What happens when a self-proclaimed "proud non-lawyer" takes the reins of a law firm? In this lively episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast, Rob and Amanda sit down with John Bowers, CEO of Thompson Burton, to explore how leadership, transparency, and empathy are reshaping the future of law firm operations. John brings his signature mix of candor and humor as he shares: Why he embraces the term "non-lawyer" How a fully transparent, formulaic compensation model drives growth and accountability at hi...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min•Ep. 40
Ever wondered why your law firm’s bank account doesn’t match your revenue? Or what a K-1 really means? In this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast , Rob and Amanda are joined by Terrell Turner, CPA and founder of TL Turner Group, to make sense of the financial fog law firms often find themselves in. From translating accounting jargon into plain English to explaining why you probably shouldn’t rely on the legal drama, Suits, for legal business advice, Terrell shares real-world insights for law fi...
Jun 03, 2025•39 min•Ep. 39
2025-2026 ALA President Travis Armstrong joins Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos for a high-energy, insightful conversation about climbing higher—both literally and figuratively. From running marathons and championing mental health to leading firm-wide technology upgrades, Travis shares the mindset behind his presidential theme, how he’s helping transform ALA’s volunteer structure, and why empathy and endurance are essential in legal leadership. He also dives into his recent experience spearheading a...
May 20, 2025•39 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of Mostly Legal, Amanda and Rob sit down with John Byrne , President of the Legal Marketing Association and CMO of the mid-sized law firm Gould and Ratner , to talk all things legal marketing, from the basics of building a brand to avoiding “random acts of marketing.” John brings his trademark humor and deep industry insight to a wide-ranging conversation that covers: What small and mid-sized firms get wrong (and right) about marketing How current clients drive 80% of new busines...
May 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 37
Debbie Foster is back! She's the only guest to make a repeat appearance (so far!) on The Mostly Legal Podcast , and hosts Amanda Koplos and Rob Joyner dive deep with Debbie on what law firms think they need when they say they're hiring a COO, and what they actually need. They explore what the COO title should mean, how to avoid watering it down, and why small firms in particular need to be strategic (not just aspirational) when giving out leadership roles. From governance structure shakeups to h...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Ep. 36
How do you go from answering phones to running the business side of a law firm? In this episode of the Mostly Legal Podcast, we sit down with Elyssa Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of RAM Law and 2025-2026 President-Elect of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), to find out. Elyssa shares her journey from receptionist to COO, the mentors who shaped her path, and how she advocated for a leadership role in a small firm. We also dive into career development, ALA's impact, the importance...
Apr 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 35
Rob Joyner and Amanda Koplos are BACK with The Mostly Legal Podcast - Season 4 and ready to share more behind-the-scenes stories of how law firms operate. If you're one of their seven or eight fans, here's a taste of what's in store!
Apr 08, 2025•4 min•Ep. 34
Can you believe this is the season finale for the Mostly Legal podcast season 3? We wanted to end this season the way it started...with a bang! This week we hosted Stefanie Marrone , a LinkedIn expert. Not only is she the queen of social media marketing, but she also runs her own blog, has impressive CMO experience, and is a public speaker. What is the butterfly effect exactly? One inconsequential thing could have a far-reaching impact on your life, your work, etc. Learn how Stefanie journeyed f...
Dec 05, 2022•49 min•Ep. 33
What if we shifted the way we thought of work-life balance to work-life integration or enrichment? We welcomed Lori Mihalich-Levin , an author, mother, podcast host, and founding principal, to the podcast to discuss the role of motherhood and its integration into the practice of law. She really can do it all! The power of setting boundaries for yourself is a vital component of your success and personal growth. Lori walks us through the power of advocating yourself, with a focus on parental leave...
Nov 14, 2022•36 min•Ep. 32
On this week of the Mostly Legal podcast, Rob and Amanda host Geoffrey Williams (COO and CFO of Cunningham Bounds, LLC) and ALA International President-Elect 2022-2023. Have you ever thought about the differences between curiosity vs. judgment between one another? Geoffrey provides a thoughtful conversation around the impact of their experiences as a child and how it has influenced various parts of his life. Learn how Geoffrey has used many different ALA experiences towards his personal growth a...
Nov 07, 2022•35 min•Ep. 31
Did you ever think the ALA could bring you some of your best friends? This week, we welcome Jessica Daughtery, the Director of Administration at Wesierski & Zurek . Jessica opens up to Rob and Amanda about how the ALA is not just a place to swap business cards, but rather a place that, if you allow it, can provide you with deep and special friendships. A large impact is due to ALA members understanding what you are going through on a day-to-day basis. Listen to this week's episode to learn y...
Oct 31, 2022•34 min•Ep. 30
Do we have a (Halloween) treat for you this week? On this episode, we welcomed the charismatic father and son duo, Alan and Rich Wilson as they dive into the power of storytelling. Now, this episode does not fall short of in-person storytelling too. From everything from Halloween stories to Alan taking Rob and Amanda through cheers. Also, Rich takes us through the impact of online storytelling through content creation. It is no mystery that social media and marketing are essential to a firm's su...
Oct 24, 2022•45 min•Ep. 29
Has anyone ever bet on your failure? When Bill Lowman started ShuffieldLowman 19 years ago, partners at his former firm predicted he wouldn’t succeed. He was a young partner with a still-growing book of business who was notoriously bad at entering and billing time. But thanks to strong mentors, the ability to learn from his mistakes, and the willingness to admit what he didn’t know, Bill created an incredibly successful mid-size firm in Central Florida. He shares that story plus sage advice on c...
Oct 17, 2022•37 min•Ep. 28
This week, you are in for a real treat. We hosted Sarah Evenson , ALA President. Sarah is no stranger to the legal industry. As a previous law school student by day and MBA student by night, Sarah fills us in our her exciting career path and what led her to become the current ALA President. Have you heard of the pre-law scholar's program that Sarah is highly involved in? Learn how she helps the next generation of upcoming law school students. Rob and Amanda dive into superpowers, diversity, and ...
Oct 11, 2022•41 min•Ep. 27
When is the last time you heard a great HR joke? We can guarantee you will hear a couple in this episode. Christine Wilbur (Human Resources Director at Aleshire & Wynder, LLP) joins Rob and Amanda for an insightful conversation about leading with love and compassion, goals, and maybe even Disneyland. Working parents everywhere will be inspired to hear Christine's story and how failing forward has served her both inside and outside the legal industry. You might even learn a little about bulk ...
Oct 03, 2022•48 min•Ep. 26
This week, Rob and Amanda have the pleasure of talking to Nick Manty who started his career as a Firm Administrator at a boutique law firm specializing in bankruptcy and creditors' rights. Now Nick is part of the Barnes & Thornburg team the Minneapolis and Salt Lake City Marketing Manager. Nick takes us along his journey from his transition from these two roles. This episode covers everything from resume jokes to meditation, and even glass blowing. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the ...
Sep 26, 2022•36 min•Ep. 25
Are you an Apple or PC user? Could you imagine no Crtl Alt Delete? As a dominant and highly active member in the Mile High chapter of ALA, Terri Moore-Natal brings us through her unconventional journey into the legal management world. Terri walks us through how her time at a call center translated into her work as a paralegal and law firm administrator. Join us for this thoughtful conversation about career paths to firm culture all the way to an incredible cause for Terri's "Pitch Your Passion"....
Sep 19, 2022•34 min•Ep. 24
The Mostly Legal podcast is back for season 3 and we are starting this season off with a true bang! Have you ever wondered what coaching softball and the legal industry could have in common? Starting off for this season, Michael Cohen, an ALA fan favorite, sits down with Amanda and Rob to address everything from sports to the stigmas behind mental health. Michael has found that his experiences outside the workspace have benefited and opened the door to other opportunities within the legal indust...
Sep 14, 2022•53 min•Ep. 23
This week’s guest on the Mostly Legal Podcast is proof that you really can have it all. Suzy Klepac (Office Administrator, Kirk & Chaney PLLC) has served in multiple administrative roles at various law firms for the last six years, but she recently embarked on her greatest challenge – working remotely full time with a newborn. Working parents everywhere will be inspired to hear Suzy’s story of work-life balance in the fast-paced legal industry, which, according to her, is a little like livin...
May 09, 2022•37 min•Ep. 22
This week, Rob and Amanda have the pleasure of talking to Amylyn Riedling (Paralegal, Office Manager, and Bookkeeper at Robin H. Balsam P.S.) who went back to school to become a paralegal because her friend was doing it and she thought it sounded fun. However, through the course of her career, Amylyn has found that her experiences outside of the classroom have been just as beneficial to her success as lectures and tests. How did her job operating rides at an amusement park when she was 16 set he...
May 02, 2022•44 min•Ep. 21
Most people start their careers with the dream of changing people and the world. This week’s guests, Julie Logan (Director of Strategic Workforce Planning & Development, Thompson Coburn LLP) and Karen Griggs (Executive Director, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, LLC), have discovered that you can’t necessarily change people, but you can give them the tools they need to succeed. Join us for this discussion on learning to be adaptable in the ever-changing legal administration landscape. Julie a...
Apr 25, 2022•44 min•Ep. 20
Imagine this… you’re a junior in college and all signs are pointing to you being selected as a top 30 NFL draft pick. Right before the rest of your life is supposed to start, you sustain a life-threatening injury that leaves you with a paralyzed arm. What would you do? Many of us would probably want to give up, but not this week’s guest! We had the honor of speaking with Inky Johnson (Host, Serendipity with Inky Johnson Podcast ) about maintaining strength and resilience in the face of adversity...
Apr 11, 2022•47 min•Ep. 19
This week’s guest needs no introduction. As a long-time member and past president of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), Teresa Walker’s (CEO, Tennessee Private Trust Services) legacy precedes her. Teresa has been at the same law firm for 45 (yes, you read that right!) years and she’s on the mic this week with lots of knowledge to share. You’ll want to hear what she has to say about what has changed in the legal industry over the years; some of it may even surprise you!...
Mar 28, 2022•49 min•Ep. 18
It’s not often a podcast guest is introduced via poetry, but this week, you’re going to hear exactly that. Take a trip down memory lane with us as one of our beloved Season 1 guests, Jenna Carter (Director of Administration, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP) introduces us to Maria Stanfield (Founder, My Sister CEO) to the tune of Maya Angelou . A speaker, executive career coach, and bestselling author with a heart for service, Maria’s message for us is simple: it’s never too late to realize y...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 17
What superpower do you want to have? Most people would say flying or the ability to read minds. Debbie Foster (Partner, Affinity Consulting Group) has a superpower of her own: getting people to make a change without explicitly telling them a change is necessary. As a consultant in the legal industry, reluctance to change is an attitude she knows all too well. This week, Debbie takes the mic and shares her tips for making law firms a great place to work – one change at a time....
Mar 14, 2022•47 min•Ep. 16
How far would you go to get the career you’ve dreamed of since your childhood? In high school, Kyle Weigand (Director of Operations, Brouse McDowell, LPA) wrote letters (yes, back when snail mail still existed!) to 40 law firms in the Cleveland area and got one response. He started in that firm’s mailroom soon after. Kyle’s personal touch paid off; from there, it’s been a steady rise from paralegal to director to helping start a law firm from the ground up for this go-getter. Join us for this fa...
Mar 07, 2022•48 min•Ep. 15
How do you earn the nickname “Major Problem Solver” throughout the course of your career? We won’t say it comes solely from holding a variety of positions and working your way up in the legal industry, but that’s a great place to start. Brandi Hobbs (Director of Operations and Process Improvement at Offit Kurman) started her career thinking she was going to be an attorney, but now she’s a strategic change innovator and has a Master of Professional Studies in Law Firm Management from the George W...
Feb 28, 2022•53 min•Ep. 14
The Mostly Legal Podcast is back for season 2 and we’re starting this second go around off with a bang! How do you know when it’s time for a career change? Maybe you’re not enjoying the work you’re doing, not happy at your current employer, or perhaps you’re in the wrong industry all together. Alex Su (Head of Community Development for Ironclad) thinks you’re much more likely to be successful in your career if you focus on doing something that’s aligned with your strengths instead of trying to f...
Feb 21, 2022•50 min•Ep. 13
If we asked you right now who your mentor is, would you be able to give us an answer? Would you without a shadow of a doubt be able to name a person who has not only inspired you but has personally had a hand in your professional success? Statistically, not many people claim to have a mentor, so if you don’t, that’s okay you’re not alone. But in this final episode of our inaugural season, we interview Amanda Koplos’s lifelong mentor, Winston Williams (Partner at CWP Entertainment Management), an...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 12
What’s the difference between passion and perseverance? Passion only takes you so far and perseverance takes you the rest of the way. Take Jenna Carter (Director of Administration for K&L Gates, LLP, Washington, D.C.) and Chassidy Deckard (Director of Administration for the Texas region of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP) for example. Their perseverance has gotten them to where they are today and through the adversity of a high-pressure job, to overcoming the obstacles and blazing their...
Sep 06, 2021•56 min•Ep. 11
