The 80/20 Principle

Ernie Svenson
  • 5.0 (86)
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The 80/20 Principle

Concrete advice on how to simplify technology to streamline work and gain more freedom. Running a law practice today means navigating a sea of tech options. Success with tech demands you focus on a few key tools in six areas: (1) automation, (2) outsourcing, (3) marketing, (4) cybersecurity, (5) remote work, and (6) artificial intelligence. That's what this podcast will help you with: strategically focusing on a few key tech options and explaining why they matter and how to get the most from using them.

  1. 1D AGO

    304: Subscription Pricing for Transactional Lawyers (with Mathew Kerbis)

    Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal services Integration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows and client satisfaction Flexible pricing strategies and maintaining low operating expenses Insights from other entrepreneurs on technology-driven innovation Benefits of project-based tracking over traditional time tracking Resources from this Episode Mathew's website: The Subscription Attorney Mathew's podcast: Law Subscribed Mathew's LinkedIn Profile Paxton.ai - Service Mathew uses and recommends Google Notebook LM Plus - Service Mathew uses and recommends Perplexity Pro - Service Mathew uses and recommends General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    40 min

  2. MAR 4

    303: From Russia with Passion & Drive - Miami attorney Ilona Anderson

    In this episode you'll meet an attorney named Ilona Anderson who was originally from Russia but came to the U.S. when she was sixteen and pursued her passion for law. You'll learn about her first job working in a big Miami firm, where she handled commercial litigation cases. We discuss the importance of using systems and her interesting take on what good systems look like in a law practice. We talked about the best tools to store SOPs, and why she's exploring the use of a popular tool called Notion (and why I recommended she think that decision through carefully). In this episode, you will hear: Ilona Anderson's journey from Russian immigrant to successful Miami attorney and entrepreneur Founding her own employment law practice after facing career challenges and denied flexible work arrangements Importance of systematization and delegation in law practice management Embracing technology and automation tools like MyCase, GoHighLevel, and AI to enhance legal practice Transition from litigation to trademark law to support entrepreneurs Radical responsibility and mindset shifts for personal and professional growth Resources from this Episode Ilona's firm website Ilona's LinkedIn profile Ilona's Substack newsletter Anthony Metivier's free memory training course General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) General Resources Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    54 min

  3. FEB 18

    302: Photographic Memory: A Skill You Didn't Know You Had

    In this episode, you'll learn that you have a photographic memory without knowing it. Just like Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton who can remember names and faces instantly, which helps him recall details about jury pool members, even groups of 50 to 75 people. By the end of the episode, you'll understand how to unlock this skill to remember anything you want to and you'll be completely astonished. In this episode, you will hear: Unlocking the potential of photographic memory through accessible techniques. Exploring the historical and modern relevance of the loci system, dating back to Simonides of Ceos. Using mnemonic devices and bizarre visual imagery to enhance memorization and retention. The transformative impact of memory mastery on personal and professional growth. Practical applications of memory techniques, including memorizing numbers and historical figures. Resources from this Episode Moonwalking with Einstein, Joshua Foer Deep Work, Cal Newport The Memory Book, Harry Lorayne & Jerry Lucas General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free)

    34 min

  4. FEB 4

    301: Stop Losing Billable Hours: How AI Simplifies Time-Keeping & Billing for Lawyers

    Nancy Jeng, co-founder of Billables.ai, reveals how passive time-keeping is changing the game for lawyers—capturing billable hours with zero effort and tailoring entries to your style. Learn how this AI-powered tool integrates seamlessly with Clio, Microsoft, and more, while offering surprising benefits even for lawyers who don’t bill for their time.  In this episode, you will hear: The transformative power of AI in legal timekeeping and billing Seamless integration of Billables AI with platforms like Clio, Microsoft, and Google Automation of time capture processes for precise and efficient billing Overcoming challenges in legal time management with AI-driven tools Versatility of Billables AI for various billing models, including flat fee and contingency-based firms Emphasis on personalization and adapting to individual user preferences in billing practices Resources from this Episode Billables.ai website 1-Minute Video Demo of Billables.ai (YouTube) 2-Minute video from Nancy's demo to my Inner Circle Nancy's email address: nancy@billables.ai By the way, you’re eligible for a 50% discount for the first three months of Billables if you mention you came from my podcast. General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    43 min

  5. JAN 21

    300: Leveraging AI by Balancing Critical & Creative Thinking

    Want to harness the power of AI while at the same time minimize risk? Then learn to balance critical and creative thinking as you use AI in your law practice. Listen and get concrete recommendations for making this happen now. In this episode, you will hear: Exploring AI's role in enhancing legal practice for solo and small firm lawyers Balancing critical and creative thinking in law with AI tools Practical steps for integrating AI, starting with low-risk tasks Importance of collaborative learning and peer insights in AI adoption Embracing AI's potential despite its flaws and imperfections Resources from this Episode Inner Circle membership link Loom video of How to use a Custom GPT to improve Writing General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    20 min

  6. JAN 7

    299: The Future of Legal Work: What Lawyers Need to Know in 2025

    How can solo attorneys harness AI to stay sharp and competitive? This episode dives into Microsoft’s new report on AI and how it will impact legal research, document review, and client service. Listen and get practical tips and strategies for leveraging AI in 2025—boosting productivity, streamlining work, and sharpening your edge.  In this episode, you will hear: Embracing AI to enhance productivity and client engagement for solo and small firm lawyers Insights from Microsoft's New Future of Work Report on AI integration in legal practices The concept of microproductivity and breaking tasks into manageable parts with AI Addressing concerns about AI diminishing human intelligence and highlighting collaboration benefits AI's role in contract drafting, client communication, and engagement through chatbots Increasing accessibility and affordability of AI tools for solo practitioners AI's potential to contribute to a more equitable legal system and bridge the justice gap Resources from this Episode Microsoft recent report on The Future of Work NotebookLM (Google's tool for generating realistic discussions between AI bots) General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    22 min

  7. 12/24/2024

    298: Thinking Like a Philosopher: Jonny Thomson on Truth, AI, and the Socratic Method

    Oxford philosophy professor Jonny Thomson explains how philosophy sharpens critical thinking, reveals hidden biases, and helps uncover the truth in a messy, complex world. From the Socratic method to the role of testimony and the challenges posed by AI, this episode dives into the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and the modern search for knowledge. A must-listen for lawyers and anyone who values sharper thinking. In this episode, you will hear: Exploration of the intersection between philosophy and artificial intelligence Johnny Thomson's transition from educator to full-time writer and his book "Mini-Philosophy" The role of the Socratic method in philosophy and law Discussion of Meno's Paradox and the debate between rationalism and empiricism Examination of the reliability of knowledge and the importance of reliable sources Contemplation of artificial intelligence's ability to replicate human intelligence Resources from this Episode Jonny's Website  Jonny on Instagram  Jonny on TikTok  Jonny's Big Think articles  Jonny's LinkedIn profile Mini Philosophy, book by Jonny Thomson Mini Big Ideas, book by Jonny Thomson Mini Psychology, book by Jonny Thomson General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    39 min

  8. 12/10/2024

    297: A Year of Remote Lawyering: How Jeff Austin Took His Practice to Patagonia

    In this episode, you'll hear from Jeff Austin, an estate planning attorney from Durham, North Carolina, who spent a year practicing law remotely while living in Argentina with his family. Jeff will explain how he transitioned to a paperless, remote practice, tackling challenges like how to notarize documents remotely, how to manage client communication, and how to handle physical mail. In this episode, you will hear: Jeff Austin's transition to a remote, paperless law practice while living in Argentina. Innovative solutions for remote notarization and client communication. Maintaining ethical standards as a North Carolina attorney practicing abroad. Practical strategies for building a credible online presence and client trust. The importance of technological tools like eSIM cards and virtual mail services. Adaptability and resourcefulness in international living and remote work. Resources from this Episode MyCase - Practice management software that Jeff used Traveling Mailbox - A physical mailbox service that scans and manages mail.  One Notary - Remote notarization service BestNotary - Concierge estate planning service that provides notary and witness services. Amazon Kindle - E-reader for reading work-related materials Next Stand - Portable laptop stand for ergonomic use. General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for Lawyers Subscribe to: The 80/20 Principle Check out my Law Firm Systems Intensive Join: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners) Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard Koch Get my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter) The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice The Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai. 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 we sent you.

    32 min
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5
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

Concrete advice on how to simplify technology to streamline work and gain more freedom. Running a law practice today means navigating a sea of tech options. Success with tech demands you focus on a few key tools in six areas: (1) automation, (2) outsourcing, (3) marketing, (4) cybersecurity, (5) remote work, and (6) artificial intelligence. That's what this podcast will help you with: strategically focusing on a few key tech options and explaining why they matter and how to get the most from using them.

Information

  • Creator
    Ernie Svenson
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    304
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The 80/20 Principle

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