The 1958 Lawyer

Ron Bockstahler
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Management
  • Updated Semimonthly

In 1958 the ABA published a pamphlet with an article titled “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. Prior to 1960, most attorney engagements were project based. As a result, many lawyers felt their pay scale was falling behind that of other professional service providers. For many lawyers, this article spurred them to change the way they billed for legal services and thus the billable hour was born. It is a stark reminder that change is the only constant in our world and those that do not keep up with the change often times find themselves obsolete. To be sure, the business surrounding the practice of law has continued to change since the billable hour went mainstream. This podcast is all about how law firms and their clients are adapting to a changing business world to remain viable. Your host, Ron Bockstahler, is the Founder and CEO of Amata Law Office Suites, an attorney support Services company. For more than 30 years Ron has worked with law firms of all sizes, helping them manage expenses, implement new technologies and strategically grow their law practice. Ron will pull from his experience and those of his guests to uncover new developments in the business world and how the legal industry is adapting to meet the changing demands of their clients. Each show will feature successful business people, politicians, judges and attorneys to provide insight into their thoughts and how they are meeting today's challenges.

  1. 4d ago

    Rakesh Parikh: Valuation, Exit Planning, and the Hidden Power of Your Law Firm’s Address

    Most lawyers never connect today’s billable rate to tomorrow’s exit number. In this episode, you’ll learn how location, recurring revenue, team structure, and smart exit planning can transform a professional services firm from a lifestyle practice into a business buyers actually want to pay a premium for. What’s the difference between what your law firm is worth and what a buyer will actually pay? How can a solo or small firm owner transform a lifestyle practice into a sellable asset? Why is "de-risking" the most important step for an entrepreneur looking to exit? How does your office address and overhead directly impact your valuation multiple? What is the biggest misconception lawyers have about the value of their practice? Why should a business owner work backwards from the end in mind? How do you know if your firm is actually ready for a private equity exit? Why is recurring revenue the "holy grail" for professional service firms? How can an annual valuation be used as a tool for partner incentives and team growth? What’s the one thing that makes valuation more "art" than science?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Rakesh Parikh, co-founder of Pivot Capital, for sharing his insights on how to build a firm that’s truly an asset, not just a job. If you want to dive deeper into how to de-risk your business and prepare for a high-value exit, be sure to connect with the team at Pivot Capital. Their expertise in M&A advisory and exit planning is exactly what you need to ensure your hard work pays off when it’s time to move on to your next chapter. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Rakesh Parikh:  Website: https://pivotcapitalllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-parikh-3a69207/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/   Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    32 min

  2. Jun 4

    Erin Guthrie: Turning Your Law Firm into a Valuable, Exit-Ready Asset

    Most lawyers assume their practice ends the day they stop practicing. In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your law firm into a sellable, exit-ready asset—with the right timelines, processes, and client strategy to actually get paid for what you’ve built.   Why do 87% of businesses never sell? When should a lawyer actually start planning their exit strategy? How do you make a law practice less dependent on the founding rainmaker? What role do branding, online reviews, and marketing play in firm valuation? How do you build documented, repeatable processes that reassure a buyer? What are the dangers of over-relying on one or two "whale" clients? How can a solopreneur or single lawyer creatively structure a successful handoff? What is the difference between an earn-out and a cash buyout regarding risk and control? How do you distinguish between an "ego number" and a realistic valuation? Why is it never too early to start planning with the final end in mind?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Erin for sharing these crucial insights on how to transition from a practicing attorney to an asset owner with an exit-ready firm. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs some help building a business that can run without them. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Erin Guthrie: Erin Braddock Guthrie is the Managing Director of Exit Factor of Chicago Downtown, where she specializes in helping business owners transition their companies into highly valuable, long-term assets. Recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as a "40 Under 40" honoree, she has built a distinguished career guiding corporate growth and economic strategy, previously serving as Senior Director of Cloud+AI Strategy at Microsoft, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Dell Technologies, and Secretary of Commerce for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under Governor JB Pritzker. Her extensive background also includes leadership as the General Manager of Regional Midwest Operations and Marketplace at Uber and an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. Erin holds an MBA as a fellowship recipient from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business and a B.A. in Public Policy from Stanford University.   Connect with Erin Guthrie: Website: https://exitfactor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinbraddockguthrie/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    31 min

  3. May 28

    Rick Rivero: Turning SEO into Answer Engine Optimization for Law Firms

    AI search has changed how clients find lawyers online, and most law firm websites are still built for a Google that no longer exists. In this episode, you’ll learn how to adapt from old-school SEO to answer engine optimization, leverage video, and repurpose content so even small firms can compete with the biggest players.   What does the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) mean for the future of law firm websites? How has search changed more in the last year than in the entire history of the internet? Why is a responsive web design no longer optional for firms trying to attract modern clients? How can law firms realistically produce and repurpose video content without a massive agency budget? What role does a smartphone play in launching a cost-effective video marketing strategy? Why is authentic, human-written content increasingly favored by search platforms over purely AI-generated material? How does sharing transparent, free information serve as the foundation for successful inbound marketing? Why is a recurring revenue model the key to building a more profitable and stable business? What role does a dedicated, collaborative team play in navigating rapid digital transformations? How do you ensure your content appeals directly to users so that search engines will naturally reward you?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Rick Rivero for sharing his insights on how law firms can adapt to the fast-moving world of digital marketing and AEO. If you want to dive deeper into the strategies Rick discussed, check out the services at Connections Marketing—a resource he credits with helping small and medium-sized businesses build comprehensive digital strategies that thrive online.   If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow attorney who is looking to grow their practice with more confidence and intentionality. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Rick Rivero: Rick Rivero started Connections Marketing in 2009 with the goal of developing an agency that could execute truly integrated marketing solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. He saw clients juggling multiple agencies to handle different marketing tasks and felt there was a need for a full-service agency that could do it all – and do it well. He was successful in his mission. Connections Marketing now works with over 100 clients in 25 states, managing all of their marketing needs under one roof.   Connect with Rick Rivero: Website: https://connectionsmarketing.com/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    29 min

  4. May 21

    Marian I. Kelly: Turning Trusted Relationships into a Personal Injury Referral Engine

    How can small firms competing on trust and referrals stand out when billboards and TV ads dominate personal injury marketing? In this episode, you'll hear how a seasoned PI attorney rebuilt her business development approach with intentional networking, a refined elevator pitch, and a 12-week Rainmaker program that changed the way she runs her firm.   What does it actually take to build a thriving personal injury practice without relying on expensive, impersonal advertising? How can a managing partner balance the heavy lifting of firm administration with high-level client advocacy? What is the "trusted advisor" model, and why is it more effective than traditional sales tactics? How can you turn everyday professional relationships—like your CPA or IT vendor—into a consistent referral engine? Why is a structured business development plan essential for attorneys who want to move beyond "door law"? What role do structured coaching programs play in helping experienced lawyers refine their messaging? How do you market yourself as an individual in a crowded legal landscape? Why is empathy for a client’s practical problems (like medical bills) more powerful than focusing on the lawsuit itself? How can you nurture relationships without coming across as a pushy salesperson? What’s one habit that has transformed your ability to grow your firm consistently?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Marian I. Kelly for sharing her insights on how to build a referral-based practice rooted in integrity, structure, and genuine human connection. If you want to dive deeper into the strategies Marian uses, check out the Pollen Performance program—a resource she credits with providing the clarity and discipline needed to turn a legal practice into a sustainable business.   If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow attorney who is looking to grow their practice with more confidence and intentionality. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Marian I. Kelly: Marian focuses her practice on auto negligence, premises liability, and workers’ compensation.  Marian is active in the Gloucester County Bar Association, serves as the Secretary of the District IV Fee Arbitration Committee, and is a member of the New Jersey Bar Examiners Committee on Character.   Connect with Marian I. Kelly:  Website: https://popjoykelly.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-kelly-8624a919/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    32 min

  5. May 14

    Maurice Vincent and Ron Robinson: Building E‑Discovery Partnerships for Solo and Small Firms

    When 73% of litigation costs are tied up in discovery, the wrong E‑discovery decision can sink a case—or a firm. In this episode, you’ll hear how Complete Legal helps solo and small firms turn overwhelming data into a defensible strategy without blowing the budget.   What makes E-discovery so expensive—and how can firms avoid wasting money on it? Why should law firms treat discovery providers as strategic partners instead of vendors? How can solo and small firms gain the support of a full litigation support department? What does a defensible and cost-conscious discovery workflow actually look like? Why is company culture so important in client service and retention? How do you design discovery solutions tailored to each specific case? What’s the biggest mistake firms make when handling electronically stored information? How can legal teams focus more on practicing law and less on managing data? What role will AI and emerging technology play in the future of discovery? Why will defensibility and verification always matter, no matter how technology evolves?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Maurice Vincent and Ron Robinson for sharing their insights on E-discovery, litigation strategy, and building client-centered solutions in a rapidly changing legal landscape. From designing smarter workflows to helping firms manage overwhelming volumes of data, this conversation offered practical advice for navigating discovery without losing sight of the case itself.   If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone working in the legal or litigation space. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   Connect with Maurice Vincent:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricevincent/   Connect with Ron Robinson:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrond/   About Maurice Vincent: Maurice Vincent is the Managing Partner of the Chicago hub at Complete Legal, where he helps law firms navigate complex E-discovery and litigation support challenges through tailored, client-focused solutions. Known for emphasizing culture, collaboration, and strategic partnership, Maurice works closely with firms to design cost-conscious and defensible discovery workflows that allow attorneys to stay focused on practicing law.   About Ron Robinson: Ron Robinson is a leader at Complete Legal with extensive experience in consultative client service, litigation support, and discovery strategy. He is known for helping legal teams develop repeatable workflows, manage electronically stored information efficiently, and approach discovery as a strategic process rather than a transactional task. Ron is recognized for his client-centered approach and focus on building long-term partnerships that help firms navigate evolving technology and litigation demands.     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/   Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    31 min

  6. May 7

    Gregg Garofalo: Building a Tech-Forward, Human-Centered Estate Practice

    What happens when a probate and estate planning lawyer becomes a tech innovator and special needs advocate? In this episode, you’ll hear how one attorney rebuilt his practice around Microsoft tools, remote work, and deeply personal experience to create a leaner, more sustainable firm that truly serves families.   What does it really look like to build a law firm that grows with your life instead of consuming it? How do you balance scaling a practice with staying lean and sustainable? What happens when personal experience shapes your legal niche in a meaningful way? How can technology—especially tools like Microsoft Power Apps—transform the way a firm operates? What role should AI play in modern legal work without compromising ethics or judgment? When does growth become a liability instead of an advantage? How do external market forces unexpectedly reshape a legal practice? What’s the smartest way to invest in marketing early on? How can remote work actually improve both client service and quality of life? What’s one shift that can make running a firm feel lighter and more intentional?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Gregg Garofalo for sharing how he reimagined his practice through technology, personal conviction, and a commitment to serving families with care. From navigating market shifts to building custom tools and embracing remote work, his journey offers a refreshing take on what a sustainable law firm can look like.   About Gregg Garofalo: Gregg Garofalo is a legal professional whose practice focuses on probate, estate planning, and real estate, with extensive experience serving as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for the Circuit Court of Cook County across multiple divisions, including probate, domestic relations, and law. He is an active leader within the legal community, having held key roles in both the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, where he previously served as Chair of the Probate Practice Committee and now holds Ex-Officio positions. In addition to contributing to the ISBA’s Trusts & Estates Council and mentor program, he is a frequent speaker on probate and estate matters. Beyond his legal work, Gregg is deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, supporting initiatives such as the Children’s Assistance Fund and the Illinois Bar Foundation, and serving in leadership roles with groups including the Justinian Society of Lawyers and the Italian American Political Coalition.   Connect with Gregg Garofalo: Website: https://glgfirm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-garofalo/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    31 min

  7. Apr 30

    Evan Polin: The Mindset and Methods Behind Law Firm Business Development

    Discover why being a great lawyer isn’t enough—and how attorneys can shift their mindset, structure their outreach, and use a consultative approach to confidently build a profitable, sustainable book of business. This episode breaks down the psychology, process, and practical tactics behind effective business development for law firms.   Why do so many attorneys struggle with business development despite its simplicity? How can attorneys shift their mindset from “selling” to solving problems as experts? What makes an intake conversation truly effective? How do you balance qualifying and disqualifying potential clients during consultations? Why is it important to let prospects do most of the talking in an intake? How can attorneys create a business development plan that’s both practical and trackable? What are some common mistakes lawyers make when using CRMs or BD strategies? Why is there no one-size-fits-all approach to business development in law? How do you tailor a business development strategy to fit different personalities and career stages? What’s one mindset shift that can immediately improve how attorneys approach client conversations?   That's all for today! Big thanks to Evan Polin for sharing his insights on the mindset, methods, and mechanics of building a profitable book of business. If today's conversation got you thinking differently about how you approach business development, take one idea from Evan and put it to work this week — whether that's reframing your next intake call, tightening up your follow-up process, or finally building out a BD plan you'll actually stick to.   Want to go deeper? Join Evan for the Amata Rainmaker Program — a hands-on class built to help attorneys turn these principles into a real, working pipeline. Learn more and reserve your spot at www.polinpg.com/amata-rainmaker-program.   If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who could use it. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you next time!   Connect with Evan Polin:  Website: https://www.polinpg.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanpolin/     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    38 min

  8. Apr 23

    Ron & Rebecca: From Overwhelm To Leverage – Building A Strategic Executive Assistant Partnership

    Most attorneys hire an executive assistant, thinking it will immediately lighten their load—only to end up disappointed when they’re still drowning in the same work. The truth is, the problem usually isn’t the EA—it’s the lack of structure, planning, and intentional delegation on the attorney’s side. In this episode, Ron and Rebecca break down how to properly onboard, train, and partner with a fractional executive assistant so they become a true strategic extension of your practice, not just a task-taker. Ron and Rebecca, let’s start here—why do so many attorneys fail to get real value from their executive assistants?   What are the most common mistakes attorneys make when bringing on an executive assistant? How should lawyers properly plan before onboarding an EA to set the relationship up for success? Why is delegation fundamentally different from simply assigning tasks? What does it look like to treat an EA as a strategic partner instead of support staff? How important are communication rules and authority boundaries in the early stages? Why is teaching an EA about firm culture critical to long-term success? How do weekly check-ins and early review periods prevent breakdown in the working relationship? Why should EAs be involved in creating SOPs for the tasks they take over? How can strong communication turn a fractional role into a high-impact partnership? What’s the first thing a lawyer should delegate if they want to gain real leverage immediately?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Ron and Rebecca for breaking down how attorneys can stop underutilizing one of the most powerful leverage tools in their practice. Their insights remind us that success with an executive assistant isn’t about hiring—it’s about intentional onboarding, clear systems, and building a real working partnership that frees lawyers to focus on the work only they can do.   If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s drowning in admin work and ready to finally delegate properly. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   Check out this free guide on Onboarding & Using an EA Effectively by clicking on this link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NoY_rzqX9C6OQNc30eHkryJUk7jdCF-6/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112123423725276281178&rtpof=true&sd=true   Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    26 min
See All (60)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

In 1958 the ABA published a pamphlet with an article titled “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. Prior to 1960, most attorney engagements were project based. As a result, many lawyers felt their pay scale was falling behind that of other professional service providers. For many lawyers, this article spurred them to change the way they billed for legal services and thus the billable hour was born. It is a stark reminder that change is the only constant in our world and those that do not keep up with the change often times find themselves obsolete. To be sure, the business surrounding the practice of law has continued to change since the billable hour went mainstream. This podcast is all about how law firms and their clients are adapting to a changing business world to remain viable. Your host, Ron Bockstahler, is the Founder and CEO of Amata Law Office Suites, an attorney support Services company. For more than 30 years Ron has worked with law firms of all sizes, helping them manage expenses, implement new technologies and strategically grow their law practice. Ron will pull from his experience and those of his guests to uncover new developments in the business world and how the legal industry is adapting to meet the changing demands of their clients. Each show will feature successful business people, politicians, judges and attorneys to provide insight into their thoughts and how they are meeting today's challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    Ron Bockstahler
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The 1958 Lawyer
  • Show Website
    The 1958 Lawyer