Building A Law Firm

Today we're going to talk about how to start an estate planning law firm step-by-step to create a six-figure law firm. It's actually a lot easier than you think. I'm not going to go through all of the details here because it will take too long, but I will summarize. Starting a Law Firm Assumptions First things first, I'm assuming when talking about starting an estate planning law firm that you have no experience, no clients, no network, no nothing. Starting from scratch makes what I'm going to talk about easier. Second, I'm going to assume you've got at least $5,000 of capital. You need SOMETHING to get started. Third, I'm going to assume you've got 6 months of living expenses saved. If you want to know why, listen to the podcast. Fourth, and finally, I'm going to assume you're able to work 60 hours a week. I never said this would be easy! Phase 1 of Starting an Estate Planning Law Firm - Foundation If you are starting from nothing you've got to build your foundation first. This includes things like cho

The theme of today's episode is pretty simple: maybe you don't have what it takes to be a successful law firm owner. This episode was sparked by a recent episode of Suits that I watched. Mike was managing a legal clinic and there was a lawyer in the group that really wanted to be a litigator. He wanted to be a trial attorney. He went to court and got demolished. He simply couldn't think on his feet. Then he tried it again. Demolished again. Mike had to have a talk with him and say "look, I know you want to be a litigator, but I don't think it's right for you." The same holds true for successful law firm owners. Here's what you need to know about this though: The only way to know if you have what it takes to be a successful law firm owner is to go out there and give it a shot. That's the ONLY way. You can't take a test. You can't listen to a podcast. You have to go for it. And, by the way, if you can't summon the courage to go for it, if you find yourself talking about it and thinking about it a lot

I recently had a happy hour the firm sponsored. It didn't go well. My loss is your gain. This is my happy our fail deep dive. Want to know what I did wrong? What I did right? What I'd do next time? If there is going to be a next time? Listen In! Links Splash That Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

There is no better way to build a six figure law firm, or add another six figures onto your law firm, than employing the greatness tracker. Although I've talked a lot about the greatness tracker and how to use it, I received a special request from the Facebook group to dive a little deeper, so I did. In this episode you'll find everything you need to know to succeed with the greatness tracker. Links The Greatness Tracker Building a Law Firm Facebook Group Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

All the time I get asked "what do I do first?" Today I answered that question... Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

I was having a conversation the other day with a member of my Inner Circle group (don't worry, it's not open right now) and he was telling me about how great things were going for him and his law firm. From there he started asking about the books I was currently reading. I thought about it for a minute and told him I actually wasn't reading much new stuff right now, for a couple of reasons. Reason number one was that I had plenty of ideas that I knew would work, I just needed to execute on them. Reason number two was that a lot of my reading was practice based, as it's something I'm actually interested in learning and implementing and I have some new, fun ways to incorporate what I'm doing into my law firm. But that got me thinking about the starting a law firm books I'd recommend if I only had 5 I could go back to over and over again. So I made a list. Here's what I came up with... Links The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk Ex

The fact is, not evåeryone is cut out to be a law firm owner, much less a successful one. The more people I talk to, the more I realize there are some very specific telltale signs of those that will likely not be very good as a law firm owner. Here are the 5 reasons you won't succeed as a law firm owner: You were born to be a ditch digger. You are lazy. You think being a good lawyer is enough. You refuse to get out of your comfort zone. You are an excuse maker. No, these are not nice. Business isn't always nice. If you have some of these problems there is hope. You can change yourself. You just have to want it and then go out and get it. Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

Today was my best law firm day ever. How did it happen? I followed a simple recipe for success. Here it is: 1 cup of hustle; 2 tablespoons of perseverance; 12 ounces of hard work; An entire bag of trust - in the process; A dash of community; A sprinkle of support; and Let the thing cook for 11 months It's that hard and that easy all at the same time. To dive deeper make sure you listen to the podcast! Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

2017 is already 8.33% over with. And I have one question for you... Is anything different for you in 2017? Have you been doing anything different? Has anything changed? Or are you already back into your old habits? Well, I can't help you take action, only you can do that, but I can give you some ideas to get off your butt and start planting seeds for 2018. Here are five things you can do to make 2018 great: Start a Podcast; Start a YouTube Show; Get active on Instagram; Start a monthly event; Greatness tracker; and BONUS: join the Building a Law Firm Group (free) Links @thechristophersmall @richlifelawyer DailyVee Episode 130 Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Bellevue probate law firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start law firms.

If you are here you probably already understand the importance of law firm marketing. If you don't yet, listen to this episode, there's a little rant in there about it. If you do get it, then you have probably been sitting in your office staring at Facebook wondering how you can get people from their Facebook feed into your office. Well, today I'm going to help you with that. We're going to talk about the anatomy of a great law firm facebook ad. The good news is, it's not as complicated as you might think. The bad news is, marketing on Facebook is not like marketing anywhere else. To get the full scoop, listen to the show! Show Notes 1:28 What is a Facebook Ad? 3:33 Facebook Usage Stats 5:05 The Bottom Line 10:18 Don't Do It Wrong! 14:28 Law Firm Facebook Ad Plan 17:48 Anatomy of a Law Firm Facebook Ad Links Calendly Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedi

Here is a quick run down of what we're talking about on today's show, 5 reasons I'm moving to a virtual law firm. If you want the details, you'll have to listen to the show. Here are the five reasons, one-by-one. 1. I suck at hiring. 2. I want a bigger talent pool. 3. It is WAY cheaper. 4. It maximizes efficiency. 5. No vacations/sick days. Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Bellevue estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

Every time I get Mitch Jackson on the show I walk away learning something new about social media law firm marketing. And, in particular, marketing a law firm using live, streaming video. Whether Periscope, Facebook Live, or any of the other platforms out there, Mitch is on top of it and using it to make connections, and, importantly, secure new business. Don't wait, just go listen... Links Jackson & Wilson Law Firm Streaming Lawyer Mitch's Mastermind Group Mitch on Twitter Get a free chapter of Mitch's new book Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Bellevue estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

Starting a law firm or marketing a law firm and confused how law firm SEO fits into the picture? Wondering if you should do it all? Wondering if you should believe all of those law firm marketers calling you and pitching you their law firm SEO services? Then this episode is for you. Here are ten things you need to know about law firm SEO... Show Notes 1. Law Firm SEO is not dead 2. But it's nothing like it used to be 3. It's a marathon not a sprint 4. Hiring a cheap SEO company is a recipe for disaster 5. Consistency + Time = Law Firm SEO Success 6. It's all about the long tail 7. Yoast is a must have 8. Keyword stuffing won't help 9. Getting outside links will help 10. It will get you a lot of business - eventually Links Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki River Pools and Spas Yoast SEO Christopher Small knows how to start and build successful law firms. He is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how

On today's show an old guest returns to say hello. Nicole Abboud has been on my show at least once before, and maybe even twice. I keep inviting her back because I love being able to talk about having the guts to leave the practice of law when you discover it is not for you. This is exactly what Nicole did, sort of. She's still involved in the law, she just doesn't actually practice it any more. She teaches it. She helps lawyers brand their law firms. She helps lawyers market their law firms, particularly with video. And she's got a podcast called the Gen Why Podcast that aims to showcase successful young lawyers and successful youngsters that have left the law to do something else. As with all of the shows, this is a must listen. Enjoy! Show Notes 3:03Why she quit the law 8:40The story of leaving the firm 8:40The story of leaving the firm 12:04What is the Gen Why Podcast? 14:04What are you up to now? 16:01How she got a teaching job 23:21How she made the Blawg 100 list 29:28Disruption

Today's show was inspired by a podcast I listen to called the MFCEO Project (warning - VERY explicit). The host of the show is Andy Frisela, and he owns a supplement company (among other things). The point of his show is pretty simple - become the CEO of your life. He talks about topics that can help you do that. Because we are at the beginning of this year and the beginning of this podcast I thought I'd take a minute to talk about how to crush your day and build your successful law firm. If you want the show notes and links, just click here to get to the the building a law firm episode page and check them out! Christopher Small is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Bellevue estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a law firm. What a great show on making the most of your day. Check the notes and the links below for all the good stuff... Enjoy! Show Notes 1:28 Random thoughts on crushing your day 5:18 How I Crush the Day: My Power 5 12:20 Keys

I am so happy and excited to have John Skiba as my first guest on the Building a Law Firm Podcast. I've known John for several years and had him on my previous shows. What I love about John is his willingness to lay it all out there, to talk about what's worked and what hasn't, and to take a very meta approach to the practice of law. If you are looking for a how to start a law firm guide or want real life stories about using google adwords to market a law firm, you have come to the right place. Enjoy! Links JD Blogger Skiba Law JD Blogger Pro Facebook for Lawyers FREE Training Christopher Small is the owner of CMS Law Firm, a Seattle estate planning firm, and Building a Law Firm, a site dedicated to teaching lawyers how to start a successful law firm.

This is the first episode of the Building a Law Firm Podcast, but it's not just a throwaway episode. There is a little actionable content mixed in with an overview of who I am and what you can expect from the show. And, to entice you to actually come here to the site and check everything out, we're going to give you a thorough overview of each episode. We're going to start you with a quote from the show, although today we are just going to include one of my favorite quotes of all time: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”-Aristotle Show notes and links are below! Cheers, Christopher Small Show Notes 1:28 My legal career 5:18 My law firm startup stories 15:20 The point of the Building a Law Firm Podcast 17:58 The format of the show Links Building a Law Firm Facebook Page Free Facebook Training Registration

We're with an episode of free coaching Friday, where I answer your questions live on Facebook. The main topic of conversation today was law firm goals and whether or not the right way to set law firm goals was to be realistic or to go big. I used to be a fan of realistic but aggressive law firm goals. I thought it was important to push yourself, but to also set something within reason, something you could actually achieve. Lately I've kind of changed my tune with this, and it's because of a book I recently read called The 10x Rule by Grant Cardone. If you want to hear all about it, plus your other questions answered, go listen in. Christopher Small is the founder of CMS Law Firm LLC a Seattle estate planning law firm. He loves talking about the lessons he's learned starting a law firm to help you do the same.

Today's podcast is a response to a question that was asked in my private Facebook group Law Firm Confidential. Here's the question in it's entirety: So, I understand everything is not about money. I understand your move away from criminal, traffic and even dui defense. But it is my understanding that personal injury is probably the easiest practice area to generate wealth, especially with effective marketing. You are an effective marketer, so I'm intrigued by your move away from a personal injury practice. I'm on episode 235 or so in LFC and still don't have that insight yet on going away from PI. To get the answer, listen to the podcast! And, if you are interested in checking out the Law Firm Confidential Podcast, CLICK HERE. Cheers, Christopher Small P.S. Tired of hope marketing for your law firm? Wish there was a place you could go and get real answers from real law firm owners and get specific step-by-step how-to instructions to get clients? Check out Law Firm Confidential.

This is the first of what I hope to be MANY free law firm coaching Friday's, where I hop on Facebook Live and answer all of your law firm questions (and anything else you want to ask). First things first, mark your calendar for Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Pacific time - that's when this bad boy is going down (most of the time). Second, if you don't have time to go live but still want to ask a question, hit me up at chris at theartoflawyering.com and put "question" in the subject line. I'll read your question and answer it right there. Third, there is no third! Listen to the show - it's a good one! Fourth, okay, there is something. These are the topics covered: Estate Planning Law Firm Advantages Marketing an Estate Planning Law firm; Subscription Legal Services; Alexis Neely Estate Planning Programs; and Much Much More! Cheers, Christopher Small P.S. Tired of hope marketing for your law firm? Wish there was a place you could go and get real answers from real law firm owners and get specific step-by-step ho