Firm Factor

In this episode of Firm Factor, we examine the $11.5 million discrimination judgment against the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and what it signals for organizations navigating compliance, accountability, and brand risk. Joined by new co-host Darin Fenn, we discuss how reputational trust can erode quickly when customer experience and ethical standards are deprioritized.

We also explore the growing use of AI in customer-facing roles, particularly in the legal industry, and question whether efficiency gains are worth the loss of human judgment and empathy. The episode closes with a clear takeaway: technology can support great service, but...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! We’re kicking things off with some exciting news about our new podcast studio. We’ve spruced things up around here, and it’s looking real nice. Since it’s the holiday season, we decided to do something special. Today, John is chatting with one of the associate attorneys from Hemmat Law to dive into what recruiting looks like at a firm that people actually want to be a part of.

For those who’ve been following us, you might have noticed that we’ve been recording in a more basic setup for a while now. B...

Hemmat Law is a family law firm based in Seattle that's been on a wild ride of growth. We talk about how we started small, just two people, and now we've expanded to a team of 30, making big moves in family law litigation. The main takeaway here is that enjoying your work can really set you apart in this game. We dive into the story behind Hemmat Law, explaining what it is and how we got to where we are today. It's all about making a difference in people's lives and having fun while doing it.

Takeaways:<...

Today, we're diving into some common misconceptions about legal marketing that can really mess up a law firm's game. We kick things off by discussing how many firms think they need to be on every social media platform to reach clients, but that's not always the way to go. Instead, we talk about focusing on just one or two platforms where your ideal clients actually hang out. We also explore how good branding can lead to charging higher fees and why just having traffic on your website doesn't guarantee new clients. It's all about creating a solid experience for...

Everyone’s talking about AI, but few actually understand how it works.

In this episode, we break down what large language models (LLMs) really are, how they function, and why it matters for the legal industry. We explain how these tools aren’t reasoning like humans. They’re predicting text based on patterns in massive datasets. That’s why they can sound confident while still getting things completely wrong. From hallucinations to context windows, we unpack the limits that make AI both powerful and unreliable, and how those limits impact law firms using AI for intake, research, and cont...

Consultations can make or break your client intake strategy. In this episode, we explore why charging for them isn’t just about revenue — it’s about setting boundaries, defining your value, and attracting clients who truly respect your time and expertise.

We break down how consult fees can filter out tire-kickers, boost conversion rates, and help your team focus on clients ready to engage. You’ll also learn how same-day consultations and strong intake systems can build trust faster and improve overall client experience.

From pricing psychology to brand authority, this conversation dives into how law firm...

John just got back from ClioCon 2025, and he’s got some serious insights to share about the event. The main thing? Clio is making big moves into the enterprise world with products like Managed AI, designed to streamline processes for law firms. But there’s a catch — while the tech sounds impressive, John raises concerns about reliability and the risk of errors multiplying across practices.

He also dives into Clio’s new Buy Now, Pay Later option, which could reshape how clients pay for legal services, making access to representation more affordable. We’re breaking down all these deve...

Today, we're diving into some common misconceptions about legal marketing. A key takeaway is that just being on every social media platform isn’t the way to go. We talk about how focusing on one or two platforms where your clients hang out can be way more effective. Plus, we discuss the importance of having a solid website that converts visitors into clients, not just a lot of traffic. We also tackle the idea that more traffic equals more clients, which isn’t always true if your site isn’t set up right. Stick around as we break down these...

We're diving into the world of legal marketing myths today. We're setting the record straight on what actually works and what doesn't in attracting clients. A big takeaway is that many lawyers believe if they’re good, clients will just find them. But that’s not the case. We're exploring common misconceptions and the surprising facts that can really move the needle for law firms. So, if you're ready to bust some myths and get real about your marketing strategy, stick around.

Marketing and legal operations myths are front and center in this episode. We tackle common misc...

John and Rebecca dive into the nitty-gritty of legal marketing and the importance of storytelling in connecting with clients. They emphasize that lawyers need to invest time and resources to stay competitive, highlighting the struggles practitioners face in marketing their services effectively. With insights from both sides of the law, they explore how understanding emotional touchpoints can enhance client engagement. The conversation reveals that taking risks and being open to new ideas can lead to significant growth for law firms. Tune in for a straightforward chat on how to navigate the business side of law with confidence.

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We dive into the evolving landscape of the legal profession with Patrick Patino, who shares his journey from being a bankruptcy attorney to embracing a more holistic approach in estate planning and small business law. Patrick emphasizes the importance of having identities outside of law, like his newfound passion for pottery, and how this can help lawyers stay grounded. We also discuss the challenges attorneys face in expressing their personal identities and how the profession historically discourages vulnerability. Patrick believes that showing our true selves can enhance the client experience, creating a more authentic connection in a field often...

Our inaugural episode! This discussion revolves around the evolution of law firm marketing and its stark contrast to contemporary business practices. John, alongside his head of production, Sam Schoenecker, articulates a profound concern regarding the stagnation of traditional legal marketing strategies, seemingly anchored in the paradigms of 2009.

They assert that the relevance of blog posts has diminished significantly, with a shift towards more dynamic and engaging content forms, particularly video. The conversation further delves into the democratization of software development, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on legal operations and client interactions.

As the episode...