Law Firm Money Matters

Chelsea Williams
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Are you a law firm owner ready to ditch the traditional model and take control of your cash flow? In the Law Firm Money Matters Podcast, host Chelsea Williams, founder of Core Solutions Group, dives deep into what it really takes to build a bold, profitable, and mindset-driven law firm.From post-COVID disruptions to modern operations and finance strategies, we explore the new breed of legal entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to challenge the norm.Whether you're scaling your practice, seeking clarity on your financials, or simply staying afloat, you'll find stories, strategies, and no-fluff advice that puts profit first.🔗 Connect with us: Explore more free tools and strategies at www.YourCoreSolution.com

  1. APR 29

    #15: LSAs, SEO & Video: What Actually Works for Law Firms with Philip Fairley (Part Two)

    Marketing is not your biggest problem. Not knowing your numbers is. In Part 2 of this conversation, Chelsea Williams sits down with Philip Fairley of Attorney Fuel to break down what’s actually working in law firm marketing right now — and why most firms are wasting money because they’re tracking impressions instead of client acquisition cost. Haven't watched Part 1? Watch it here. From LSAs and SEO to video strategies and client acquisition KPIs, this episode is a no-fluff look at how to build marketing that drives clients — not just leads. If your firm feels stuck, burned out, or uncertain about what to invest in next, this conversation will bring clarity. What You’ll Learn: Why “more leads” is usually not the problemHow to calculate your true client acquisition costWhy some firms are paying $1,800 per clientWhat makes LSAs work (and fail)Why SEO is no longer a beginner strategyThe difference between tracking leads vs. tracking revenueHow video ads are outperforming PPC in many marketsWhat makes a strong law firm marketing offerWhy your intake team must know what a phone call costsHow to future-proof your marketing with dataPhilip Fairley is the Founder and CEO of Attorney Fuel, the leading intake software and system that gives law firms clear data and nurtures every lead automatically. With 19+ years in legal, Philip has worked with over 23,000 law firms and is known for turning intake into a true sales engine through automation, smarter data, and monthly consulting. Philip holds degrees from Wheaton College, Keller Graduate School of Management, and Northwestern University, is a recognized expert on intake, lead conversion, legal tech and marketing. He is married with three children and enjoys the Arizona desert life, mountain biking, and coaching youth sports. Philip's Links: Website - www.attorneyfuel.com Schedule Your Demo - www.attorneyfuel.com/demo LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    53 min

  2. APR 15

    #14: Why Every Law Firm Should Be Built to Sell with Tom Lanfestey

    Most law firm owners don’t realize they’re building a business that could one day be sold - or that failing to plan for it can quietly destroy value.  In this episode, Chelsea Williams sits down with Tom Lanfestey to unpack what actually makes a law firm sellable, why systems matter more than hustle, and how exit planning impacts cash flow, profitability, and growth long before a sale ever happens. Whether you plan to sell your firm, grow through acquisition, or simply want more freedom, this conversation will fundamentally change how you think about your law firm. What You’ll Learn Why every law firm is a business asset (not just an income source)The mindset shift law firm owners must make to build real valueWhy most lawyers underestimate what their firm is worthThe three core drivers of law firm valuationWhy systems—not personalities—create sellable firmsHow financial clarity directly impacts exit optionsWhen law firms should consider growth by acquisitionWhy more revenue without systems creates chaosHow succession planning protects legacy and valueThe biggest mistakes law firm owners make when thinking about exitsTom is the Founder and CEO of The Law Practice Exchange, where he helps lawyers navigate succession planning, exit strategies, and strategic growth through law firm acquisitions. As a practicing attorney and CPA, Tom launched LPE in 2013 to address the challenges attorneys face when transitioning or selling their practices. Under Tom’s leadership, The Law Practice Exchange has become a trusted marketplace and advisory team for thousands of law firm buyers and sellers, achieving over $300M in total deal volume. He is a frequent speaker on law firm valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and lawyer transition planning, and serves as an advisor to legal and financial industry partners. GUEST'S LINKS: Website – https://www.lawpracticeexchange.com Firm Value Estimator – https://thelawpracticeexchange.com/estimate-form/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-law-practice-exchange/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lawpracticeexchange Books Mentioned in Episode: Built to Sell - https://a.co/d/cKlHaNt Traction - https://a.co/d/8SyUH64 Profit First - https://a.co/d/eMwL0Ne Good to Great - https://a.co/d/4dyO6fj E-Myth Revisited - https://a.co/d/5DR6ftE Atomic Habits - https://a.co/d/5w5FXcc LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    53 min

  3. APR 1

    #13: Why Law Firms Avoid Subpoenas (And Why That’s Costing You) with Becky Sampson

    Most law firms don’t avoid subpoenas because they aren’t important. They avoid them because they’re detailed, time-consuming, and frustrating. In this episode of Law Firm Money Matters, Chelsea Williams sits down with Becky Sampson, founder of Only Subpoenas, to unpack why 1 in 3 subpoenas get rejected and how that impacts your case timeline, team efficiency, and ultimately your cash flow. This isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about momentum, delegation, and using your highest and best time as a law firm owner. What You’ll Learn: Why subpoenas are underutilized in litigationThe real reason attorneys resist issuing themHow rejected subpoenas waste paralegal hoursWhy discovery delays kill case momentumHow subpoenas create leverage for settlementThe operational math behind delegationWhy flat-fee outsourcing reduces riskThe guarantee model that changes the gameHow subpoenas improve case turnover and cash flowPractice areas beyond divorce where this appliesAfter 21 hearings, 21 subpoenas, and 3.5 years in Hawaii Family Court—facing five attorneys and representing herself for most of it—she won. Not just a win… a fair, equitable outcome for both parties, with her heart still intact. That’s why they call her “Becky Brockovich.” Now she helps attorneys get the information that wins cases—through fast, effective, 100% compliant subpoenas (or you don’t pay), with a specialty in foreign subpoenas—so their clients can reach fair, defensible settlements without the chaos. BECKY'S LINKS: Subpoenas Website - www.OnlySubpoenas.com Becky's Website - www.BeckySampson.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckysampson/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    30 min

  4. MAR 18

    #12: Stop Wasting Marketing Dollars (Fix Your Intake) with Philip Fairley

    Most law firms don’t have a marketing problem. They have a conversion problem. In this episode of Law Firm Money Matters, Chelsea Williams sits down with Philip Fairley, founder of Attorney Fuel, to break down the real reason law firms struggle with profitability: poor intake systems, unclear KPIs, and untracked leads. If you’re spending money on marketing but don’t know your consult set rate, show rate, or retained later percentage — this episode will shift how you see your numbers forever. This conversation is about becoming a CEO, not just a practicing attorney. What You’ll Learn: The 5 intake KPIs every law firm must trackWhy “we convert almost everyone” is usually wrongHow poor intake destroys cash flowThe difference between leads vs. qualified leadsWhy law firms fire marketing agencies too quicklyHow to stop outspending bad salesWhy older attorneys are at risk if they resist techHow younger firms are acquiring firms for $0Why clean data is leadershipThe accountability shift that turns lawyers into CEOs Philip Fairley is the Founder and CEO of Attorney Fuel, the leading intake software and system that gives law firms clear data and nurtures every lead automatically. With 19+ years in legal, Philip has worked with over 23,000 law firms and is known for turning intake into a true sales engine through automation, smarter data, and monthly consulting. Philip holds degrees from Wheaton College, Keller Graduate School of Management, and Northwestern University, is a recognized expert on intake, lead conversion, legal tech and marketing. He is married with three children and enjoys the Arizona desert life, mountain biking, and coaching youth sports. Philip's Links: Website Schedule Your Demo LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    55 min

  5. FEB 25

    #11: Money Mindset, Power & Systems: A Law Firm Owner’s Real Story with Mel LaGrone

    What looks like “freedom” on social media is usually the result of systems, boundaries, and intentional financial decisions. In this episode, Chelsea Williams sits down with Mel LaGrone to unpack her journey from cop to prosecutor to law firm owner and how she built a mission-driven practice without burning herself out. This conversation goes deep into money mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to build a law firm that supports your life instead of consuming it. What You’ll Learn  1. How Mel transitioned from law enforcement to law firm ownership 2. What running a mission-driven law firm actually requires financially 3. Why “no one is coming to save you” is a powerful ownership mindset 4. The difference between survival income and your true “want level” 5. How money stories formed in childhood show up in law firm decisions 6. Why systems—not hustle—create freedom for law firm owners 7. When to say yes (and no) to pro bono work without hurting the business 8. Why outside advisors matter as much as your internal team 9. How mindset coaching impacts revenue ceilings 20. What law firm owners must unlearn to scale sustainably Mel LaGrone is an award-winning immigration and criminal defense attorney and the founder of LaGrone Law. With offices in Lawrenceville, GA and St. Thomas, USVI, Mel is known for being a fierce advocate for people and a firm believer in real people helping real people. She brings deep insight and unwavering commitment to every case, always protecting the rights and future of her clients. Mel has been featured on Court TV, served as a speaker for the American Association of Lawyers, and hosts Beyond the Border, a radio show dedicated to breaking down all things immigration. GUEST'S LINKS: LaGrone Law Website – https://www.lagronelaw.com/ Mel Cyrise Website – https://www.melcyrise.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaney-lagrone/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LaGroneLaw Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@lagrone_law LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    43 min

  6. FEB 11

    #10: Why Law Firm Tech Feels Broken (And How to Fix It) with Jay McCalister

    Law firm tech isn’t broken by accident - it’s broken by imitation, poor strategy, and bolting tools together without intention. In this episode, Chelsea Williams sits down with Jay McAllister to unpack the hard truths about law firm technology, AI adoption, and why more tools don’t automatically mean better results.  This is a deep, practical conversation about systems, constraints, and how law firm owners can stop creating “Frankenstein” businesses that drain time, money, and energy. What You’ll Learn Why law firms struggle with tech even after “upgrading”The biggest mistakes firms make when adopting AIWhy copying other firms’ tech stacks backfiresHow to identify the real constraint in your law firm systemsThe difference between efficiency and complexityWhere AI actually delivers ROI in law firmsWhy billing models matter more in an AI-driven worldHow poor systems quietly destroy realization and profitWhen automation helps — and when it hurtsHow intentional tech strategy supports sustainable growthAs someone who has always had an unconventional interest in studying technology and business, approaching both with the healthy skepticism of someone who demands real results, Jay found his tribe within the legal profession. Whether he’s racing on the track or soaring through the skies, that same affinity for high performance fuels his work. He continuously explores new ways law firms can leverage technology and AI, sharing his learnings in real-time at legal tech conferences across the U.S., including Clio Con and through a growing content library of over 1,000 videos on LinkedIn and YouTube. As founder of Paragon Tech, Jay empowers law firm owners to harness technology that delivers greater value to their clients with less effort. GUEST'S LINKS: Website – https://paragontechit.com/law-firm-tools/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/legaltechexpert/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo7-PTYl-HY2ZGrMCQ-C3gQ, LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    52 min

  7. JAN 28

    #9: How Facing Your Numbers Gives You Control with Alexis Litle

    Running a law firm shouldn’t feel like waking up at 3:00 AM in a cold sweat wondering if payroll will clear. In this episode, Chelsea Williams sits down with Alexis Litle to unpack what really happens when law firm owners avoid their numbers—and how clarity creates control, even when things feel chaotic. Alexis shares her journey from prosecutor to founder of one of Colorado’s fastest-growing criminal defense firms, the mindset shifts required to scale, and why facing the data you’re afraid of is the key to building a sustainable, profitable law firm. What You’ll Learn: Why avoiding your financials doesn’t reduce stress—it compounds itHow law firm owners unknowingly exhaust themselves with “3:00 AM thoughts”The mindset shift from practicing law to running a law businessHow metrics become a roadmap for growth (not a judgment)When investing in your team makes sense—and when it becomes costlyThe real cost of holding onto the wrong people too longWhy control matters more than perfection in law firm financesHow automation, systems, and clean data support sustainable scalingWhat law firm owners can learn from their own client behavior Alexis Austin is a legal entrepreneur, two-time law firm owner, and founder of LexAxiom, a legal-tech company delivering real operational intelligence to law firms. As CEO of Right Law Group, she scaled a flat-fee criminal defense firm from launch to multi-seven-figures using automation and data-driven systems now running more than 1,200 workflows. Through 360 Strategic Success, she has guided over 100 firms in rebuilding intake, sales, and operations with analytics rather than guesswork. A former prosecutor turned innovator, she focuses on transforming how firms measure, decide, and grow by building scalable systems that make lawyers stronger operators. GUEST'S LINKS: Website – https://www.rightlawgroup.com/ New Tech Company - https://lexaxiom.com/law-firm-money-matters LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-austin-litle/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/alexisaustinlitle LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    44 min

  8. JAN 14

    #8: Grill Talk & Growth - Conversations with Bobby Sawyer

    What if scaling your law firm to $10M+ wasn’t about working harder—but thinking differently? In this episode, I sit down with Bobby Sawyer, co-founder of Johannes & Sawyer, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to scale fast, manage massive growth, and lead a law firm that doesn’t rely on you to survive. Bobby doesn't hold back. From outsourcing vs. hiring in-house, to managing fear and failing forward, we unpack the business decisions law firm owners need to make before they’re ready—and how to do it without burning everything down. We talk about: What Bobby did when his firm exploded into 4 states in less than a yearThe “funnel stress test” every growing law firm will face—and how to pass itHow to hire an operations leader who tells you, “Stay out of it, I’ve got this.”When to stop outsourcing marketing and call centers—and bring them in-houseWhy building a $10M+ firm starts with accepting you’re not in control of everythingIf you’re ready to stop thinking like an overworked lawyer and start leading like a CEO, this episode is your blueprint. Bobby shares the mindset shifts, systems, and leadership structure that allowed him to scale with confidence—and reclaim his time in the process. Bobby Sawyer is a licensed attorney in NC, SC, and TN with a passion for helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what matters most. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, Bobby brings discipline and compassion to his work in estate planning, business law, real estate, and elder law. He’s known for clear, personalized legal guidance that empowers clients and builds lifelong relationships. Based in Gastonia, NC, Bobby partners with financial professionals to deliver seamless planning solutions. Whether guiding a real estate closing or designing a trust, Bobby’s mission is to help clients protect their legacy with confidence. BOBBY'S LINKS: Website LAW FIRM MONEY MATTERS LINKS: Video Podcast Socials Core Solutions Group, Inc. Website

    50 min
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About

Are you a law firm owner ready to ditch the traditional model and take control of your cash flow? In the Law Firm Money Matters Podcast, host Chelsea Williams, founder of Core Solutions Group, dives deep into what it really takes to build a bold, profitable, and mindset-driven law firm.From post-COVID disruptions to modern operations and finance strategies, we explore the new breed of legal entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to challenge the norm.Whether you're scaling your practice, seeking clarity on your financials, or simply staying afloat, you'll find stories, strategies, and no-fluff advice that puts profit first.🔗 Connect with us: Explore more free tools and strategies at www.YourCoreSolution.com

Information

  • Creator
    Chelsea Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Law Firm Money Matters
  • Show Website
    Law Firm Money Matters