It's hard to start a law firm, but it's also never been easier.
Jeremy Widder
Episode 033
Show Notes
Brief summary of show:
When you start a new firm, you will always be met with uncertainty. Of course, you have a plan of how you want to run your firm, but there are many variables that can attempt to throw it off course. So, how do you navigate it?
That’s what we’re talking about in this episode with Jeremy Widder, a criminal defense lawyer practicing in Southern Maryland.
Jeremy started his solo practice in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, and he shares about how this helped his firm become more innovative.
He uses technology to automate and simplify as much of his practice as possible, while still providing top-notch legal representation and client service.
We talk about:
• [3:00] How to navigate external circumstances that impact a new business idea
• [5:00] Figuring out a strategy in the midst of a global pandemic
• [10:40] Why it’s so important for a new firm to know where its business is coming from
• [15:15] Jeremy’s system for asking for Google reviews from past and current clients
• [19:25] The impact branding has on your ideal client
• [23:20] The lessons Jeremy learned by starting up his firm in the face of uncertainty
• [36:30] Why burnout and working around the clock doesn’t work anymore
Jeremy Widder's Book
From the publisher:
Too many solo practice and small firm lawyers struggle to generate enough cashflow, get clients, meet expectations, hire the right team members, or use technology. Some small firm and solo lawyers even struggle with mental health issues or substance abuse. It doesn’t have to be that way.What if you could own and manage the law firm of your dreams without the 80-hour workweeks?There’s a demand for the services provided by small firm lawyers, but your law firm business plan and solo law practice strategy should align with what clients need. In The Small Firm Roadmap, the innovative team at Lawyerist.com, Aaron Street, Sam Glover, Stephanie Everett, and Marshall Lichty offer a proven path in this practical guide to help you: • Gain clarity around your law career and success in solo practice or small firm management through vision-casting • Shift into a future-oriented law firm focused on value and client engagement • Create roles and hire for the right cultural and functional fit • Match your strategies and process with how clients make decisions today • Develop pricing models that attract and convert your ideal clients • Master all three personal roles in your firm as entrepreneur, firm manager, and lawyer technician The Small Firm Roadmap is your guide to the future of law practice with a client-centric law firm management model.Isn’t it time to get what you want from your small law firm?
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