Legal Keys: Unlocking Time, Revenue, and Results

Tim Sawyer

Welcome to Legal Keys – Unlocking Time, Revenue, and Results. The podcast that connects you with the people, technologies, and trending topics shaping the modern legal landscape. From cutting-edge AI innovations to high-growth marketing strategies—and everything in between—Legal Keys is your go-to resource for actionable insights. Brought to you by FasterOutcomes and hosted by Tim Sawyer, two time INC 500 Co-Founder/ Entrepreneur, we're here to help you navigate the tools and trends driving success in today’s legal world.

  1. 3d ago

    The New Rules of Search: AI, Google & Law Firm Visibility with Brad Wetherall

    Brad Wetherall spent more than a decade inside Google, helping lead operations across Google Business Profile, Search, Maps, Google Wallet, Google Domains, and Merchant Center. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of Esquire Digital, he brings that perspective to law firms navigating the shift from traditional search to AI-driven discovery. In this episode of Legal Keys, Tim Sawyer sits down with Brad to unpack how Google actually works, what law firms often misunderstand about search, and why the strategies that worked five or ten years ago may no longer be enough. Brad breaks down how AI is reshaping search — from SEO and Google Business Profile to reviews, content, reputation, and brand authority — and shares the areas firms should prioritize to stay visible as search continues to evolve. WHAT WE COVER: What Brad learned from more than a decade inside GoogleHow AI is changing the traditional search experienceWhat law firms should prioritize to improve visibilityWhy original, human-driven content matters more than volumeThe role of Google Business Profile, reviews, and reputationWhy brand mentions and PR are becoming more importantHow Esquire Digital approaches modern law firm marketingCONNECT WITH BRAD WETHERALL & ESQUIRE DIGITAL: Website: http://esquiredigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esquire-digital-marketing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@esquiredigital/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquire.digital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsquireDigitalMarketing/ Connect with Brad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradwetherall/ Free Download: https://www.esquiredigital.com/get-a-free-copy/ Buy Brad’s Book: https://a.co/d/09jmu7A6

  2. Sep 4

    Beyond the Tech Stack: The People & Processes Behind Better Legal Tech with Patrice Gimenez

    For more than 40 years, Patrice Gimenez has worked alongside legal professionals, helping law firms improve the technology, systems, and processes behind their practices. As Founder & CEO of LegalPAT and a legal software consultant, Patrice has built her career around practical technology adoption, client-focused solutions, and helping firms move beyond outdated systems. In this episode of Legal Keys, host Tim Sawyer sits down with Patrice to discuss the evolution of legal technology and what it actually takes to implement new tools successfully. From identifying productivity gaps and choosing the right software to overcoming resistance from attorneys and paralegals, Patrice explains why technology alone isn’t enough — firms also need thoughtful processes, training, and ongoing support. The conversation also explores practical AI adoption inside law firms, including how legal professionals can use AI to better understand cases, automate routine reporting, analyze information, and support higher-level thinking. Patrice shares why firms can start small, learn through continued use, and focus on asking better questions — while choosing legal-specific tools and vendors that will support them beyond implementation. WHAT WE COVER: Patrice’s 40+ years working across law firms, legal technology, and software consultingThe workflow and productivity challenges many law firms still facePractical ways attorneys and paralegals can incorporate AI into their day-to-day workWhy training, repetition, and ongoing support are essential to successful technology adoptionHow better technology and processes can reduce workload and help legal professionals work more strategically WHERE TO FIND PATRICE GIMENEZ / LEGALPAT: Website: https://legalpat.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legalpat-llc/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-wagener-gimenez/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@patricewag

  3. Aug 21

    Inside ByrdAdatto: Building the Modern Healthcare Law Firm in the Age of AI

    Michael Byrd and Brad Adatto have built ByrdAdatto around a different approach to healthcare law — one rooted in relationships, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the traditional law firm model. In this episode of Legal Keys, Tim Sawyer sits down with the ByrdAdatto co-founders to discuss their journey building the firm, their Access Plus subscription model, and what it takes to advise healthcare businesses in an industry that never stops evolving. From GLP-1s and peptides to wellness, compounding, and changing state and federal regulations, Michael and Brad share how staying curious has helped them navigate emerging areas of healthcare law and better guide their clients. That same spirit of curiosity is shaping their approach to AI. They discuss experimenting with new technology, capturing institutional knowledge, reducing administrative burdens, and bringing an entire team along through change. For Michael and Brad, AI isn’t about replacing people — it’s another tool to help attorneys work smarter, scale more effectively, and spend more time on the relationships that matter. WHAT WE COVER: Building ByrdAdatto and rethinking the traditional healthcare law firmChallenging hourly billing with the Access Plus subscription modelNavigating GLP-1s, peptides, wellness, compounding, and evolving healthcare regulationsUsing AI to enhance — not replace — attorneys and their teamsManaging change and bringing an entire firm along on the AI journeyWhy a spirit of curiosity matters in law, leadership, and innovation. WHERE TO FIND the Byrd Adatto team:  Website: https://byrdadatto.com/ Podcast: https://byrdadatto.com/podcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/byrdadatto/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@byrdadatto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ByrdAdatto/ Connect with Brad: https://byrdadatto.com/attorneys/brad-adatto/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-adatto-664a854/ Connect with Michael: https://byrdadatto.com/attorneys/michael-s-byrd/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbyrd/

  4. Jul 31

    MAJ Leadership Legacy: Philip Hearn & Tripp Segars on Advocacy, AI & the Future of Plaintiff Law

    Philip Hearn and Tripp Segars aren't just respected plaintiff attorneys—they've helped shape the future of Mississippi's plaintiff's bar through years of leadership, mentorship, and legislative advocacy. As two of the most recent Presidents of the Mississippi Association for Justice (MAJ)—with Tripp serving first, followed by Philip, and Christopher Winter now leading the organization—they've each played an important role in strengthening MAJ while championing innovation that benefits both clients and law firms. In this episode of Legal Keys, Tim Sawyer sits down with Philip and Tripp to discuss what it means to lead one of the nation's most active trial lawyer associations. From legislative advocacy and mentoring young attorneys to growing membership and protecting consumer rights, the conversation explores how strong leadership helps shape the future of the plaintiff's bar. The discussion also looks ahead to the next chapter as Tripp prepares to step into a national leadership role with the American Association for Justice (AAJ). Along the way, Philip and Tripp share how artificial intelligence is already transforming plaintiff practice—from case preparation and discovery to medical record review and litigation strategy—and why firms that embrace AI responsibly will gain a meaningful competitive advantage without sacrificing the human judgment that great trial lawyers bring to every case. WHAT WE COVERLeadership lessons from two recent MAJ PresidentsLegislative advocacy and protecting consumer rightsMentoring the next generation of trial lawyersTripp's transition into leadership with AAJPractical applications of AI in plaintiff law firmsBuilding more efficient, future-ready legal practicesWHERE TO FIND PHILIP HEARNWebsite: https://www.hearnlawfirm.net/Attorney Bio: https://www.hearnlawfirm.net/team/hearn-philip-c/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-hearn-5a64b7b/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/hearn-law-firm/about/WHERE TO FIND TRIPP SEGARSWebsite: https://diazlawfirm.com/Attorney Bio: https://diazlawfirm.com/about/our-team/attorney-tripp-segars/LinkedIn (Diaz Law Firm): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tripp-segars-7191132/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/diazlawfirmLEARN MOREMAJ: https://www.msaj.org/American Association for Justice (AAJ): https://www.justice.org/

  5. Jul 17

    How Law Firms Should Actually Adopt AI with Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting Group

    For more than 25 years, Debbie Foster has been a leading voice in legal technology, law firm management, and organizational change. As CEO of Affinity Consulting Group, she has built a career helping law firms improve operations, strengthen leadership, and adopt technology with purpose—creating practical strategies that drive lasting business results. In this episode of Legal Keys, host Tim Sawyer sits down with Debbie to discuss one of the legal profession's biggest opportunities—and biggest challenges: AI adoption in law firms. Drawing on decades of experience advising firms of all sizes, Debbie shares why many AI initiatives fall short, how firms can move beyond simply purchasing new tools, and what it takes to build an AI strategy that attorneys will actually embrace. From governance policies and change management to information governance and the future of the billable hour, Debbie offers practical guidance for law firm leaders navigating a rapidly evolving legal landscape. The conversation also explores how AI is transforming family law, why leadership is the key to successful technology adoption, and what law firms should be prioritizing over the next year as AI continues to reshape the profession. In this episode, you'll learn:Why successful AI adoption starts with leadership—not technologyThe difference between an AI policy and a comprehensive AI strategyCommon mistakes law firms make when implementing AIPractical change management techniques that drive attorney adoptionWhy information governance matters more than everHow AI may reshape the billable hour and the future of legal servicesDebbie's perspective on where legal AI is headed over the next 12 months Whether you're a managing partner, attorney, firm administrator, or legal operations professional, this episode delivers practical insights from one of the legal industry's most respected consultants on how to lead your firm confidently into the future. WHERE TO FIND DEBBIE FOSTER & AFFINITY CONSULTING: Website: https://www.affinityconsulting.com/ About: https://www.affinityconsulting.com/team/debbie-foster/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/affinityconsulting/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiefoster/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@affinityconsultinggroup7370 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/affinityconsulting X: https://x.com/affinitylegal

  6. Jun 30

    Inside MAJ: Personal Injury Leaders on AI, Advocacy & What’s Next

    The Mississippi Association for Justice brings together some of the leading voices in personal injury law — attorneys shaping the future of advocacy, trial strategy, and firm growth. In this special MAJ Spotlight Series episode of Legal Keys, Tim Sawyer sits down with a lineup of trial attorneys and legal leaders to discuss one of the biggest topics facing the legal industry today: artificial intelligence. From courtroom storytelling and human connection to practical AI workflows, training, and adoption, this conversation explores where AI creates leverage, where firms get it wrong, and what it will take to use it effectively moving forward. One thing remains clear: AI may improve the process, but it will never replace the human judgment, empathy, and advocacy behind great lawyering. WHAT WE COVER: • Why emotional storytelling still matters in trial work • How AI can strengthen legal thinking and strategy • Practical AI workflows for personal injury firms • Why AI adoption often fails • The role training plays in successful implementation • How to choose the right AI tools • What the future of AI in law may look like • Why lawyers aren’t being replaced — they’re being equipped FEATURED GUESTS: Jay Russell | ACR Productions, Inc.Philip Hearn | Hearn Law Firm, PLLCDaryl Porter | Pepper & Odom, P.C.Steve Kennedy | Penn Kestner & McEwenTripp Segars | Diaz Law FirmDaya Naef | Attorney & Chief AI OfficerChris Winters | Mississippi Association for JusticeAafram Sellers | Sellers & Associates ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Mississippi Association for Justice FasterOutcomes

  7. Jun 19

    Incoming MAJ President Chris Winter on Advocacy, Leadership & the Future of Personal Injury Law

    Chris Winter isn’t just a respected personal injury attorney — he has built a reputation around leadership, advocacy, and strengthening the plaintiff bar across Mississippi. As a partner at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. and the newly elected President of Mississippi Association for Justice, Chris has spent years helping injured clients navigate complex legal challenges while also shaping the future of plaintiff advocacy statewide. In this episode of Legal Keys Podcast, Tim Sawyer sits down with Chris to discuss the evolving role of trial lawyer associations, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to lead one of the most active plaintiff organizations in the country. From legislative advocacy to growing membership and supporting the next generation of lawyers, the conversation gives an inside look at what keeps MAJ moving forward. The discussion also dives into the growing role of AI in personal injury law, including how Chris and his firm are leveraging technology to review massive document sets, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency without replacing the human advocacy clients rely on most. Chris shares why lawyers who embrace smarter systems will be better positioned to serve clients and stay competitive in the years ahead. WHAT WE COVER: • Chris Winter’s journey to becoming President of MAJ • How MAJ continues to expand membership and strengthen attorney relationships • Why legislative advocacy remains critical for plaintiff lawyers • How AI is changing document review, case prep, and law firm efficiency • Why adaptability and innovation are becoming essential in modern legal practice WHERE TO FIND CHRIS / MAJ: Website: https://www.merkel-cocke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merkel-&-cocke-p-a-/about/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MerkelAndCocke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merkelcocke/ X: https://x.com/merkelcocke MAJ: https://www.msaj.org/

  8. May 22

    The Future of Family Law: AI, Strategy & Leadership with Aidan Welsh Esq.

    Aidan Welsh isn’t just a leader in the family law space — she has built a reputation around strategic advocacy, leadership within the family law community, and embracing innovation to better serve clients in increasingly complex cases. As an active leader within the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and incoming President of the Connecticut chapter, Aidan brings a modern perspective to the evolving future of family law. In this episode of Legal Keys, Tim Sawyer sits down with Aidan Welsh to discuss how AI is beginning to reshape family law workflows — from discovery review and custody analysis to strategic case preparation and client communication. Aidan shares insights from handling complex financial and custody matters, the realities of practicing family law in affluent markets, and why firms embracing AI-driven systems will be positioned to operate more efficiently and strategically moving forward. WHAT WE COVER: • Aidan’s path into family law and legal leadership • Complex financial and custody issues in modern family law • How AI is improving workflows and strategic analysis • Practical AI use cases for discovery, prep, and case management • AI, billable hours, and shifting client expectations • Overcoming skepticism around AI adoption in law firms • Why AI should support, not replace — strong lawyering • The future of AI in family law WHERE TO FIND AIDAN WELSH: Website: https://sgbfamilylaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schoonmaker-george-blomberg-family-and-matrimonial-law/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-r-welsh-2b27888/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SchoonmakerGeorge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgbfamilylaw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchoonmakerGeorge AAML National: https://www.aaml.org/ AAML Connecticut: https://www.aamlct.org/ National Family Law Conference: https://nationalfamilylawconference.aaml.org/

About

Welcome to Legal Keys – Unlocking Time, Revenue, and Results. The podcast that connects you with the people, technologies, and trending topics shaping the modern legal landscape. From cutting-edge AI innovations to high-growth marketing strategies—and everything in between—Legal Keys is your go-to resource for actionable insights. Brought to you by FasterOutcomes and hosted by Tim Sawyer, two time INC 500 Co-Founder/ Entrepreneur, we're here to help you navigate the tools and trends driving success in today’s legal world.