Your Law Firm is a Business. Take it to the Next Level Melanie Leonard and Mark Homer

Join us as we celebrate the journey of our podcast and express our heartfelt thanks to all our listeners for their unwavering support and for spreading the word about our show. As we usher in the New Year, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together in the past year. 
In this episode, we're reflecting on some of the most impactful episodes that have not only educated but also inspired our community.  We also share our 10 favorite episodes from the past year!
Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to and shared this podcast, we really appreciate it!
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation  Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/  Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/  Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal  Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal  
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
 
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.
ACTION STEPS:
Don’t forget to share our podcast with your colleagues
Click the share button in your podcast app and send it to a colleague or on your social media feed
Feel free to tag us too @NextLevel_Legal on X (formerly known as Twitter) or @nextlevel.legal on Instagram & Facebook. 
And leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice
If you haven’t done so already: 
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen
And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm owners.  
  -- Until next time, don’t forget…..   Your Law Firm is a business -- take it to the next level.  
***
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.
 

Have you ever felt like you’re drowning in work, yearning for a vacation, yet dreading the thought of the chaos that might ensue in your absence? This episode is here to show you how to plan for time away from the office effectively. We'll walk you through the importance of proactive planning for your leave and how to leverage your calendar. Don't forget to share these secrets with your team; after all, a well-rested team is a productive one!
We'll discuss how to choose a designated person to handle the urgent matters that may pop up. With our tips, you can have a stress-free vacation, knowing that everything is under control back at the office. From going over open cases to creating a comprehensive plan for handling them, you'll be equipped with everything you need for peace of mind during your vacation. We also introduce the concept of creating a "vacation hot sheet" to ease the burden on your team while you're away. 
So sit back, relax, and let us show you how to enjoy your well-deserved vacation without compromising your law firm's operations.
Show Highlights:
The importance of proactive planning for time away from the office and how it benefits business owners and their teams.
Effective preparation for handling emergencies and making early decisions regarding notifications and communications during vacations.
The need to review open cases before leaving the office for vacation and creating a plan for handling them.
The concept of a "vacation hot sheet" to alleviate the burden on the rest of the team during vacations.
The importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and using technology to achieve a better work-life balance.
The role of clear and proactive communication with clients and team members before taking time off.
The importance of taking time off for mental health and productivity, and the benefits of outsourcing services to streamline tasks.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 
Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal 
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.
ACTION STEPS:
MELANIE: Action Steps
Put it on the calendar NOW
Add a time block to your calendar NOW to review all open cases before you go

Want to dial up your law firm's profitability? Let's explore how time tracking can make a significant impact on your bottom line. We unpack the importance of investing in automatic time tracking software and strategies to effectively implement it in your firm, regardless of whether you bill hourly or work on a flat fee basis. We help you see the big picture of how time tracking can streamline operations and boost profitability. We also share personal experiences and demonstrate how critical time tracking is for managing a growing business.
By combining a blend of software, calendars, and task lists, we exhibit how you can create a holistic overview of your daily activities. We also introduce you to the concept of task templates and how they can minimize redundancies. Hear a real-life story of a business owner who saw a whopping 20% increase in revenue by simply upgrading their time tracking system. We emphasize the importance of designating a team member to be accountable for tracking time and explain how this can be a game-changer for your firm.
Listen up as we share ways to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients for accuracy in tracking and billing. We guarantee this episode will provide valuable insights into making your law firm highly productive and profitable.
Show Highlights:
The importance of time tracking in law firms.
Strategies for effective time tracking, including investing in automatic time tracking software and assigning a dedicated person for this task.
Utilizing a multi-pronged approach for time tracking and task management using software, calendars, and task lists.
The role of task templates in reducing redundancies and increasing productivity.
The significant impact of technology in time tracking.
The necessity of clear communication with colleagues and clients for accurate time tracking and billing.
The possibility of hiring a remote team member to assist with time tracking as a cost-effective solution.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 
Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
 
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.
ACTION STEPS:
Melanie:
Buy the software: this is a problem with a $5/day solution. And if you’re really feeling starved for cash, skip Starbucks, buy the software, and you

Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your law firm's growth? Get ready to have your mind expanded as we have a discussion with our resident AI guru, Michael Green. As GNGF's project manager and AI lead, Michael takes us through the innovative ways he's deployed real-time marketing strategies and AI to yield impressive results for our law firm clients. This isn't just theory; this is a tangible, real-world application of AI that's actively being used by our team. 
We're not keeping these secrets to ourselves. Join us as we pull back the curtain and explore how you, too, can harness these cutting-edge strategies within your own law firm. We're also thrilled to share our conversation on the strategies for growing your firm while maintaining your health and happiness. For those craving more, we revisit the subject of generative AI from episodes 95 and 99. 
Show Highlights:
AI technology's role in revolutionizing law firms' operations and growth.
How AI technology can help law firm owners in implementing innovative strategies to drive their firm's growth.
The use of AI in content planning, generating ideas, and creating efficient newsletters for clients.
How the ChatGPT model can help in creating unique digital art and content for marketing.
The benefits of AI implementation in law firms.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
Visit streamlined.legal: https://streamlined.legal/ 
https://streamlined.legal/videos
Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
Michael Green - https://gngf.com/team-members/michael-green/ 
https://4.gngf.com/nextlevel118
Link to a presentation of examples: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eO3a-HQ1FCya8JWjC9TEJxE69AF3OG3Bxwh7tEWwnZY/ 
For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
 
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training videos, and downloadable guides for solo and small law firms.
ACTION STEPS:
MARK:
Try building your persona and brand voice using ChatGPT and use some of the prompts to generate some creative email newsletters to send to your email list. 
If you haven’t done so already: 
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
And once you have subscribed - please leave us a 5-star rating and review as that will help this podcast get discovered by other law firm o

Prepare yourself to venture into the fascinating domain of Google's Search-Generated Experience (SGE) and grasp the profound effect it could have on your law firm's digital marketing approach. We touch on the remarkable AI-powered search model, empowering you to leverage it to your advantage. Get ready to gain fresh perspectives on the shift towards longer and more specific queries, the changing user behavior, and the necessity of a robust search advertising strategy to stay ahead.
Our deep dive into Google's SGE uncovers how the tech giant is harnessing AI and machine learning to revolutionize the user search experience. We'll unravel how this could impact your law firm's website traffic and guide you through the implications for your digital marketing efforts. Furthermore, we explore the transformation in Google's advertising strategy and how it's fueling revenue growth. We underline how you can wield your expertise, authority, and trust to gain a competitive edge in Google Search. 
This episode is brimming with invaluable insights whether you're a tech aficionado eager to understand the latest advancements or a law firm owner striving to navigate the digital marketing landscape. We'll discuss how Google's SGE could alter user interactions with search results and the potential shift from search-generated revenue to banner ads, video ads, and other advertising formats. 
Buckle up for an enlightening conversation aimed at keeping you one step ahead in the ever-evolving digital world.
Show Highlights:
Understanding Google's Search-Generated Experience (SGE) and its potential impact on law firm's digital marketing strategy.
Google's shift towards AI and machine learning to enhance user search experience.
Google's evolving advertising strategy and how law firms can leverage their expertise, authority, and trust for competitive advantage.
The impact of Google's SGE on user interactions with search results.
The potential decrease in website traffic due to zero-click search results and the need for a robust search advertising strategy.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 
https://streamlined.legal/videos 
Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
 
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more time and money in marketing, check out GNGF’s sister company https://lexcelerate.legal, which provides marketing help through group coaching, training video

Imagine a world where a 32-hour workweek was the norm for law firms. Intriguing, isn't it? Well, that's one of the things we're discussing with Corine from Streamlined Legal on our listener questions episode. We dissect the complexities and cultural shifts needed for this dream to become a reality. From tackling inefficiencies such as attorneys doing paralegal work to under-utilized administrative staff, we pull apart the existing work model and put forward a compelling case for a shorter work week.
We also plunge into the realm of digital marketing, exploring how law firms can navigate this landscape and reap the rewards through website updates and other strategies. There will be challenges – dips in traffic, trusting a vendor, and planning for major changes. Yet, trust us, it's worth it.
Additionally, we tap into the often-overlooked power of podcasting as a tool to elevate your law firm. From broadening your reach to impacting your firm's culture, podcasts can be a game changer. So, join us as we challenge the status quo, embrace innovative strategies, and push the boundaries of what it means to run a modern law firm. And remember, it all begins from the top.
Show Highlights:
The possibility of implementing a 32-hour work week in law firms, with the potential benefits for both attorneys and administrative staff.
Common inefficiencies within law firms, such as attorneys doing paralegal work and under-utilizing administrative staff.
Exploration of digital marketing strategies for law firms, including the importance of investing in website updates and online outreach.
Advice on handling potential dips in traffic when making significant changes to digital marketing strategies.
How to lead a team and navigate uncertainties, with emphasis on adopting a learning mindset rather than needing to have all the answers.
The impact of podcasting on a law firm's reach and culture, and how it can help take a firm to the next level.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Schedule a Consultation: https://gngf.com/consultation 
Visit the Website: https://gngf.com/ 
Visit streamlined.legal:https://streamlined.legal/ 
https://streamlined.legal/videos
Twitter: @NextLevel_Legal 
Instagram or Facebook: @nextlevel.legal
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn102//
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn109//
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn110//
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn111//
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn112//
https://nextlevel.legal/episode/lfn113//
For information about all our episodes and to sign up for our email newsletter: http://nextlevel.legal
 
More Information About Our Hosts:
Melanie Leonard: streamlined.legal
—--------------------------------
For help automating key processes in your law firm and implementing legal tech (especially around Clio & Lawmatics), check out the free videos and resources at https://streamlined.legal/videos to streamline your law firm TODAY.
 
Mark Homer: Get Noticed Get Found
—--------------------------------------------------
Every day, the Get Noticed Get Found team (GNGF) helps ambitious law firms push through their growth plateaus.
If your marketing budget is $80,000 or more a year and you are interested in learning how the GNGF team can help take your law firm’s marketing to the next level, schedule a conversation with our team at https://gngf.com/consultation  or give us a call at 513-444-2016.  
If you are just getting started but want some hand-holding and guidance as you spend more t