Lead Counsel

Thomas Tona

What happens when law, business & life collide? What if you could hang out with law firm owners and accomplished business leaders earning seven, eight, and nine figures a year, and gain insights that propel legal cases, and businesses forward exponentially? The Lead Counsel podcast, hosted by Thomas Tona, is a weekly show that delves into the world of law, the business of law, life, and where the three intersect. Each episode will feature in-depth conversations with industry insiders and experts, thought leaders, and individuals that are making significant contributions and differences in their chosen fields. The show covers a wide range of topics related to law, the business of law, life and how they are intertwined. From the latest trends and research to personal stories and practical takeaways, the Lead Counsel podcast offers listeners deep dives on every topic discussed. The goal of this podcast is to provide zero cost to consumer information about law and the business of law, and related tools, to the general public. The show will include different segments, such as "Case of the Week," where the host gives his perspective on recent happenings in the industry, "Tools of the Trade," where the host and guests share valuable resources and tips for listeners, "Behind the Scenes" where the host and guests will share insights and stories not generally known in the industry, and "The Law Leader," where the host and guests will explore what it takes to build a 7,8 or 9-figure law firm and have a great life at the same time. Whether you're a lawyer, or non-lawyer, the Lead Counsel podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed and inspired. The show is sure to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about your personal injury, no-fault collection, or other claims or lawsuits, as well as law firm business owners looking to perform at the highest levels of leadership.

  1. 14h ago

    Mastering the Growth Mindset: Scaling Law Firms, Overcoming Fear, and Building Authentic Relationships

    In this high-impact, curated mashup episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona brings together key insights from top legal minds and high-performing entrepreneurs to explore the personal traits, mental toughness, and strategic shifts required to achieve sustained business growth. Scaling a successful business or law firm requires far more than tactical strategy—it demands continuous personal development, effective stress management, and a commitment to genuine human connection. In this episode, Tom and his expert guests break down the hidden reality of "overnight success," the power of early investigation and active listening, and how to push through fear to delegate and scale effectively. Key Episode Highlights The Reality of the Exponential Curve: Uncover why true success often feels like a long, invisible slog before the sudden "hockey stick" growth curve hits. Learn why staying the course and embracing iteration is essential for long-term dominance in your field. Mental Health and Physical Discipline for High Performers: Discover how top attorneys and entrepreneurs manage extreme stress. From non-negotiable daily morning workouts and endurance running to meditation, learn how physical discipline protects cognitive health and drives creative problem-solving. Building Human-Centric Connections: Why treating clients and contacts as true partners—rather than transactional numbers—is a modern superpower. Learn why getting out from behind your desk, actively listening with your eyes and soul, and serving on industry committees can transform your practice. Vulnerability, Work-Life Alignment, and Family: Explore the vital role of spouse support, emotional vulnerability, and open communication at home. Real success isn't measured by office luxury or net worth, but by the lasting relationships and legacy you leave behind. Conquering Fear at Every Stage of Scaling: Break through the delegation bottleneck. Learn how to confront the fear of losing control, make rational decisions, trust your team, and navigate the unique risks present at each stage of business expansion. Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  2. Jul 16

    161: The Foundation of Growth: Mastering Your Craft, Active Listening, and the Keys to a Winning Practice

    How do you transition from a struggling, overworked attorney to a thriving CEO who doesn't work weekends or nights? It all starts with self-improvement, mastering your craft, and learning the power of active listening. In this special mashup episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona reflects on key lessons of self-improvement, sharing valuable insights on what it truly takes to win in both the business of law and the game of life. Tom sits down with Bill Umansky to unpack the discipline of active listening. They explore how setting aside your ego and putting in the "reps" can dramatically transform your relationships and your business.  Tom breaks down the exact blueprint for winning in litigation, business, and life. You will learn why masterfully executing your craft is your best marketing strategy, and why true success means building a business that serves your life, rather than letting your practice consume it. If you are ready to overcome imposter syndrome, master risk management, and scale your law firm without losing your heart, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights The Reps of Active Listening: Bill Umansky explains how putting down your ego and actively practicing silence allows you to build deeper, more authentic connections with clients and peers. Mastery as a Marketing Strategy: Why younger attorneys should stop focusing on complex business conference theories and instead master their legal craft to naturally drive high-value client referrals. The Pillars of Winning: A deep dive into the critical components of success: vision, over-preparation, adaptability, and staying calm under pressure. Winning the Game of Life: How Tom built a highly profitable modern law firm that allows him to take month-long vacations to Europe and never miss a family dinner or school event. Decision-Making Dynamics: The difference between intuitive impulsives and deliberative contemplatives, and why avoiding analysis paralysis is key to rapid business growth. Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  3. Jul 9

    Essential Traits for Ultimate Self-Improvement and Business Success

    Unlock the exact mental blueprints required to elevate your personal development and scale your business ventures. In this special mashup episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona brings together elite legal minds and top business consultants to break down the core characteristics of true self-improvement. Discover the power of a growth-oriented mindset, the freeing nature of kind candor, and how focusing on your core identity can supercharge your decision-making. Whether you are looking to dominate a niche market using the Blue Ocean strategy, leverage compounding daily habits, or build an unstoppable support network, this episode provides actionable insights to help you win in both business and life. Tune in to learn why excellence, passion, and strong human relationships are the ultimate drivers of professional fulfillment and financial success. Episode Highlights The Power of a Growth Mindset: Discover why an open, inquisitive, and humble mindset is non-negotiable for long-term survival and scaling in any modern business. Embracing Kind Candor: Learn how balancing absolute honesty and transparency with kindness can set high organizational standards while maintaining authentic workplace relationships. The Hedgehog Concept and Core Identity: Find out how aligning your passions and natural talents allows you to make higher quality decisions ten times faster. The Blue Ocean Strategy: Shift your focus away from crowded, hyper-competitive spaces and learn how establishing an adjacent niche can naturally attract endless client referrals. The Compounding Effect of Daily Streaks: See how committing to small, laughably simple daily activities can compound into massive business milestones over time. Overcoming Self-Doubt with Confidence: Learn how to channel internal frustrations into fascinations, walk into rooms of industry giants with total confidence, and marry your professional networking with meaningful personal connections. Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  4. Jul 2

    The Legal Business Reading List: Mastering Mindset, Client Experience, and Scaling Your Firm

    How do top tier legal professionals and high achieving founders scale their businesses without completely burning out? In this dynamic episode of the Lead Council Podcast, host Tom Tona dives deep into a masterclass of transformative book recommendations designed to optimize your legal mindset, elevate your client experience, and strategically maximize your profitability. The conversation kicks off with a profound look at the lessons within Robin Sharma's classic fable, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Tom shares his personal breakthroughs regarding mental clarity, the powerhouse concept of Kaizen (continuous small incremental improvement), and the ten rituals of radiant living that keep high profile attorneys grounded. From there, the episode transitions into the critical mechanics of law firm growth, outlining how modern legal practices must evolve past simple client acquisition to focusing intensely on the ultimate five star client experience. Listeners will also gain access to a curated curriculum of essential industry reads, spanning from core trial lawyer manuals to advanced strategic blueprints. Discover why industry leaders are recommending books that teach you how to avoid major business pitfalls, strengthen operational resilience, and successfully navigate the complex world of private equity. Whether you are aiming to regain control of your personal schedule, enhance your courtroom strategy, or remodel your business for a lucrative future exit, this episode serves as your blueprint for high impact leadership and relentless advocacy. Episode Highlights Mastering Mindset and the Legal Grind: Tom Tona unpacks the powerful business parable of a high powered trial lawyer who redefines the true meaning of life after a major health wake up call, highlighting why mastermind strategies and emotional control are ultimate superpowers for attorneys. The Power of Kaizen and Radiant Living: Discover how implementing tiny, consistent daily changes and prioritizing personal reflection through journaling can dramatically reduce stress and optimize professional performance. Elevating the Client Experience: Learn why modern law firms must step up their client experience to match the seamless, high touch expectations set by global brands, shifting focus toward deep operational hospitality to secure long term referrals. The Essential Attorney Reading List: A comprehensive breakdown of top tier books for legal practitioners, featuring indispensable manuals on trial strategy, damages, and the mechanics of building a highly profitable, fireproof business. Remodeling for a Resilient Business Exit: Guest insights reveal how small business owners and founders can strengthen their operations, protect against fragile workflows, and prepare their companies to successfully interface with private equity buyers. Books Mentioned: The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by  Michael A. Singer The Road Leass Stupid by Keith Cunningham Reptile: The 2009 Manual of the Plantiff's Revolution by David Ball & Don Keenan David Ball on Damages 3 The Owner's Manual: Why, When, and How to Sell Your Business to Private Equity by Seth Deutsch Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  5. Jun 25

    The Content Engine Behind Lawyer Referrals: Uma Damodaran on StoryLeads, LinkedIn Strategy, and Turning Legal Work Into Stories

    Welcome back to the Lead Counsel Podcast. In this episode, host Tom Tona sits down with Uma Damodaran, the Head of Content and Strategy at StoryLeads, to dissect the content engine that drives high value lawyer referrals and law firm growth. Most lawyers approach LinkedIn by humble bragging or posting dry verdict alerts, but true market leadership requires turning your regular case updates into memorable stories. Uma breaks down the highly systematized, technical approach StoryLeads uses to extract an attorney's authentic tone of voice and capture compelling case narratives without getting bogged down in dense legal jargon. Whether your goal is expanding your digital reach, generating organic B2B legal referrals, or recruiting top legal talent to scale your practice, this episode outlines the exact four part content framework every modern law firm needs. Tom and Uma also dive into the operational systems behind running a fast growing creative agency and share insights from Uma's unique journey as a software engineer turned international digital nomad. Key Highlights Transforming Verdict Alerts into Client Centric Stories: Discover why generic verdict announcements fail to resonate with referral partners and how to make the client the hero of the journey to showcase your firm's actual decision making process. The Three R's of Law Firm Content Strategy: Learn how to align your LinkedIn presence to simultaneously hit three vital growth metrics: reach, referrals, and recruitment. The Four Part Law Firm Posting Framework: Uma details the four essential types of posts every attorney should use, which include personal stories for relatability, case narratives for proof of results, strong opinion pieces to showcase thought leadership, and culture focused updates for firm recruiting. Systems and Autonomy in Creative Business: A look at how merging a software engineering background with creative writing allows a modern brand agency to scale fast while keeping content highly customized and non canned. Featured Guest: Uma Damodaran Head of Content & Strategy @ Storyleads Website: https://www.storyleads.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-damodaran/ Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonalaw/ X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  6. Jun 18

    157: Scaling the Business of Law with EOS and High Performance Leadership with Guest Mike Zappone

    Welcome to another powerful episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, hosted by Tom Tona, a New York personal injury lawyer dedicated to breaking down the intersection of elite law practice and business strategy. In this episode, Tom sits down with his personal EOS Certified Implementer and ProfitWorks coach, Mike Zappone. Together, they deliver a masterclass on how law firm founders and entrepreneurial lawyers can scale their businesses, increase profitability, and build highly functional leadership teams. Tom and Mike pull back the curtain on their initial EOS quarterly session, describing the intense pressure test that forced the firm to confront operational gaps and owner dependency. Mike shares critical insights from his 33 year entrepreneurial journey, explaining how he built, failed, and successfully exited businesses before discovering the transformative power of the EOS framework. They discuss why so many business owners limit their growth by dropping margins or mismanaging cash flow, and why focusing on stable, operational singles and doubles is the true secret to sustainable wealth. Lawyers and entrepreneurs will walk away with actionable strategies to drive their firms forward. Learn why a business cannot scale until its operational standards are teachable, visible, and repeatable, and how to know if your firm is suffering from owner dependency. Mike challenges founders to define exactly what they want from their companies using specific, measurable metrics, and explains why true leadership alignment requires healthy friction and constructive debate rather than a room full of bobbleheads. Whether you are a solo practitioner looking to break through a revenue cap or an advanced law firm owner looking to build an autonomous business, this episode provides the high performance operational blueprint you need to succeed. Key Episode Highlights The Pressure Cooker Session: Why a great EOS implementer must pressure test a law firm to see if its vision is actually alive and functional. The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Mike shares lessons from 33 years in business, covering the weight of employee payroll and the wisdom gained from both massive successes and spectacular failures. Stop Bullsh*tting Your Margins: Tom and Mike discuss why single digit EBITDA is a major red flag for law firms, and why healthy firms should target an EBITDA north of 25 percent. The Three Spinning Plates: How to achieve business balance by dividing your focus evenly across marketing and sales, operations, and finance. Eliminating Owner Dependency: The critical moment a founder must stop answering every question, mute themselves in meetings, and let real operators lead. The Friction of Great Teams: Why a strong leadership team must challenge the visionary founder, using conflict and constructive debate to reach the best business outcomes. Featured Guest: Mike Zappone Professional EOS Implementer  & ProfitWorks Certified Coach® Website: https://eosworldwide.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzappone/ Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  7. Jun 11

    Scaling a Law Firm with Core Values: How a Team-First Culture Drives Unprecedented Business Growth

    In this special mashup episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast, host Tom Tona brings together key conversations focusing on the monumental impact of building a law firm around authentic core values and culture. If you have ever felt that recruiting is a constant uphill battle or that scaling your practice risks losing the heart of your business, this episode provides the exact roadmap you need to transform your operations. Tom breaks down the strategic implementation of a People First culture, explaining how prioritizing the personal lives and families of your team members directly translates to massive productivity, high retention rates, and ultimately, happier clients. You will also hear firsthand insights on how to weed out workplace toxicity using kind candor, how to structure your interview process to screen for cultural alignment, and why a self-enforcing culture minimizes the need for micromanagement. Additionally, the episode features powerful segments with legal industry leaders like Seth Price of Price Benowitz and Chris Earley of Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers. Together, they explore the complexities of scaling to over 100 employees, the high stakes of toxic hires at scale, and how defining clear philosophies like Passion, Integrity, and Excellence transforms an abstract plaque on the wall into a highly profitable reality. Tune in to discover how the business of law can achieve astronomical financial success while keeping human connection at its center. Episode Highlights The ROI of Real Core Values: How focusing heavily on cultural alignment led to the best first quarter in the 22-year history of Tona Law. The Hierarchy of People First: Why putting employee families and team well-being ahead of management and clients paradoxically creates an exceptional client experience. The Self-Enforcing Culture: How a high-performing team naturally protects its own standards and filters out individuals who are just looking to collect a paycheck. Weaving Values into Onboarding: From the pre-hire email portal to day-one swag bags, how to accelerate deep connections with new hires from day one through day 90. The Truth Serum Survey Method: Utilizing unique quarterly check-in strategies and avoiding mid-range ratings to get honest feedback on workplace health. High-Stakes Scaling: A candid look at how the risks of a toxic hire multiply as a law firm grows into a massive multi-attorney enterprise.  Moving Beyond the Plaque: The transition from buying random generic words on Amazon to actively hiring, firing, and promoting based on actionable principles.     Featured Guests: Chris Earley CEO at Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers Website: Boston Personal Injury Attorneys - Earley Law Group Injury Attorneys LinkedIn: Christopher Earley Book: Scaling the Wall: One Man's Journey of Healing Childhood Trauma to Find Fullfillment and Success       Seth Price Managing Partner at Price Benowitz LLP Website: Price Benowitz LLP LinkedIn:  Seth Price Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

  8. Jun 4

    Special Segment: The Ultimate Professional Growth Reading List

    A central theme of this episode is the critical role that continuous reading plays in personal development and corporate success. The featured speakers heavily emphasize and recommend the following books as essential tools for mastering leadership, driving business development, and optimizing your organizational systems: The Credibility Code by Cara Hale Alter – Recommended by Sue Ann Van Dermyden for mastering the physical and vocal cues of confidence. The Closer's Survival Guide by Grant Cardone – Highlighted by Marco Brown as a transformative text for closing sales and driving business revenue. The Guide to Selling Your Florida Law Practice & Florida Business Contracts Handbook by Ed Alexander – Essential blueprints for structuring business contracts and planning exit strategies. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – Tom Tona's top recommendation for hyper-effective, multi-million dollar negotiation techniques. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin – The definitive guide to building a culture of absolute accountability within your leadership team. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – The timeless manual for problem-solving, understanding customer pain points, and driving repeat client referrals. The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key,  by Ryan Holiday – A powerful series on stoicism recommended by Tom Tona to cultivate emotional regulation, humility, and the mental fortitude required to navigate business volatility. Your Host: Tom Tona Founder & Managing Attorney, Tonalaw Website: https://www.tonalaw.com LinkedIn: Tom Tona X: @NYPITrialGuy This podcast is sponsored by TonaLaw. TonaLaw is not just another law firm. They're defining what it means to fight for their clients. We get a lot of attorney referrals from across the country. We pay fee participation in all jurisdictions where it's permitted. We focus on integrity, innovation and relentless advocacy. TonalLaw is proving that the business of the law can scale without losing its heart. Do you want to see how a modern firm is built for impact and happy client referrals? Check out tonalaw.com mention again the Lead Counsel Podcast and I'm happy to get on the phone with you.

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About

What happens when law, business & life collide? What if you could hang out with law firm owners and accomplished business leaders earning seven, eight, and nine figures a year, and gain insights that propel legal cases, and businesses forward exponentially? The Lead Counsel podcast, hosted by Thomas Tona, is a weekly show that delves into the world of law, the business of law, life, and where the three intersect. Each episode will feature in-depth conversations with industry insiders and experts, thought leaders, and individuals that are making significant contributions and differences in their chosen fields. The show covers a wide range of topics related to law, the business of law, life and how they are intertwined. From the latest trends and research to personal stories and practical takeaways, the Lead Counsel podcast offers listeners deep dives on every topic discussed. The goal of this podcast is to provide zero cost to consumer information about law and the business of law, and related tools, to the general public. The show will include different segments, such as "Case of the Week," where the host gives his perspective on recent happenings in the industry, "Tools of the Trade," where the host and guests share valuable resources and tips for listeners, "Behind the Scenes" where the host and guests will share insights and stories not generally known in the industry, and "The Law Leader," where the host and guests will explore what it takes to build a 7,8 or 9-figure law firm and have a great life at the same time. Whether you're a lawyer, or non-lawyer, the Lead Counsel podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed and inspired. The show is sure to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about your personal injury, no-fault collection, or other claims or lawsuits, as well as law firm business owners looking to perform at the highest levels of leadership.

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Tona
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Lead Counsel

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