust and encourage ongoing referrals.Client Satisfaction for Future Referrals: Prioritize exceptional client service to foster a strong referral base and enhance your reputation.Respectful Treatment of Referring Lawyers: Treat referring lawyers with respect to strengthen professional relationships and attract new opportunities.Targeted Outreach and Educational Initiatives: Host seminars and workshops to build your network, showcase expertise, and create value for peers.Utilizing Technology for Relationship Management: Leverage tools like Filevine to track interactions and ensure effective communication with referral partners.Important Links and Resources:Website: https://michaelrcowen.comBook: https://www.trialguides.com/products/big-rig-justiceLinkedIn: /in/michaelcowenTrial Lawyer Nation Podcast: https://triallawyernation.comOther: Filevine, Legal BI, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, Lanier Trial Academy, Gerry Spence MethodThe Best Flip Chart, “King Flip Chart”CVN Discovery: Fried Goldberg Attorneys Break Down the Closings That Won Their Big VerdictsRunning With the BullsIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

In this week’s Hot Docket, we have a legendary guest! Meet Terry Crouppen, Founding Partner at Brown & Crouppen, a renowned personal injury law firm based in St Louis, Missouri. Alongside his son Andy and partner Ed Herman, Terry has completely reshaped the firm’s approach to advertising, pioneering internet campaigns and ensuring brand consistency across platforms. Not to mention, he and his team have secured 7 Emmy awards for their YouTube channel, BCTV.Today, we’re breaking down the strategies he’s used to build a strong personal injury brand and maintain unbreakable brand recognition. Terry sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of pioneering legal advertising following the historic Bates decision, battling opposition from the legal bar association, and ultimately revolutionizing their approach to client service and community engagement.Tune in for priceless insights on building a top personal injury brand and the journey that took Terry from a public defender in St. Louis to the forefront of legal advertising and brand success.If you’re passionate about personal injury law, brand building, or authentic community service, this episode is a goldmine of tips, tricks, and inspiration.Plus, you’ll hear about Terry’s hilarious YouTube series, "Three Lawyers Eating Sandwiches", which proves the power of humor in advertising! Don’t miss it!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Terry discuss:Terry’s journey from public defender to founding partnerStrategies and challenges of building a strong personal injury brandThe transformative impact of the Bates decision on legal advertisingWhy it’s crucial to maintain a consistent public presence as a law firmHow to make sure your clients feel valued and respected throughout their caseTips for handling large, complex injury cases nationwide, including mass tort cases like Camp LejeuneWhy funny ads for lawyers and law firms increase brand recognitionTerry’s heartfelt story about a client’s life-changing verdictKey Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners: Be genuine in client interactions. Authenticity fosters trust and long-term client relationships.Serve your community and remain rooted locally to resonate more deeply with potential clients.Consistency in ethical standards and honesty in practice strengthens your brand reputation.Embrace new avenues, like digital advertising, to stay ahead of market trends and reach more people.When used wisely, humor can make your ads memorable, capturing attention and establishing a connection with the audience.Law firms should ensure their messaging is uniform across all platforms to build strong brand recognition and loyalty, much like successful brands such as Apple and Rolex.Maintain a balance between high-volume cases and individualized attention to help build a robust practice.Important Links and Resources:Website: https://www.brownandcrouppen.comLinkedIn: /in/company/brown-&-crouppenBrown & Crouppen TV (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@brownandcrouppenInstagram: @getbcFacebook: /BrownandCrouppen3 Lawyers Eating Sandwiches: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa4AciyqjMOT7rI9t1m7HHxVADpuiu2oqIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Ever wondered what it takes to build a women-led powerhouse law firm? Looking for tips on creating a supportive work culture, working with family members, or prioritizing authenticity in marketing? Today’s guest is here to discuss it all!In this week’s Hot Docket, we’re joined by Britt Burner, Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., which specializes in Elder Law and Estate Planning in New York City.Britt joined her mother’s law practice 10 years ago and since then, they’ve grown their law firm to 11 lawyers! Led by three powerful women, Burner Prudenti Law is truly breaking the mold of what a “powerhouse law firm” looks like and how it operates.Tune in as Britt shares the strategies, values, and mindsets that enable their law firm and staff to grow and thrive.Then, stay tuned for a sweat-inducing (for Britt) game of “Name the Famous Woman” where Bobby and Andrew quiz Britt on women who have made history!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Britt discuss:Pros, cons, and growing pains of working with family membersNavigating the family dynamic in a family businessAre there obstacles to building a woman-owned law firm?Developing a plan for business longevityCreating a safe, happy, supportive work environment in your law firmHow elder law and estate planning law compares and contrasts from other areas of lawThe proudest moment in Britt’s elder law careerUnderrated strategies for law firm growth: Educational seminars, webinars, community-building, and more!Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners: When women are given leadership opportunities and family planning support at work, law firms and attorneys can thrive like never before.Community-building events and educational resources are an underrated, yet impactful strategy for gaining clients and building relationships as a law firm.Working with family comes with its pros and cons, but with solid boundaries and communication, it can be the perfect fit.Always prioritize authenticity in marketing and outreach efforts. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t share it!Important Links and Resources:Website - https://burnerlaw.comLinkedIn: /in/britt-burner-b7813210If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

There are many key skills attorneys must have when dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse survivors. For their clients, these skills make all the difference. Tune in to learn the skills and approaches top sex abuse law firms use to achieve resolutions for survivors.In this week’s Hot Docket, we’re joined by the incredible Guy D'Andrea, Partner at Laffey, Bucci, D'Andrea, Reich & Ryan. Guy is a fearless advocate and compassionate champion for survivors of abuse, assault, and neglect, fiercely dedicated to pursuing justice and empowering survivors in their journey towards healing.Today, you’ll learn how crucial it is to be trauma-informed as a sex abuse lawyer, how sex abuse cases are litigated differently than others, and the impact you can make on survivors’ lives in this area of practice.There are countless major takeaways from this episode, highlighting the true and necessary impact sex abuse law firms have on victims and communities across the nation. Tune in to learn more!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Guy discuss:The key difference between civil and criminal sex abuse claimsThe most important priorities you should have as a sex abuse attorney/law firmWhat does your firm do better than anyone else and what’s driving that success?Is it necessary to be trauma-trained as a sex abuse lawyer? (spoiler: YES)Insights from Laffey Bucci’s work on the Sandusky and Massage Envy casesHow sex abuse cases are litigated differently than personal injury and mass tort casesHow to win more client referrals and attorney referralsStructuring a sex abuse law firm to achieve the best results for clients across case typesCase Stories: Incredible resolutions Guy and his firm have achieved for his clientsKey Actionable Takeaways for Lawyers & Law Firm Owners: Make sure that your clients know that a lawsuit can give them back the control and power that was taken away from them as a result of the abuse that happened to them.Victims feeling heard is monumental. After getting to a resolution in a sex abuse claim, sit down with the victim and financial planners to discuss all their options for financial compensation. Make sure they know their options and they are choosing what’s best for them, of course, with advice from professionals.Having a trauma-informed, trauma-trained prosecutor by your client’s side takes (at least part of) the stress and fear out of the situation.Make sure the survivor feels comfortable with you and honor their preferences and choices.. Ask them if they have a preference regarding speaking to a male or female attorney. Ask them what their triggers are and document them.Try your hardest to make a safe environment where your client doesn’t have to tell their story time and time again. You need all the details, but limit how many times you ask about it to prevent re-traumatization.Connecting and working with non-profit organizations that work with survivors can give you more cases and allow you to help people and make change on a larger scale.Important Links and Resources:Website: https://laffeybucci.comLinkedIn: /in/guy-d-andrea-986a991Email Guy: gdandrea@lbk-law.comNational Crime Victims Bar AssociationIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What’s it like transitioning from the military to a civilian career in law? How can your military background help you succeed as an attorney? Today’s guest is here to give you the inside scoop, plus some valuable advice to veterans.In this week’s Hot Docket, you’ll hear from Greg Posch, Owner and Attorney at Posch Law Firm, PLLC, in Raleigh, NC. Greg’s here to shed light on his journey from Air Force veteran to personal injury and estate planning attorney.If you’re a veteran pursuing a career in law or just interested in the transition from military to civilian life, you’ll definitely want to tune in to this conversation!Listen in to learn how your military background can give you a leg up in getting client referrals, infusing authenticity into your brand, winning in the courtroom, and much more.Stay tuned for a game of “Rules of Engagement” where Bobby and Andrew give Greg a few legal marketing scenarios to see how he would respond. ⚖️In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Greg discuss:Greg’s transition from Air Force veteran to lawyer.Expectations vs. Reality: Going from the military to the legal profession.Niching Down: Why Greg switched from a generalized law practice to a more specialty law practice.How he chose his two practice areas.Navigating contributory negligence as a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina.How does having a veteran background give you advantages in getting client referrals?Serving the military vs. serving the court system: Similarities and differences.Advice for veterans on preparing for civilian life and getting a career in law.Storytime: Bobby’s 1-day-long military career.Key Actionable Takeaways for Veterans Interested in a Legal Career: Preparation and planning are crucial for veterans transitioning into civilian careers, especially in the legal profession. Don’t create your civilian plans too late. Greg started studying for the LSAT over a year before discharging from the military!When exiting the military and entering civilian life, maintain your momentum, consider timelines, and make sure you’re pursuing what you want in life, rather than what the military wants.If you’re not sure what practice areas should be your niche, try paying attention to supply and demand to see what areas could use your expertise.Your military background and network can pay off in the form of referrals, so keep your network strong!Important Links and Resources:Website: https://www.poschlaw.comLinkedIn: /in/gregory-posch-0b6206b5If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Looking for marketing strategies to grow your law firm or small business? Look no further!In this week’s HotDocket, you’ll meet Joey Reeve, Mean Pug’s first-ever client and someone we greatly admire. He’s the Founder and CEO of Universal CPA Review, the only CPA review course that is designed for visual learners.Non-scalable strategies could be what you need to reach the next level of success… Not only will this conversation give you inspiration and guidance in marketing your business, it’ll give you actionable tips for growing your business with non-scalable strategies.If your goal is to maximize your outreach with minimal resources or knowledge of the internet, Joey’s insights are here to save the day! He’s sharing everything from the benefits of Facebook groups (and how he was almost extorted for his) to overcoming analysis paralysis when trying new marketing strategies.Plus… Stay tuned to hear Joey attempt to answer questions about legal marketing/terminology. Then, Bobby and Andrew attempt to answer questions about accounting! 👀 How much do they know about each other’s industries? Tune in to find out!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Joey discuss:Joey’s approach to guerilla marketing.Why Joey swears by Facebook groups to start and grow a business.Non-scalable strategies that will help you grow your business.The story of when someone tried to extort Joey for his Facebook group.Overcoming analysis paralysis to achieve breakthroughs in your business.The dangers of over-engineering your business processes and strategies.Where to look for SEO and content inspiration to give your marketing a boost.Advice, tools, and resources for lawyers on marketing in a competitive industry.Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms & Business Owners: Facebook groups are a very powerful, easy, and free way to grow a community around your business.Be careful not to over-engineer your business processes or else you may lose precious time and resources when you could be making big strides with simpler tactics.When starting to upsell your customers/clients, start small and simple and see what works before continuing.If you struggle with analysis paralysis in marketing, don’t get too creative, but take controlled risk, do your research to see what’s been successful for others like you, and try it out!Focus on differentiation when creating content and advertising your products/services.Follow where the traffic is. Stay on top of what apps are the most popular and then create creative content to market your business on those platforms.Important Links and Resources:Website - https://www.universalcpareview.comLinkedIn: /in/joey-reeve-cpa-5b30a195Tools/Resources - Google SheetsAirtableClose.comSketchyWebinarJamIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket Docket podcast Hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more! This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

What is the #1 marketing strategy every law firm needs to have? How do you ensure your marketing is in compliance with the law? Do you think you would survive a zombie apocalypse? Bobby and Andrew are joining forces to answer these questions and many more in this special episode of Hot Docket!Tune in to this “Ask Me Anything” for a rollercoaster of questions on everything from building strong brand credibility to what type of lawyer Bobby and Andrew would be if they weren’t marketing gurus.Trust this episode is one you won’t want to miss! Get to know your Hot Docket hosts on a deeper level while learning their top legal marketing tips, strategies, and metrics.On today’s Hot Docket:How did Bobby and Andrew become friends?How has legal marketing changed for law firms in recent years?Unique marketing challenges and opportunities for law firms in 2024.Top digital marketing tactics for law firms: SEO, paid search, local service ads, & more.The #1 marketing strategy law firms NEED to have.How to build strong brand credibility/reputation.What’s in Bobby’s pizza spreadsheet? + Their favorite NY pizza shops and toppings.The most important marketing metrics law firms should track.How to use your marketing metrics to drive impact.Bobby and Andrew reveal the TV villains they most resemble.Ethics and compliance issues in legal marketing.Strategies for online networking and relationship building.Innovating legal marketing: Emerging trends, tools, and tactics.Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms: Be sure you’re choosing a marketing strategy that aligns with the type of law firm and clients you have, rather than just choosing a strategy you’ve seen work for another firm.Having an online presence plays a major role in attracting clients. Create a website, social platforms, and utilize marketing specialists that can help you implement digital marketing tactics.Differentiating your brand is the key to building a strong marketing strategy and online presence for your law firm.Strong brands have higher conversion rates, even when it comes to employee applications. Mean Pug gets 3-4x more quality applicants because their applications are heavily branded.If you can’t measure a marketing metric, it’s usually BS and you shouldn’t bother using it.If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Want to know how the top medical malpractice firm in Long Island came to be so successful? Today, you’ll learn from one of their managing partners the strategies they used to rise to the top.In this HotDocket episode, we’re joined by Michael Duffy, Managing Partner at Duffy and Duffy, PLLC. Michael’s here to share expert insights into what it takes to thrive in one of the most complex areas of law.From foundational strategies and market insights to community concerns and the influence of AI, Michael highlights crucial factors to building and scaling a medical malpractice powerhouse.If you’re looking to scale your medical malpractice firm and become a top tier practice in your state, you’re in the right place. So, tune in to learn from the best!Then, stay tuned for a riveting game of “ChatGPT Writes a Demand Letter” where Michael evaluates a demand letter written by ChatGPT for a medical malpractice claim arising from a doctor amputating the wrong limb. Will it pass or fail? Listen ‘til the end to find out!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Michael discuss:The most common pitfall/mistake medical malpractice lawyers make.10 tips every medical malpractice lawyer needs to know.What’s so different about litigating medical malpractice claims compared to other cases?Why understanding a medical chart is a core differentiator for medical malpractice firms.How AI can help medical malpractice lawyers understand their cases better.Tips for building and maintaining strong client relationships.How to build winning referral relationships as a medical malpractice lawyer.The biggest medical malpractice issue in New York right now & How lawyers can help.Important Links and Resources:Website - https://www.duffyduffylaw.comSocial - IG: @duffyduffylawfirm FB: /DuffyandDuffy LinkedIn: /in/michael-e-duffyTools/Resources - Why New York Has Faltered in Making Childbirth Safer for Black MothersIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to The Hot Docket Podcast with Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Core values are vital to the success of your law firm, but as you scale, hire more employees, and gain new clients, core values become more and more crucial.Today on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Greg Ward, Founding Partner of The Ward Law Group, to talk about why core values are so important for personal injury law firms. Greg shares the core values that have helped him grow and scale his firm, tips for hiring and onboarding with core values in mind, and even how to integrate them into your marketing strategy.This is a juicy episode with so many incredible pieces of advice, you might want to have a pen and paper ready to take notes!Plus, be sure to stick around to the end for a tricky game of Good Value, Bad Value!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Greg discuss:7 core values that have helped Greg scale up his law firm5 universal core value every personal injury law firm should haveHow to hire staff that aligns with your core valuesTips for integrating your core values into your marketing strategyThe benefits of hiring offshore VAs & How to make them feel like part of your teamWhy empathetic attorneys get better results for clientsMarketing strategies for scaling a personal injury law firmAdvice on maintaining the quality of legal operations as your volume of cases increasesKey Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms:Service to the client should be the #1 core value of your law firm.To onboard employees based on core values, ask them questions geared around each of your core values. Then, ask them to dive deeper into their experiences that demonstrate those values. Whether your employees are domestic or abroad, give them shoutouts for their achievements, productivity, and their commitment to your firm’s core values.If you’ve had a bad experience with VAs, reevaluate your screening and onboarding processes. They’re not the same as hiring domestically.Empathy is such a big part of practicing personal injury law and understanding clients that Greg’s law firm tests for empathy as one of their hiring criteria.To maintain the quality of your legal operations as your volume of cases increases, track your time on desk and settlement per case values (excluding the outlier cases). If your values are trending down, you should reevaluate your legal ops.Important Links and Resources:Website - https://www.855dolor55.comSocial - IG: @thewardlawgrouppl FB: /TheWardLawGroup YT: @thewardlawgrouppl LinkedIn: /in/gwardlawTools/Resources - Listen to Ep 2 with Eric BaumLitify: Legal Operating PlatformIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to The Hot Docket Podcast with Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Deposition… It's an art! Whether you’re a criminal defense lawyer, entertainment lawyer, or any lawyer in between, it’s vital to constantly hone your deposition skills.Today on Hot Docket, you’ll learn the art of deposition from Joseph Gates, Owner and Trial Lawyer at Gates Law Firm, PLLC in Little Rock, Arkansas. Joseph specializes in Personal Injury, Car Wreck, Trucking/18 Wheeler Collisions, Products Liability, and Traumatic Brain Injury cases.He’s here to share the best ways to improve your depo skills, common deposition mistakes you should avoid, the pros and cons of Zoom depos, tips for getting referrals, and more!Then… Today’s game is Fact or Fiction! Is it illegal to mispronounce Arkansas? Tune in to find out (or else)!In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Joseph discuss:What’s unique about the Arkansas legal market?How to get better at deposition as a trial lawyerCommon deposition mistakes you should avoidJoseph’s #1 key to success as a trial attorneyHow deposition differs case to casePros and cons of Zoom depositionsHow product liability cases are a catalyst for changeEffective strategies for networking and getting more referrals as a trial attorneyKey Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms:Trying and failing is one of the best ways to improve your deposition skills. Collaborating with others and learning new techniques will also help you get better at depositions.You need a plan for your deposition before you walk in the door.While being good at your job is the best way to get a referral, joining groups and associations for attorneys and getting involved in your community will help you build new relationships and gain new clients.Deposition through Zoom may be appropriate for less catastrophic cases, especially if the defendant/plaintiff lives out of state, but for more catastrophic cases, it’s wiser to be in the room for the deposition.Important Links and Resources:Website - https://www.gateslawpllc.comSocial - IG: @mginjuryfirm FB: /GatesLawPLLC LinkedIn: /in/joseph-gates-gateslawpllcTools/Resources - Advanced Depositions Strategy and Practice by Phillip Miller & Paul  ScopturAmerican Association for JusticeArkansas Trial LawyersListen to Ep 2 with Eric BaumIf you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.Tune in to The Hot Docket Podcast with Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!