The Renegade Lawyer Podcast

Hosted by Ben Glass

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

221

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

I am more convinced than ever that nothing that traditional bar organizations are doing is going to move the needle on the sad stats on lawyer happiness ... The root cause of all lawyers' problems is financial stress. Financial stress holds you back from getting the right people on the bus, running the right systems, and being able to only do work for clients you want to work with. Financial stress keeps you in the office on nights and weekends, often doing work you hate for people you don't like, and doing that work alone. (Yes, you have permission to do only work you like doing and doing it with people you like working with.) The money stress is not because the lawyers are bad lawyers or bad people. In fact, most lawyers are good at the lawyering part and they are good people. The money stress is caused by the general lack of both business skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Thus, good lawyers who are good people get caught up and slowed down in bringing their gifts to the world. Their families, teams, clients, and communities are not well-served because you can't serve others at your top level when you are constantly worrying about money. We can blame the law schools and the elites of the profession who are running bar organizations, but to blame anyone else for your own woes is a loser's game. It is, in itself, a restrictive, narrow, mindset that will keep you from ever seeing, let alone experiencing, a better future. Lawyers need to be in rooms with other entrepreneurs. They need to hang with people who won't tell you that your dreams are too big or that "they" or "the system "won't allow you to achieve them. They need to be in rooms where people will be in their ear telling them that their dreams are too small. Get in better rooms. That would be the first step. Second step, ignore every piece of advice any general organized bar is giving about how to make your firm or your life better.

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June 10, 202647 min

Ep. 221: The Exit Blueprint — How to Build a Law Firm You Can Actually Sell

What happens when you're finally ready to step away from the law firm you've spent decades building?In Episode 221 of the Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben Glass welcomes back attorney, CPA, and Law Practice Exchange founder Tom Lenfestey to discuss one of the most overlooked topics in the legal profession: exit planning.Drawing insights from his new book, The Exit Blueprint: The Law Firm Owner's Playbook for Selling, Succession, and Life After Law, Tom explains why the biggest challenge isn't finding a buyer—it's figuring out who you are when you're no longer running the firm.Ben and Tom explore what makes a law firm truly valuable, how lawyers can create businesses that thrive without them, and why waiting until retirement is often too late.In this episode:✅ Why lawyers struggle with succession planning✅ The emotional side of selling a law firm✅ How to increase your firm's value years before an exit✅ The role of systems, SOPs, and AI in building transferable businesses✅ What buyers are looking for in today's market✅ Private equity's growing interest in legal practices✅ Common deal killers and valuation mistakes✅ How to create a meaningful life after lawWhether you're planning to retire in twenty years or considering a transition today, this conversation offers practical guidance for building a law firm that serves your life—and leaves a lasting legacy.Guest: Tom LenfesteyBook: The Exit Blueprint: The Law Firm Owner's Playbook for Selling, Succession, and Life After Lawhttps://a.co/d/0d4256oIWebsite: https://www.thelawpracticeexchange.comBen Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

June 3, 202644 min

Ep. 220 – “We’re Not a Law Firm. We’re a Marketing Company"

Most lawyers think they're in the legal business.David Vicknair thinks differently.In this episode of the Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben Glass sits down with Louisiana attorney and law firm owner David Vicknair to discuss what it really takes to build a scalable law firm, develop leaders, create an exceptional client experience, and grow a practice that can operate without the owner being involved in every decision.David shares how he and his longtime partner, Brad Scott, built a unique multi-practice firm structure, why they view their organization as a marketing company first, and how they’ve grown a team of more than 40 professionals while staying deeply involved in their community.You’ll hear: How David and Brad built a successful partnership without fighting over money Why David believes most law firms are actually marketing companies The systems and leadership structure behind a growing Louisiana practice Lessons learned from scaling a team and developing future leaders How their firm uses community involvement, direct mail, TV, and relationship marketing The role of remote team members in Mexico and how they’ve become integral to the firm’s success Why coaching, therapy, and mindset work have become essential parts of David’s leadership journey What excites David most about AI and the future of law firm operations David also shares practical advice for lawyers who want to build stronger firms, create better client experiences, and stop believing they have to do everything themselves.Bottom line:Great lawyers don't automatically build great law firms.Great law firms are built by leaders who understand marketing, systems, people, and culture.And David Vicknair is proving what happens when all four come together.Ben Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

May 13, 202642 min

Ep. 219 – Building a 150-Person Law Firm in One of the Most Competitive Markets (w/ Seth Bader)

What does it actually take to build—and lead—a 150-person law firm in a hyper-competitive market like Atlanta?In this episode of The Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben Glass sits down with Seth Bader, founder of Bader Law, to unpack the real story behind scaling a modern personal injury and workers’ compensation firm.This isn’t theory. It’s the messy, hard-earned reality of growth.Seth shares: How he went from a one-bedroom apartment (and a French bulldog) to a 150-person firm What it’s like competing in a $100M+ legal advertising market Why fast growth creates hiring mistakes—and how to fix them The difference between talent and leadership (and why most firms get it wrong) How EOS transformed his leadership structure and decision-making The truth about offshore teams—and what actually works They also dive into: Why referrals are still the most powerful (and cheapest) growth channel How visionaries and integrators must work together—or break the business The real role of marketing in scaling impact—not just revenue What Seth is focused on right now to level up his firm even further Bottom line: Scaling a law firm isn’t about doing more. It’s about building the right people, systems, and leadership to handle what comes next.Seth Bader LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bader-48618016/Bader Law LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bader-law/Bader Law Website: https://baderlaw.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast-guest Ben Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 29, 20268 min

Ep. 218 – Renegade Lawyer Marketing (Audio Book) – Chapter 22: How Hard Is This Really?

How much do you really need to know to market your law firm effectively?According to Ben Glass… a lot less than you think.In this episode of The Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben delivers Chapter 22 of Renegade Lawyer Marketing—and breaks down one of the biggest myths in legal marketing: that you need to master every tool, platform, and tactic to succeed.You don’t.Most lawyers aren’t losing because they lack knowledge— They’re losing because they’re wasting money, copying the crowd, and ignoring the fundamentals.In this episode, Ben walks through the five essential marketing principles every lawyer must understand: How to create a message that actually attracts the right clients Why having a book instantly separates you from the competition What you really need to know about internet marketing (and what you don’t) How to build and use a marketing database the right way Why follow-up—not ads—is where most firms win or lose You’ll also hear why: Most lawyer marketing is “drop dead boring” Spending more money is usually not the solution The biggest gains come from fixing what’s already broken The ultimate goal is to own your marketing—not rent it from agenciesIf you’re a solo or small firm lawyer trying to grow without burning cash on “marketing vultures,” this episode is a must-listen.Bottom line: You don’t need to be a marketing genius. You just need to be better than the average lawyer—and execute the basics well.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyBen Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 27, 202651 min

Ep. 217 – Dan Kennedy on AI: The Fastest Way for Lawyers to Become Invisible

Everyone is telling lawyers the same thing right now: lean into AI or get left behind.Dan Kennedy says… not so fast.In this episode of The Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben Glass sits down with legendary marketing strategist Dan Kennedy to unpack his newest book, The Business Owner’s Emergency Survival Guide for the AI Revolution—and to challenge the hype, the herd mentality, and the hidden risks no one is talking about.This is not a conversation about tools.It’s a conversation about what happens to your business when everyone uses the same tools.Dan explains why: AI is rapidly commoditizing professionals by making everyone sound the same Big firms rushing to automate client interaction may be creating a massive competitive opening Over-reliance on AI can quietly destroy differentiation, pricing power, and trust The real leverage point in any practice is still marketing, persuasion, and human connection You’ll also hear a practical framework for thinking about AI the right way: Where it belongs (internal efficiency) Where it doesn’t (client-facing experience) And how to use it without surrendering your unique voice and value If you’re a solo or small firm lawyer trying to figure out how AI fits into your practice—without becoming just another interchangeable option—this episode is essential listening.Bottom line: AI may be the most powerful tool we’ve ever seen… But used carelessly, it may also be the fastest way to become invisible.Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/business-Owners-Emergency-Survival-Revolution/dp/1953321305Ben Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 22, 202644 min

Ep. 216 – Burnout, Boundaries, and the Mom-Lawyer Reality with Wendy Meadows

What happens when a family lawyer realizes litigation is no longer worth the cost?In this episode, Ben talks with family law attorney, coach, and author Wendy Meadows about burnout, time management, motherhood, and why more women lawyers are choosing to build solo practices on their own terms.Wendy shares how she stepped away from litigation, built a lean and highly intentional practice, and now helps other lawyers do the same. They also get into the real reason so many lawyers stay overwhelmed, why delegation feels so hard, and how to reclaim time before your work steals your life.This is a conversation about law practice design, not just law practice survival.In this episode: Why Wendy walked away from litigation The emotional cost of family law trial work How solo lawyers can delegate without losing control Time management mistakes lawyers keep making Why “working hard” is not the same as building well Coaching women lawyers into solo practice and freedom AI tools Wendy actually uses in practice🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyBen Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 15, 202639 min

Ep. 215 – From “Media Company” Thinking to AI Disruption: Marketing That Actually Works

What if you stopped thinking like a lawyer… and started thinking like a media company?In this episode, Ben sits down with Gresh Harkless — entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Blue 16 Media — to break down what actually works in marketing today (and what’s just noise).They dig into: Why most people fail at podcasting (and how to not be one of them) The shift from SEO to AI-driven search — and what it really means The “three questions” every business owner should be able to answer (most can’t) Why chasing every new marketing tool is a losing game And the mindset shift from marketing tactics → building your own media platformIf you feel like digital marketing is moving too fast… or you’re wondering where to focus next…This conversation will help you cut through the chaos.Ben Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 8, 202636 min

Ep. 214 – Delegation Without Drama: Building a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You

In this episode of the Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben talks with Katie Santoro, founder and CEO of Lyft Business Resources, a fractional administrative support and executive assistant staffing firm.Katie shares her entrepreneurial journey—from litigation paralegal to insurance claims examiner to yoga studio owner to building a business that helps overwhelmed founders finally get things off their plates.Ben and Katie dig into the real reasons delegation is so hard, especially for lawyers and founder-led businesses. They talk about ego, fear, communication, process, and why most business owners know they need help long before they know how to use it well.They also cover: The difference between an admin assistant and a true executive assistant Why delegation fails when the founder is already too overwhelmed How Katie matches clients with the right assistant Why process and emotional intelligence matter just as much as skill The hidden cost of trying to do everything yourself What founder-led businesses can gain when they stop being the bottleneck This is a practical conversation for lawyers, business owners, and anyone who knows they should delegate more—but hasn’t quite gotten out of their own way.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyBen Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

April 1, 202637 min

Ep. 213 – From “Unsexy” Law to Life-Changing Impact with Brian Gillette

In this episode, Ben sits down with longtime friend and Social Security Disability attorney Brian Gillette—a lawyer quietly changing lives in a space most people overlook.No big verdicts.No headlines. But real impact, every single day.Brian pulls back the curtain on what it actually looks like to run a Social Security Disability practice—from handling 300+ cases at a time to building a team that includes a retired administrative law judge.They talk about: Why Social Security Disability is one of the most misunderstood (and underserved) practice areas The emotional weight of helping clients through life-altering situations How to screen cases efficiently without burning out The reality of marketing in a referral-driven practice Letting go of control and building a team that actually supports your growth And maybe most importantly—👉 Why doing meaningful work doesn’t always look flashy… but can be far more fulfilling.This is a conversation about purpose, systems, and building a practice that works for your life—not the other way around.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyBen Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.

March 25, 202638 min

Ep. 212 – Gifts, Alignment, and the Abundance Catalyst with Angela Goodman

In this episode of the Renegade Lawyer Podcast, Ben sits down with serial entrepreneur Angela Goodman for a conversation about gifts, identity, business alignment, and what it really takes to build influence and impact in the world.Angela has owned multiple businesses, works with entrepreneurs through her Abundance Catalyst Method, and hosts the podcast Evolve Through God. Ben and Angela talk about why so many business owners are successful on paper but still feel stuck, heavy, or deeply misaligned.They also dig into Angela’s recent Evolve event in Savannah, where she worked with entrepreneurs on identity, gifts, marketing, and the internal blocks that keep people from living and building in alignment.In this episode: Why success and alignment are not the same thing How childhood wounds can shape adult business decisions What “identity misalignment” actually looks like Why ego keeps entrepreneurs stuck in the wrong work How gifts, talents, and interests can point to your real path The difference between traditional marketing and “interest media” Why some offers don’t work because the founder isn’t aligned with them Angela’s journey through HVAC, restaurant ownership, consulting, and reinvention The story behind her podcast, Evolve Through GodThis is a conversation about more than business strategy. It’s about building a life and business that actually fit who you are.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Ben Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury and long-term disability insurance attorney in Fairfax, VA. Since 2005, Ben Glass and Great Legal Marketing have been helping solo and small firm lawyers make more money, get more clients and still get home in time for dinner. We call this TheGLMTribe.comWhat Makes The GLM Tribe Special?In short, we are the only organization within the "business builder for lawyers" space that is led by two practicing lawyers. One thing we're sure you've noticed is that despite the variety of options within our space, no one else is mixingthe actual practice of law with business building in the way that we are.There are no other organizations who understand the highs and lows of running a small law firm and are engaged in talking to real clients. That is what sets GLM apart from every other organization, and it is why we have had loyal members that have been with us for two-decades.