A Different Practice - podcast cover

A Different Practice

ADifferentPractice.comadifferentpractice.substack.com
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.

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Episodes

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 s...

Jun 26, 202539 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...

Jun 19, 202531 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. ...

Jun 17, 202517 minEp. 89

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...

Jun 12, 202531 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...

Jun 11, 20258 minEp. 88

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...

Jun 05, 202527 min

The Surprising Power of No-Agenda Checkins

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...

Jun 04, 20257 minEp. 87

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 podcastin...

Jun 03, 202537 min

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

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...

May 30, 20255 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...

May 29, 202534 min

Finances: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In this episode, Mathew Kerbis and I dive into the real-world side of law firm finances—budgeting, managing cash flow, and making smart money decisions. We share how we approach tracking expenses, the Profit First method, and maximizing credit card rewards. We also cover important topics like managing payroll taxes, quarterly estimates, and building financial systems that support both your firm’s growth and your personal financial health. If you’re ready to take control of your firm’s finances, ...

May 22, 202540 min

84: How Do You Know You're Winning?

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...

May 22, 20254 min

83: Batch Like a Boss: How to Film a Month of YouTube Content in One Afternoon

Struggling to stay consistent with your marketing because who has the time , right? In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact system I use to create an entire month of YouTube content in one afternoon—without a production team, fancy equipment, or endless retakes. You’ll learn:✔️ How to create a simple, repeatable content plan that eliminates creative burnout.✔️ Why consistency crushes perfection (and how that mindset shift will free up HOURS each month).✔️ The exact AI prompts I use to brain...

May 20, 202518 min

82: Too Much on Your Plate? Try This Simple Trick.

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...

May 15, 20254 min

81: What to Do When Business is Slow (Besides Panic)

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...

May 09, 20256 min

80: Why Your Calendar is Killing Your Practice (and How to Fix It)

Is your calendar punishing you? Discover the Life-First Framework that's helping solo attorneys reclaim their time while increasing productivity and profits. In this episode, we’ll tackle the uncomfortable truth about how your calendar reveals your real priorities—and how a simple shift can transform both your practice and your life. Lauren introduces you to her revolutionary Life-First Framework, a practical system that prioritizes your foundational needs first, relationships second, and strate...

May 06, 202522 min

79: 12 Questions That Will Transform Your Consultations

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...

May 02, 202512 min

78: 5 Critical Settings Your Online Calendar System Needs

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...

Apr 25, 20253 min

77: Why You're Undercharging (and How to Fix It) with Nicky Billou

Ever feel like you're working too hard for too little? This week, I'm diving deep with thought leadership expert Nicky Billou on how to transform your practice from constant hustle to consistent flow. Nicky shares the exact process that helped one attorney go from making $70,000 a year to $50,000 a month (yes, a MONTH) while working FEWER hours. We break down his "Ideal Client Exercise" that will completely change how you market your services and position yourself in your niche. If you're tired ...

Apr 22, 202544 min

76: Why I Start My Workday at 10:30 AM

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...

Apr 18, 20255 min

75: The Solo Attorney's Secret Weapon (It's Not What You Think)

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox 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...

Apr 11, 20255 min

74: The Solo Attorney's Guide to Unhappy Clients

Ever received that dreaded “We need to talk” email from a client? In this candid episode, I share how a single phone call transformed my relationship with a furious client and taught me an invaluable lesson about connection over correction. Whether you’re a solo attorney struggling with client communication or looking to prevent problems before they start, these five actionable strategies will help you navigate difficult client situations with both empathy and strategy. Learn why responding with...

Apr 08, 202517 min

74: The Solo Attorney's Guide to Unhappy Clients

Ever received that dreaded "We need to talk" email from a client? In this candid episode, I share how a single phone call transformed my relationship with a furious client and taught me an invaluable lesson about connection over correction. Whether you're a solo attorney struggling with client communication or looking to prevent problems before they start, these five actionable strategies will help you navigate difficult client situations with both empathy and strategy. Learn why responding with...

Apr 08, 202517 min

73: Why I Turned Down a "Dream" Client

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox 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...

Apr 04, 20255 min

Pricing Legal Services: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In this episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025 , Mathew Kerbis and I took on one of the biggest challenges for solo and small firm owners— pricing . We talked about why clinging to the billable hour might actually be holding your practice back and explored more modern, sustainable ways to price legal services in today’s tech-enabled world. From subscription models to value-based pricing, we shared practical strategies for structuring your fees, setting clear expectations with clients, and incr...

Apr 03, 202542 min

72: 6 Things I know in year 9 I wish I had known in year 1

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox 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...

Mar 28, 20254 min

AI (Part 2): How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In this episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025 , Mathew Kerbis and I are back with part two of our deep dive into AI tools—this time exploring how AI can help you manage your knowledge base, streamline research, and even keep an eye on your professional reputation. We shared how tools like Perplexity AI and Notebook LM can completely change the way you organize and access information in your practice. We also discussed legal-specific AI platforms like Paxton and how they’re helping lawyers wor...

Mar 27, 202527 min

71: How to Get More Client Reviews (and Handle Bad Ones Like a Pro)

Ever spent 45 minutes reading reviews for a $12 phone charger? If we're doing that for trivial purchases, imagine what potential clients are doing when choosing something as important as their attorney. In this episode, I break down why social proof isn't just important—it's everything in your legal practice. I share the exact system I used to more than double my reviews in just 10 months, including the scripts that transformed my approach. You'll learn the "verbal commitment" technique that get...

Mar 24, 202523 min

70: 5 Hidden TextExpander Features That Will Save You Hours Each Week

Your micro-episode for tested strategies that actually work in solo practice. Get proven solutions delivered straight to your inbox 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...

Mar 21, 20255 min

AI (Part 1): How to Run a Law Firm in 2025

In this episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025 , Mathew Kerbis and I kicked off part one of our deep dive into AI tools and how solos like us can use them to enhance —not replace—the human side of our practices. We talked about how AI can streamline your workflow and improve efficiency without losing the personal touch that makes your firm stand out. From drafting emails faster to assisting with research and content creation, we shared real-world examples of how tools like Claude, Grammarly, a...

Mar 20, 202524 min
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