Episode Summary

Melinda Eitzen sits down with Jim Mueller of the Mueller Family Law Group to discuss the realities of marketing for lawyers and business owners. Drawing from decades of experience as family law firm owners, they explore why effective marketing starts long before paid advertising, beginning with professionalism, competence, and how clients experience working with you.

Melinda and Jim discuss the importance of availability, reputation, and word-of-mouth referrals. They also cover common marketing missteps, why consistency matters, and how every interaction with clients, opposing counsel, and colleagues contributes to long-term business development. This episode offers practical guidance for building a sustainable, authentic practice rooted in trust and relationships.

About the Guest

Jim Mueller is the founder of the Mueller Family Law Group and an experienced family law attorney with decades of insight into law firm growth and marketing.

Key Takeaways About Marketing for Lawyers and Business Owners

● Marketing Starts With You: How you present yourself, practice law, and treat people is the foundation of effective marketing.

● Competence Builds Reputation: Doing good work consistently is one of the strongest marketing tools a lawyer has.

● Availability Matters: Being responsive and accessible builds trust and drives referrals.

● Word-of-Mouth Is Powerful: Clients and even opposing counsel can become your best source of future business.

● Branding Is Ongoing: Marketing isn’t a one-time effort, it’s a continuous reflection of your professionalism and values.

● Your Elevator Pitch Counts: Being able to clearly explain who you are and what you do helps others refer business to you.

● Online Presence Matters: Websites and social media should reinforce credibility, not undermine it.

● Be Intentional With Marketing Spend: Lawyers should be thoughtful about where they invest time and money instead of chasing every new marketing trend.

Notable Quotes About Marketing for Lawyers

“Marketing starts with how you practice law and how you treat people.”

“Your reputation is built one interaction at a time.”

“Clients don’t just hire lawyers—they refer experiences.”

“Word-of-mouth is still one of the most effective forms of marketing.”

Episode Summary

Melinda Eitzen sits down with Richard Sutherland, Duffee + Eitzen of counsel and a veteran Texas family law attorney, to demystify one of the most complex areas of divorce: dividing retirement assets. They discuss the different types of retirement plans commonly encountered in divorce, including ERISA plans, military retirement, teacher retirement, and state plans. Highlights why retirement accounts cannot simply be split and also explores common mistakes that lead to lost benefits, and emphasizes why handling retirement correctly the first time is essential for protecting clients’ long-term financial security.

About the Guest

Richard is a highly experienced Texas family law attorney who focuses extensively on retirement division in divorce cases. Practicing as of-counsel at Duffee + Eitzen Wichita Falls office.

Key Takeaways About Dividing Retirement in Divorce

● Not All Retirement Plans Are the Same: ERISA plans, military retirement, teacher retirement, and state plans all follow different rules and terminology.

● QDROs Are Mandatory for ERISA Plans: You cannot divide a 401(k) or pension without a properly drafted and approved Qualified Domestic Relations Order.

● Early Discovery Prevents Big Problems: Attorneys must identify all plans, including predecessor or multiple plans, and obtain the Summary Plan Description early.

● Plan Administrators Should Be Notified During Divorce: Putting plans on notice can prevent participants from borrowing against accounts and reducing marital value.

● Pre-Approval of QDROs Matters: Getting plan approval before finalizing the divorce avoids rejected orders and costly post-divorce lawsuits.

● Military Retirement Is Governed by Federal Law: The 10/10 rule affects direct payment through DFAS, but retirement may still be divisible under Texas law even if the rule doesn’t apply.

● Critical Benefits Must Be Addressed in the Decree: COLAs and survivor benefits cannot be added later if they are omitted from the original divorce decree.

● Statements Don’t Equal Value: Teacher and retirement statements often do not reflect true value—actuarial calculations are frequently required.

● Fixing Retirement Mistakes Later Is Expensive: Missing or incorrect orders can force clients into additional litigation years after divorce.

Melinda Eitzen talks with Brittney Bramlett, a partner at Duffee + Eitzen, about what it truly means to prepare for trial in family law cases. They explain why trial preparation begins at the very first consultation, even when settlement is the ultimate goal. And how early strategy impacts every stage of a case.

They discuss how trial timing varies by county, the importance of running both the settlement and trial tracks simultaneously, and why thorough client preparation is critical to helping clients tell the truth clearly and effectively in court.

About the Guest

Brittney Bramlett is a partner at Duffee + Eitzen and an experienced family attorney and mediator.

Key Takeaways About Prepping for Trial in Family Law

● Trial Prep Starts Immediately: Preparation begins at the first consult, even if the goal is settlement. Every decision early on impacts trial readiness.

● Deadlines Aren’t the Whole Story: While hard deadlines exist, best practice often requires preparation well in advance, especially for experts and document production.

● Expert Preparation Takes Time: Experts may need to be designated 120 days before trial, but meaningful expert preparation starts earlier.

● Document Timelines Matter: Some documents require 60 or more business days to gather and tender, making early planning essential.

● Trial Timing Varies by County: Depending on the jurisdiction, trial settings may occur in as little as 45 days or take more than a year.

● Two Tracks Are Always Running: Attorneys prepare simultaneously for settlement and trial. Courts like Dallas County now require mediation before trial.

● Client Preparation Is Critical: Being questioned in court is unnatural and stressful. Clients should understand their goals, the narrative of their case, and practice testimony more than once.

● Telling the Truth Well Matters: There’s a difference between telling the truth and telling it effectively. Preparation helps clients communicate honestly, clearly, and confidently.

● Witness Types Matter:
– Lay Witnesses: Friends, family, teachers, and treating therapists
– Expert Witnesses: financial and custody forensic experts, and other specialized professionals