S02E72 Dealing with High Conflict Divorces (Narcissists) with Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson never planned to become a high-conflict divorce strategist. After enduring a $100,000 divorce that stretched into a decade of legal battles, she discovered a phenomenon she hadn’t known existed: legal abuse. Today, she’s on a mission to help others navigate the treacherous waters of divorce and custody battles with narcissistic opponents.

The conversation explores coercive control, subtle abuse through threats, humiliation, and control that often feels “normal” to victims. Lisa’s advocacy helped Connecticut become one of seven states to legally recognize it as domestic violence. 

This episode stands out for Lisa’s real-world negotiation strategies that work with high-conflict personalities. Instead of traditional methods, she suggests giving narcissists some spotlight, keeping sessions short, and using smart communication to stay in control. “It’s a patience game,” she explains, not about winning fast, but winning smart.

 For attorneys supporting domestic violence survivors, Lisa shares powerful tips for building trust; sometimes, a simple “I’m sorry you’re going through this” can make all the difference. She also flags warning signs of legal abuse, like persistent anger, addiction, or mental health issues, and hidden finances. 

Reach Lisa here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/been_there_got_out/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeenThereGotOut
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@been_there_got_out
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/been-there-got-out/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenThereGotOut
Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/4lKu2FU

S02E71 High Profile Cases from Prosecutor to Trial Attorney with James Porfido

What happens when a seasoned prosecutor crosses the aisle to become a defense attorney? James Porfido’s remarkable 35-year legal journey reveals troubling truths about our justice system that every attorney and citizen needs to hear.

With his book “Unequal Justice” as a backdrop, James shares how a devastating 1994 vehicular homicide case changed not only his career trajectory but also New Jersey law. When a drunk driver killed a mother of three, James pursued the highest possible charges, while the victim’s husband, an attorney, successfully campaigned for stricter mandatory minimums for DUI fatalities. In a heartbreaking twist, this same husband was later killed in an accident near where his wife died, leading James to carry on his advocacy work by speaking to over 75,000 students about drinking and driving.

The conversation takes a provocative turn when James describes switching sides to become a defense attorney. “I saw how the system seemed to be somewhat skewed in favor of the state,” he reveals, noting how the presumption of innocence often feels like mere lip service. This bias became even more pronounced during COVID, when algorithmic risk assessments began determining pretrial detention, keeping defendants jailed while judges treated numerical scores as “gospel truth” rather than one factor among many.

Beyond the courtroom, James discusses his work in helping craft New Jersey’s Good Samaritan Law for overdose cases, his representation of families of crime victims in high-profile murders, and his 18-year career as a legal analyst, which has included cases such as those involving O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson. Now teaching Persuasion and Advocacy at Seton Hall Law School, he emphasizes to students that experiencing both sides of the courtroom develops crucial objectivity.

Reach James here: 

Unequal Justice book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jMHbwB
www.unequal-justice.com
https://www.porfidolaw.com

S02E70 Leveraging AI for Law Firm Growth & Mindset Shift with Ryan Gregerson

Ryan Gregerson’s leadership journey offers a masterclass in transforming from successful attorney to visionary law firm owner. From his early days building a family law department from scratch to founding RCG Law Group, Ryan reveals the critical mindset shifts that enabled his success.

Ryan stands apart by embracing purpose-driven leadership, inspired by Simon Sinek’s “find your why.” He built a firm culture focused on helping clients rise above their challenges and live their best lives, a mission that shapes hiring, client interactions, and a thriving community.

The conversation gets interesting as Ryan shares how he’s using AI in family law, not just dabbling, but building custom agents that analyze financials, fill forms, and calculate expenses, cutting down on time-consuming tasks. Using ChatGPT, his team also maintains case memory for consistent, high-quality work.

Ryan challenges the billable hour with flat fees and hybrid models, creating “three-way wins”: better client value, higher team pay, and stronger firm margins. His approach encourages lawyers to rethink pricing in an AI-driven world.

Success in the entrepreneurial journey hinges on two key skills: selling and delegating. From winning clients to securing early hires, attorneys must learn to sell. Just as vital is building systems to delegate, embracing Dan Martell’s motto: “80% done by someone else is 100% awesome.”

Reach Ryan here:

https://www.rcglawgroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rcglawgroup
https://altium-advisors.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573088450667

S02E69 Growing a Successful Personal Injury Firm with Mitchell Panter

How do you build a thriving personal injury law firm that stands the test of time? Mitchell Panter, managing partner of Panter, Panter and Sampedro in Miami, reveals the strategies that have sustained his practice for over three decades.

At the core of his success lies a meticulous client intake process that evaluates case viability from day one. Unlike high-volume firms that “sign up everybody and figure it out afterwards,” Mitchell’s approach ensures both clients and attorneys benefit from realistic expectations. “I have to let that client know at the beginning, your case might be worth a million dollars, but if that driver only has $10,000 in coverage, that’s all we’re going to get.” This transparency builds trust that transforms into long-term relationships and referrals.

The conversation shifts to the art of case presentation, which Mitchell likens to movie production: “We produce, we direct, we get the witnesses, we get the exhibits, and put together a production.” From physical models to sophisticated video recreations, his firm embraces storytelling techniques that make complex cases understandable to adjusters, judges, and juries.

Mitchell’s deep community involvement, from scholarships to jazz festivals, builds authentic local connections beyond advertising. Paired with his blunt communication style (“Answer the goddamn phone”), it shows how relationships drive lasting practice growth.

Reach Mitchell here:

https://panterlaw.com/

S02E68 Asbestos Litigation Changes with Justinian Lane

Justinian Lane’s grandfather survived World War II but later faced a deadly battle with asbestos exposure—an illness that impacted three generations of their family. This deeply personal experience inspired Lane to shift from a career in IT to becoming a dedicated advocate for asbestos victims, a powerful journey he shares in this compelling conversation.

Lane explains how asbestos, once as widespread as plastic, is a hidden danger that was embedded in everyday life for decades. He vividly illustrates how its microscopic, razor-sharp fibers can travel long distances through the air and cause lasting lung damage, with effects that still impact lives years after exposure.

Lane shares the most shocking part of the story: how corporations knowingly hid the dangers of asbestos. Some even x-rayed workers in secret to spot early signs of harm, then quietly reassigned them without explanation. These companies avoided responsibility by exploiting the decades-long gap between exposure and illness while workers remained in the dark.

Lane highlights a growing focus in today’s litigation: cases involving contaminated cosmetic talc and “secondary exposure,” where people—often children—develop serious illnesses decades later just from handling a parent’s asbestos-laced work clothes. His investigative work traces these exposures across generations, revealing both the legal complexities and the deep human toll of corporate negligence.

Reach Justinian here:

www.asbestosclaims.law
833-4asbestos
YouTube: @asbestosclaimslaw

S02E67 401k Retirement Plan Options with Matt Ruttenberg

Most attorneys view 401k plans simply as employee benefits, but Matt reveals they’re powerful financial tools when properly structured. “That’s probably about the farthest from the truth that I can explain to someone,” he says, comparing the difference between boilerplate retirement plans and customized solutions to the difference between using a legal template versus hiring an attorney.

This conversation goes beyond basics to explore what Matt calls the “retirement plan stack” – an upside-down three-tiered approach that can potentially allow contributions exceeding $300,000 annually. You’ll learn about critical deadlines, customization options for eligibility and vesting, and strategies for incentivizing key attorneys with long-term programs that align with your firm’s succession planning.

Matt also addresses practical concerns like state mandates (43 states now require or will soon require retirement plans), investment flexibility beyond standard mutual funds, and how to manage liability concerns as a plan sponsor. Whether you’re in growth mode and focused on employee retention or looking to maximize personal tax advantages, this episode offers clear guidance on building a retirement strategy that evolves with your practice.

The key takeaway? Start early, ask questions, and recognize that retirement plans offer far more customization than typically presented. Your 401k can be a powerful tool for firm growth, tax management, and wealth creation rather than just another benefit line item.

Reach Matt here:
https://401k.expert/

S02E66 Sciences & Intellectual Property with Daniel Scola, Jr. 

A scientist’s stolen notebook sparked Dan Scola’s passion for intellectual property law. Now a managing partner at Hoffman Baron LLP, Dan reveals the essential yet often misunderstood world of IP protection on this episode of Leadership in Law.

Dan explains that inventors must balance sharing their ideas to sell them with protecting those ideas to profit from them. Using real estate analogies, he clarifies how patents set boundaries for innovations and highlights the key differences between patents, trademarks, and copyrights. He also emphasizes the importance of timing in intellectual property strategy, using the recent expiration of Disney’s original Mickey Mouse copyright as an example.

Dan emphasizes that for startups, building a strategic intellectual property (IP) portfolio is essential to increasing company valuation. He outlines how to identify inventions, differentiate them from existing technologies, and create protective “thickets” around key innovations. This strategy demands a deep understanding of both the scientific landscape and legal processes, especially as AI adds new layers of complexity to IP rights.

The conversation weaves through personal stories, cautionary tales about digital-age confidentiality, and practical tips for navigating the world of intellectual property. Whether you’re building a tech startup, creating content, or just curious about how ideas are legally protected, this episode delivers valuable insights on turning innovation into secure, high-value assets.

Reach Dan here:

Twitter: @hbiplaw
Facebook: @Hoffmann & Baron, LLP
Linkedin: @Hoffmann & Baron, LLP

S02E65 Biz Law & Pro Bono to Keep Life Interesting with Elissa Hecker

What truly protects a growing business in today’s complex legal landscape? Attorney Elissa Hecker pulls back the curtain on the essential legal foundations every entrepreneur needs but often overlooks.

Celebrating 21 years as a legal solopreneur, Elissa offers a practical take on business law, guiding listeners through three key pillars: the right entity to protect personal assets, IP safeguards to grow value, and solid client agreements to avoid costly disputes. 

The conversation takes an eye-opening turn as Elissa shares a little-known fact: the U.S. Copyright Office doesn’t grant federal protection to content created through generative AI prompts. This leaves businesses relying on AI-generated material potentially unprotected if their work is copied. 

Beyond her expertise in business formation and IP protection, Elissa shares how dedicating a third of her practice to pro bono work—supporting groups from Dance NYC to animal shelters—”feeds her soul.” Her story shows how lawyers can blend success with meaningful impact. 

What sets this episode apart is Elissa’s insight on growth: “You can do everything, just not all at once.” It’s a reminder that sustainable success takes patience and strategy. 

Reach Elissa here: 

https://www.eheckeresq.com
https://linkedin.com/in/elissa-d-hecker-48467711

S02E64 Managing Multiple Threats & Staying Calm with Michael Stockham

What happens when a poetry major becomes a high-stakes litigator and bestselling novelist? Michael Stockham’s fascinating career journey provides a masterclass in leadership versatility and pursuing creative passions alongside demanding professional responsibilities.

Michael, a partner at Holland & Knight, specializes in guiding companies through high-stakes crises such as SEC investigations, DOJ defenses, and shareholder lawsuits. He emphasizes that clear, strategic communication—both internally and externally—is key to managing multiple simultaneous threats effectively. 

The conversation highlights how mentorship influenced Michael’s leadership style and his concern that remote work hinders organic professional growth. He reflects on learning composure from seasoned attorneys and worries that younger lawyers miss out on critical lessons when they can’t observe senior colleagues in action. His analogy to learning stick-shift driving underscores the value of hands-on experience and observation in developing professional skills. 

Perhaps most inspiring is Michael’s return to creative writing, which started as a way to cope with COVID-related insomnia and evolved into a thriving second career. From a novel inspired by a civil rights case to a nine-book series set in a fictional Texas town, his work shows how creative pursuits can enrich a legal career. Motivated in part by his family’s longevity, Michael has intentionally planned for a lifetime of intellectual engagement. 

This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone navigating career challenges, building leadership skills, or considering a long-held dream. Michael’s message is clear: “It’s never too late” to pursue a fulfilling life and career. 

Reach Michael here:

Website: https://michaelstockham.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/michaelstockham
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/michael.stockham/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michael.stockham.5/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstockham/
Confessions of An Accidental Lawyer Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DN9Nqc
Jake Fox: Ties That Blind Amazon: https://amzn.to/42dcwlX

S02E63 Never Stop Marketing with RJon Robins

What if the key to sustainable law firm growth is hiding in plain sight? RJon Robins, eight-figure entrepreneur and founder of How to Manage a Small Law Firm, shares a counterintuitive truth about marketing that transformed his kitchen-table startup into a multimillion-dollar business serving over 600 law firms across multiple countries.

RJon, who’s grown his firm by 8,000% since 2009, explains that the feast-or-famine cycle in law firms stems from a flawed view of marketing. Comparing it to the “marshmallow test,” he shows how cutting marketing during busy times sacrifices future growth for immediate comfort—with costly long-term effects.

RJon reveals that 54% of bar grievances start as management issues—often tied to inconsistent marketing. When lawyers stop marketing during busy times, it leads to dry spells, desperation, and risky cases that can trigger avoidable ethical complaints.

Marilyn and RJon unpack the often-overlooked difference between static and dynamic overhead—and why it’s key to smarter practice management. They share strategies for consistent marketing, diversifying channels, and building growth-focused business plans instead of reacting to highs and lows.

RJon wraps up with a bold truth: “I would turn off the electricity before I turn off the marketing.” For law firm owners tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, this episode offers both the mindset and strategies to create steady, sustainable growth.

Reach RJon here:

His book:
Profit First For Lawyers Book: https://amzn.to/3DakNNY

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjonrobins/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/rjonrobins2
https://www.facebook.com/HowToManageASmallLawFirm
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rjonrobins/
https://www.instagram.com/howtomanageasmalllawfirm/
Website: https://howtomanageasmalllawfirm.com/
Get a Free Business Plan Guide! For Listeners Only!
https://rjonrobins.com/