Your Profitable Law Firm

Kelley Brubaker

Guiding law firms to overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 and thriving lives 😎 This is your source of business insights and money mindset with a little bit of humor tossed in. Hosted by Kelley Brubaker, CPA who is a business advisor and entrepreneur. Kelley knows there is an easier way to make money as a small business owner and that's what she's here to help you do.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep 146 | AI Won’t Fix Your Law Firm… But This Will

    AI, Billing, and Profitability: The Financial Systems Law Firms Need with Josh Noffke Kelley Brubaker welcomes business attorney Josh Noffke back to Your Profitable Law Firm, where Josh interviews Kelley about the financial realities of running a profitable firm and how AI fits into modern operations.  They discuss why lawyers lose money by not tracking time, how delayed billing crushes cash flow, and why even flat-fee firms should track time to validate profitability. Kelley outlines where she starts to boost profit, including reviewing expenses by vendor to eliminate unused subscriptions, ensuring correct software seats, setting aside cash for taxes, and analyzing marketing ROI.  They cover staffing economics, including a rule of thumb that billable associates should generate roughly three times their cost, and how AI should remove low-value tasks to elevate people, not instantly replace them. The episode closes with notes on AI verification, risk management, and Kelley’s free Profit Strong 90 program. 🔥Interested in getting started with AI? Josh has a free offer to get you started on your AI journey! Building Bulletproof Prompts! Start Building Bulletproof Prompts That Deliver Every Time! Click here to get your free copy: ⁠https://stan.store/BrassTacksAI/p/get-our-free-guide-building-bulletproof-prompts     Connect with Josh!  Website: https://www.brasstacksai.com/  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnoffke/  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/noffkelaw⁠ Sign up for my free 90 day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive   #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    1h 11m
  2. MAR 25

    Ep 145 | Why Most Law Firms Fail at Exit Planning (And Don’t Realize It Until It’s Too Late)

    Profit-Focused Accounting for Law Firms with Virtual CFO John C. Scott Kelley Brubaker interviews John C. Scott, CPA, partner at Anders and a legal industry virtual CFO, about helping law firms move beyond tax-focused accounting to profit-focused financial leadership.  John shares how his early referrals from attorneys and work with a data-driven, entrepreneurial lawyer shaped his approach, and how a merger and the shift to remote work helped him build a legal vertical serving hundreds of firms. They discuss John’s four pillars for law firm financial health - cash, current financials, production capacity, and pipeline - plus a maturity model to improve finance functions over 6 to 12 months.  They cover subscription-based CFO services, simplifying chart of accounts, automation tools, tax categorization issues, fraud and trust-account controls, forecasting for growth, and how clean books support smoother succession and transitions. John’s book, Judicial Dollars and Cents, can be purchased on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Judicial-Dollars-Cents-Playbook-Financial/dp/B0D4ZP2TQM  Connect with John:  Email:  jscott@anderscpa.com  Website: www.AndersCPA.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-scott-cpa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcfobyanders/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersvcfo/  Podcast: https://anderscpa.com/learn/podcasts/  Sign up for my free 90-day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive   #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    40 min
  3. MAR 18

    Ep 144 | Linda Hunt Shares How To Set Your Legal Fees Without Burnout

    Pricing Without Burnout: Nervous System Regulation, Minimum Aligned Price, and Raising Rates with Linda Hunt Kelley Brubaker interviews Linda Hunt, founder of SumSolutions LLC, about why pricing feels emotional for service providers and how to build sustainable, profitable pricing.  Linda explains separating personal identity from the service, focusing on the client’s transformation, and using nervous system regulation to manage fear of rejection. She shares her own experience underpricing, over-giving, burnout, and creating a hustle-based model, then introduces the “minimum aligned price” as a pricing floor based on personal needs, business costs, and true billable capacity.  They discuss avoiding market comparison, clarifying repeatable processes, accounting for time off and nonbillable work, and handling rate increases with clear, neutral communication and firm boundaries.  Linda mentions her book, The Money Conversation, and resources at www.sumsolutions.com.  Connect with Linda:  Website: https://www.sumsolutions.com/  Perfect Pricing Formula™ : https://www.sumsolutions.com/perfect-pricing-formula/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaahunt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579272102031 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumsolutionsllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindaHunt-Sumsolutions  Sign up for my free 90-day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive   #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    40 min
  4. MAR 11

    Ep 143 | How Burnout Will Kill Your Law Firm Just as Fast as Bankruptcy with Danielle Hendon

    How Burnout Will Kill Your Law Firm Just as Fast as Bankruptcy with Danielle Hendon Host Kelley Brubaker interviews Danielle Hendon, a CPA and fractional CFO who founded Four Corners CFO after leaving public accounting and an oil and gas audit leadership role during the pandemic to build a family-friendly career bringing big-business finance concepts to small business owners, especially law firms.  They discuss how burnout can end a firm as quickly as bankruptcy when owners focus only on practicing law instead of running a business, and how a CFO can act as a strategic partner, accountability support, and financial guide using reliable numbers, cash flow forecasting, and flexible budgets.  They also cover practical boundaries around expenses and tax-related considerations, emphasizing coordination with a firm’s tax professional. Danielle shares a website quiz estimating money law firms may be leaving on the table using utilization and expense benchmarks tied to the “rule of thirds.”  Connect with Danielle:  Website: www.4cornerscfo.com  Email: danielle@4cornerscfo.com  Quiz: https://4cornerscfo.com/how-much-money-is-on-your-table/   Sign up for my free 90-day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive   #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    39 min
  5. MAR 4

    Ep 142 | Your Law Firm’s Future Depends on One Decision You’re Avoiding

    AI, Decision Avoidance, and the Entrepreneur Shift Law Firm Owners Must Make Now Kelley Brubaker explains why law firm owners must take responsibility for their firm’s financial future as AI threatens inefficiency and low-leverage work. She describes how many firms are “fine” on paper yet avoid key decisions, leading to stalled profit, delayed owner pay, and rising stress, sharing examples involving skipped distributions, postponed system fixes, delayed invoicing, and a reactive trust account cleanup after a bar inquiry.  Kelley argues most financial issues are emotional, rooted in fear of judgment and getting it wrong, and outlines five shifts to lead like an entrepreneur: decide who you need to become, set goals based on desire, learn in motion, build confidence by doing avoided tasks, and move from approval seeking to service.    Sign up for my free 90-day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive   #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    12 min
  6. FEB 25

    Ep 141 | Justin Montgomery Shares How to Build a High-Profit Education Business Without More Client Work

    How to Build a High-Profit Continuing Education Business as a Lawyer | Justin Allan Montgomery Kelley Brubaker hosts Justin Allan Montgomery, a nurse practitioner who created a continuing education course business in 2020, made $50,000 in seven days, scaled it into an eight-figure yearly business, and retired at 39.  He now runs ProCourseStart to teach professionals, including lawyers, how to create continuing education businesses that can generate partially passive, location-independent income with low overhead, low liability, and minimal staffing. Justin explains that the foundation is a clear value proposition and mission tied to solving a specific, meaningful problem, and he outlines common paths for lawyers, including teaching other lawyers, educating clients, or creating courses for other professionals, such as doctors.  He shares that continuing education scales faster than generic courses or coaching because it is required, often tax-deductible, and frequently paid through employer stipends, with strong year-end demand. He identifies common reasons people get stuck, including analysis paralysis and imposter syndrome, and notes that poor momentum is often caused by weak messaging or marketing.  Justin recommends launching new offerings with a time-limited discount, building audience first when possible, and focusing on customer lifetime value by creating multiple courses over time. He says the choice of course platform matters far less than delivering an easy experience and a real transformation. He also addresses AI concerns by emphasizing that learners value the creator’s real experience.  Link mentioned in the episode: www.ProCourseStart.com/podcast/lawfirm  Connect with Justin: Email: justin@procoursestart.com  Website: www.ProCourseStart.com  Phone: (423) 388-5688 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procoursestart/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pro-Course-Start/61574146510784/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/procoursestart25/  YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ProCourseStart  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@procoursestart  Sign up for my free 90 day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90   Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up   📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P   🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm   🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio   🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact   🗣️ Continue the discussion on social!  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    36 min
  7. FEB 18

    Ep 140 | Law Firm Branding That Converts with Christine Raniets

    Boosting Your Law Firm's Brand Strategy with Christine RanietsIn this exciting episode, Kelley welcomes branding expert Christine Raniets of Perran Design to discuss the critical aspects of branding for law firms. Christine, who specializes in branding, graphic design, and marketing for legal professionals and nonprofits, shares her journey from studying finance to forming her own company. The conversation covers key topics including the importance of messaging and consistency, thought leadership initiatives, and the significance of culturally aligned branding. Christine also offers insights on common branding mistakes, the importance of regular brand evaluations, and how to stand out in a competitive legal market. Whether you're a solo practitioner or a part of a larger firm, this episode is packed with valuable advice on enhancing your firm's brand and attracting the right clients. Tune in to learn how to elevate your law firm's branding strategy!Connect with Christine:Website: https://www.perandesign.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-raniets-93203560/Email: craniets@perandesign.com Sign up for my free 90 day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90 Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up 📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P 🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm 🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio 🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    38 min
  8. FEB 4

    Ep 139 | Reclaiming Your Time as a Law Firm CEO…without letting the firm fall apart with Carol Schultz

    Unlocking CEO Potential with Carol Schultz: Reclaiming Time and Overcoming Founder Syndrome In this episode, Kelley Brubaker talks with Carol Schultz, CEO of Vertical Elevation and columnist for Inc. Magazine. Carol, an experienced recruiter and executive coach, discusses her Chief of Staff Scaffold System, a comprehensive nine-step program designed to help CEOs delegate, manage time effectively, and focus on growth. They explore common challenges law firm owners face, such as founder syndrome and becoming 'hostages' of their own companies. Carol emphasizes the importance of strategy blocks, effective delegation, and the crucial role of a Chief of Staff. Tune in to learn practical advice for transforming from a doer to a leader and the significant benefits of leveraging fractional executives.Connect with Carol:Website: https://verticalelevation.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolbschultz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growgreatteams/ Sign up for my free 90 day challenge designed to improve your law firm with one baby step every day for 90 days: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/profitstrong-90 Do you receive my newsletter? Sign up and enjoy access to free templates and checklists that support each podcast episode. Only those who are on the newsletter distribution list will receive this bonus content. Sign up now: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/newsletter-sign-up 📖 Grab my newest book for free (PDF format) here: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/plugging-the-leaks-10-ways-lawyers-waste-money-and-simple-fixes OR buy the Kindle or paperback format here: https://www.amazon.com/Plugging-Leaks-Lawyers-Waste-Simple-ebook/dp/B0FHGCPB6P 🫠 Are you stuck in your law firm? Click here to check out the details about the Your Profitable Law Firm Community today ➝ The first month is FREE (and no credit card required!). Click To Learn More: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/your-profitable-law-firm 🙌 Check out my free resources here ➝ Resources: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/link-in-bio 🎯 Curious to learn how I can help you achieve overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 & thriving lives 😎? Schedule a meeting with me by clicking here ➝ Click To Schedule: https://www.profitscalethrive.com/contact 🗣️ Continue the discussion on social! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleybrubaker/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@profit.scale.thrive #attorney #lawyer #profit #scale #thrive #howtogrowalawfirm #CPA #CFO #FractionalCFO #LawFirm #fyp #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcast #LawFirmGrowth #LawFirmProfits

    37 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Guiding law firms to overflowing profits 💰 scaled growth 🌱 and thriving lives 😎 This is your source of business insights and money mindset with a little bit of humor tossed in. Hosted by Kelley Brubaker, CPA who is a business advisor and entrepreneur. Kelley knows there is an easier way to make money as a small business owner and that's what she's here to help you do.

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