Firm Factor

Thyme.org Media
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT

John Avi Socha (COO @ Hemmat Law) and Darin Fenn (Founder and CEO at LegalRev) sit down to talk about what actually grows a law firm, and what quietly kills it. Each episode pulls apart real decisions, near-misses, and unglamorous wins that turn into growing revenue, better margins, and a secure future. No inspirational fluff – just clear-eyed verdicts on what to double down on, what to stop doing, and when to hit the gas without burning out or setting your good name on fire.

  1. 2D AGO

    Do Personality Tests Belong in the Hiring Process?

    Personality tests are common in hiring. But what are they really measuring? In this episode, our new co host Carolyn Stevens, Director of Talent at Hemmat Law, shares her perspective on tools like Myers Briggs and DiSC and why they may not always be the best filters during the hiring process, especially when candidates admit to shaping their answers. We also talk about where these tools can actually help. Once someone is already on your team, personality assessments can make communication clearer, feedback easier, and workplace tension less personal. Instead of prediction, the focus becomes understanding. If you are thinking about how to build stronger teams, this episode looks at what personality tests can and cannot realistically do. Brought to you by Thyme and LegalRev,

    24 min

  2. FEB 4

    Why Law Firms Lose Clients Without Realizing It

    Client experience is no longer a “nice to have” for law firms. It is a growth strategy. In this episode of Firm Factor, we break down how responsiveness, intake, communication, and billing practices directly impact client trust, retention, and referrals. From missed calls to unclear expectations, we explore where firms unintentionally create friction and how small operational changes can dramatically improve outcomes. If your firm is struggling to convert leads, manage client anxiety, or stand out in a crowded market, this conversation offers practical insights you can implement immediately. Key Takeaways: Why speed and responsiveness matter more than ever in legal services How poor intake and unclear expectations quietly cost firms clients Where technology and automation actually help, and where they do not How proactive communication reduces client anxiety and complaints What high-performing firms do differently to earn trust and referrals Brought to you by Thyme and LegalRev.

    46 min

  3. JAN 28

    Office Hours: Why Law Firm Growth Is Harder Than It Should Be

    In this Office Hours episode, John breaks down the structural realities that quietly limit law firm growth. From client ownership myths and first hires to intake systems, receptionist services, and the real cost of 2,000 billable hours, this is a practical conversation about what actually works when you are moving from solo to sustainable. If you feel busy but stuck, this episode explains why, and what to fix first. Action Items and Takeaways Audit your intake process first. It is the earliest and most important client touchpointDecide whether you need coverage or quality before outsourcing reception or admin workSeparate legal work from administrative work when thinking about your first hireUse receptionist services as a stopgap, not a long-term substitute for in-house supportBe honest about whether billable hour expectations are limiting your ability to scaleBrought to you by Thyme by LegalRev.

    13 min

  4. JAN 21

    Why Referrals Fail and How Law Firms Create Predictable Growth

    Referrals are often treated as the backbone of law firm growth, but they are far less stable than most firms realize. In this episode of Firm Factor, we explore why referrals break down, how changing client behavior affects reliability, and what firms need to build to create predictable growth. From visibility and reviews to intake speed and measurement, this conversation reframes referrals as one component of a larger growth system rather than the system itself. Action Items Audit how much of your growth depends on referrals alone Identify where intake speed or follow-up is creating silent drop-off Strengthen digital visibility so clients can find and trust your firm without a referral Track where leads actually come from instead of relying on assumptions Build systems that make growth repeatable rather than accidental Brought to you by ⁠Thyme⁠ and ⁠LegalRev⁠.

    51 min

  5. JAN 14

    The 2026 Legal Landscape: AI, Marketing, and Beyond

    John and Darin dive into the future of law in 2026, discussing AI integration, the rise of BNPL, and strategic marketing for law firms. Gain expert insights and practical advice for navigating the evolving legal landscape. Brought to you by Thyme and LegalRev.

    44 min
  6. Google's Win: Why Everyone Else is Losing in Marketing

    JAN 1

    Google's Win: Why Everyone Else is Losing in Marketing

    Over the last 16 months, the cost per lead has jumped by more than 400 percent, and most firms are feeling the squeeze. We break down why optimization alone is no longer enough, how increased competition is driving costs higher across the board, and why platforms like Google are often the only consistent winners. The conversation also looks at how social media has shifted from talent-first to distribution-first, changing what actually performs and why older playbooks no longer work. We then walk through how our team adapted, why we invested in an in-house content workflow, and how focusing on systems, tools, and consistent distribution has become essential to staying relevant heading into 2026. Takeaways: The cost per lead has skyrocketed by 400% in just 16 months, affecting all businesses.Google is the ultimate winner in the bidding wars for leads, leaving competitors scrambling.Modern social media favors distribution over talent, shifting the landscape significantly since 2012.Content creators should adapt to current trends instead of relying solely on past successes.Effective marketing now requires targeting a larger audience that traditional methods often overlook.Engaging with hate comments online is counterproductive and does not reflect your brand's image. Links referenced in this episode: thyme.orglegalrev.com Companies mentioned in this episode: GoogleCoffeezillaAdobeFrame.IONinja AtomosOracleVaynerMedia

    38 min
  7. Dreading Work? Let’s Talk Management

    12/26/2025

    Dreading Work? Let’s Talk Management

    In this episode of Firm Factor, John answers a series of questions he’s received from lawyers about firm culture, management, and personal boundaries at work. We start with a listener navigating sobriety at a firm built around social drinking, and talk through how to handle that pressure without turning it into a personal failure. The conversation then moves to management breakdowns, burnout, and why leadership decisions often create the stress associates carry. This episode is a grounded look at how personal values, workplace culture, and management choices intersect in the legal profession, and how to think clearly when something feels off. Takeaways: It's not just the work that causes dread; management issues play a major role.If you love working cases, consider finding a job that aligns with that passion.Navigating drinking culture in firms can be tricky; being open about your choices helps.Organizational problems within teams often stem from management, not individual performance.Support your team effectively to avoid burnout and ensure tasks are completed on time.Recognize that many lawyers feel overwhelmed at some point in their careers, you're not alone. Links referenced in this episode: thyme.orglegalrev.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Hemmat LawTimeLegal RevClickUpMonday.comClioSmokeballCoyote

    12 min
  8. Why 1 in 7 Lawyers Don't Plan to Retire

    12/19/2025

    Why 1 in 7 Lawyers Don't Plan to Retire

    In this episode of Firm Factor, we examine a growing challenge in the legal profession: aging attorneys, delayed retirement planning, and the real cost of inaction. Many lawyers continue working well past traditional retirement age, often because their identity, income, and practice are deeply intertwined. We discuss why this pattern is so common and what happens when planning is postponed too long. The conversation also explores key person risk and the fragility of firms built around a single attorney. We talk about the importance of committing to durable systems, consistent marketing, and operational infrastructure that allow a practice to retain value even when leadership steps away. This episode is ultimately about commitment over complacency. We outline why treating marketing and business planning as occasional tasks is rarely effective, and why sustained involvement is essential for long-term stability, firm value, and a realistic path to retirement Takeaways: About 14% of lawyers are over 65, which is double the U.S. average, showing the need for better retirement planning.Nearly 40% of lawyers feel unprepared for retirement, highlighting the importance of proactive financial management.Law firms often struggle with key man risk, making it crucial to build systems that sustain business without reliance on one individual.Involvement in marketing and operations is vital; just dabbling won’t yield results, you gotta commit to the process.Successful firms often have a designated person for marketing, improving engagement and effectiveness in attracting clients.Making a plan and setting clear goals for marketing efforts leads to a higher likelihood of achieving business growth.Links referenced in this episode: legalrev.comthyme.org________________________________

    28 min
See All (20)

About

John Avi Socha (COO @ Hemmat Law) and Darin Fenn (Founder and CEO at LegalRev) sit down to talk about what actually grows a law firm, and what quietly kills it. Each episode pulls apart real decisions, near-misses, and unglamorous wins that turn into growing revenue, better margins, and a secure future. No inspirational fluff – just clear-eyed verdicts on what to double down on, what to stop doing, and when to hit the gas without burning out or setting your good name on fire.

Information

  • Creator
    Thyme.org Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Thyme.org Media
  • Show Website
    Firm Factor