Scalable Law Podcast

Caralee Fontenele
  • 4.9 (46)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Want to know how to scale your law firm without burnout? And have more profit in your pocket and time in your calendar? Join Caralee Fontenele, a successful law firm owner and the leader of an incredible global community full of ambitious law firm owners, to discover the systems and strategies that work to scale your own legal business. From offline and online marketing to team, scaling, mindset and more, you’ll learn the essential elements for building a massively profitable law firm and hugely happy life where you can do more of what you love. For more help scaling your law firm and creating more freedom, visit www.scalablelaw.com.

  1. The Lowest-Hanging Fruit: How Organic Marketing Can Transform Your Law Firm (EP 187)

    22 SEPT

    The Lowest-Hanging Fruit: How Organic Marketing Can Transform Your Law Firm (EP 187)

    Episode Summary Building and scaling a law firm isn’t just about winning more clients or hiring more staff, it’s about creating consistent, predictable visibility in your market. And the easiest way to do that is through organic marketing. In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, Caralee dives into what organic marketing actually involves, why it’s the most underused growth lever in the legal industry, and how it can set your firm up for long-term success. Most law firm owners overlook organic marketing because it doesn’t deliver overnight results, but it does deliver lasting ones. With the right strategies, you can build a powerful presence that generates leads 24/7, positions you as the go-to expert, and fuels your revenue growth without burning cash on ads. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What organic marketing is and why it matters for law firms The key organic channels that drive consistent client enquiries Why organic strategies build long-term momentum that compounds How to start implementing organic marketing with simple, weekly actions How strong organic marketing boosts the ROI of your paid campaigns My Key Takeaways for You Organic marketing is the lowest-hanging fruit for law firms because it uses assets you already have such as your website, expertise, and relationships — rather than relying on a large ad budget. Content created now can keep attracting clients for years, creating compounding returns over time. It builds trust and positions you as an authority, which increases conversion rates and reduces the need for “hard selling.” A strong organic presence makes any future paid ads perform better by improving brand awareness and trust. Start small and stay consistent: optimise your website, update your Google Business Profile, post weekly, and nurture your email list. Resources and Links Scalable Law Website Download the free Law Firm Freedom & Profit Audit Listen to this related episode: Unlocking Law Firm Growth: Marketing, Hiring, and Scaling with Seth Price (EP 170) Ready to Grow Your Firm Organically? If this episode sparked ideas for your firm, start small, choose just one organic marketing action this week, whether it’s updating your website, posting on social media, or asking a happy client for a Google review. Tiny steps create big momentum when done consistently. If you’re ready to build a stronger organic marketing engine for your law firm and attract consistent clients without relying on ads, join the Accelerator program and start creating your growth strategy from the ground up. Pass It On Loved this episode? Share it with another law firm owner who could use a boost of inspiration and practical strategies. And don’t forget to follow the Scalable Law Podcast so you never miss the next conversation. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    24 min
  2. Are the Wrong People Sitting in the Right Seats Holding Your Firm Back? (EP 186)

    15 SEPT

    Are the Wrong People Sitting in the Right Seats Holding Your Firm Back? (EP 186)

    Episode Summary Building and scaling a law firm isn’t just about attracting clients and delivering legal work. It is also about having the right people in the right roles. In this episode, I talk about the EOS® principle of Right People, Right Seats and why it is such a powerful tool for law firm owners. I’ll walk you through how to evaluate your team using three simple questions, the importance of clear reporting lines, and what happens when the firm owner is not in the right seat. If you have ever felt like your team structure is holding you back, this episode will help you see where the gaps are and how to fix them. What You’ll Hear in This Episode What “Right People, Right Seats” means in a law firm The three questions to ask about every role: Get it, Want it, Capacity How accountability charts prevent bottlenecks Why values matter more than skills when choosing the right person When the owner is not the best person for a particular role How we use this exercise inside the Accelerator program My Key Takeaways for You You don’t need to do everything at once. Growth is about doing the right things for the stage you’re in. A $300k firm doesn’t need executive dashboards, and a $3M firm shouldn’t be operating off spreadsheets. When you know where you are on the roadmap, you can make decisions with confidence, reduce overwhelm, and build a firm that gives you freedom as well as profit. Resources and Links Scalable Law Accelerator Program – Work with me to map your accountability chart and create a team that supports growth Traction by Gino Wickman – the book that introduced the EOS® framework Ready to Restructure Your Firm? Inside Accelerator, I help law firm owners map out their teams so they can clearly see where the right people are in the right seats and where changes need to happen. This exercise alone can give you clarity and direction that takes away so much stress. If you are ready to step into a stronger leadership role and build a team structure that works, join Accelerator here. Share This Podcast If this episode was helpful, please share it with another law firm owner who would benefit from getting their people in the right seats. And make sure you follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss a new episode. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    16 min
  3. The Law Firm Roadmap: Scaling Your Practice from Startup to Success (EP 185)

    9 SEPT

    The Law Firm Roadmap: Scaling Your Practice from Startup to Success (EP 185)

    Episode Summary When I first started my firm, I had no roadmap. I worked hard, said yes to everything, and pushed forward with trial and error. Looking back, I wish I had a clear framework to show me where to focus and what systems to build at each stage. That’s exactly why I created the Law Firm Roadmap. In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I’m sharing the five stages of growth that every law firm goes through, the challenges you’ll face at each stage, and the systems, people, and strategies you need to move forward with confidence. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The five stages of law firm growth I’ve identified through my own experience and coaching hundreds of firm owners: Startup, Survival, Stability, Scale, and Success. Why every stage has its own challenges — and how knowing your stage helps you focus on the right priorities. The five pillars of growth I guide my clients through: attracting clients, numbers & pricing, systems & processes, team & people, and legal service delivery. How I navigated these stages myself, including the systems that saved me time, the hires that transformed my firm, and the shifts in mindset that kept me moving forward. Why trying to “jump ahead” is one of the biggest mistakes firm owners make — and how to avoid it. My Key Takeaways for You You don’t need to do everything at once. Growth is about doing the right things for the stage you’re in. A $300k firm doesn’t need executive dashboards, and a $3M firm shouldn’t be operating off spreadsheets. When you know where you are on the roadmap, you can make decisions with confidence, reduce overwhelm, and build a firm that gives you freedom as well as profit. Resources and Links Want to see how the Law Firm Roadmap applies to your practice? Join me inside the Scalable Law Accelerator Program where we help law firm owners reduce their hours, systemise their firms, and grow profitably. I’d love to see you at Law Biz Con 2026 on the Gold Coast for two days of strategies, speakers, and connections that will change the way you run your firm. Growing a Firm is Easier When We Do it Together Share this episode with a colleague who could use some clarity on their roadmap, and don’t forget to follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to keep scaling alongside us. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    17 min
  4. From Law Firm Owner to Marketing Agency Founder with Kristen Porter (EP 184)

    1 SEPT

    From Law Firm Owner to Marketing Agency Founder with Kristen Porter (EP 184)

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I’m joined by my good friend and past Accelerator member, Kristen Porter. Kristen is the founder of Oh No Legal, a law firm that grew nationally during the COVID years, and more recently, she launched Zenovate Marketing, a digital marketing agency built specifically to help law firm owners grow. Kristen shares her journey of starting her firm out of necessity, why she chose to niche down into the real estate industry, and how that decision not only made her practice easier to run but also made her marketing more powerful. We also talk about the frustrations law firm owners face when outsourcing marketing, and why she created Zenovate to be a trusted solution that understands the legal profession. If you want to hear how niching, list building, and smart digital strategies can change the game for your firm, you’ll love this conversation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Kristen decided to start her own law firm and how it grew quickly through digital marketing How list building, webinars, and lead magnets transformed her pipeline without relying on referrals Why niching made her law practice easier to run and more profitable How different client personalities within one niche call for different service models What led Kristen to launch Zenovate Marketing and why law firms need marketing support that actually understands the profession The importance of deep brand positioning and copywriting for law firm growth and freedom Quotes from the Episode “Our law firm growth is totally dependent on our digital marketing. For a long time, we didn’t even use paid ads, we built everything through organic list building and partnerships.” “Nicheing makes everything easier. Your practice becomes smoother, your marketing clearer, and other professionals see you as the expert.” “Copy is what converts. Your logo and design make you look professional, but the words you use are what actually bring in the right clients.” Links and Resources Learn more about Kristen’s marketing agency: Zenovate Marketing Connect with me at Scalable Law for programs and resources on law firm growth and law firm freedom Explore the Scalable Business Lounge for support, training, and a community of law firm owners Share the Value If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow law firm owner who would find it valuable. And don’t forget to hit follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    37 min
  5. The #1 Onboarding Mistake I See in Law Firms And How to Fix It Fast (EP 183)

    18 AUG

    The #1 Onboarding Mistake I See in Law Firms And How to Fix It Fast (EP 183)

    Episode Summary Bringing a new team member into your law firm should make life easier — not harder. Yet for many law firm owners, onboarding turns into an exhausting cycle of explaining, fixing, and micromanaging. The real problem? You’re running your business from your head, not from systems. In this episode, I’m breaking down why skipping documented processes in onboarding is one of the biggest mistakes law firm owners make, how it creates bottlenecks, frustrates your team, and keeps you stuck working harder than you should. I’ll also walk you through the exact steps to fix it so you can create a clear, confident, and repeatable onboarding experience — one that empowers your team and frees up your time. Key Segments The onboarding trap most law firm owners fall into Why “just follow me and watch” is not a strategy The hidden cost of keeping processes in your head My 3-step system to onboard without the chaos How systemised onboarding improves culture and profitability Links & Resources from This Episode Free Resource: Law Firm Freedom & Profit Audit — identify where your bottlenecks and inefficiencies are hiding. Read: How to Build SOPs That Actually Work — step-by-step guide to documenting processes in your law firm. Connect with Me on LinkedIn: Caralee Fontenele — join the conversation about scaling law firms with less stress. Scalable Law Website: Coaching, resources, and systems for law firm owners. My Takeaway The truth is, your law firm doesn’t grow by adding more hours to your week — it grows when you build systems that work without you. Document your core processes. Set crystal-clear expectations. Train, then trust. That’s how you stop being the bottleneck and start leading a team that can thrive on their own. If this episode hit home for you  Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with another law firm owner who’s ready to think bigger, lead better, and grow smarter. And if you’ve got 30 seconds, a quick review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube helps us reach more lawyers looking to scale with strategy (and sanity). Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    21 min
  6. The Mind is a Battlefield: How Law Firm Owners Can Win the War Within (EP 182)

    11 AUG

    The Mind is a Battlefield: How Law Firm Owners Can Win the War Within (EP 182)

    Episode Summary: Let’s be real. Running a law firm can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Some mornings, I walked into the office feeling confident and strong. Other days? Total imposter syndrome. In this episode, I open up about the inner battles I faced as a law firm owner and how mindset—not marketing, not systems—was the biggest thing holding me back. I talk about the strongholds we carry as business owners. The beliefs that sound logical but keep us small. “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done right.” “I’ll never find good staff.” “I’m just not good at marketing.” Sound familiar? This episode is about breaking those beliefs and taking back control so you can scale without sacrificing your sanity. Key Segments: The real reason I didn’t feel confident, even after 15 years in practice When working harder stopped working The most common mental strongholds I see in law firm owners The Thought Audit: a simple but powerful mindset tool Why action—not affirmation—is what rewires your thinking A client story that proves your beliefs can shift everything If your business is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts… where is it going? My Biggest Takeaway: Your business will never outgrow your mindset. When I finally challenged the stories I was telling myself—and started acting like the leader I wanted to become—that’s when everything changed. It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it. Links & Resources: Free Scalable Law Firm Growth Roadmap Book a Discovery Call with Me More Episodes of the Scalable Law Podcast Your Next Step: I want to challenge you to do a Thought Audit today. Ask yourself: What belief is keeping me small? Then take one action that proves it wrong. Just one. And if you’re brave enough, share it on Instagram and tag me @caraleefontenele—I’d love to cheer you on. Because when you shift your thinking, everything in your business starts to shift with it. Loved this episode?  Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with another law firm owner who’s ready to think bigger, lead better, and grow smarter. And if you’ve got 30 seconds, a quick review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube helps us reach more lawyers looking to scale with strategy (and sanity). Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    19 min
  7. Letting Go Without Losing Control: A Law Firm Owner’s Dilemma (EP 181)

    4 AUG

    Letting Go Without Losing Control: A Law Firm Owner’s Dilemma (EP 181)

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I share one of the biggest challenges law firm owners face: how to let go without losing control. If you’ve ever felt like your firm can’t run without you—approving every bill, answering endless team questions, and constantly putting out fires—this episode is for you. I dive into why holding on too tightly will keep you stuck and how you can start creating a business that runs smoothly without you micromanaging every single detail. From building the right team to implementing systems and processes, I show you the practical steps that transformed my law firm and have helped many others do the same. Key Segments Why Letting Go Feels Impossible – The emotional and practical reasons law firm owners resist delegating. The Hidden Cost of Control – How holding on to everything yourself turns you into the bottleneck. The Power of Teams and Systems – Why having the right people in the right seats and well-documented SOPs is the real key to scaling. Creating a Law Firm That Runs Without You – How I went from chaos to clarity in my own firm and how you can do the same. Your Next Step – Why this is a gradual process, but one that will give you freedom, profit, and peace of mind. My Takeaway Letting go doesn’t mean losing control—it means gaining a sustainable business. When you put the right team and systems in place, you no longer have to be the engine of your firm. You can step back, focus on leading instead of firefighting, and finally have the freedom you wanted when you started your practice. Call to Action If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck in your law firm and want to build a business that runs without you, join me inside Scalable Law. We’ll help you implement the systems and processes you need so you can create a firm that is profitable, sustainable, and doesn’t rely on you for every decision. Apply here to take the first step toward a law firm that gives you more freedom, more profit, and less chaos. If This Episode Resonated With You...... Pass it on to another law firm owner who’s ready to grow, or leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your support helps more lawyers find practical strategies to scale their firms with confidence and build practices they’re proud of. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify YouTube: Watch on YouTube

    19 min
  8. When to Hire a Practice Manager for Your Law Firm (EP 180)

    21 JULY

    When to Hire a Practice Manager for Your Law Firm (EP 180)

    In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I dive into a game-changing topic that comes up time and time again with the firm owners I coach: When is the right time to hire a practice manager in a law firm, and what kind of impact can they have on your growth and operations? If you’re constantly fielding team questions, managing leave requests, approving every invoice, or buried in admin instead of focusing on strategy, it may be time to level up your law firm management. Hiring a skilled practice or operations manager could be one of the most pivotal decisions you make to scale effectively and reclaim your time as the business owner. Episode Summary In this episode, I share exactly when I believe it’s the right time to hire a practice manager in a law firm—typically when your revenue is in the $500K to $1M range. I break down the key responsibilities they can take off your plate, how this hire supports stronger law firm management, and how bringing in the right person allowed me to step back from the day-to-day of running my own firm. You’ll learn how to spot the signs that you're overdue for this game-changing hire—and what to look for in a practice manager who can help your firm grow without you becoming the bottleneck. Key Segments When to Hire a Practice Manager in Your Law Firm Thinking about hiring a practice manager? If you're hitting growth ceilings or drowning in daily operations, it might be time. Signs It’s Time to Hire: You're no longer the best person to handle day-to-day law firm management. You’re overwhelmed, juggling people, clients, admin, and operations. You're ready to scale, but need leadership support to do it sustainably. What a Practice Manager Actually Does A great practice manager in a law firm isn't just admin support—they’re your operational engine: Team Management: Handles HR, recruitment, performance reviews, and team check-ins. Client Experience: Improves intake processes, addresses complaints, and maintains service standards. Systems Oversight: Manages software, streamlines workflows, and ensures compliance. Operations & Admin: Takes care of invoicing, reporting, supplier management, and more. Leadership Support: Acts as your second-in-command, solving issues before they hit your desk.  The Real Impact for Law Firm Owners Bringing in a practice manager creates space for growth and clarity: More time for strategy, vision, and high-value work Freedom from operational distractions and stress A scalable team structure with stronger accountability Better culture, performance, and profit Who to Hire When hiring for this critical law firm management role, look for: Strong leadership and operations experience A proactive, solutions-first mindset Confidence to manage up—not just follow instructions Law firm experience is a bonus, but not mandatory Hiring a practice manager could be the most important step you take to scale your firm without burning out. Think of them as the engine that powers your growth while you lead from the front. Takeaway Hiring a practice manager in my law firm was one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve made. It completely transformed how I operated, freeing up my time, clearing mental clutter, and allowing me to shift from being stuck in the day-to-day to focusing on real law firm management and growth. If you’re buried in admin, constantly putting out fires, and craving more freedom and sustainable progress, this is the strategic hire that can move you from overwhelmed to in control. Links and Resources Book a Strategy Call with me.   Learn more about our programs at Scalable Law.  Connect with me on LinkedIn.  If you’re ready to map out your next strategic hire and build a law firm that doesn’t revolve solely around you, reach out to us. Inside our programs, we guide you through hiring the right practice manager and structuring your firm for scalable success. If This Episode Helped You... Please take a moment to share it with another law firm owner who needs to hear it — or leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps us reach more amazing lawyers like you who are ready to scale smarter. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify

    18 min
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4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Want to know how to scale your law firm without burnout? And have more profit in your pocket and time in your calendar? Join Caralee Fontenele, a successful law firm owner and the leader of an incredible global community full of ambitious law firm owners, to discover the systems and strategies that work to scale your own legal business. From offline and online marketing to team, scaling, mindset and more, you’ll learn the essential elements for building a massively profitable law firm and hugely happy life where you can do more of what you love. For more help scaling your law firm and creating more freedom, visit www.scalablelaw.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Caralee Fontenele
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Caralee Fontenele 2022
  • Show Website
    Scalable Law Podcast

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