The 1958 Lawyer

Ron Bockstahler
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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. Sep 10

    Joshua Haid: Inside High-Net-Worth Divorce and the Business of Family Law

    Discover how a boutique firm built around women’s and mothers’ rights grew from a solo practice to 18 lawyers handling some of the most complex, high-net-worth divorces in Illinois and beyond. In this episode, you’ll hear how strategic growth, business literacy, and underdog advocacy can transform both a law firm and its clients’ outcomes.   How can specializing in women’s rights bridge the gap when one spouse controls the finances in a divorce?Why do law firm systems break down at six, ten, and eighteen attorneys—and how do you rebuild them to scale?How can mastering business fundamentals like EBITDA transform outcomes in high-net-worth divorce cases?What does it take to build a strategy session that keeps clients focused and on-message throughout a complex case?Why will AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude never replace courtroom-tested judgment in family law?How do you navigate vastly different rulings between judges who literally share a wall in the same courthouse?What’s the real impact on client care when firm leaders prioritize employee well-being and parental flexibility?How do you uncover hidden compensation and navigate complex buyouts when closely held businesses are involved?Why is getting the right support staff in place early essential to avoiding burnout and becoming a better advocate?How does a corporate litigation background give a family law practice a competitive edge in high-asset disputes?  That’s all for today! Big thanks to Joshua Haid for sharing his insights on scaling a boutique firm from one lawyer to eighteen, advocating for women in complex high-net-worth divorces, and running a family law practice with strategic clarity and business literacy. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who needs to get their time back. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!    About Joshua Haid:  Website: https://www.womensfamilylawyers.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.

  2. Sep 3

    Safiya Fatima: Inside the Life of a Fractional Paralegal Powering Multiple Law Firms

    What actually happens behind the scenes when one paralegal quietly keeps half a dozen law firms running? In this episode, you’ll hear how a fractional paralegal juggles multiple practices, earns attorney trust, and does the high-impact work that turns everyday attorney chaos into seamless courtroom readiness.   How can law firm leaders delegate effectively to free up hours of billable time? Why are simple logistics like logins and file structures the real secret to seamless onboarding? How do fractional paralegals build deep trust across multiple firms at once? What does it take to turn a chaotic document mess into a calm, trial-ready system? Why will AI never replace the nuanced judgment and research of an experienced paralegal? How do you navigate hyper-specific court protocols and clerk requirements without losing time? What’s the biggest mistake attorneys make when utilizing support staff? How can you set firm boundaries and advocate for yourself while working full-time and attending law school? Why is perfection in systems less about theory and more about daily execution? How does leveraging a fractional paralegal serve as a scalable growth engine for solo practitioners?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Safiya Fatima for sharing her insights on how to build reliable firm systems, foster trust between attorneys and support staff, and navigate high-stakes legal work without losing your sanity (or your time). If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who needs to get their time back. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Safiya Fatima: Safiya Fatima is a paralegal at Amata Law Office Suites based in the Greater Chicago Area (Morton Grove, Illinois), where she provides dedicated legal support and assistance within the firm's legal support team.   Connect with Safiya Fatima: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safiya-fatima-159a96227/      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.

  3. Aug 6

    Jared Gibson & Kelly Foran: Turning Executive Expertise into Authentic, AI‑Powered Content

    Busy attorneys know they need to show up online, but few have the time—or systems—to do it well. In this episode, you’ll hear how a “content operating system” turns one hour a month of authentic conversation into a month of on-brand posts, without falling into generic AI slop.   How can busy law firm leaders show up online without spending hours creating content? Why are executive team profiles outperforming company brand pages on social media? How do you capture authentic tone and personality instead of generic AI slop? What’s the secret to turning just one hour of conversation into a month of content? How can you use AI as a contextual assistant rather than a content crutch? Why is perfection actually hurting your personal brand’s credibility? How do you know if your content actually sounds like you? What’s the biggest mistake executives make when launching a social media strategy? Why should you commit to a 12-month strategy before seeing true results? How does executive content fit into a broader business growth engine?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Jared Gibson and Kelly Foran for sharing their insights on how to build a scalable content operating system, leverage AI the right way, and build authentic thought leadership without losing your sanity (or your time). If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who needs to get their time back. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Jared Gibson: Jared Gibson is a Co-Founder at Outworks, where he leads the strategy that helps executive teams turn their internal expertise into a repeatable growth engine. Having spent years in B2B sales watching great companies lose deals they should have won due to lack of visibility, Jared now focuses on bridging the gap between what a company knows and what its market sees. At Outworks, he works with founders and leadership teams to build authentic personal brands on platforms like LinkedIn and establish content workflows that drive pipeline without taking over their calendars.   About Kelly Foran:  Kelly Foran is a Co-Founder at Outworks and sets the editorial standard behind every piece of content the company ships. She built the voice guidelines, design systems, and quality benchmarks that ensure executive content remains authentic, recognizable, and consistent at scale. Kelly’s focus is on removing friction from the content creation process—ensuring busy leaders can turn simple monthly conversations into high-impact, on-brand thought leadership without sacrificing quality or relying on generic messaging.     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.

  4. Jul 30

    Justin True: From Prompt Panic to Practical AI Workflows for Lawyers

    Lawyers keep hearing that AI will save them hours—but almost nobody is handing them the guardrails. In this episode, you’ll learn how to start using AI safely in your law practice, where the red lines are with client data, and how to build toward secure “black box” systems without Kirkland-level budgets.   What was the real issue behind early legal sanctions involving AI citations? Why should law firms start using AI with non-client and non-sensitive work first? How does data security go beyond simply opting out of model training? What does it mean to treat AI like a new intern rather than focusing on prompt engineering? How is AI changing job roles by focusing on tasks rather than eliminating entire positions? What is the difference between "efficiency AI" and "opportunity AI" for law practices? Why is building custom AI solutions becoming more accessible for small firms? What are the key green-light vs. red-light areas when adopting AI in a firm? How can lawyers train AI to mirror their specific writing voice and style? What’s one practical step solos and small firms can take to start using AI today safely?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Justin True for sharing his insights on how to navigate AI safely in the legal space without compromising security. If you want to dive deeper into practical AI workflows and data safety for your practice, be sure to connect with Justin and explore his latest resources. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to make sense of AI. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Justin True:  Website: https://www.jdtadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintrue/     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.

  5. Jul 23

    Bill Reynolds: Flat-Fee Appeals, Contingency Litigation, and Escaping the Billable Hour Trap

    Tired of guessing what to charge and hoping clients don’t push back? In this episode, you’ll hear how a former big-firm partner turned ERISA specialist built a transparent flat-fee and contingency model—and what solo and small-firm lawyers can do to stop underpricing themselves and start charging what they’re really worth.   What does it actually take to transition from big-firm litigation to a highly specialized solo ERISA practice? Why do new solo practitioners almost always undervalue their legal services at the start? How can you use peer networks and local bar associations to gather accurate market data on pricing? What is the benefit of splitting appeals and trial litigation into two distinct, structured fee models? How does a transparent flat-fee appeal structure shift your focus back to the merits of a case rather than the size of the fee? Why is every additional year of legal practice an asset that justifies raising your rates? What are the hidden dangers of "chasing fees" and overlooking the warning signs of a weak case? How do you build the confidence to tell a client to "shop around" when they push back on your pricing? How is the rise of AI changing client expectations, and why must lawyers defend their role as human problem-solvers? Why is niche specialization essential in crowded urban markets, while general practice still rules rural communities?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Bill Reynolds for sharing his insights on how lawyers can price their services with confidence, build sustainable business models, and escape the billable hour trap. If you want to learn more about the legal network and support structures Bill leverages to grow his practice, check out Amata's community of legal professionals—the exact type of network he credits with providing the peer support and market insights needed to thrive. 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 Bill Reynolds: Bill Reynolds is the Founder at Reynolds&, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and the Director of the C-K Law Group's Employee Benefits Clinic. His practice and teaching focus on individual welfare benefit claims under ERISA, including short- and long-term disability, life, and health insurance claim disputes. Prior to entering academia, Bill spent years in private practice as a partner and shareholder at DeBofsky Law in Chicago, successfully litigating complex ERISA cases nationwide. He is also the co-editor of Bloomberg BNA’s Employee Benefits Law treatise.   Connect with Bill Reynolds: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-reynolds-4973ba44/ Firm: https://www.reynoldsand.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.

  6. Jul 16

    Ron & Rebecca: How to Collect Without Conflict and Get Paid on Time

    Most lawyers are working late, billing hard—and silently bleeding cash in accounts receivable. In this episode, Ron and Rebecca break down exactly how to tighten up AR, collect without conflict, and stop leaving money on the table.   What is the single most important number a law firm should track—and why isn't it revenue or billable hours? What is "lockup," and how does it secretly trap thousands of dollars of your firm's cash in limbo? Why does waiting even a single week to send an invoice radically slash your chances of ever getting paid? How can enforcing a strict late fee policy actually "cure" chronic late-paying clients? When a client fails to pay their bill, why is it often an intake mistake rather than a collection issue? How should law firms structure their retainer replenishment to ensure they never work for free? What simple technology shift allows small and solo firms to get paid more than twice as fast? How can you approach a difficult collections conversation without ruining the client relationship? Why is suing a client for unpaid fees often a trap that leads to expensive malpractice counterclaims? What is the mindset shift lawyers need to have when it comes to demanding the money they’ve earned?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Ron and Rebecca Bockstahler for sharing their incredibly practical insights on how to tighten up your AR, collect without conflict, and stop leaving money on the table. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow attorney who needs to get paid faster. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!    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.

  7. Jul 9

    Larry Chester: Turning Legal Work Into Real Cash Flow, Not Just Paper Profit

    Most small firms think they’re doing fine because their P&L shows a profit—right up until payroll is due and the bank account is empty. In this episode, you’ll learn how to read the story behind your numbers so your “profitable” firm actually has cash in the bank.   What’s the difference between profit and cash flow, and why does a green P&L still leave you struggling to cover payroll? What is the single biggest mistake small law firms and solo practitioners make when checking their financial health? How can a non-financial business owner learn to read financial statements and manage their business by exception? Why should lawyers look at their billable hours as physical inventory—and what happens to the time you don't use? How do you calculate matter-level profitability to ensure every client is actually making you money? What does a truly disciplined receivables process look like, and why should the attorney never be the one chasing the money? How can small firm owners protect themselves against internal fraud, and what simple system of checks and balances prevents it? How do you know when your firm has outgrown a bookkeeper and actually needs a fractional CFO? Why is a weekly billing cycle so critical to maintaining a healthy cash flow? What is the danger of running your law firm based on "gut feeling" instead of hard operational numbers?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Larry Chester for sharing his insights on how to balance life and business, without losing your sanity. If you want to dive deeper, grab a copy of his book Don't Lose Your Balance: Live Life or Build a Business? Do Both. It’s packed with real-world advice, practical steps, and a few hard-earned lessons you won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs some work-life balance. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Larry Chester: Larry has served as a CFO for 25 years for companies including Colovos Company, Republic Windows and Doors, United Service Companies, and High Sierra Sport Company, helping them eliminate losses and improving financial operations and reporting. Realizing that he enjoyed the challenges of helping companies that were working their way through a crisis, he joined a bankruptcy trustee for several years, analyzing the financial condition of client companies and managing them through those difficult times. Soon after that, he struck out on his own, forming CFO Simplified’s team of CFOs. Since forming CFO Simplified, Larry has been involved in Business Turnaround and Mergers and Acquisitions, in addition to Financial and Operations Management for his clients. Larry is an intuitive businessman, able to grasp complex situations, driving to the heart of the matter, while helping to develop creative solutions to problems. His greatest pleasure comes from working with an owner to help his company develop tighter internal controls and greater profitability. In doing so, they work together, guiding the company to smoother operations and a stronger financial position. Larry lives in Highland Park, IL, where he holds court for his three daughters and eight grandchildren.   Connect with Larry Chester:  Website: https://www.cfosimplified.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lchester/     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.

  8. Jul 2

    Steve Mesirow: How Solo Attorneys Can Defer Hundreds of Thousands in Taxes

    Mid-year is one of the most powerful windows to reshape your tax bill and retirement future. In this episode, you’ll learn how solo and small-firm attorneys can legally shelter six figures a year, catch up fast if they’ve started late, and turn their practice into a true retirement engine.   Why is waiting until tax season the absolute worst time to plan your retirement? How can solo and small-firm attorneys legally shelter up to $300,000 a year from taxes? What are the different "levels" of retirement plans, and how do you know which one fits your firm? Why is starting early—even with small amounts—the most powerful wealth-building tool you have? How do rising earners trade lower tax rates today for decades of completely tax-free growth? What is a cash balance plan, and why do you not need a massive corporate firm to use one? How do you calculate the exact nest egg needed to secure a six-figure pension by age 65? Why is being "conservative" with your investments actually a massive risk for your long-term future? How can getting your accountant and financial advisor in the same room change your financial trajectory? What mid-year financial moves can you make right now before the January 1st deadline locks you out?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Steve Mesirow for sharing his insights on how solo attorneys can take control of their financial future, maximize compounding growth, and make the government wait for its cut. If you want to dive deeper into these high-contribution strategies and start building your own retirement powerhouse, be sure to connect with Steve and utilize his wealth of wealth-management expertise. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow attorney or business owner who needs to optimize their tax bill. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Steve Mesirow: Steve Mesirow is a Senior Managing Director in Mesirow Wealth Management. He provides investment advice and financial planning strategies to individuals, business owners, and charitable organizations that are designed to help accumulate, manage, and preserve wealth. Steve joined the firm in 1993 and has more than 30 years of financial services experience. He has been recognized by Forbes | SHOOK as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in 2025 and 2026. Steve serves on the Jewish United Fund Health and Human Services subcommittee. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Political Science from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in History from the University of Maryland, and a Master's in teaching from the American University. Steve is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.   Connect with Steve Mesirow: Website: https://www.mesirow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmesirow/ Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/14C2aOiBMs84asVohHbGKIAUXKB7jFFTv/view?usp=drive_link     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.

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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
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The 1958 Lawyer
  • Show Website
    The 1958 Lawyer