Shows
The Mostly Legal PodcastNot a Lawyer and That's the Point: The Case for Redefining the Law FirmWhat 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 his firmHis bold take on the role of CEOs and business leaders in lawThe powerful story b...2025-06-1746 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastFrom K-1s to KPIs: A CPA’s Guide to Law Firm FinancesEver 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 firm leaders, administrators, and accountants who want to get smart about their...2025-06-0339 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastRunning Toward Change: What It Takes to Lead in Today’s Law Firms2025-2026 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 major document management system upgrade at his firm—how he secured stakeholder buy-in, used trusted team members as change ambassadors, and why bringing in a consultan...2025-05-2039 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastAvoiding Random Acts of Law Firm MarketingIn 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 marketingHow current clients drive 80% of new business and how to engage them betterThe difference between CRMs and ERMs (and why even your Outl...2025-05-0637 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastIs Your Law Firm Ready for a COO?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 how real change starts with honest conversations, this...2025-04-2246 min
Legal Management TalkALA's Meeting the Moment: Developing Leadership SkillsIn the latest episode of ALA's Meeting the Moment series, ALA President Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA; President-Elect Travis Armstrong, CLM, CPA; and Immediate Past President Geoffrey Williams, CLM, MBA, M.Div. sit down for the first-ever live taping of the podcast to discuss their leadership journeys and how to become a leader in the Association. They also address some other hot topics, including DEIA and artificial intelligence.2025-04-1530 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastFrom Front Desk to COOHow 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 of taking responsibility for your career—and yes, Rob tries (and fails) to get El...2025-04-1044 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastWe're Back!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! 2025-04-0804 minLegal Management TalkALA's Meeting the Moment: Hiring in LegalIt’s not too often when we get a chance to hear from both ALA’s President, Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA, and Executive Director, Eryn Carter, CAE, in the same room at the same time. This is one of those times! In this episode, Amanda and Eryn take the opportunity to discuss how ALA is meeting the moment when it comes to hiring struggles in the legal industry. Gather some ideas about how to address some of the latest hiring trends — such as recruiting, compensation packages and integrating Gen Z — and learn about the resources ALA provides to help you. Let...2024-11-2137 min
The Lawyer's EdgeAmanda Koplos | How Legal Administrators Help Unlock Your Law Firm’s PotentialAmanda Koplos is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Central Florida-based law firm Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson. She has 20 years of experience in various law firm leadership positions and currently serves as the president of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). ALA is a premier professional association with 9,500 members that exists to connect, educate, and empower leaders and managers within the legal industry. In her spare time, Amanda is also the co-host of The Mostly Legal Podcast. The show is dedicated to bringing awareness to the legal management profession through chats with the heroes of high-performing law...2024-08-2737 min
Powerful Leaders. No Apologies.The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership, with Amanda KoplosIn this first episode of Season 2, Debbie brings back the first guest from Season 1, Amanda Koplos. Amanda shares the transformative power of vulnerability in building trust and fostering authentic connections within teams. Through her experiences, Amanda emphasizes the importance of embracing self-doubt and leveraging it as a catalyst for personal and professional growth in the realm of legal leadership. Check out the show notes for this episode on our website. Connect with us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn2024-05-0234 minPowerful Leaders. No Apologies.Don’t Count Yourself Out, with Amanda KoplosWelcome to the Powerful Leaders, No Apologies podcast! We’re excited to share our first episode with you! Today, Beth and Debbie interview law firm executive director and podcast host, Amanda Koplos, about her journey to become a powerful leader. One of her key learnings is that leaders should train people so they can leave you, but treat them so they will stay. Check out the show notes for this episode on our website. Connect with us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn2023-01-2629 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Butterfly Effect: Building Your Brand Through the Power of Social MediaCan 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 from an in-house marketer to a powerhouse entrepreneur by b...2022-12-0548 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastParenting While Practicing: Achieving the Elusive Work/Life HarmonyWhat 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. She also explains her program, Mindful Return, and the resources and help it provides to...2022-11-1435 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Impact of Encouragement: Finding and Embracing Your Authentic SelfOn 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 and how trying and failing can turn into trying and succeeding through time and effort. Did we mention that he a...2022-11-0735 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastMore than Just Networking: How the ALA Cultivates Special FriendshipsDid 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 you can always find your tribe! 2022-10-3134 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Dynamic Duo: The Power of StorytellingDo 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 success, so why not hear an industry update from an expert in this a...2022-10-2445 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastAre Lawyers Bad at Business?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 creating work/life harmony, the secrets to lobstering and even dares to pick a fav...2022-10-1736 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastPaving the Path Forward: Leading with Passion and GenerosityThis 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 talent pipeline with Sarah. And have yo...2022-10-1140 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastGrace, Gratitude, and Grit: Getting to YesWhen 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 purchasing Chrome Books. You do not want to miss this episode! 2022-10-0348 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Advantages of a Cognitive Disability: A New Approach to Law Firm MarketingThis 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 impact of a cognitive disability and Nick’s ability to think through accessibility when exe...2022-09-2636 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastCold Calling to Shot Calling: In Law Firm Management, Customer Service is KeyAre 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". 2022-09-1934 minThe Mostly Legal PodcastCoaching On and Off the Field with MikeThe 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 industry. As a true family man, Michael shares what he is passionate about and w...2022-09-1452 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastLive Life Like Someone Left the Gate OpenThis 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 living life like someone left the gate open. But, make sure you don’t let the goats out! 2022-05-0936 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastNever Stop Learning: Continuing Your Education In and Out of the ClassroomThis 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 her up to be a paralegal later in life? Y...2022-05-0244 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastBuilding a New Generation of Talent: Applying Strategy When Hiring Legal Support TeamsMost 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 and Karen both have unique perspectives to share on mentorship and hiring a new generation of talent. Your mind...2022-04-2543 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastHow a Change in Circumstances Can Shift Your PerspectiveImagine 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, and we can’t wait to share...2022-04-1146 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastRise to the Top: What You Learn After 45 Years at a Law FirmThis 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!2022-03-2849 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastIt’s Lonely at the Top: Turning Problems into OpportunityIt’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 your full potential.2022-03-2159 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastBuilding a Successful Law Firm: How Culture, Strategy, and Leadership CollideWhat 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. 2022-03-1447 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastManaging Both Sides: From Paralegal to DirectorHow 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 fascinating discussion on why transpare...2022-03-0747 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastLook Beyond the Law Firm, Look Beyond the DeskHow 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 Washington University, one of the only schools to offer such...2022-02-2853 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastHow a Social Media Star is Disrupting the Legal IndustryThe 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 fix your weaknesses. A former lawye...2022-02-2149 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Quintessential MentorIf 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), and discover why having a mentor is not o...2021-09-1359 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastYoung and in ChargeWhat’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 own trail, these two powerhouse women show us what it looks like when the rubber truly meets th...2021-09-0656 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastSmall Firms, Big HeartsWhich question would you rather have the answer to: where do you find the best firm administrators or how do you gain loyalty from a large group of people? Fortunately, you don’t actually have to choose because Katya Adams (Office Manager, The Watkins Firm, APC) and Gail Fredrickson (Firm Administrator, Rossway Swan) give us answers to both. Pull up a chair because we dive into a whole host of other questions too and you won’t want to miss what they have to say.2021-08-3050 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastThe Other Side of the Fence: Legal Industry Business Partners Speak OutIn this episode we are taking a turn to explore the business of law from the legal technology side of things. Melissa Chambers (Vice President of Enterprise Solutions, LawPay/Affinipay) and Mike West (Vice President of SMB Sales, NetDocuments) unveil the real truth behind the uniqueness of law firms and the real pain points that they have. Now, imagine yourself with only 2 minutes to make your pitch to a firm. What is the first thing you lead with? You’re going to have to listen to find out because Mike and Melissa said it best. 2021-08-2355 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastShifting Perspectives in the IndustryWhat would you do if, 48 hours before the most important event of the year, someone asked you to fill in for the keynote speaker? Would you pass up the opportunity or would you make it to the stage and give the best speech of your life? What if, after 20 years at a small firm, you made a leap and moved to a large firm? Would you be ready for the challenges that came with that transition? What about getting buy-in from attorneys and partners? How do you sell yourself in a way that gets you what you need? 2021-08-161h 02
The Mostly Legal PodcastIf You Get Lost – Just Shake SomethingBuckle your seatbelts, because there is a lot to unpack in this episode! Holly Pulido (Chief Operating Officer at Slack Davis Sanger LLP) and Eric Hightower, CLM SPHR (Director of Operations at Wright, Constable & Skeen, L.L.P.) take us through a jam-packed, 60-minutes’ worth of award-worthy entertainment. From uncovering the real myth behind the legal management profession and navigating mergers and acquisitions, to learning how to prioritize an onslaught of requests, this episode will remind you why you do what you do. And, as a bonus, you’ll also discover what really happens when the light bulb...2021-08-0950 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastA Legal Leader’s Love StoryFinding the love of your life is rare. It isn’t something you can search for or pull out of thin air, and sometimes, people go through their entire lives without it. But that wasn’t the case for Mark Bridgeman (HR Manager, ShuffieldLowman Attorneys and Advisors). From the Navy to Chief Legal Records Manager to three ALA chapter leadership positions, Mark has seen it all. But what he didn’t see coming was Steven Wingert. From a love born out of a Starbucks line, to defying the odds, and navigating pancreatic cancer, Mark takes us through a love...2021-08-021h 01
The Mostly Legal PodcastA Servant Leader’s Journey with Debbie Elsbury and Michael BumgarnerMichael Bumgarner (President of ALA) and Debbie Elsbury (former President of ALA) join the show to discuss everything from the hurdles that come with huge career transitions to the power of titles within a firm. They also discuss how one can progress into leadership within ALA. In the legal community, it’s easy to feel like the dumbest person in the room because, let’s face it, you’re surrounded by so many great minds and imposter syndrome is real. But both Debbie and Mike have some tips on how to overcome this. And if that wasn’t enough to pique...2021-07-261h 00
The Mostly Legal PodcastWorking with Friends with Tina Terrian & Chris SimsEveryone knows you should always maintain a professional relationship with your coworkers, but what happens when your coworker also happens to be a great friend? From a floating Walmart to comfortable tensions, Rob and Amanda speak with long-time friends Tina Terrian (Executive Director at Pirkey Barber PLLC) and Chris Sims (Director of Finance at Pirkey Barber PLLC) to explore the dynamics of a friendship that defies the odds in an industry that can leave you feeling rather lonely – not to mention a discovery about the true difference between casinos in Vegas and the ones on cruises. And if...2021-07-1946 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastFinding Your Voice in a Big Firm with Lyn Calu & Michael KeattsLyn Calu (Regional Office Administrator at Dinsmore & Shohl) and Michael Keatts (Regional Office Administrator at Bowman and Brooke) began their friendship at Bowman and Brooke where they navigated the waters of a firm with over 300 people. In this inaugural episode, Lyn and Michael discuss what it’s like managing teams through two different lenses and juggling the dynamics that inevitably emerge from working at a firm of such magnitude. From crazy Tarzan-themed ALA parties to creating the glue that leads to lasting bonds, Rob, Amanda, Lyn, and Michael laugh their way through stories about loincloths and the Ve...2021-07-1256 min
The Mostly Legal PodcastIntroducing: Mostly Legal with Rob Joyner & Amanda KoplosYou may be asking yourself, why should I listen to a podcast about legal management? The answer is simple: as a pioneer in law firm tech sales and a seasoned law firm leader, Rob and Amanda have combined experience of almost 25 years in the legal industry. These two industry titans have seen it all and have some crazy stories to tell with guests that won’t fail to keep you on your toes. But this show won’t be about academic issues surrounding legal management, unruly clients, or the practice of law itself; instead, it will focus on th...2021-07-1240 minThe Mostly Legal PodcastIntroducing: Mostly Legal with Rob Joyner & Amanda KoplosYou may be asking yourself, why should I listen to a podcast about legal management? The answer is simple: as a pioneer in law firm tech sales and a seasoned law firm leader, Rob and Amanda have combined experience of almost 25 years in the legal industry. These two industry titans have seen it all and have some crazy stories to tell with guests that won’t fail to keep you on your toes. But this show won’t be about academic issues surrounding legal management, unruly clients, or the practice of law itself; instead, it will focus on th...2021-06-2801 min