The Search Bar: Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional.

Eric Ritter
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional. Hosted by Eric Ritter, the SEO Sommelier® and founder of Digital Neighbor. The Search Bar is where law firm owners & attorneys get practical strategies and real success stories to build a thriving, sustainable practice. We cover the whole business: strategy, finance, operations, client experience, team, & the marketing that fuels it: SEO, Ads, social, email, and content. Every week, Eric sits down with leading voices in the legal world to share proven insights and clear next steps you can apply right away. You’ll leave each episode with actionable advice.

  1. Boost Your Law Firm: CFO Insights, AI & Profit Strategies

    3D AGO

    Boost Your Law Firm: CFO Insights, AI & Profit Strategies

    In this episode of The Search Bar, Eric Ritter interviews John Scott, a virtual CFO specializing in law firm growth. They discuss the importance of data-driven decision-making, the role of a CFO in law firms, and the concept of profit-focused accounting. John shares insights on designing an exit strategy, leveraging AI for efficiency, and preparing for retirement. The conversation emphasizes the need for law firms to document processes and consider outsourcing financial functions to enhance profitability and scalability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Law Firm Growth Strategies02:47 The Role of a CFO in Law Firms05:32 Profit-Focused Accounting Explained08:26 Designing an Exit Strategy for Law Firms11:05 Leveraging AI for Law Firm Efficiency13:43 Preparing for Retirement and Transitioning Leadership16:18 Use Cases for Virtual CFO Services19:05 Conclusion and Resources for Law FirmsConnect with John Scott:Website: anderscpa.comLinkedIn: John C. Scott, CPAEmail: jscott@anderscpa.comConnect with Eric Ritter:LinkedIn: Eric RitterDigital Neighbor: digitalneighbor.comEmail: eric@digitalneighbor.comCheck out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: helloericritter.com/blog

    22 min

  2. FEB 10

    Why Law Firms Must Embrace AI Now

    In this episode, Eric Ritter and Christopher DiBella discuss the transformative impact of AI on law firms. They explore how AI is already integrated into legal operations, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and practical tips for implementing AI effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element in legal practice while leveraging AI to improve efficiency and drive growth.Connect with Christopher DiBella:Website: dibellalawoffice.comLinkedIn: Christopher DiBellaConnect with Eric Ritter:LinkedIn: Eric RitterDigital Neighbor: digitalneighbor.comEmail: eric@digitalneighbor.comCheck out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: helloericritter.com/blog

    25 min
  3. Mastering Presence For Law Firm Leaders ft. Laurie Scholff

    FEB 2

    Mastering Presence For Law Firm Leaders ft. Laurie Scholff

    In this episode of The Search Bar, Eric Ritter sits down with world-renowned executive communication coach Laurie Schloff to discuss the critical role of communication in the legal profession. While many attorneys focus solely on case law, the most successful firms are built on the ability to command a room, influence a team, and build immediate trust with clients.Eric and Laurie explore the essential communication skills every attorney needs to master, the power of nonverbal cues, and how to effectively engage with clients to drive firm growth. Laurie also introduces her proprietary Presence26 Method™, offering tactical tools to enhance your leadership presence and transform the way you are perceived in high-stakes environments.Connect with Laurie Schloff:Website: partnersincommunicationinc.comLinkedIn: Laurie SchloffEmail: laurie@partnersincommunicationinc.comConnect with Eric Ritter:LinkedIn: Eric RitterDigital Neighbor: digitalneighbor.comEmail: eric@digitalneighbor.comCheck out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: helloericritter.com/blog

    34 min
  4. Law Firm Marketing Myths, Busted!

    12/01/2025

    Law Firm Marketing Myths, Busted!

    Tired of feeling overwhelmed by marketing myths and chasing endless leads? In this episode of The Search Bar, Eric Ritter and marketing expert Carrie Flynn break down the biggest myths in law firm marketing. Carrie, founder of Virtual Simplicity, shares how law firms, especially women-led ones, can simplify their marketing without burning out. We also pair the conversation with a refreshing bottle of Prosecco, keeping things light as we bust myths and explore practical strategies for law firm growth. Show links: Connect with Carrie Flynn on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriemflynn/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Virtual Simplicity at: https://virtualsimplicity.co/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    36 min
  5. The Elite Attorney’s Paradox: Breaking Free from the Golden Handcuffs

    11/17/2025

    The Elite Attorney’s Paradox: Breaking Free from the Golden Handcuffs

    Struggling to run your law firm like a business? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.In this episode of The Search Bar, Eric Ritter sits down with attorney coach Gary Miles for a conversation about the business side of building a law practice. From intake bottlenecks and hiring hesitations to burnout and marketing blind spots, they cover the challenges solo and small firm lawyers face when trying to scale sustainably. Gary shares the real-world shifts he’s helped attorneys make to regain control of their time, double their book of business, and build firms that support the life they actually want.If you’re tired of flying solo and ready to lead your firm with intention, this one’s for you. Show links: Connect with Gary Miles on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Gary Miles services at: http://garymiles.net/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    32 min
  6. The New Rules of Real Estate Valuation: What Law Firms Need to Know

    11/03/2025

    The New Rules of Real Estate Valuation: What Law Firms Need to Know

    Tired of valuations that don’t hold up in court? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with expert appraiser Michael J. Lester to discuss how law firms can ensure their property valuations stand strong in litigation. Learn how technology like AI and AVMs are transforming the industry and why human judgment still plays a crucial role in getting accurate, defensible results.Michael also shares tips on choosing the right appraiser, preparing for cross-examination, and navigating the nuances of commercial real estate disputes. Plus, he pairs it all with a wine recommendation that reflects the balance of precision and expertise required for successful valuations.Today’s pour: a crisp B and A from Boydie Vineyards, a balanced white wine that pairs perfectly with real estate valuations as well as any fine meal. Show links: Connect with Michael J Lester on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-howard-905988136/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Learn more about Willowbrook Valuation & Advisory Services at: https://willowbrookvaluation.com/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    26 min
  7. Maximizing Law Firm Growth with Email Marketing ft. William Howard

    10/21/2025

    Maximizing Law Firm Growth with Email Marketing ft. William Howard

    Struggling to stay top-of-mind with clients? Email marketing might be the secret weapon your law firm needs. In this episode, Eric Ritter talks to William Howard from Intuit MailChimp about leveraging email to boost visibility, retention, and more. Learn expert tips on crafting compelling subject lines, building segmented lists, and automating campaigns that actually convert. Whether you’re starting out or refining your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your firm grow. Show links: Connect with William Howard on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-howard-905988136/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Connect with William at: william_howard@intuit.com Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    30 min
  8. Fix Your Intake: Stop Losing Cases Before They Start ft. Evan Polin

    10/06/2025

    Fix Your Intake: Stop Losing Cases Before They Start ft. Evan Polin

    Are you leaving cases and revenue on the table without even realizing it? In this episode of The Search Bar Podcast, Eric Ritter sits down with Evan Polin, president of Polin Performance Group, to uncover why law firm intake processes fail and how to fix them. Learn five actionable strategies to convert more leads, streamline your intake, and make clients feel valued from the very first call. Don’t let a broken intake process silently kill your growth. And sip a crisp Riesling while you listen, letting its balanced sweetness and bright acidity remind you that even small adjustments can transform the experience. Show links: Connect with Evan Polin on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanpolin/ Connect with Eric Ritter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/ Visit Polin Performance Group: https://www.polinpg.com/ Learn more about Eric's company, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Digital Neighbor,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a leading SEO and digital marketing agency: https://digitalneighbor.com/. Check out our blog for actionable SEO checklists and guides: https://helloericritter.com/blog/

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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5 Ratings

About

Law Firm Growth. Wine Optional. Hosted by Eric Ritter, the SEO Sommelier® and founder of Digital Neighbor. The Search Bar is where law firm owners & attorneys get practical strategies and real success stories to build a thriving, sustainable practice. We cover the whole business: strategy, finance, operations, client experience, team, & the marketing that fuels it: SEO, Ads, social, email, and content. Every week, Eric sits down with leading voices in the legal world to share proven insights and clear next steps you can apply right away. You’ll leave each episode with actionable advice.

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