The Lawyer Millionaire® Podcast: Business & Financial Planning for Law Firm Owners

Darren Wurz, CFP
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Lawyer Millionaire® Podcast helps law firm owners grow their firms, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Darren Wurz, you’ll learn practical business strategies, financial planning tips, and exit strategies designed exclusively for lawyers.

  1. 2d ago

    Tax Fraud: Top Schemes Law Firm Owners Should be Wary Of (Ep. 169)

    High-income law firm owners are prime targets for abusive tax schemes due to their complex finances, motivation to reduce tax burden, and legal sophistication, which can create a complexity bias due to the tendency to trust complicated strategies as legitimate. On this episode I discuss the top tax fraud schemes that target law firm owners and how to protect yourself. Darren discusses: Why law firm owners are easy target for fraudulent tax schemes. The consequences of engaging in tax fraud. Top 5 abusive tax schemes common among law firm owners. 8 tax planning strategies you should consider. The reality of IRS scrutiny.   Resources: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (Book) Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

    24 min

  2. May 26

    Why Most Law Firm Owners Get Raises Wrong And How to Fix It (Ep. 168)

    Raise requests can catch you off guard, but you don’t have to let them derail your emotions. Tyson Mutrix sheds light on a critical lesson: when compensation becomes a one-off negotiation, trust breaks down. On this episode of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, guest Tyson Mutrux (CEO, Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers) highligts challenges and best practices in around managing labor costs, compensation frameworks, and leveraging AI technology in law firms to boost profitability and efficiency. Darren and Tyson discuss: Handling Raise Requests: Objective vs. Emotional approaches. The Pros and Cons of transparency in salaries. The role of performance metrics in compensation. How to deal with AI replacing entire roles. Should firms differentiate between billable vs. non-billable employees. How Tyson’s firm built a custom AI-driven case management system.   Resources: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (Book) Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack (Book) Claude Bolt AI Builder Lovable AI App Builder Grok Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List   Connect with Tyson Mutrux: Linkedin: Tyson Mutrux Website: Tyson Mutrux   About our guest: Tyson is the CEO of Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, which has offices in St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri. The firm exclusively handles personal injury cases. Tyson’s previous positions include clerkships with the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hammer Law Firm, and Dunne, Koenig, & Green, and Litigation Associate with Brown & Brown, LLP. Tyson served one year on the executive board of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Young Lawyers Division as a student chair. He also served as a Representative and as a Delegate to the American Bar Association. Tyson is a founding member of the Veterans Bar Association in St. Louis. Tyson graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri with a Bachelors of Science in Business and an emphasis in Marketing. He later obtained his Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law. In law school, Tyson served on the executive board of the Student Bar Association and as a Senator for the University’s Student Government Association. Prior to attending the University of Missouri, Tyson served in the United States Army with the 7228th Medical Support Unit in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. He later worked for State Farm Insurance as a Fire Claim Representative after obtaining his undergraduate degree.

    38 min

  3. May 19

    The $800,000 Leak Hiding in Your Law Firm with Elise Buie (Ep. 167)

    On this episode, guest Elise Buie discusses how law firms can increase profitability not just by working harder or increasing revenue but by identifying and fixing hidden “leaky buckets” which are  areas where firms lose money unknowingly. Darren and Elise discuss: Why working harder doesn’t equal more profit. The revenue vs profit myth. The hidden costs of accounts receivable (AR). Why you need to optimize existing client funnels before increasing marketing spend. How data influences business strategy. How to effectively delegate personal and business tasks.   Resources: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (Book) Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Fireproof: A Five Step Model to Take Your Law Firm from Unprofitable to Wildly Profitable by Mike Morse with John Nachazel (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List   Connect with Elise Buie: Linkedin: Elise Buie Youtube: Elise Buie Family Law Group Website: Elise Buie Family Law Group   About our guest: Elise began her legal career as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. of the Eastern District of Louisiana. Elise then went on to join a litigation practice at Blue Williams in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans forcing the evacuation of Elise and her family initially to Georgia, then to Minnesota and finally landing in Seattle. After undergoing her own divorce and multiple relocations due to Hurricane Katrina and truly understanding what it meant to put the “best interest of the kids” ahead of her own, Elise decided to focus her practice on family law and serving as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for children’s best interest in high-conflict divorce and dependency matters. In Seattle, Elise has grown her law firm from 3 to 40. Elise co-authored Tiger Tactics CEO Edition with some of her favorite law firm owners around the country. In addition to being CEO of EBFLG, Elise is now doing 1:1 consulting with law firm owners as their strategic partner learning how to get the needed data, read the story it tells and pull the needed levers in order to create the firm you want to support the life you envision. Elise and her husband, Doug Russell, raised a blended modern day Brady Bunch – 3 girls and 3 boys. Elise understands the art and need for effective delegation. Elise is passionate about leadership and data.

    35 min

  4. May 12

    Why you’re profitable but your bank account is empty (Ep. 166)

    Many law firm owners are profitable on paper but struggle with cash flow, often unable to explain why their bank accounts are empty despite a profitable P&L statement. On this episode Darren Wurz explores why the gap between profit and cash is a critical issue that leads to financial stress and poor decision-making. Darren discusses: The importance of core capital. How to avoid making fear driven decision in your law firm. How to build core capital while paying debt. Common reasons for empty bank accounts even while profitable. Why law firm owners should avoid debt-fueled growth?   Resources: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (Book) Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

    19 min

  5. May 5

    Why “Profitable” Isn’t Profitable Enough (Ep. 165)

    Most law firms are missing the crucial number that separates sustainable profit from a ticking time bomb and ignoring it could cost you everything. On this episode, Darren Wurz reveals the simple yet overlooked metric that predicts whether your firm will thrive or just survive. If you’re running below 10% pre-tax profit, you’re on a dangerous treadmill; get it right, and you’ll unlock growth, stability, and real wealth. Darren discusses: The critical distinction between revenue and profit. Why chasing top-line numbers often leads to burnout rather than growth. The true meaning of pre-tax profit beyond EBITDA. Why growth must be built on profitability, not revenue growth alone. Overcoming the challenges of the “black hole” revenue zone Why solo or small firms need to target a higher profit margin than larger  firms Resources: Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

    19 min

  6. Apr 28

    How David Holmes Built a 150 Client Law Firm in 16 Months – With No Debt! (Ep. 164)

    My guest on this episode is David Holmes who transitioned from a public defender role with overwhelming caseloads (up to 300 cases) in late 2024 to launching his own law firm in January 2025. David shares his journey from starting solo with only a laptop and a mobile phone to growing his firm to about 150 clients in 16 months David discusses: The major conversation that led to ending his career as a public defender. How his background in philosophy helps him as a business owner. How law firm owners can develop and improve their sales skills. What brings in more business – referrals and word of mouth or digital marketing. Lessons learnt from adopting the Profit First system.   Resources: The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma (Book) Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz (Book) LawPay – Legal Payment Management Software & Solution Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List   Connect with David Holmes: Website: Holmes Law Team About David Holmes: David H. Holmes is a dedicated criminal law practitioner who has been actively working in the field since 2023. With extensive experience in jury trials, suppression motions, and various hearings, he is well-equipped to handle a wide range of criminal law matters. Whether you need assistance with defense strategies, navigating the complexities of the legal system, or representation in court, David is prepared to provide the guidance and support necessary to address your criminal law needs. Trust his expertise and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.

    26 min

  7. Apr 21

    Are You Financially Ready to Hire? The 3 Hiring Tests for Law Firm Owners (Ep. 163)

    Hiring readiness is a major challenge that confronts law firm owners. On this episode, I discuss 3 hiring tests for law firm owners and why hiring decisions must move from gut feel to objective, data-driven tests focused on cash flow and profitability. Darren discusses: How firms can overcome the black hole challenge Why you need to pay yourself a market based wage? The two hardest  functions to outsource in a growing business. How to create a written plan to reach market wages over time. Two questions you must answer before you start hiring. Why you need to secure a capital safety net before hiring?   Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree Simple Numbers 2.0 – Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth by Greg Crabtree Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

    27 min

  8. Apr 14

    How to clone your best clients (and double your profits) (Ep. 162)

    In today’s demanding market, many law firm owners struggle to find the right clients. On this episode, we’ll explore the strategy of cloning your best clients by identifying so that you can attract similar ones to maximize your firm’s profitability. Darren discusses: Five steps to cloning your ideal client. How to reverse engineer your best clients. How to discover your ideal client profile (ICP). Using specialist positioning to filter out poor-fit clients. Why building relationship and trust with prospects often outweighs relying on credentials alone.   Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree Simple Numbers 2.0 – Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth by Greg Crabtree Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve   Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

    24 min
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The Lawyer Millionaire® Podcast helps law firm owners grow their firms, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Darren Wurz, you’ll learn practical business strategies, financial planning tips, and exit strategies designed exclusively for lawyers.

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