The 80/20 Principle - podcast cover

The 80/20 Principle

Ernie Svensonernietheattorney.net
Concrete advice on how to simplify technology to streamline work and gain more freedom. Running a law practice today means navigating a sea of tech options. Success with tech demands you focus on a few key tools in six areas: (1) automation, (2) outsourcing, (3) marketing, (4) cybersecurity, (5) remote work, and (6) artificial intelligence. That's what this podcast will help you with: strategically focusing on a few key tech options and explaining why they matter and how to get the most from using them.
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Episodes

The Power of Direct Mail for Lawyers: Insights from Wilson Zehr

Too many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective and how his platform makes it as simple as sending an email. Wilson breaks down the costs, strategies, and formats that help lawyers connect with their ideal clients through the mailbox. General Resources Zair Mail Wilson Zehr's LinkedIn Profile Other Resources Ch...

Jun 17, 202546 minSeason 1Ep. 310

309: Tech-Driven Insights from Solo Lawyer Lee Rudin

How can a solo personal injury lawyer run a leaner, more profitable practice without sacrificing client service? Lee Rudin, a New Orleans-based attorney, shares the tech stack and outsourcing strategies that help him do exactly that. In this episode, you'll discover: The tools Lee swears by—like Text Expander, Demands AI, and File Vine—and how they save him hours every week How virtual assistants fit into his system and boost efficiency His approach to marketing with short-form video and social ...

Jun 04, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 309

308: Mastering AI: A Lawyer's Guide to ChatGPT

The best way for lawyers to master AI is to deep on just one tool: ChatGPT. In this episode, you’ll learn practical tips for using it in your practice, why the paid version is worth it, and how to get the most out of it. You’ll also learn about the new ChatGPT Lab, a hands-on training program to help solo/small firm lawyers who want weekly guidance on using AI in their practice. General Resources Sign up for ChatGPT (get the $20/month version for maximum utiliity) ChatGPT Lab (learn about the we...

May 20, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 308

307: Wisper Flow: The AI Assistant You Didn't Know You Needed

Wisper Flow is a no-fuss AI-powered dictation tool that helps you put words into documents or emails three times faster than typing. Because it's powered by AI, it can pick up your style and get better over time. Also, it works fabulously with apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this episode, you'll learn exactly how it can streamline your workflows and free your mind for higher-level work. Resource links Wisper Flow (special discount link) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsle...

May 06, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 307

306: Revamping Legal Research - The AI Advantage for Solo & Small Firms

Discover how legal research giants like LexisNexis and Westlaw are being disrupted by low cost AI tools like ChatGPT. Smart solo lawyers are ignoring overpriced AI tools favored by BigLaw in favor of cheaper, more innovative options. Listen to find out which AI-powered legal research options that deliver speed, savings, and simplicity without bloated price tags. Resources from this Episode Carolyn Elefant's LinkedIn Post ChatGPT Google NotebookLM Midpage Westlaw LexisNexis CoCounsel (Thomson Reu...

Apr 15, 202516 minEp. 306

305: Improve Your Memory using Proven Techniques (with Anthony Metivier)

In a world where we rely on digital tools to remember things, the ancient art of memory training seems to have been forgotten. Which is a shame because memory training provides many advantages—especially for lawyers who need to retain vast amounts of information. In this episode, memory expert Anthony Metivier explains how to develop extraordinary recall using personalized techniques that make memorizing more engaging and effective. If you’ve ever wanted a sharper memory and a stronger mind, you...

Apr 01, 202557 minEp. 305

304: Subscription Pricing for Transactional Lawyers (with Mathew Kerbis)

Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal services Integration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows and client satisfaction Flexible pricing strategies and maintaining low operating expenses Insights f...

Mar 18, 202540 minEp. 304

303: From Russia with Passion & Drive - Miami attorney Ilona Anderson

In this episode you'll meet an attorney named Ilona Anderson who was originally from Russia but came to the U.S. when she was sixteen and pursued her passion for law. You'll learn about her first job working in a big Miami firm, where she handled commercial litigation cases. We discuss the importance of using systems and her interesting take on what good systems look like in a law practice. We talked about the best tools to store SOPs, and why she's exploring the use of a popular tool called Not...

Mar 04, 202554 minEp. 303

302: Photographic Memory: A Skill You Didn't Know You Had

In this episode, you'll learn that you have a photographic memory without knowing it. Just like Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton who can remember names and faces instantly, which helps him recall details about jury pool members, even groups of 50 to 75 people. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to unlock this skill to remember anything you want to and you'll be completely astonished. In this episode, you will hear: Unlocking the potential of photographic memory through accessible ...

Feb 18, 202534 minEp. 302

301: Stop Losing Billable Hours: How AI Simplifies Time-Keeping & Billing for Lawyers

Nancy Jeng, co-founder of Billables.ai , reveals how passive time-keeping is changing the game for lawyers—capturing billable hours with zero effort and tailoring entries to your style. Learn how this AI-powered tool integrates seamlessly with Clio, Microsoft, and more, while offering surprising benefits even for lawyers who don’t bill for their time. In this episode, you will hear: The transformative power of AI in legal timekeeping and billing Seamless integration of Billables AI with platform...

Feb 04, 202543 minEp. 301

300: Leveraging AI by Balancing Critical & Creative Thinking

Want to harness the power of AI while at the same time minimize risk? Then learn to balance critical and creative thinking as you use AI in your law practice. Listen and get concrete recommendations for making this happen now. In this episode, you will hear: Exploring AI's role in enhancing legal practice for solo and small firm lawyers Balancing critical and creative thinking in law with AI tools Practical steps for integrating AI, starting with low-risk tasks Importance of collaborative learni...

Jan 21, 202520 minEp. 300

299: The Future of Legal Work: What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025

How can solo attorneys harness AI to stay sharp and competitive? This episode dives into Microsoft’s new report on AI and how it will impact legal research, document review, and client service. Listen and get practical tips and strategies for leveraging AI in 2025—boosting productivity, streamlining work, and sharpening your edge. In this episode, you will hear: Embracing AI to enhance productivity and client engagement for solo and small firm lawyers Insights from Microsoft's New Future of Work...

Jan 07, 202522 minEp. 299

298: Thinking Like a Philosopher: Jonny Thomson on Truth, AI, and the Socratic Method

Oxford philosophy professor Jonny Thomson explains how philosophy sharpens critical thinking, reveals hidden biases, and helps uncover the truth in a messy, complex world. From the Socratic method to the role of testimony and the challenges posed by AI, this episode dives into the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and the modern search for knowledge. A must-listen for lawyers and anyone who values sharper thinking. In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of the intersection between phi...

Dec 24, 202439 minEp. 298

297: A Year of Remote Lawyering: How Jeff Austin Took His Practice to Patagonia

In this episode, you'll hear from Jeff Austin, an estate planning attorney from Durham, North Carolina, who spent a year practicing law remotely while living in Argentina with his family. Jeff will explain how he transitioned to a paperless, remote practice, tackling challenges like how to notarize documents remotely, how to manage client communication, and how to handle physical mail. In this episode, you will hear: Jeff Austin's transition to a remote, paperless law practice while living in Ar...

Dec 10, 202432 minEp. 297

296: Mastering Your Zoom Presence: Tips for Looking Professional Online

You should optimize your appearance in online meetings and presentations to appear professional, credible and authoritative. You don't need to do a lot to make that happen, and in this episode you'll find out how with tips for best cameras, mics, backgrounds, plus simple, practical tips for being a good host and attendee. Topics covered: Why Your Zoom Appearance Matters The "Zoom Economy": Investing in On-Screen Appearance DIY Tips for a Professional Look Creating the Perfect Background Lighting...

Nov 26, 202417 minEp. 296

295: Deb Feder, a Business Attorney Now Helps Professionals Grow Their Businesses

In this episode Deb Feder shares her transition from business lawyer to a coaching business for business professionals. You'll hear about her early career trials, favorite book picks, and how technology has changed the legal profession. She'll also share her great advice on email efficiency, time management, client rapport, boundary setting, and using LinkedIn for business development. In this episode, you will hear: Deb Feder's transition from business law to coaching business owners, including...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 295

294: Google NotebookLM (plus AI in the Courtroom)

This episode discusses Google's NotebookLM, an AI research assistant designed to handle groups of complex documents. Listen and learn about its amazing features, such as generating summaries, citations, and FAQs. You can also hear the “audio overviews” feature, in which two bots discuss a recent case (Matter of Weber) involving the use of AI in the courtroom. Here are details of what was covered: Introduction to Google's NotebookLM Exploring NotebookLM's Features Getting Started with NotebookLM ...

Oct 29, 202418 minEp. 294

293: Want to Travel the World While Practicing Law? Here’s How Brian Dixon Made It Happen

Believe it or no, it's possible to work as "digital nomad lawyer" and spend all your time traveling the world. Our guest Brian Dixon knows this first hand. In this episode, you'll learn about his journey from a traditional law practice to fulltime globetrotter. Listen and learn which practice areas are best suited to this kind of life, and which tech tools are most important to adopt. In this episode, you will hear: Transition from traditional legal practice to digital nomad lifestyle. Balancing...

Oct 15, 202438 minEp. 2

292: The Keys to AI-enhanced Legal Writing (with Ross Guberman)

Explore the cutting edge of legal writing with Ross Guberman, the founder of a company called Legal Writing Pro. In this episode, learn interesting ways that generative AI can help lawyers write better briefs and contracts. In this episode, you will hear: Generative AI tools for stress-free, effective legal writing Insights on creating influential legal writing resources Exploration of BriefCatch, an AI-powered legal writing tool Ethical considerations and potential of AI in legal practice Strat...

Oct 01, 202445 minEp. 292

291: Judge Scott Schlegel Explores the Use of AI in the Court System

In this episode, you'll hear Judge Scott Schlegel explain why he believes that lawyers and judges should know as much as possible about how AI tools work. And why they should gain this understanding by using the tools as much as possible. In this episode, you will hear: Judge Scott Schlegel's career journey from finance to tech-savvy appellate judge. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Llama, Grok, and Perplexity in legal practice. Ethical and practical implications of AI in courtrooms. Innovative id...

Sep 17, 202445 minEp. 291

290: 3 Keys to a Smooth Running Practice

Building a successful law practice is a lot easier when you focus on the right things. And that's exactly how attorney Elise Buie built a thriving practice that's both financially lucrative and immensely enjoyable. In this episode she shares her top three secrets to massive success. In this episode, you will hear: Building a successful law practice with controllable elements and technology Importance of self-reflection and personal responsibility in legal practice Utilizing AI and technology to ...

Sep 04, 202443 minEp. 290

289: The Best AI Note-Taking App for Lawyers

Every lawyer should use an AI note-taking app, but now there are dozens, so which one should they use? In this episode, we examine the top two apps and compare features so you can make a fully informed decision. In this episode, you will hear: Introduction to AI note-taking apps Personal experiences and insights on the effectiveness of these tools for attorneys. Detailed comparison of features, reliability, security, and integration capabilities. Importance of reliability, security, and integrat...

Aug 20, 202438 minEp. 289

288: ABA Ethics Opinion on Lawyers use of AI

The ABA's new ethics opinion on lawyers' use of AI is a must-read, but this episode will give you the key takeaways you need to be aware of. We'll also discuss the provocative statement in the opinion that "AI can help lawyers predict how judges might rule on a legal question based on data about the judge’s rulings." Listen now to learn more. In this episode, you will hear: Discussion on the ABA ethics opinion's claim that AI can predict judicial rulings, despite skepticism due to lack of cited ...

Aug 06, 202423 minEp. 288

287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers

Social media marketing is easy and inexpensive if you approach it right. Being authentic is one key to success, but there's another word that's even more important. And that’s what this episode will explain and discuss. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging social media for attorneys The importance of relationships in social media marketing The pitfalls of chasing viral content and the value of authenticity Practical social media marketing strategies (ex. content harvesting and sharing loca...

Jul 16, 202439 minEp. 287

286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work

Modern lawyers need new workspaces optimized for remote work, virtual collaboration, and asynchronous communication. In this episode, you'll find out which two software tools are the best online workspaces and why popular cloud-based practice management software does not compete with these new options. In this episode, you will hear: Modern online workspaces for remote collaboration Choosing the right online workspace Choosing affordable online workspaces Innovative software tools and productivi...

Jul 02, 202442 minEp. 286

285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)

Kristen David is an amazing lawyer who believes there are 6 fundamental systems that every law practice needs. She learned this when she needed a way to escape stress and burnout to gain massive fulfillment and freedom. For the past decade, she's coached lawyers on how to develop, maintain, and refine systems. And in this podcast episode, she shares her best tips that you can start systematizing your law practice. In this episode, you will hear: Importance of systems in legal defense The 6 key s...

Jun 18, 202453 minEp. 285

284: Get Better Clients Using Conversational Emails

If you want better clients, you need to convey that you are very special, not like most attorneys. How you convey that message is everything. You can't communicate in cliches or brazen claims. You must come across as sincere, thoughtful, and truly considerate. In this session, we'll discuss how to do that using simple, easy-to-write emails. In this episode, you will hear: Marketing tactics for attracting quality clients Effective marketing strategies for lawyers Client referral strategies with t...

Jun 04, 202434 minEp. 284

283: Finding & Working with Overseas VAs (with Gabriel Marous)

Gabriel Marous is a New York business lawyer who runs his firm, making extensive use of VAs based in the Philippines. He had to figure out for himself how to recruit, hire, train, and manage his team of 10 VAs. Now, he helps other lawyers and business owners do the same. In this episode, you'll learn how he started doing this, what mistakes he made and overcame, and how you can take advantage of overseas VAs just like he has done. In this episode, you will hear: Leveraging overseas virtual assis...

May 21, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 283

282: Sensible & Satisfying Productivity (with David Sparks)

How can you be more productive and enjoy doing so? Merely checking off boxes on a To-Do list isn't the answer. Attorney David Sparks has the best answer I've come across, and he explains it very well. David is exceptionally productive in juggling a mind-boggling number of responsibilities. Listen and learn David's incredible secrets to being productive in a way that enables you to accomplish a lot while feeling good (and not stressed). In this episode, you will hear: Productivity tips for attorn...

May 07, 202446 minEp. 282

281: The 5 Biggest Mistakes in Using Technology (and How to Avoid Them)

As we all know, modern technology can create powerful leverage in any business. Unfortunately, it's complex and rapidly changing, which creates big challenges—especially for lawyers. Most lawyers lack the instincts to know what to focus on and prioritize, so they often make big mistakes when using technology. Fortunately, the five biggest mistakes can be avoided if you know what they are and how to avoid them. Listen and find out how. In this episode, you will hear: Avoiding lawyer technology ad...

Apr 16, 202420 minEp. 281
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