This episode of the Lead Counsel Podcast builds directly on the previous full length conversation with Patrick Wilson of Atticus, offering additional insights, reflections, and high impact takeaways for law firm owners who want to scale without losing control of their lives or their values.

Host Tom Tona continues the conversation with longtime friend and trusted law firm business coach Patrick Wilson, one of the longest standing coaches at Atticus. Together, they dive deeper into the real difference between coaching and consulting, why accountability is the missing ingredient for most law firms, and how personal injury lawyers are uniquely positioned to build powerful, profitable, and principled businesses.

This episode is especially valuable for personal injury lawyers, small firm owners, and entrepreneurial attorneys who feel stuck practicing law instead of running a business. Patrick explains why law school fails to prepare attorneys for business ownership, why most lawyers procrastinate on management and marketing, and how structured coaching creates urgency where there are no natural deadlines.

Listeners will hear a practical breakdown of why coaching works, how accountability drives action, and why business growth requires clarity around identity, passion, and talent. Patrick also shares his most recommended business books for attorneys at every stage and explains why principle based thinking beats trendy tactics and quick fixes.

This popcorn episode reinforces the themes from the previous episode with Patrick Wilson and expands on how law firm owners can move faster, make better decisions, and build sustainable practices that serve both clients and families.

Key Highlights

• The real difference between a coach and a consultant and why great advisors often do both
  
  
• Why accountability is the single biggest driver of growth for law firm owners
  
  
• How coaching fills the massive business education gap left by law school
  
  
• Why personal injury lawyers are the most entrepreneurial practice area
  
  
• How identity clarity leads to faster and higher quality business decisions
  
  
• Why most lawyers neglect marketing, hiring, and leadership until it hurts
  
  
• Patrick Wilson's top business book recommendations for attorneys
  
  
• How coaching improves not just law firms but marriages, parenting, and life outside the office
  
  Featured Guests:

  Patrick Wilson
  Sr. Management Consultant at Atticus
  Website: https://atticusadvantage.com/
  LinkedIn: Patrick Wilson
  Email Patrick: patrickw@atticusadvantage.com

  
  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. TonaLaw 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.