What happens when you risk everything on a case, with no offer on the table and $50K already spent on experts? For Howard Ankin , it wasn’t just a turning point—it was the moment that changed everything. From a folding table and 40 referrals to a 100-person law firm competing with national giants, Howard’s journey proves success doesn’t come from luck—it comes from showing up when it counts. But how do you scale without losing your soul? And what does it really take to lead a firm that lasts?...
Jul 01, 2025•56 min•Ep. 84
Laura Noble is the founder and Managing Partner of The Noble Law Firm , a recognized leader in employment law. With over 30 years of diverse legal experience, Laura’s approach combines powerful advocacy, empathetic client service, and technological innovation in all stages and aspects of employment disputes. Laura strives to cultivate a positive workplace culture built on the core values of collaboration, leadership, empathy, integrity, innovation, and equity. These values—combined with outstand...
Jun 24, 2025•54 min•Ep. 83
What happens when a missionary kid becomes a lawyer—and builds a firm that treats investigations like a path to healing, not just damage control? Most attorneys avoid the messy, emotional work. Theresa Sidebotham built her entire practice around it. From child protection in churches to workplace abuse in nonprofits, she handles the cases no one wants… with a strategy most law schools never teach. This is the story of how crisis, calling, and a volcanic eruption shaped one of the most unconventio...
Jun 17, 2025•59 min•Ep. 82
Aaron Minc is the founding partner of Minc Law and a nationally recognized leader in Internet defamation who tackles the most challenging online crises with innovative legal solutions. Under his leadership, Minc Law has successfully litigated over 200 Internet defamation lawsuits across 22 states and 3 countries, removing tens of thousands of defamatory websites and search results. His practice helps individuals, businesses, celebrities, and organizations combat anonymous attacks, online harassm...
Jun 10, 2025•59 min•Ep. 81
What would you do if you were diagnosed with leukemia just as your law firm was starting to take off, and your wife was seven months pregnant? James P. Joseph faced exactly that. In this episode, we dive into how he built a thriving firm, overcame life-threatening illness, and redefined success in the process. But the real story? It’s what he let go of along the way. What if the key to growth isn’t doing more, but learning to say no?...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 80
Justin Spizman is an award-winning and bestselling author, ghostwriter, editor, and proposal writer. Since beginning his career as a writer while in law school, Justin has worked on numerous non-fiction books and successful book proposals. Justin prides himself in his ability to work with people from all different backgrounds, upbringings, and expertise. Through working closely with some of the most successful people in their respective industries, Justin has gained strong insight and understand...
May 27, 2025•55 min•Ep. 79
Steven Gursten of Michigan Auto Law has recovered the largest ever auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer or law firm. He has also received the top reported auto accident and truck accident settlements and jury verdicts in Michigan over multiple years, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly and Verdict Reporter. Steven has been selected a Lawyer of the Year by both Michigan Lawyers Weekly newspaper and Best Lawyers. He has been voted consistently among the top 50 attorneys in Mi...
May 20, 2025•56 min•Ep. 78
Kevin McManus , a Kansas City native and attorney dedicated to helping those who have been injured or wronged seek justice. After starting my career representing large corporations and insurance companies, I realized my passion was advocating for individuals—particularly those facing personal injury and disability challenges. Since then, my firm has worked tirelessly to empower clients with the legal knowledge and representation they deserve. Beyond my legal practice, I’ve served my community in...
May 13, 2025•56 min•Ep. 77
Keith Fuicelli is a Denver personal injury attorney renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Since co-founding Fuicelli & Lee in 2008, he has been fulfilling his lifelong aspiration of championing the rights of those in need, displaying a deep understanding of the law and an unyielding determination when facing insurance companies. Specializing in traumatic brain injuries after a harrowing experience of his own, Keith has garnered a formidable reputation for his exception...
May 06, 2025•55 min•Ep. 76
Jessica describes herself as: a CrImmigration Consultant and Legal Expert. Policy creator & advisor. Strategist. Director. Entrepreneur. Disruptor. She's also the Founder & former owner of STERN Law, LLC - a very specialized, niche immigration law firm that she built and sold not too long ago, all of which we'll be talking about on today's podcast.
Apr 29, 2025•54 min•Ep. 75
Ever wondered how you can launch a law firm with nothing more than a bar license and some Wi‑Fi? Or how a candid hoodie‑on‑TikTok clip can generate 150 qualified leads overnight? In this episode, I sit down with Bianca Jordan —immigration attorney turned social media rebel—to uncover the bold strategies behind Brazen Legal’s success and her signature Niche, Please blueprint. Curious how authenticity, niche mastery, and a lean virtual team can transform your practice? Tune in to find out....
Apr 22, 2025•56 min•Ep. 74
How do you transform rejection into reinvention? In my chat with Adam Rossen —the renegade “damn janitor” of criminal defense—we dive into how he left a secure prosecutor career at 26 to build a high‑performance law firm from scratch. From radical ideas like hiring virtual assistants to reimagining internships during Covid, Adam challenges everything you think you know about law, leadership, and legacy. Ready to ask, “What if everything could be different?”...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 73
How do you redefine success when the rules of the game change overnight? In my latest conversation with Josh Watts , we dive into his bold leap from big law to launching a boutique firm amid a global crisis. Discover how he turned corporate pressures into an innovative, business-first legal practice. What does it take to challenge tradition and build a legacy on your own terms? Tune in for a thought-provoking journey.
Apr 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 72
Ever wonder how a speeding ticket, courtroom battles, and a heartfelt promise to a daughter can spark a revolution in estate planning? In my chat with Michelle Wilson , we dive into her raw journey—from a chilly garage office to a million-dollar law firm built on innovation, care, and genuine connection. What does it take to transform personal setbacks into a legacy that redefines justice? Join us and discover how one decision can reshape everything....
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 71
Ever wondered what it takes to reimagine legal practice? In my latest conversation with Jeff Cunningham —a lawyer who dared to launch a multi-state firm—I asked: How do you merge tradition with cutting-edge tech? What does it mean to build authentic connections online? And can a subscription model truly reshape client engagement? Dive in to discover surprising insights that might just redefine the future of law.
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 70
Ever wonder what fuels a relentless pursuit of greatness? In my conversation with John Griffith , we uncover the secrets behind building a thriving law firm, mastering jujitsu, and living life on your own terms. How does a redneck from Middle Tennessee transform setbacks into a legacy of growth? Dive into his inspiring journey and challenge your own path to excellence.
Mar 18, 2025•58 min•Ep. 69
Ever wonder what really matters in the courtroom? In my chat with criminal defense attorney Ben Sessions , he revealed that success isn’t about flashy moves or perfect jury picks—it’s all about solid facts and bold risks. How did he shift from early missteps to mastering modern marketing? What does it take to truly connect with clients in a digital age? Dive into our conversation and discover the unexpected lessons that transformed his practice....
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 68
What drives a man from a tiny Appalachian town to boldly reinvent himself during a global crisis? In this episode, Mitesh Patel reveals how his journey—from cold calling as a financial analyst to launching Blue Sky Law amid chaos—redefined success. Curious how loss, grit, and humor can transform a career? Tune in as we unpack the raw, unfiltered lessons that challenge you to ask: if you want it, will you go freaking get it?...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 67
Ever wonder what it takes to leave a high-paying job in big law and build a boutique IP practice from scratch? In my chat with Rick Martin , he reveals the bold moves, hard lessons, and entrepreneurial spirit behind his journey from Houston to home in Indiana. How does a former patent examiner redefine success by embracing subscription models and transforming unused real estate into a thriving workspace? Dive into this episode and discover the unexpected twists that shaped his career....
Feb 25, 2025•58 min•Ep. 66
What if success wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder but about aligning every move with your true values? In this episode, I dive deep with Laurice Rutledge Lambert, founder of Aligned Health Law, as she shares her journey from big law to building a team-driven, values-led firm. Curious how a former Division I lacrosse player turned legal powerhouse reinvents success? Tune in to uncover her raw insights and the hustles that forged her path.
Feb 18, 2025•59 min•Ep. 65
What does it take to risk it all and build a thriving remote law firm? In my latest conversation with business lawyer Margeaux Thomas , she reveals how a leap of faith turned a humble dining room setup into a dynamic, distributed empire. How did she overcome perfectionism, recruit a global team, and balance personal sacrifice with ambition? Could Margeaux’s bold “burn the boats” mentality be the key to your next breakthrough?...
Feb 11, 2025•53 min•Ep. 64
What drives someone to walk away from stability and build something entirely their own? Jonathan Merel hit a breaking point—exhausted, undervalued, and tired of working for someone else’s vision. So, in the middle of a financial crisis, with a second child on the way, he took the ultimate risk: he left his job to start his own law firm. Sixteen years later, that gamble has turned into a powerhouse firm with 20 attorneys and multiple offices. But how did he do it? What lessons did he learn? And w...
Feb 04, 2025•58 min•Ep. 63
What does it really take to challenge the status quo and build a legacy in the legal world? Carolyn Elefant , a trailblazing energy lawyer and founder of MyShingle.com , shares her journey from being told she wasn’t “partnership material” to pioneering a solo law practice. How did she overcome the hurdles of starting out in the ‘90s without today’s tech? What’s her take on AI transforming the future of law? And what can her “Solo Manifesto” teach us about owning our talent? Dive into her story a...
Jan 28, 2025•57 min•Ep. 62
What do a Navy intelligence officer, a Wall Street trader, and a Big Law attorney have in common? For Colin Ram, they’re all chapters in his unconventional journey to becoming a personal injury lawyer in Charleston. How did 9/11 push him toward service? Why did a random Supreme Court case on NPR spark his passion for law? And what lessons did he bring from chaotic trading floors to the courtroom? This is the story of risk, reinvention, and the pursuit of a meaningful career. Are you ready to tak...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 61
What happens when a lawyer decides to rewrite the rulebook? From in-house counsel at top FinTech companies to building a thriving community for independent lawyers, Brian Scherer’s journey is anything but traditional. Why did he walk away from the corporate grind? How did he turn setbacks into opportunities to empower others? And what does surfing teach us about navigating life and business? Dive into this inspiring story of bold pivots, big risks, and breaking all the “right” rules.
Jan 14, 2025•54 min•Ep. 60
What if lawyers didn’t charge by the hour? Mathew Kerbis, "The Subscription Attorney," is breaking tradition and redefining how legal services are delivered. In this revolutionary approach, clients pay a predictable monthly fee, creating trust, value, and proactive solutions. But can subscription law genuinely work for all practice areas—and could it reshape the industry forever? Discover how Mathew is challenging the status quo and inspiring lawyers everywhere to rethink what’s possible....
Jan 07, 2025•59 min•Ep. 59
What if embracing technology could transform the way lawyers work—and their clients' experience? Kellam Parks, founder of Parks Zeigler, shares how he built a tech-first law firm from scratch, embraced AI to revolutionize hiring and legal research, and why he believes lawyers who don’t adapt risk being left behind. Could the billable hour become a relic of the past? And is it possible that one day, not using AI might be deemed unethical? Dive into the future of law and innovation in this thought...
Dec 31, 2024•58 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, guest Brandon Osterbind shares his journey of building a successful personal injury firm in Lynchburg, Virginia. Discover how he and his wife, both attorneys, balance family life with running a growing practice. Dive into his insights on Profit First, marketing strategies, and the challenges of expanding a contingency law firm. Whether you're a seasoned lawyer or just starting out, Brandon's story offers valuable lessons on growth, delegation, and...
Dec 24, 2024•54 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast , Clayton Cain shares his journey from college baseball to sports agency and law. We discuss his transition from personal injury to founding two law firms focused on business, real estate, and sports law. Clayton reveals the challenges of managing dual practices and his vision for 3 Summits Law . Tune in to explore how sports and business intersect and the lessons learned along the way....
Dec 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 56
Join us in this insightful episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, as Alexis Johnson, founder of AFJ Law Group, shares her journey from big law to starting her own firm during the pandemic. Discover how she navigated challenges, embraced social media marketing, and built a successful practice specializing in business and real estate law. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or interested in the legal world, Alexis offers valuable lessons in perseverance and authenticity. Tune in to learn how...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 55
