In this episode of Beyond the Legal Pad, Laura Cowan, an expert in estate planning, shares valuable insights on breaking the cycle of overwork and improving time management for estate planning attorneys. Laura explains how time management pitfalls like trying to do everything yourself can hinder productivity and offers practical tips to streamline your practice. She discusses the importance of hiring assistants, leveraging automation, and using AI tools efficiently. She also talks about outsourcing tasks like document drafting and using CRM systems for better organization and client management.

Whether you're a seasoned attorney or just starting your practice, Laura’s strategies for optimizing workflows, client communication, and case management are essential for maintaining work-life balance and growing your firm.

00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - Time Management Mistakes Attorneys Make 01:47 - Hiring Assistants and Using the ACE Model (Attract, Close, Execute) 03:21 - The Role of AI in Estate Planning 05:06 - Using AI for Marketing vs. Legal Tasks 06:55 - Outsourcing Drafting to Virtual Paralegals 07:38 - Where to Find Qualified Virtual Paralegals 07:47 - Being Proactive vs. Reactive in Estate Planning 09:29 - Tools for Efficient Scheduling (Calendly) 11:17 - Developing a Process and Organizing Client Cases 13:12 - Using CRM Systems for Case Management (Clio, Practice Panther, Lawkus) 14:23 - Starting Simple with Excel for Tracking Leads 15:51 - Helping Overwhelmed Attorneys Organize Their Processes 16:32 - Simple Systems vs. Comprehensive Software

Beyond the Legal Pad is a podcast dedicated to helping attorneys navigate the world of estate planning with ease. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, this show features industry expert Laura Cowan as she simplifies complex legal processes, offering advice on managing practices efficiently and effectively. Whether you're an attorney or someone interested in estate planning, this podcast is a valuable resource for insights, tips, and guidance on organizing your firm and achieving success.

Episode Summary In this episode, attorney Laura Cowan discusses the various hurdles faced by estate planning professionals when launching their own practice. She talks about the importance of overcoming perfectionism, learning how to market effectively, and finding a niche within estate planning. Laura emphasizes the significance of education, networking, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry, particularly financial advisors and CPAs. She also explores effective marketing strategies, including workshops, referrals, and networking organizations like BNI. This episode provides actionable advice for new attorneys looking to start an estate planning practice and for those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Beyond the Legal Pad
• 00:34 – Discussing the biggest challenges estate planning professionals face when launching a practice
• 02:37 – The importance of marketing in starting your own practice
• 03:02 – New membership for law students to prepare them for starting their own practice
• 04:23 – Steps for launching an estate planning practice: Hiring a coach and using drafting software
• 05:47 – The importance of having a niche or specialization in estate planning
• 07:36 – The "riches are in the niches" principle and choosing the right client base
• 08:42 – Effective marketing strategies for estate planning attorneys
• 10:12 – Networking tips and the value of building relationships in business
• 14:01 – The power of Business Networking International (BNI) for estate planning professionals

About the Show

Welcome to Beyond the Legal Pad with attorney Laura Cowan, where we explore estate planning with an emphasis on empowering individuals and families to make the right decisions today for their future well-being. Laura Cowan simplifies the complexities of estate planning, ensuring that clients' wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected. In today’s episode, Laura shares insights on launching a successful estate planning practice, overcoming common challenges, and establishing a strong foundation for long-term success.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Beyond the Legal Pad, attorney Laura Cowan and host Kevin Rosenquist discuss the importance of building the right team for a law practice. Laura shares insights on hiring staff that align with your lifestyle and values, particularly in a virtual or hybrid work environment. They touch on hiring strategies, delegation, the challenges of managing a team remotely, and the importance of creating a strong, supportive work culture.

Timestamps:

[00:30-01:03] The challenge of hiring staff in a virtual environment.

[01:03-01:49] Key qualities to look for when hiring staff.

[01:49-02:25] The importance of compensating staff fairly to retain them.

[02:25-03:23] Common mistakes lawyers make when hiring and managing staff.

[03:23-04:05] How to avoid bad hiring decisions and build a sustainable team.

[04:05-04:54] The importance of treating good hires well and the "hire slow, fire fast" advice.

[04:54-06:14] Aligning staff with personal values and business goals.

[06:14-07:24] The balance between experience, culture fit, and specific skills when hiring.

[07:24-09:06] The role of delegation in creating a balanced law practice.

[09:06-10:56] Building a team that functions without micromanagement, especially in a remote work environment.

[10:56-13:13] Ensuring staff can handle tasks independently and the importance of trust.

[13:13-14:47] How to hire for growth in a practice using flexible systems and automation.

[14:47-16:43] Prioritizing skills and experience when hiring, and advice for lawyers hiring their first support staff.

[16:43-17:50] The process of hiring and how to use platforms like Upwork to find help.

About The Show

In this episode of Beyond the Legal Pad, attorney Laura Cowan discusses the crucial elements of building a successful law practice, with a focus on aligning staff with personal values, lifestyle, and work flexibility. She emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people, delegating tasks efficiently, and creating a supportive and accountable team. With insights into hiring strategies, delegation tips, and the challenges of virtual work environments, Laura shares valuable advice for lawyers aiming to build a sustainable, balanced practice that allows them to focus on what matters most.