Episodes

  • Delivering Data-Driven Marketing Solutions for Law Firms With Kirk Nielson

    Delivering Data-Driven Marketing Solutions for Law Firms With Kirk Nielson
    Jan 10 2025
    Welcome to episode 261 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Kirk Nielson, the co-founder and marketing leader at Tap In Digital.

    Tap In Digital specializes in helping brands maximize revenue through innovative, data-driven marketing measurement solutions. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and technology, Kirk is highly skilled in developing strategies that enhance marketing spend efficiency and improve attribution accuracy. Before co-founding Tap In Digital, Kirk served as Chief Marketing Officer at Credit.com, where he enhanced brand visibility and engagement. His diverse background in marketing technology and business analysis underscores his commitment to delivering measurable results. Holding a Master’s in Information Systems and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Utah, Kirk is also an avid golfer who enjoys time with his wife and friends.

    1. Why Marketing Attribution Is Crucial for Law Firm Success
    • Accurate attribution ensures marketing dollars are allocated effectively, driving better case volume and ROI.
    • By identifying which channels contribute the most to conversions, firms can optimize their advertising strategies.
    2. How Data-Driven Insights Enhance Law Firm Advertising
    • Leveraging analytics helps law firms understand the impact of channels like TV, radio, and digital ads.
    • Predictive models enable smarter budget reallocations, maximizing returns on investment.
    3. Why Awareness Channels Are Key to Building Law Firm Brands
    • Traditional channels like billboards and radio create top-of-funnel awareness, driving potential clients to search for your firm.
    • Understanding the ripple effect of awareness campaigns on digital performance solidifies multi-channel strategies.
    4. How Incorporating Non-Marketing Data Improves Case Volume
    • Variables like weather patterns and tourism trends can significantly influence case counts and demand.
    • Combining marketing data with external factors provides a holistic view of what drives law firm growth.
    5. Why Partnering with Attribution Experts Boosts ROI
    • Firms benefit from strategic insights and ongoing support when working with attribution specialists.
    • Beyond software, expert guidance ensures actionable recommendations tailored to each firm’s unique market.
    Resources: http://www.tapindigital.com/
    https://x.com/kirknielson
    www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-nielson-4039023b Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    22 mins
  • Maximizing Your Law Firm’s Potential Through AI & Data With Christian J. Ward

    Maximizing Your Law Firm’s Potential Through AI & Data With Christian J. Ward
    Jan 3 2025
    Welcome to episode 260 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Christian J. Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Yext. Christian J. Ward is focused on expanding data and AI applications in marketing and entrepreneurship. He helps Yext clients identify, value, and structure their knowledge to maximize data value in AI and search. Ward co-authored the Amazon bestseller Data Leverage: Unlocking the Surprising Growth Potential of Data Partnerships and has executed hundreds of data partnerships worldwide. Ward has served as Chief Data Officer of Arizent, Chief Data Officer of Data Axle, and Global Head of Content Innovation at Thomson Reuters. He founded and sold two structured data companies in financial and media analytics. He has been quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Adweek, Fortune, and Forbes and speaks frequently on data strategy, partnerships, and AI.

    What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Why Data Accuracy and Structure Are Critical for Law Firm Growth
    • Ensuring consistent, accurate data across platforms builds trust with search engines and AI systems, making your firm more discoverable.
    • Structuring your data with schema.org enhances machine understanding and ranks your firm higher in AI-driven results.
    2. How AI Is Transforming Client Search and Decision-Making
    • AI now focuses on understanding and refining client queries, shifting from keyword-based search to conversational interactions.
    • By answering AI-driven prompts with detailed firm information, lawyers can ensure their practice stands out in client decision funnels.
    3. Why Embracing AI Tools Improves Law Firm Efficiency
    • AI can streamline internal processes, from summarizing briefs to automating client communication and task management.
    • Investing in AI-powered tools allows firms to respond promptly to client inquiries, enhancing client relationships and satisfaction.
    4. How Shifting Focus from Ads to Knowledge Sharing Boosts Visibility
    • Providing detailed, structured knowledge about your practice such as specialties, community involvement, and case history drives AI to recommend your firm.
    • Relying on authentic data rather than ad spend ensures better positioning in AI-driven recommendations.
    5. Why Law Firms Must Adapt to AI-Driven Client Journeys
    • Clients are increasingly relying on AI for personalized recommendations; ensuring your data matches their needs is essential.
    • AI transforms the traditional search process into a dialogue, emphasizing the importance of firm transparency and availability in real-time.
    Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wardchristianj/
    https://www.facebook.com/YextInc?utm_source=yexthomepage&utm_medium=social_icon&utm_campaign=yext_official_facebook
    https://x.com/yext
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/yext/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    34 mins
  • How Creative Marketing Sets Your Law Firm Apart with David Vicknair

    How Creative Marketing Sets Your Law Firm Apart with David Vicknair
    Dec 27 2024
    Welcome to episode 259 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with David Vicknair, a partner at Scott Vicknair, LLC

    David Vicknair specializes in personal injury, maritime injury, property damage, and casualty loss litigation, representing individuals and small businesses with dedication and tenacity. Early in his career, a pivotal case shaped his meticulous approach to preparation and his understanding of Louisiana litigation. He has argued appeals in Louisiana courts and the Federal Fifth Circuit and served as class counsel in major cases like the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. An advocate for community service, David serves on the Board of Volunteers of America. He holds a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans, earning honors in moot court competitions. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Why Working On Yourself Accelerates Firm Growth
    • Emotionally letting go of cases allows focus on growth-driving priorities and firm leadership.
    • Accepting others can excel at law enables effective delegation and firm expansion.
    2. Why Creating a Clear Vision Is Critical to Your Law Firms Success
    • By devloping a 1, 3, 5-year plan it helps to align your goals and guides growth.
    • When setting up your vision it's important to surround yourself with "A" players to ensure high standards and strong results.
    3. How Making Timely Decisions Excelerates Your Firms Progress
    • Sitting on decisions and delaying execution hurts your law firm. Taking risks and acting promptly is essential, whether the outcome is right or wrong.
    • David mentions this impactful quote to drive home this idea, "The right decision three months late is still the wrong decision."
    4. How Investing in Strategic Marketing Creates Long Term Revenue
    • Having a hook to stand out from the competition is essential in a crowded market.
    • David embraced this concept by creating a commercial that showcased his authenticity and humor, centered on the confusion around his law firm's name.
    5. Why Lawyers Need To Focus on Internal Growth Instead of External Distractions
    • Focusing on your own firm ensures attention to areas you can improve and control.
    • Ignoring competitors prevents distractions and enables a stronger, more sustainable growth strategy.
    Resources: http://www.scottvicknair.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/scottvicknairlaw/
    https://x.com/scottvicklaw?lang=en
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-vicknair-b7454321/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    34 mins
  • How To Optimize Legal Processes Through AI Integration With Ryan Shin

    How To Optimize Legal Processes Through AI Integration With Ryan Shin
    Dec 20 2024
    Welcome to episode 258 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Ryan Shin, an AI thought leader and founder of SettLiT. SettLiT is a groundbreaking legal risk mitigation tool revolutionizing the legal process with unparalleled access to timely, accurate health data. By leveraging first-to-market technology and AI-powered analytics, he has transformed legal teams’ capabilities, streamlining processes like records collections and injury evaluations from weeks to minutes. With successful experiences in Silicon Valley, Ryan aims to reshape legal practices by accelerating intake accuracy, reducing operational costs, and minimizing case risks. SettLiT empowers law firms with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness, leading to faster, more equitable, and cost-effective legal outcomes. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Why Law Firms Can’t Afford to Ignore AI
    • Ryan stresses that law firms must adopt AI to stay competitive, or they risk being surpassed by those already using it.
    • Many firms are starting to hire AI engineers to create custom solutions, and those who don’t will struggle to keep up.
    2. How AI Integration Is Boosting Software Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness
    • AI reduces reliance on human resources by handling repetitive tasks such as organizing data, managing records, and pre-qualifying cases.
    • Integrating AI into existing platforms boosts efficiency, enabling faster data processing and cost savings for law firms.
    3. How AI-Driven Data Analysis Is Improving Law Firms
    • AI tools efficiently sift through years of data, identifying critical information like injuries and diagnoses to support case evaluation.
    • By applying AI to structured data, law firms can assess case viability, compensability, and settlement potential immediately, avoiding delays from traditional manual review processes.
    4. Why Streamlining Case Pre-Qualification Is So Valuable
    • SettLiT provides a pre-qualification tool that uses real-time digital health data to quickly assess the viability of legal claims.
    • This process replaces lengthy manual data-gathering methods, reducing the typical one-year workup process to just 72 hours.
    5. How SettLiT Is Driving Industry Innovation
    • SettLiT aims to change the psychology of how law firms handle intake and evidence gathering, moving the industry toward a more data-driven and automated approach.
    • The company acts as a bridge between healthcare and legal data, addressing inefficiencies that have long plagued the legal sector.
    Resources: https://landing.settlit.legal/settlit-intro-0-0-0-0
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/settlit/
    https://www.instagram.com/settlit.legal/profilecard/?igsh=MThwZ204Y2drOWVzcw==
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-shin-b6629ab0 Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    32 mins
  • SEO, Values, & Culture: The Triple Threat Formula for Law Firm Success with Nick Mendez

    SEO, Values, & Culture: The Triple Threat Formula for Law Firm Success with Nick Mendez
    Dec 13 2024
    Welcome to episode 257 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Nick Mendez. Nick Mendez is the co-owner and managing attorney at Horton & Mendez Injury Lawyers. A former insurance defense lawyer, Nick uses his insider knowledge to anticipate and counter insurance company strategies. Since founding the firm, he has focused on scaling through data-driven decisions, prioritizing KPIs for marketing and operations. Nick fosters a high-performance culture built on teamwork and accountability, aligning staff around the mission of exceptional client service. The firm’s sports-themed marketing, with the slogan “We know their playbook,” resonates with clients as they strive to achieve outstanding results for those in need. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. Why Effective SEO Strategies Are Essential for Firm Growth.
    • Nick and his team took their early financial returns and reinvested them into SEO to help the firm acheive larger success.
    • Within 12–18 months, their SEO efforts led to positive Google reviews and increased number of clients.
    2. How a Strong Team Culture Drives Success.
    • From his experience at other firms, Nick saw how poor cultural infrastructure led to burnout and low motivation.
    • Horton & Mendez Injury Lawyers focuses on treating employees well with above-market pay, health insurance, and a comfortable office enviroment, driving greater returns.
    3. How Core Values Play an Impactful Role in the Firm's Long-Term Prosperity.
    • Nick compares the firm to the "Chick-fil-A of law firms," focusing on great service and efficiency to move cases quickly.
    • The team goes the extra mile with thoughtful gestures, like using a $100 budget to buy chocolate or flowers for clients during tough times.
    4. Why Partnership is Key to Driving Revenue.
    • A successful firm relies on a strong partnership that divides the work effectively.
    • Identifying their roles is crucial to keeping the firm in motion. Nick manages the firm, while his partner focuses on litigating larger cases.
    5. Why the Best Offense is Actually a Great Defense.
    • With his background as an insurance defense lawyer, Nick leverages insider knowledge to anticipate and counter the strategies of insurance companies.
    • The firm’s sports-themed marketing, featuring the slogan “We know their playbook,” connects with clients.
    Resources: https://hortonmendez.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063822039687
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/horton-mendez-pllc Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    28 mins
  • How Film & Video Empower Law Firms to Share Tough Stories with Luke W Russell

    How Film & Video Empower Law Firms to Share Tough Stories with Luke W Russell
    Dec 6 2024
    Welcome to episode 256 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Luke W Russell, the award-winning host of Lawful Good. Award-winning host of Lawful Good, Luke W. Russell, returns with a new platform: Beautiful Humans. Luke entered the legal world in 2011 and has since managed $30 million in social media ad budgets, driving thousands of personal injury and mass tort cases. Everything began to change when on January 1st, 2021, Luke launched Lawful Good, a groundbreaking podcast that shared untold stories of prominent lawyers like Ken Hardison, John Morgan, and Ben Crump. After three successful seasons, the podcast ended, but it sparked Luke’s realization that storytelling was his true passion. Now blending years of study in human connection with powerful storytelling, Luke focuses on harnessing film to drive business objectives and foster meaningful connections. His work includes documentaries on survivors of child sex abuse and the Beautiful Humans movement launched in Fall 2024. Beautiful Humans renews our sense of shared humanity, championing the belief that all humans are inherently beautiful. As the industry shifts toward AI, Luke’s insights show how firms can leverage the vital, biologically-rooted power of human connection to thrive in an increasingly digital world. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. How You Can Use Film and Video to Create Trust Videos can be a tool for shareing personal stories that connect with your audience, helping build trust and authenticity. This could mean using a video to showcase marginalized groups or sensitive topics, showing your commitment to justice and compassion. 2. Why Intentional Storytelling Resonates With An Audience Sharing authentic stories helps audiences see themselves in the experiences, creating deeper emotional connections.Intentional storytelling builds understanding and empathy, even across differing perspectives or backgrounds. 3. How Lawyers Can Maximize Film and Video for Marketing and ROI Videos that emphasize human connection build credibility and loyalty, helping law firms attract and retain clients. Incorporating films into PR, social media, and email marketing campaigns boosts engagement and increases conversions, turning trust into measurable business growth. 4. Why Both Short-Form and Long-Form Video Have Lasting Impacts Longer videos provide the opportunity for deeper connection, allowing law firms to share impactful stories that resonate and establish trust with their audience. Short videos can amplify a law firm’s message in a quick, memorable way, helping to establish a strong, consistent brand presence across social media and digital platforms. 5. How the Beautiful Humans Movement Strengthens Shared Humanity By showcasing individual beauty and experiences, the Beautiful Humans Movement encourages empathy and deeper understanding across diverse communities. The movement uses storytelling to challenge negative stereotypes and promote unity, encouraging people to see and appreciate the humanity in others. Resources: https://www.beautifulhumans.film https://www.youtube.com/@BeautifulHumansFilm https://www.facebook.com/lukewrussell https://www.instagram.com/beautidians/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewrussell/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    27 mins
  • Transform Your Law Firm by Mastering Culture and Process with Scott Beebe

    Transform Your Law Firm by Mastering Culture and Process with Scott Beebe
    Nov 29 2024
    Welcome to episode 255 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Scott Beebe Scott Beebe is the founder MyBusinessOnPurpose.com and author of Let Your Business Burn: Stop Putting Out Fires, Discover Purpose, And Build A Business That Matters. Scott founded Business On Purpose because he saw there was a need to help business owners who were weighed down by chaos to have a clear vision when it comes to the success and future of their business. He created the Business On Purpose Roadmap to liberate businesses from the chaos of working In their business and help them get their lives back. Scott also hosts the Business On Purpose podcast sharing real stories of how he and the BOP team are working with business owners and their key leaders to build people, purpose, process, and profit. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
    How to Solve the Biggest Law Firm Headaches
    • Start by addressing the Four Pain Points in Your Law Firm: Purpose, People, Process, and Profit
    • Focusing on these core areas is essential to improve your firm’s foundation and overall performance and are the backbound of any successful business.
    How We Really Define Culture in the Workplace
    • Create a multi-page Vision Story and establish Core Values that guide the firm.
    • Craft a powerful, concise Mission Statement to align the team with the firm’s Purpose.
    Why Processing Your Internal Systems is Essential
    • RPM (Repetition, Predictability, Meaning): Use RPM principles to bring stability and consistency to team workflows.
    • Develop documented processes for Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Administration.
    Why Subdividing Your Bank Accounts is Critical
    • It’s important to separate funds for operating expenses, taxes, and profits.
    • By doing this you can keep track of cash flow and have a better sense of the Law Firms true P&L's (Profit and Loss)
    How to Implement These Strategies into Your Law Firm
    • Start with the Basecamp phase by establishing a foundation around Purpose, People, Process, and Profit.
      Deploy these concepts within your team, leveraging support from an advisory board.
    Resources: https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/mybusinessonpurpose
    https://twitter.com/scottbeebe
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottebeebe/ Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    30 mins
  • How to Turn Significant Cases into Strategic Media Wins with Nathan Miller

    How to Turn Significant Cases into Strategic Media Wins with Nathan Miller
    Nov 22 2024
    Welcome to episode 254 of the Grow Your Law Firm podcast, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken sits down with Nathan Miller, CEO and Founder of Miller Ink Nathan Miller is the CEO and Founder of Miller Ink, a Los Angeles-based strategic and crisis communications firm that partners with top litigators to manage high-profile cases with significant media exposure. Prior to founding Miller Ink in 2013, Nathan was the Director of Speechwriting for Israel’s Permanent Mission to the UN, serving as senior communications adviser and chief speechwriter for Ambassador Ron Prosor. He also held roles as policy director for the Homeland Security Advisory Council and as a Goldman Fellow at the Transatlantic Institute in Brussels. Nathan collaborates with attorneys nationwide to handle media inquiries, safeguard client reputations, and navigate complex crisis situations. His expertise spans active litigation support, preemptive crisis training, and advising organizations in class action cases. His commentary on legal issues has been featured in Fox Business, The Los Angeles Times, and Forbes. Certified by the State Bar of California, he offers an MCLE course on best practices in crisis communications and regularly provides media training to law firms, including hosting panels at the LA Intellectual Property Law Association and presenting for East Bay Trust and Estates Litigation. What you’ll learn about in this episode: 1. How to Build an Effective Communication Strategy The first pillar of any successful communication strategy is understanding the objective, the audience, and the messageWith your strategy in place, you can start leveraging all available channels to craft the narrative you want to showcase to potential clients and online audiences 2. Why a Diverse Media Strategy is crucial for Success Combining traditional media, personal platforms, and strategic ads gives firms a strong advantage in delivering their messageLeveraging both digital and local outlets is essential for reaching audiences, clients, and industry peers 3. How Crisis Management Protects Your Firm’s Reputation It’s essential to have a team ready to support lawyers who may lack the time, resources, or familiarity to navigate a crisis effectivelyWith the potential for intense media scrutiny, it's crucial to have a well-defined message that addresses concerns beyond just the legal setting. 4. Why Staying Ahead in a Shifting Media Landscape Matters You need to think like a chess player. Anticipate multiple moves ahead in your media strategy, especially in high-stakes narratives, or you’ll get left behind.It’s important to embrace modern strategies like using AI, social media, and algorithm trends, while still holding onto the core principles that have always guided you. 5. How Specialized Communication Experts Drive Lasting Success Hiring professionals with law-specific expertise helps to build successful legal campaigns and audience connection.Don’t underestimate the value of specialized communication when planning to grow your business. Resources: https://miller-ink.com/for-attorneys/ https://lexvid.com/cle-course/principles-of-crisis-communication https://www.lawline.com/course/principles-of-crisis-communications https://www.facebook.com/MillerInkLA/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/millerinkla Additional Resources: https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind
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    24 mins