Lawyers Gone Ethical

For many solo practitioners, they believe they need to be the CEO’s and the experts of their law practices. After all, more often than not, it’s just them running the show. But is that necessarily the best way to grow your business? My guest today is Mike Whelan, operator of the Lawyer Forward conference, soon-to-be author, and legal consultant. Mike believes lawyers need to choose one or the other and he supports his claims in this fascinating conversation. 

What We Discuss in This Episode:

• Why Clio’s Legal Trends Report, which reported the dismal amount of hours lawyers were billing, is not as worrisome as it might seem
• Lawyers’ inability to choose between being the CEO of the firm or the expert is creating great impact on the profession
• Can a solo practitioner be both the CEO and the expert?
• Access and expertise are not compatible and yet clients expect both from solo practitioners
• Why human brains are trying hard to shorten the pathways and create routines
• Studies show that doctors tend to get worse at tasks with age. Can that be analogized to lawyers?
• Can you find ways to provide value, solutions, and innovation for your law firm without being the practitioner and administrator?
• Are experienced practitioners not using their brains the way they should be used to maximize potential?
• It’s important to eliminate unimportant work by following the 80/20 rule
• There’s greater demand for legal experts than there is for lawyers

Resources:

Dina Eisenberg – Outsource Easier

Peak by Anders Ericsson 

The Power of Habit by Carl Duhigg

Patrick Palace – workers compensation in Washington

The Business of Expertise by David Baker

Sam Glover – The Lawyerist

Contact Information:

www.lawyerforward.com/bookupdates - follow along Mike’s journey as he writes his book

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikewhelanjr

Facebook: Lawyer Forward group

Thank you for listening!

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.