Shows
Lawyers Gone EthicalWrapping Up 2020We can't end 2020 the way we end most years, with improving office organization and reviewing fee agreements. Rather, this is a year to end with a focus on being kind to ourselves, setting new types of goals, and thinking about intentionally designing the coming year. In this episode, Megan highlights her article recently published on Attorney at Work on what items should be on our year-end checklist. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjo...2020-12-2912 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalResponding to Chapter 6 Notices: California Bar ExamThousands of California online bar exam takers were flagged for review, and an untold number of them have received Chapter 6 notices. A Chapter 6 notice essentially accuses the applicant of cheating on the exam. Megan has put together resources to help applicants respond. Resources Mentioned: Dropbox folder I put together with resources Petition to Sign (no monetary donations, please) Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, plea...2020-12-2120 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalClio's Annual Legal Trends Report with George PsiharisGeorge Psiharis joins Megan to talk about the Clio Legal Trends report for 2020, the ongoing release of new information, and how Covid has impacted this important project. Resources Mentioned: Clio Legal Trends Report Clio Covid Impact Report Guest Info: George on Twitter George on LinkedIn Clio on LinkedIn Clio on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If yo...2020-12-0828 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalThe Intersection of Ethics and the Business of LawProfessor Cat Moon teaches a fantastic class at Vanderbilt Law School called Law as a Business. Megan was honored to be one of the guest speakers recently, and she focused part of her talk on the question, "What is the connection between ethics and the business of law?" This episode answers that question, focusing in large part on the consequences of making ethical errors and also touching on the good business of being ethical. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podca...2020-11-0309 minLawyers Gone Ethical3 Things Young Lawyers Should Know about Ethics & CareersProfessor Cat Moon teaches a fantastic class at Vanderbilt Law School called Law as a Business. Megan was honored to be one of the guest speakers recently, and she focused part of her talk on the question, "What should young lawyers know about ethics and a successful career?" This episode answers that question with three specific things Megan thinks are important. 1. Appreciate the importance of the rules 2. Don't assume those above you know more than you do about the ethics rules 3. Just because everyone else is doing it does not mean it is ok ...2020-10-2711 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalBreaking Screen Addiction For Mental HealthScreen addiction impacts most of us, and there's little doubt it has a negative impact. Overuse of screens leads to anxiety, depression, decreased productivity, and more. Its impact is also clear in children. It turns out, it's not entirely our fault that we are so hooked. Apps accessed on screens give us dopamine hits that keep us coming back for more. In this episode, Megan talks about how we get hooked on screens and strategizes what we can do about it. She also shares her recent experience of pulling the plug on the kids cold turkey. Resources Ment...2020-10-1330 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalWhy Admissions Questions on Mental Health Matter to Us AllWe know the profession has a mental health crisis. We have serious concerns about bars asking applicants about their mental health. But do we really understand the position these questions can put an applicant in? In this episode, Megan discusses and (in a first on this show) reads out loud the US District Court for the Western District of Kentucky's decision in Doe v. Supreme Court of Kentucky. Doe applied for licensure after seeking mental health treatment, and Kentucky "put her through the ringer", eventually admitting her 994 days after she applied. Then she sued for how she had...2020-09-2232 minLawyers Gone EthicalSlowing Down Incoming Business - Why and How A large number of ethics complaints begin with lawyers taking on more work than they can handle, leading them to miss deadlines, fail to be responsive to clients, and otherwise drop the ball. A booming business seems like a good thing, but too much of a good thing can cause severe problems. In this episode, Megan talks long-term solutions like hiring help, and short-term relief measures like pausing ad campaigns, reducing availability for new consultations, and learning to say no. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new epis...2020-09-0815 minLawyers Gone EthicalBuilding a Niche Law Practice with Lyndosha JamisonA niche, or narrow, law practice might sound risky, but it's actually a fantastic way to build a rewarding practice. Lyndosha Jamison has created a niche for herself that is exciting professionally and financially successful. Join Megan as she interviews Lyndosha to learn how. Lyndosha Jamison and Megan presented at ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago in February 2020 on the topic of building a niche law practice. The session was so popular it spawned a repeat performance for the ABA's Best of Techshow series, and there is even an upcoming book in the works. Megan and Lyndosha talk in this...2020-09-0133 minLawyers Gone EthicalDisclosing Criminal Conduct on Moral Character ApplicationsFirst, it sounds like the Florida Bar might be listening to this podcast. (Jut kidding, of course.) It issued a proposed advisory opinion allowing out of state lawyers to practice remotely from Florida without UPL repercussions. Read more about solving the "butt in seat" problem here. Second, applicants to the bar who have any criminal history at all are faced with lots of wrinkles in disclosing their conduct to moral character committees. Megan runs through some scenarios displaying this complexity and gives some guidance on how to handle them. Thanks for listening! Don’t forge...2020-08-1817 minLawyers Gone EthicalMilitary Spouses and More: How to Move Without a Bar ExamThere are lots of reasons for lawyers to move from state to state, but when a bar exam gets in the way, it turns into a real pain. Whether you're a military spouse, an in-house lawyer, cultivating a Federal practice, or lucky enough to get reciprocity, Megan talks about how you can move and still practice law. (In this older Attorney at Work article, Megan talked about ways to move without taking an exam.) Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast play...2020-08-1116 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFrom Addiction and Disbarment to Law School Professorship with Kenneth Lawson [LGE 123]Note: This is a replay of our most popular episode - Episode 28 Kenneth Lawson went from running a successful practice in Ohio to having his license revoked because of misconduct while addicted to prescription painkillers. He joins us to share his remarkable journey to redemption. Ken Lawson is the Co-Director of the Hawai’i Innocence Project and an Associate Faculty Specialist at the William S. Richardson Law School where he teaches Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, Professional Responsibility, Evidence, and Hawai’i Innocence Project. What Kenneth Shares in This Episode: His lack of self-esteem as a chil...2020-07-281h 17Lawyers Gone EthicalEnduring 2020 Bar Exam UncertaintyThe bar exam has gone from traditional end-of-July ritual to a jungle of uncertainty, constantly changing dates and conditions, and total chaos for everyone who intended to take the exam and start their legal career this summer. In an episode geared specifically to those in this situation, Megan talks about some strategies for staying in the know without getting overwhelmed, changing career course if needed, and maintaining perspective. Resources Mentioned: July 2020 Bar Exam Status by State Chart California Bar Exam Letter Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode on Diploma Privilege Lawyers Gone E...2020-07-2119 minLawyers Gone Ethical5 Things To Prepare For Running a Law Firm from Home with Kids Many families will have the kids home this fall, whether by choice or school policies. If you're going to be running your law firm from home in the presence of homeschooled kids, Megan has come up with five things you (and she) can do now to prepare for a smoother road and ethical law practice ahead. Schedule (honestly) Get help Plan breaks Plan your finances Organize space And the 8 year old adds a bonus 6th! Resources Mentioned: Funny video - What day is it? Thanks for listening! Don’t for...2020-07-1417 minLawyers Gone EthicalDiploma Privilege in Lieu of Bar Exam in 2020 with Jordan CouchBar exams are a rite of passage for attorneys graduating from law school and being sworn in to practice law. But what if the bar exam is not feasible, such as during COVID-19? And what if the bar exam has an incredibly racist history that calls it further into question? And what if there is no empirical evidence that the bar exam has any correlation to an individual's ability to effectively practice law? Jordan Couch is the Chair of the Washington Young Lawyers Committee, and he has been taking up the laboring oar on diploma privilege, gathering data and w...2020-07-0738 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalWill Hiring an Ethics Lawyer Hurt Me?In two contexts, lawyers and bar applicants worry about hiring an ethics lawyer. In moral character applications, applicants are often concerned that having a lawyer involved makes it look like they are hiding something. In discipline matters, lawyers express concern that hiring counsel makes them look like they committed misconduct. In truth, having a lawyer's expertise far outweighs any image of guilt that may be created by hiring counsel. In this episode, Megan unpacks the question of "will hiring an ethics lawyer hurt me?" in both the moral character application and discipline contexts. Resources Mentioned: Bernard Nom...2020-06-3018 minLawyers Gone EthicalBurning Questions on IOLTAsWe've been scouring the internet to figure out what lawyers are asking about, and it turns out IOLTAs are a hot topic. In this episode, Megan answers some burning questions about IOLTAs, including: Can a firm have an IOLTA? Can a lawyer have more than one IOLTA? Can an IOLTA be used to send and receive wires? How does an attorney handle a check made out to their IOLTA and the client jointly? She also answers our first listener audio question about reviews and donating to charity. Resources Mentioned: Article Megan mentioned referencing ethics...2020-06-2316 minLawyers Gone EthicalHow to Take a Mental Health DayMental health is tough to tend to, especially as solo and small firm lawyers make a ton of excuses why we cannot be out for even one day. So how do we take a day off that leaves us actually inspired to go back to work and not more stressed than when we left the office? In this episode, Megan shares her story of a recent day off that shed light on some "how to" ideas for taking a mental health day. To read her full story of the day off, visit Attorney at Work for her upcoming article.2020-06-1622 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFile Destruction PoliciesGood policies and procedures make a law office run ethically, but file destruction is one where a lot of lawyers have questions. How long should we keep files? When does the time period begin to run? How do I let my client know? In this episode, Megan explores these questions and promotes some best practices. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this p...2020-06-0913 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalNew Ethics Guidance & Supervising Remote LawyersAs teams disperse to remote work environments, the lawyer's duty to supervise takes on new wrinkles. Pennsylvania issued an ethics opinion to help guide us; it brings together past ethics opinions and adds details for today's new world. Kristin Tyler of LawClerk knows plenty about working remotely and supervising remote teams, since the business model relies upon a decentralized workforce. She joins Megan to talk about Pennsylvania's opinion and key issues for remote teams. Topics include: - Making sure remote workers abide by confidentiality duties - Asking your remote team questions you would normally not, s...2020-06-0231 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalBringing Interns to the Team with Erik PeltonWe typically think of team-building as bringing on full-time or infinite-duration members, but this mindset overlooks a great source of shorter-term talent. Law student interns can be great additions to your solo or small practice, and they give you an opportunity to streamline your processes while you give back. In this episode, Megan sits down with Erik Pelton, trademark attorney in Falls Church, Virginia, who shares his insights on hiring law student interns for his boutique practice. They talk benefits for both law firm and intern, and how to go about getting started hiring interns. Guest Info:2020-05-2629 minLawyers Gone EthicalReigniting Productivity in COVID-19Even the United States Supreme Court has had to adapt to working remotely during COVID-19. Still, long-term lockdown (plus further uncertainty with kids ending school and some businesses reopening) can really suck the productivity out of us. In this episode, Megan explores some tips for getting back to business during these uncertain times. Highlights include: - Changing up the routine - Revisiting your early quarantine plans - Checking out available resources - Grasping a realistic view of your firm's current situation - Virtual conferences - Getting organized...2020-05-1924 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalNew Ways of Lawyering: Subscriptions and New Business Models with Jon TobinThe king of subscription legal service, Jon Tobin, sat down with Megan in the midst of COVID-19 to talk about how lawyers can evolve in the way they offer legal services. Subscriptions are of course a major way we can change our offerings, and Jon has a lot to say about how it works, why it works, and how the ethics rules impact but do not stymie the offering. Guest Info: Jon Tobin's Website Jon Tobin on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to...2020-05-1253 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalThe Ethics of Virtual ConsultationsStemming from her popular post on Attorney at Work, Megan tackles the ethical considerations for attorneys handling consultations, particularly initial consultations, virtually. Highlights include: - Ensuring video and phone communications are confidential - Careful sharing of client confidential documents - Conflicts checks - Terms of your consultations, and what clients can expect Resources Mentioned: Attorney at Work Article Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. I...2020-05-0515 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalImpending Judicial Logjam and How Lawyers, Courts, and A2J Will Be Impacted with John GrantMegan is joined by John Grant, who lends his systems background to lawyers looking to streamline their law practices with better processes and procedures. In this episode, he and Megan explore the impending massive backlog of cases in the justice system, what lawyers and courts will face when the country reopens after coronavirus, and what lawyers will need to do to prepare to serve clients in a post-COVID-19 world. Guest Info: John Grant's Website Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered str...2020-04-2857 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalCrisis Marketing During COVID-19 with Ollie LashLet's talk marketing -- the usual and the highly unusual in a time of worldwide crisis. Ollie Lash-Williams has a background in public relations, and he joins Megan to discuss the enormous worldwide crisis of the day, coronavirus. Guest Info: Ollie Lash-Williams on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Appl...2020-04-2136 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalRural Business Development and Service with Chris WhiteBuilding a rural law practice in 2020 is much different than it would have been 20 years ago. Chris White, the Managing Partner of White Law Office in rural Ohio, knows a thing or two about it. Turns out that rural practice building has its unique challenges, but excellent customer service is a key component. In this episode, Megan and Chris also touch on how the coronavirus is impacting business development for all law firms, rural and urban. Guest Info: Chris's Website White Law Office on Facebook Chris White on Twitter Res...2020-04-1435 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalWork From Home Fails and Tips for Doing It RightSenator Tammy Duckworth tweeted that she spoke to her child while working from home unmuted on a call to the Democratic Caucus. If the Illinois Senator can reveal some authenticity about the challenges from working from home, why don't we all drop the act and get real? In this episode, Megan shares some of her favorite work from home fails, both from online and her real life. Megan also shares her five tips from her monthly newsletter (sign up here) for making working from home a success - especially from an ethics viewpoint. - Be acce...2020-04-0717 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLawyers Navigating Coronavirus: It Is Going to Be Okay with Mike WhelanThe coronavirus has thrown how lawyers work into absolute disarray. Brick and mortar lawyers with onsite servers are lost; even remote lawyers are struggling as families are home and routines are thrown off. In this episode, Megan and her guest Mike Whelan talk disasters, law practice, and why despite today's craziness, the truth is, it really is going to be okay. Mike shares his personal stories of crisis (including medical issues, a hurricane, and a house fire) and how he has come through them all. He shares with our audience advice for staying sane and gaining perspective....2020-03-3132 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalHow to Start Your Solo Practice and Scale it at the Right Time with Davis NguyenAre you interested in learning how to start your own solo practice? Your driving fear may be "I'm not going to have any clients." When a lawyer sets out on their own, the fear of having no clients is real. "If you build it, they will come," does not necessarily work in law practice. But Davis Nguyen has some ideas on what three things every law practice needs to bring in those initial clients. Then, once your solo firm is growing at a healthy pace, at some point your workload will exceed your capacity as a solo. Davis shares with u...2020-03-2438 minLawyers Gone EthicalSaying No to a Potential Client: How to Ethically Turn Away BusinessClients and lawyers should work well together. It makes for a smoother relationship, better work product, and better outcomes. It also reduces the risk of ethics violations and Bar complaints. As a lawyer, you must get comfortable with the idea that you will turn some clients away, and you must have systems in place to make sure you do so properly. In this episode Megan discusses the reasons for turning clients away, how to do it (sometimes without even knowing you are), and what documentation to retain to protect yourself if a non-client later makes a complaint...2020-03-1731 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLaw Practice in the Coming Age of Autonomous Vehicles with Damien RiehlAutonomous vehicles sound like Knight Rider's Kit, but they are in real development for use on the roads -- and to some extent, they are already here. In this episode, Megan is joined by Damien Riehl, legal technologist, Managing Director of Fastcase Legal Research Platform, and member of Minnesota's Governor's Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles. They talk about what autonomous vehicles are, what we can expect to see in development, and what their rise means for practice areas including personal injury and products liability. Resources Mentioned: Damien's Article on Autonomous Vehicles Guest In...2020-03-1035 minLawyers Gone EthicalABA TECHSHOW 2020 Wrap UpMegan reports on ABA TECHSHOW 2020 Resources Mentioned: TECHSHOW Site Erin Levine of Hello Divorce on Twitter Jess Birken on Twitter Jayne Reardon on Twitter Clio Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tunein and be sure to...2020-03-0319 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalTrust Accounting For Lawyers with a Trusted Bookkeeper with Annette FadnessMistakes in handling funds entrusted to lawyers account for a large percentage of bar complaints and prosecutions. Most lawyers realize that mishandling their trust account can lead to big trouble, but many still struggle to do it right. At Clio Con 2019, bookkeeper to the solos and smalls of the country Annette Fadness sat down with Megan to talk about what can go wrong with trust accounting, how to avoid many common mistakes, and why professional help can be a really good idea. Resources Mentioned: Clio TrustBooks LawPay Guest Info:2020-02-2530 minLawyers Gone EthicalDispelling Myths About the Attorney Discipline SystemWe have made it to 100 episodes, which is so exciting! Megan is so grateful to her listeners, guests, and production team. Many lawyers have misconceptions about the attorney discipline process. On this special episode, Megan dispels three big myths: 1. Attorneys can only suffer attorney discipline for lawyer conduct. 2. The attorney discipline process is fair. 3. The State Bar exists for lawyers. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you e...2020-02-1817 minLawyers Gone EthicalDisappearance of Rural Lawyers with Mark PalmerMark Palmer, Chief Counsel in the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism (also known as 2Civility), sat down with Megan at Clio Con 2019 to talk about the disappearing rural lawyer. We know that there is a massive access to justice problem, but one aspect of this problem we do not hear so much about is the shortage of lawyers in rural areas of the country. There are large geographic expanses with zero or only a handful of lawyers. Mark and Megan talk about the problem and what is being done to address it. Resources Mentioned: ...2020-02-1123 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalImportance of Law Firm Culture with Jordan CouchWhat is a law firm’s culture? It does not have to be any one thing, any stereotype, or inspired by a movie. Every firm has a culture, even if it has not been consciously identified and cultivated. In this episode, Megan talks with Jordan Couch at Clio Con 2019 about his role as Cultural Ambassador at Palace Law, what it means to have an intentional law firm culture, and how to bring your firm’s values to light. Guest Info: Jordan Couch on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter Jordan's Email: jordan@palacelaw.com Palac...2020-02-0422 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalAuthenticity in Lawyering with Shreya LeyLawyers often hide their real selves behind their lawyer personas, but Shreya Ley and her husband Colin have built their practice largely on the premise that the shield can be dropped and we can be our real selves at work, in marketing, and with clients. At Clio Con 2019, they presented together on this topic, and Shreya visited with Megan to talk about what it means to be authentic in lawyering, how to take the perceived risk of letting your guard down, and the incredible payoffs. Resources Mentioned: Shreya and Colin's Podcast - The Lawyer Human...2020-01-2818 minLawyers Gone EthicalDUI Roadmaps: Digital Products for Lawyers with Erin GerstenzangConsumer-facing digital legal products assist self-represented consumers, but lawyers need education and guidance too. Frequent guest and contributor Erin Gerstenzang is an accomplished trial lawyer, and in this episode she and Megan talk digital legal products designed to train other lawyers on specialized areas. Erin has recently launched DUI Roadmaps, which is an online course and tool for DUI lawyers around the country to prepare for trial. She and Megan talk about how providing expertise to other lawyers is a niche that is frequently overlooked. Resources Mentioned: DUI Roadmaps Guest Info: Eri...2020-01-2133 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalSuper Powered Admins for Lawyers with Lori GonzalezLori Gonzalez, founder of Rayna Corp., knows more than a thing or two about supporting lawyers. Her business’s purpose is to bring admin superpowers to law firms around the country. At Clio Con 2019, Lori spoke about utilizing administrative superpowers to make your practice better. In this episode, she visited with Megan to talk about her presentation and what a super powered admin can do for any solo or small firm lawyer. Resources Mentioned: Lori on Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode 26 Clio Legal Trends Report CaseMail – digital mailing service Guest Info...2020-01-1425 min
Lawyers Gone Ethical2020 Service Planning with John StrohmeyerIt is quite clear that lawyers could use some work on client service. In our last episode, we talked about the Clio Legal Trends Report, which made that abundantly clear. In this episode, Megan sits down at Clio Con 2019 with John Strohmeyer to talk about how lawyers can plan to better serve clients in 2020. Resources Mentioned: Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode 65 Five Star Counsel Guest Info: John Strohmeyer – Website and LinkedIn Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode...2020-01-0721 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalUsing Data to Plan 2020 with Clio's George PsiharisLawyers as a profession are pretty bad about using data, but it is extremely powerful. Clio recognizes this fact and creates the Legal Trends Report each year to highlight trends in the profession. This year’s report had some interesting insights, some of which confirm what lawyers already believe and some which challenge our beliefs. The report’s chief architect, George Psiharis, visited with Megan at Clio Con 2019 to talk about it. Resources Mentioned: Clio's 2019 Legal Trends Report Guest Info: George Psiharis on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’...2019-12-3117 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalMerry Automated Christmas!Automation can make a practice run much more smoothly, giving you peace of mind, fewer errors, and fewer hours of work. In this Christmas episode, Megan runs through some ideas for how you can introduce automation to your practice. Resources Mentioned: Zapier Acuity JotForm Campaign Monitor Clio Dropbox Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me...2019-12-2418 minLawyers Gone EthicalAdvocacy in the Public Forum with Ruby PowersImmigration lawyer and Congressional candidate Ruby Powers talks about using the power of the public forum in advocating for clients. Guest Info: Ruby Powers: Ruby's Law Firm Ruby's Campaign Ruby on Twitter Ruby on Instagram Ruby on Facebook Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Re...2019-12-1724 minLawyers Gone EthicalEmotional Lawyering with Erin and Jennifer Gerstenzang"Emotional Lawyering" - Should lawyers think more critically about responding to their client's pain points and focusing on their emotional needs and how do you do it? How Erin Levine has built Hello Divorce by identifying and meeting clients' emotional needs How to identify and handle clients who want that hand-holding versus those who do not Can you care too much? Secondary post-traumatic disorder for lawyers Guest Info: Guest Host Erin Gerstenzang – Website and Twitter Jennifer Gerstenzang - Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to...2019-12-1020 minLawyers Gone EthicalWhat Can I Do With a Law Degree? with Nicole AbboudNicole Abboud, known to audiences as the host of the Gen Y Lawyer Podcast, has launched a varied career since graduating from law school. Speaker, podcast host, video personality, blogger, media producer, motivational guru, there are many titles Megan would give her. At Clio Con 2019, Nicole sat down with Megan to talk about her own career and what lawyers who find themselves not loving the practice of law might do with their legal training. Guest Info: Abboud Media Website Nicole's Blog Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to t...2019-12-0322 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalCatching up With Mark Britton at Clio Con 2019Megan and Mark Britton sat down at Clio Cloud Conference 2019 to talk about the future of law, legal regulatory changes, what Mark has been up to since leaving Avvo, and what is next for Mark. Resources Mentioned: 2019 Clio Legal Trends Report Guest Info: Mark Britton on LinkedIn Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this pod...2019-11-2616 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalGrateful for Lawyers: A Thanksgiving EpisodeThanksgiving is Megan's favorite holiday, and in this special episode she discusses gratitude for lawyers, happy lawyer stories, and why she is grateful for the lawyers in her life. Resources Mentioned: Lawyers Gone Ethical Episode 51 with Greg Siskind Robin Bull on Twitter Lawyerist Insider Facebook Group Maximum Lawyer Facebook Group Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me g...2019-11-1918 minLawyers Gone EthicalNational Perspective on Regulatory Reform with Jayne ReardonAt Clio Con 2019, Jayne Reardon of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism joined Megan to talk about the changing regulatory landscape in the legal profession. Nationally there are changes afoot in many states, and in this conversation they hit on the states leading reform efforts and discuss which reforms are most likely to succeed. Guest Info: Jayne Reardon on Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this ep...2019-11-1222 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalRise of the Unconference with Sean BernsteinMegan is joined by Sean Bernstein, organizer of Legal Innovation Summit at Fireside, to talk about that event and others in an unconference format. How can solos benefit from getting out of the usual legal conference setting and into something more interesting and collaborative? How are unconferences structured? Listen in on Sean and Megan and plan your next outing. Resources Mentioned: MinuteBox - Sean's Company Fireside Conference - Sean's Unconference Legal Innovation Council Guest Info: Sean's Email Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBS...2019-11-0535 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalJack Newton at Clio Con 2019There is so much to talk about from Clio Con 2019, including the Legal Trends Report. In this episode, Jack Newton stops by the Lawyers Gone Ethical recording booth. Resources Mentioned: Medium Article discussing Clio's History 2019 Legal Trends Report Guest Info: Jack Newton - Twitter Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode, please help me get the word out about this podcast. Rat...2019-10-2926 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalEthically Outsourcing Substantive Legal Work with Talitha Gray KozlowskiLAWCLERK was started by three partners who saw a growth market in outsourced substantive legal work. Answers to ethics questions were critical to establishing a marketplace for lawyers seeking lawyer help on their substantive legal work. In this episode, Megan and guest Talitha Gray Kozlowski dive into the ethics issues facing lawyers who need some help on their client files. Resources Mentioned: LAWCLERK Off-Ramps and On-Ramps: Keeping Talented Women on the Road to Success Guest Info: LAWCLERK on Twitter LAWCLERK on Facebook Shark on the Run...2019-10-2234 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalOne Year of Virtual AssistanceMegan was a true solo for a long time, then dabbled in having a bit of close-to-home help. A year ago, she took the leap of hiring a virtual team to help run her practice. After a year, she's learned some important lessons that she shares in this episode. Among them: - Find the right fit - Make tough calls when the fit is wrong - Start small and grow - Allow people to do what they're best at doing - The best assistance finds new ways to help you...2019-10-1517 minLawyers Gone EthicalJDHD: Practicing Law with ADD and ADHD with Marshall Lichty While ADD and ADHD affect 4% of the general population, they impact 12% (or more) of lawyers. Marshall Lichty recently found out he is one of them, and he is on an exploratory mission to learn as much as he can about how lawyers can cope with ADD and ADHD and be successful. He is bringing a message of hope to lawyers struggling with ADD and ADHD, and shares with Megan on this episode coping mechanisms and tools, and also highlights the superpowers that come with ADD and ADHD. Resources Mentioned: Intro to ADHD for lawyers email ser...2019-10-0854 minLawyers Gone EthicalEthically Savvy Business TravelLawyers travel frequently for business, be it conferences or client work or other professional development. As Megan gets ready to head to the California Lawyers Association annual meeting and the Clio Cloud Conference, she shares some of her tips for remaining ethically compliant while being productive on the road. Topics include: - Securely using the internet while away from the office - Where to hold client calls (and where not to) - Utilizing downtime to move your practice forward - Making the most of in-person time Resources Mentioned: ...2019-10-0117 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalTaking Risks and SEO with Tommy GriffithLawyers are given a script in law school for how their career is supposed to go. But what can be achieved if we go off-script, and we build innovative work around the life we want to lead? Tommy Griffith took some career risks from college through leaving Airbnb where he led the SEO team, and in this episode, he touches on SEO, and talks risk-taking, recovering from failure, and being rewarded for doing things differently. There are many lessons for solo lawyers! Resources Mentioned: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Failurecamp at Van...2019-09-2434 minLawyers Gone EthicalGet the Most Out of Legal ConferencesWisely chosen, legal conferences can be great opportunities for solo and small firm lawyers. Megan's top tips for making the most of your time at a conference include: - Have a goal going in - Meet targeted people - Be open to meeting many new people - Visit the vendor hall (even if you hate it) - Go to wellness events - Go out to the social events - Choose sessions carefully (and don't be afraid to leave) - Have fun ...2019-09-1726 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLaw Firm Breakups and Operating Agreements with Jonathan HawkinsLawyer for lawyers and their firms, Jonathan Hawkins, joins Megan in this episode to talk about the business side of law firms. Partnerships and other firms should have operating agreements in place, because without them, the inevitable breakup is ugly and messy. This is a great companion episode to Episode 75 on succession planning with Dylan Hyatt. Please bear with us on the audio in this episode. Download the transcript here. Guest Info: Jonathan's website Jonathan's email is jhawkins@yourlawfirmgc.com . Be sure to shoot him an email to get a copy of a...2019-09-1031 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalSmall Firm Roadmap from Lawyerist with Stephanie EverettLawyerist is a community of forward-thinking lawyers, and its leadership team has written a book to help lawyers build their own small law firm of the future. In this episode, Megan sits down with co-author Stephanie Everett to talk about the book, why it was written, why change is coming to the legal profession, and how small firm lawyers can use the collective wisdom of Lawyerist to design their own firm that works for them, their clients, and their life. Resources Mentioned: Book discussed in this episode: The Small Firm Roadmap: A Survival Guide to the...2019-09-0337 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalSuccession Planning for Law Firms with Dylan HyattEstate planning lawyer Dylan Hyatt joins Megan on this episode to talk about how to protect a solo lawyer's biggest professional asset - their firm. Highlights include: What happens when a lawyer is suddenly incapacitated with no succession plan in place Why we need a succession plan, and it's not only for sudden incapacity or retirement What are the ethics concerns for lawyers without a plan What lawyers can be doing today, even many years from retirement, to plan for their firm Guest Info: Dylan Hyatt - email Thanks for listening! D...2019-08-2727 minLawyers Gone EthicalATILS: Rule 5.4 Alternative ProposalsThe UPL exceptions proposed by California's task force seem to be stirring up a lot of anxiety amongst lawyers. In this episode, Megan breaks down the actual proposals and encourages public comment on each of them. Allowing more players in the legal services game is not half as scary as reactionary comments on social media would lead us to believe. In this episode Megan discusses proposals to modify Rule 5.4. Resources Mentioned: Podcast discussing Essentialism Clio Cloud Conference - use code ZAVIEH for an exclusive discount Info on Arizona Task Force Proposals...2019-08-2021 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFighting to Make Law Free with Ed WaltersIf you think that the laws we study in law school, from cases to statutes to regulations, are free, think again. Copyright claims over the laws governing our country stymie access and innovation. Ed Walters, CEO of Fastcase, joins Megan to dive into this issue and the upcoming Supreme Court case that may change it. Highlights include: - Ed's teaching of the law of robots - Historical perspective of the fight to make law public - Impact of law not being public - Current events at the US Supreme Co...2019-08-1339 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLet's Talk UPL Exceptions Under ATILS ProposalsThe UPL exceptions proposed by California's task force seem to be stirring up a lot of anxiety amongst lawyers. In this episode, Megan breaks down the actual proposals and encourages public comment on each of them. Allowing more players in the legal services game is not half as scary as reactionary comments on social media would lead us to believe. In this episode Megan discusses proposals 2.0 through 2.6. Resources Mentioned: Main public comment page Infographic Summary memo Full agenda with more details (250 pages) Thanks for listening! Don’t...2019-08-0632 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLegal Coaching: Law Firm Service of the Future with Jennifer GerstenzangLegal coaching, or limited scope representation, can address a tremendous need for participants in the justice system to get access to information not otherwise available to them. In this episode, criminal defense attorney and legal coach Jennifer Gerstenzang talks with Megan about her coaching practice. Highlights include: - How legal coaching bridges the gap for criminal defendants awaiting assignment to public defenders, allowing them to prepare for their first court date in a way otherwise reserved for those with private counsel - The other needs addressed by legal coaching, including assisting family members of criminal de...2019-07-3041 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalNon-Lawyer Ownership: Public Comment to California ATILSNon-lawyer ownership of organizations providing legal services is a broad topic encompassing solos sharing their operating accounts with their spouses all the way to publicly traded law firms. As California considers rule changes that would allow non-lawyer ownership, this episode explores what non-lawyer ownership may look like, common arguments in support of the ban, thoughts on whether the ban actually protects against the supposed risks of non-lawyer ownership, and the California proposals to permit those without law licenses to participate financially in entities that provide legal services. This episode even addresses the fear that Walmart will open a law fi...2019-07-2326 minLawyers Gone EthicalStop Using Ethics Rules as a Crutch/What's Really Holding You BackSo often lawyers are afraid to try something new (or new to them), and they often cite the ethics rules as one of the reasons they cannot do whatever it is. After reading Seth Godin's recent blog post Fear of Kohlrabi, Jess Birken and Megan got into a discussion of what really hinders lawyers' ability to try new things. Megan and Jess cover a wide range of topics on this episode, all related to how lawyers allow themselves to be held back by fear. Listen in for topics including: - False blaming of external reasons for...2019-07-1628 minLawyers Gone EthicalCalifornia Leading Change - ATILS Public Comment is ComingAs California's Task Force on Access Through Innovation of Legal Services makes its recommendations and the Board of Trustees puts them out for public comment, the country is watching closely. Every lawyers, member of the public, and consumer of legal services (i.e., everyone) needs to pay attention. Today's episode gives an overview of the proposals and calls for widespread public comment. Proposed regulatory changes include: - Abolishing Rule 5.4 fee sharing prohibition - Loosening Rule 5.4 and allowing non-lawyers to share in fees - Allowing entities owned in part or in full by...2019-07-0925 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalWomen Building Law Firms of the Future with Erin GerstenzangWhile we all wait for the ethics rules to change and open up avenues of innovation such as non-lawyer ownership in law firms, there are lawyers grabbing the bull by the horns and changing how they practice despite the confines of the ethics rules. These lawyers are offering subscription legal services, virtual multi-state practices, concierge wills and trusts service through virtual portals, empowering self-represented litigants, and more. On this episode, Megan and her guest Erin Gerstenzang will highlight some of these lawyers and also dish on presenting a talk to the Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women Empowerment Conference on th...2019-07-0221 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFinding Fulfillment Without Leaving the OfficeWe talk a lot about lawyer wellness, including getting out of the office and disconnecting from professional life, but we can address wellness issues from inside the office too. In this episode, we explore ideas for nourishing your professional soul. - Mentor and be mentored (check out Megan's article in Bar Association of San Francisco's Bulletin) - Work on the business of your firm - Teach - Serve on non-profit boards Share your ideas for how to nourish your professional soul. Thanks for listening! Don’t fo...2019-06-2528 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFour Seasons Customer Service for Lawyers with John StrohmeyerLawyers are terrible at customer service. Many bar complaints could be prevented with far better client service. We have all experienced amazing service at other businesses -- five star restaurants or hotels, local businesses that deeply care about the customer, and others. Today's guest John Strohmeyer -- estate planning and international tax lawyer -- shares with listeners his experiences at the Four Seasons and how they can apply to lawyers. John and Megan talk about: - John's experience at the Four Seasons - Lawyers' failings in taking care of clients ...2019-06-1840 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalFrom the Virtual MailbagLots of questions from listeners pop up again and again. This episode, we tackle some of those frequent questions. Among them: - How do I report my IOLTA to the State Bar? - Must I continue representing someone who complained about me to the Bar? - Is failing to perform with competence the same as being incompetent? - How do I withdraw cash from my IOTLA? (Hint - you don't!) - How does timing work on my moral character application? I also highlight some news on fee agr...2019-06-1123 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalWomen Mentoring Women with Erin GerstenzangErin Gerstenzang and Megan presented a workshop on Women Mentoring Women at the Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women Empowerment Conference in March 2019. On this episode, Megan and Erin talk about women mentoring each other, why it's critical that we stand up and help each other, how women mentor differently than men, and what specifically we can be doing to work together. This workshop is one Erin and Megan are taking on the road, so be sure to check out their speaker pages (Megan's Speaker Page, Erin's Speaker Page) for more information on booking speaking engagements. ...2019-06-0430 minLawyers Gone EthicalOut-of-the-Box Mental Health TipsLawyers are well-known for not paying enough attention to our mental health and ultimately getting ourselves in trouble as a result. But all the talk about taking care of ourselves can sometimes seem like noise and we don’t actually accomplish doing anything any better. How do we make self-care as routine as brushing our teeth? In this episode, Megan offers up some suggestions beyond yoga and meditation. Some outside-the-box mental health tips: 1) Do something that sounds crazy to you 2) Meditate, but not just sitting still 3) Give yourself a grand...2019-05-2819 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLawyer-Scientist and Specialized Skills in Law Practice with Lisa GonzalezBeing a lawyer is a complex and strenuous profession and throwing forensics into the equation creates an entirely new concept to master. Lawyer-Scientist is a new title and only 69 people in the US currently hold that designation, and Lisa Gonzalez is one of them. Lisa specifically has a focus on forensics within the practice of criminal law and is a member of the American Chemical Association. Lisa has incorporated her specialized knowledge of science into her law practice. In this episode, she shares her outlook on the procedures being used to integrate science and law and how...2019-05-2135 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalState Bar Probation: Managing With ViolationBeing on probation with the State Bar can be more complex and significant than you might anticipate. When you are on probation, even the most unintentional or seemingly trivial mistake can lead to monumental consequences. In today’s episode, Ethics Attorney, Megan Zavieh shares exactly what you need to know to make it through the probation process in a clean and efficient manner, so that you can restore your standing without further repercussions. While the California Bar is the example the information provided in this podcast, the principles are applicable in every state. This episode can be use...2019-05-1425 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalManaging Your Online Reputation: From Poor Reviews to Bad Press + Everything in Between with Jordan SchuetzleDid you know that potential clients are judging you based on what others are saying about you online? In this episode, we listen in on ABA TECHSHOW 2019 where Megan presented with Jordan Schuetzle Director, Proposition Strategy & Market Development Lead at Thomson Reuters. Jordan consults with lawyers and speaks at larger events on how to manage your reputation online. Jordan points out that much of the content about us online is content that we did not write or have any input on, so you have to be prepared to counteract those negative impressions. Tune in and learn about reputation management...2019-05-071h 01
Lawyers Gone EthicalGetting Paid EthicallyA struggle for all law practices is getting paid. Even when you think you have a clear fee agreement, without effective communication and ease of payment, you may well find yourself with mounting receivables. Today Megan Zavieh shares tactics to help you avoid those “I’ll pay you when’s…” and how to maintain a stress-free relationship with your clients. To learn more about making payments easy for your clients, tune into this episode of Lawyers Gone Ethical. Show Highlights: Collecting receivables as a solo lawyer Making it easy for your clients to pay you Basics ab...2019-04-3023 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalNurturing Your Social Media Presence to Avoid Ethics Issues with Erin GerstenzangSocial media is a necessary part of doing business in the digital age. As a lawyer, it’s important to be personable, likable, and professional on social media, but how exactly does one do that? In this episode, two well-informed and experienced attorneys discuss how to utilize social media and use it as a tool to connect your community and become the authority in your niche. They also cover the why, the what, and the how of avoiding common mistakes. To learn more about how you can use social media to your advantage and create a well-curated business platform, tu...2019-04-231h 00
Lawyers Gone EthicalOops! I Made a Mistake: When Ethics Rules Require Notifying the ClientWhen do we tell a client we made a mistake - whether big or small? Delivering bad news is not easy, so it helps to know how to handle these situations. Today, we discuss ABA opinions that deal with specific instances of the disclosure. Sometimes we overestimate the requirements on what needs to actually be shared. so today you’ll learn what to disclose to be in full compliance. Tune in and discover the two 2018 ABA opinions that need to be at the forefront of our minds. Show Highlights: Go back and listen to epis...2019-04-1636 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalTiger Tactics: Advice and Strategies to Survive the Lawyer JungleThe importance of community and supporting each other as we build our practices can’t be overstated. Understanding that you are not alone as you build your practice is absolutely empowering. It can lead to the lightbulb moment that can be the catalyst for tremendous growth in your practice. Today, we will be talking with 2 of the 5 co-authors of a new book called Tiger Tactics: Powerful Strategies for Winning Law Firms. We will hear from Billie Tarascio, owner of both Modern Law (a family law firm in Phoenix) and its sister Access Legal (a document prep company for lo...2019-04-0937 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalDemystifying the Moral Character Application ProcessHave you ever sent in an application and had no idea what the processing time of it being completed would be? The moral character application is very important and it is best if you have questions to just ask advice on it. We have examined this topic before and will be bringing it up again since there has been a lot of consultations about the moral character application. Tune in and discover how knowing the process can help relieve the anxiety of the application and actual issues that arise. Show Highlights: A short story about the E...2019-04-0230 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLawyers and Wellness: Beyond the Usual Discussion with Jennifer LongtinDo you take time to work on your own wellness? Wellness has gotten a lot more attention in recent years within our profession, which is good. Wellness activities can be group runs, yoga classes, and maybe even workshop sessions talking about wellness. Jennifer Longtin is a criminal defense attorney in Denver Colorado that specializes in mental health-related criminal defense. She owns a firm called JLongtin Law, and her practice tries to address community issues and access to justice, as well as providing great compassionate criminal defense for their clients. Jen brings a unique perspective as she also r...2019-03-2630 minLawyers Gone EthicalIntake Methods to Ensure Your Clients are the Best Fit for Your Practice [LGE 052]Have you felt the pressure to take on a client that you knew might not be a good fit for you? There are many consequences if you take on these clients because of the pressure to pay the bills. Today we will learn how to avoid clients that are maybe just not the best ones for your practice. If there are red flags that come up as you are bringing clients into the firm, then it is time to take action. It is easier to turn them away at the beginning than it is to terminate the r...2019-03-1928 min
Lawyers Gone EthicalLeveraging Social Media to Help Your Clients with Greg Siskind [LGE 051]Have you seen something on social media lately that makes you angry or makes you want to help? Today we hear how social media can be one of the most effective ways to solve a crisis. Not only is our guest great at his career, he is using social media strategies that not everyone makes use of. Greg Siskind, is an Immigration Lawyer who has learned how to utilize social media to help his own practice and his clients too. On Episode 16, Wayne Pollock was our guest and he strategized utilizing the media effectively from a...2019-03-1243 minLawyers Gone EthicalSelf-Representation: When It Works and When It Doesn'tOn Today’s episode, we will discuss representing yourself, and how it can be the only feasible option for some lawyers. Our host Megan does not think self-representation is such a terrible idea. Tune in today and hear why it can be a good idea to represent yourself. Show Highlights: Everyone’s experience representing themselves is different The balance between personal life and work Why it is not always such a terrible idea to represent yourself Things you still need to do when you are representing yourself Your own case needs to be treated with...2019-02-1927 minLawyers Gone EthicalIOLTA Accounts: Best Practices and Chief Discipline ConcernsOn today’s episode, we will discuss Trust Accounts, Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA). We are is finding there are a lot of questions about IOLTAs, and that there are many attorneys that could benefit from best practices for them. Join us today as we discover what you should know about IOLTA’s and some safeguards to help deal with the banking industry. Show Highlights: What an IOLTA is and a distinction on them Best practices for IOLTA’s: 1. First off read your rules for all states you are practicing 2. Make sure you are the...2019-02-1234 minLawyers Gone EthicalSet Your Client Relationship Up For Success By Re-evaluating Your Fee Agreements [LGE 47]We’ve all heard tales of the horror stories from attorney-client relationships that have gone horribly wrong. Regardless of who is right and who is wrong, both parties suffer when this happens. With a few simple guidelines and a few hours of your time, you can implement a process that will help you and your clients have a successful relationship! Today’s topic will focus on how a couple hours each year, you should reevaluate your fee agreements, which are also known as client engagement letters and retainer agreements. The fee agreement is fundamental to establishing the rela...2019-02-0532 minLawyers Gone EthicalHow to Manage the Things that Can Go Wrong (and Right!) During TrialI recorded this episode while I was in the middle of a trial. I noticed that while we cover a lot of ethics-related topics on this show, all of the topics, like self-care and crossing ethical boundaries, become extremely apparent when you’re in trial. That’s why I’m sharing my insight on the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of trial and how you can get through them. What I Cover in This Episode: Civility in trial and how that is tested during trial The way that the attorneys behave during trial can be of...2019-01-2222 minLawyers Gone EthicalAddressing and Overcoming Unconscious Bias in the Legal Profession with Erin GerstenzangAs the dialogue about overcoming implicit bias and workplace inequity gets louder in other industries, I’m taking a closer look at the state of unconscious bias in the legal industry to better understand how we can eliminate these biases in our profession. Joining me for this conversation is Erin Gerstenzang, Atlanta criminal defense attorney and advocate for the advancement of women in the law. Erin and I explore how unconscious bias presents itself in law firms and other workplace settings and what we, as lawyers, can be doing to become better allies and help eliminate workplace ineq...2019-01-1539 minLawyers Gone EthicalWhat to Do When Your Competition Seems Out to Get YouDo you ever think about your competition? As much as we'd all like to think we're not interested in checking out the competition, we can’t help but wonder if someone else in a similar space as us might be coming for our clients and market share. That’s normal. In this episode, I share my thoughts on what you can be doing to better handle a competitor who might affect your business in some way. What I Share in This Episode: why you should just keep doing what you’re doing Don’t change y...2019-01-0821 minLawyers Gone EthicalEthics Questions as Your Firm Expands with Jessica BeckwithAs your firm grows and expands, what type of ethics issues might you encounter during this time of change? From effective waivers during mergers to managing client relationships, my guest Jessica Beckwith joins me to share her insight on how solo and small firms can grow and expand ethically. Jessica is a partner in the Los Angeles and Phoenix offices of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Real Estate & Environmental Practice as well as the Professional Liability Practice. Her practice is focused on environmental law and attorney regulation and ethics. What We Discuss in t...2019-01-0135 minLawyers Gone EthicalHow to Overcome Overwhelm and Get Things Done in the New YearAs the year winds down, it’s common for many us lawyers to look back on the year and feel discouraged by all that we thought we would accomplish but didn’t. While it’s important to focus on what you did accomplish, admittedly, it can be overwhelming to reflect on all that is left to do. In this episode, I get a little personal and share how I was able to overcome some of the obstacles I encountered this year when it came to completing tasks. What I Share in this Episode: How you can best k...2018-12-1921 minLawyers Gone EthicalEmerging Opportunities in the Cannabis Law Industry and Related Ethics with Jason BeahmAlthough it is relatively new, the cannabis industry is already seeing a boom in startups and businesses looking to capitalize on this new-found legalization (in certain states). With this growth comes a wave of lawyers looking to build name recognition in this niche practice area. In order to grow a successful cannabis law practice, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical issues associated with practicing cannabis law. Joining me to share his experience and insight as a cannabis lawyer is Jason Beahm. Jason is a criminal defense attorney with several offices across California. What...2018-12-1134 minLawyers Gone EthicalWrapping Up the End of the Year in a Powerful WayAs 2018 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun and useful to discuss some things you can be doing right now to end the year on a high note and best prepare yourself and your law practice for the new year. Some things to do at the end of the year: Review your state’s ethics rules Check your local major bar association's opinions or articles regarding new state ethics rules and proposed opinions Pay attention to even the smallest of changes in the ethics rules because they could have a profound effect when put...2018-12-0418 minLawyers Gone EthicalGrowing Your Practice Through Digital Information Products with Jess BirkenFollowing our presentation at Clio Conference, my co-presenter, Jess Birken, and I sat down to reflect on our discussion of our presentation topic - growing your practice through digital information products. Whether it’s for additional income or to increase access to justice, there are many reasons to consider creating digital products. We discuss what lawyers should be aware of before they embark on the journey of creating their own products. Jess Birken is the owner of Birken Law and she helps non-profits with their legal matters. What We Discuss in This Episode: What are...2018-11-2033 minLawyers Gone EthicalWeeding the Client Garden and Avoiding Unnecessary HeadachesFor many lawyers, making the decision to take on a new client doesn’t require much thought. After all, all paying clients are great clients, right? Not necessarily. There are a number of reasons why you should want to be selective when weeding through leads and potential new clients. In this episode, I share stories and insight on how to spot trouble clients from a mile away and what to do to best protect yourself against possible future bar complaints. What I Cover in This Episode: No client is ever worth committing an ethical vio...2018-11-1337 minLawyers Gone EthicalCalifornia’s New Rules of Professional Conduct: What You Need to KnowI’m diving into the changes that came about with the new revamp of the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Several years ago, the California Supreme Court convened a commission to work on bringing California's Rules into alignment with the ABA Model Rules. The Commission’s Rules were recently adopted by the Supreme Court and they go into affect later this year in 2018. In this episode, I’m breaking down what California lawyers need to know about the changes and how they impact their law practices. What I Explain In This Episode: California still hasn’t a...2018-06-0544 minLawyers Gone EthicalInnovating In Your Practice Without Fear of Ethics with Melissa HallSend any ethics questions that you’d like me to address in a future episode. Reach me at megan@zaviehlaw.com or Tweet me @zaviehlaw Lawyers no longer have to fear ethics constraints when crafting a law practice that truly reflects their lifestyle desires and needs. It’s possible to build a practice that provides flexibility and fulfillment while allowing lawyers to provide legal services in the way that they choose. I’m joined by Melissa Hall of Smol Law, a primary legal care practice in Seattle, Washington. Melissa shares how she’s innovating with her law pra...2018-04-0343 minLawyers Gone EthicalHow to Submit a Moral Character Application That Isn't Squeaky CleanThe moral character application might seem like it’s only something law students need to worry about but if you’re a lawyer who’s looking to be admitted in other jurisdictions, then you’ll certainly want to pay attention. This is especially true if you happen to have a few blemishes in your past that you need to disclose in your application. In this episode, I offer my tips on how to approach filling out the moral character application that isn't squeaky clean. What I Cover in This Episode: Should you disclose any past blemi...2018-03-1323 minLawyers Gone EthicalThe Role of Kindness in Reducing Ethics ComplaintsWhat does kindness have to do with ethics complaints? Well, possibly a lot! I believe that if more lawyers practiced kindness towards their clients and even towards opposing counsel, even when it is difficult to do so, there would be fewer ethics complaints filed against them. That's exactly what I discuss in this episode. What I Discuss In This Episode: What does it mean to be kind? Who do we need to be kind to and why? What should lawyers do to insure their clients are happy? What role does kindness play in the attorney-client relationship? Ho...2018-02-2719 min