Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus Podcast By Steve Riley cover art

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus

By: Steve Riley
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 What if you could hang out with successful small and solo law firm attorneys, ask them about their successes and failures, their business strategies and mindset habits; then take an insight or two to guide your own growth in your practice? That’s what we do each week on Great Practice. Great Life. Hosted by Steve Riley –– former trial attorney and lawyer coach for more than 20 years –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to work less while maintaining high client service standards, reduce your stress levels while growing your income, and find time to make changes when you are time-starved. The goal is to provide strategies to help you balance your lives and grow your practice.2022 Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 136: The Biggest Marketing Mistakes Lawyers Make and How to Fix Them with Robert Rose

    136: The Biggest Marketing Mistakes Lawyers Make and How to Fix Them with Robert Rose
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve Riley welcomes back content marketing guru Robert Rose for a powerful conversation tailored to attorneys and law firm owners looking to improve their marketing strategy. Robert shares how lawyers can turn their natural communication strengths, advocacy, storytelling, and clarity into a winning content marketing strategy. His tips are practical, achievable, and designed for busy professionals. Many small and solo law firms rely almost exclusively on referrals. While referrals are important, they aren’t a full marketing plan. Robert explains why a consistent and structured marketing strategy is critical for growth. He shares how attorneys often treat marketing as an occasional task instead of a business function and how to change that. You’ll learn why templated, generic marketing content usually fails, and what to do instead. Steve and Robert dive into how to create authentic, targeted content that speaks to your ideal clients. Whether you’re using LinkedIn to connect with professionals or Facebook for a broader reach, your content should reflect your voice and values. The episode also explores how referral partnerships and social media can complement content marketing to elevate your firm’s visibility and authority. Robert offers simple ways to get started—without overwhelming your schedule or sacrificing billable hours. If you’re tired of wasting time and money on marketing that doesn’t work, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right. In this episode, you will hear: Strategies for small law firms to leverage content marketing, featuring insights from expert Robert RoseTransforming lawyers' advocacy and storytelling skills into effective content marketing toolsOvercoming misconceptions about marketing as a sporadic activityThe importance of a consistent, structured approachUtilizing social media and referral partnerships to enhance law firm presence and brand voiceEmphasizing personalized, creative marketing strategies over templated approachesAligning marketing efforts with personal and professional satisfaction for attorneysAddressing common challenges and pitfalls in law firm marketing, including a lack of strategy and fear of commoditization Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Supporting Resources: Robert Rose: robertrose.netRobert Rose LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robroseSeventh Bear: seventhbear.comRequest a free discovery call with Robert Rose! atticusadvantage.com/robertroseEpisode 083: Content Marketing for Lawyers with Robert Rose: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/mastering-content-marketing-for-small-and-solo-law-firmsEpisode 029: Just Because Every Other Lawyer is Doing It Doesn’t Mean You Should with Robert Rose: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/just-because-every-other-lawyer-is-doing-it-doesnt-mean-you-should-with-robert-roseContent Marketing Strategy: Harness the Power of Your Brand’s Voice by Robert Rose: www.amazon.com/Content-Marketing-Strategy-Harness-Brands/dp/1398611506Killing Marketing: How Innovative Businesses Are Turning Marketing Cost Into Profit by Robert Rose: www.amazon.com/Killing-Marketing-Innovative-Businesses-Turning/dp/1260026426The Summit: atticussummit.comWorkshop: Grow Your Practice With AI: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/grow-your-law-practice-with-ai Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    1 hr
  • 135: Authentic Leadership in Law: How to Scale Without Burning Out with Ross Albers

    135: Authentic Leadership in Law: How to Scale Without Burning Out with Ross Albers
    Jun 9 2025
    What does it take to shift from a struggling solo attorney to a CEO leading a thriving full-service law firm? Learn how authentic leadership transformed one law firm from solo practice to thriving law firm. In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve sits down with Ross Albers, CEO of Albers & Associates in Timonium, Maryland. Ross shares his inspiring and raw journey—from getting fired just days before his wedding to building a successful law firm with 13 attorneys spanning multiple practice areas. His story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become the foundation for future success with the right mindset and strategy. Ross opens up about his early days practicing criminal law and accepting low-fee cases. Instead of staying stuck in survival mode, he adopted a new perspective—one rooted in long-term business growth. That shift led him to evolve from lawyer to leader, transforming his role and his firm in the process. We examine the fundamentals of leadership and team development within the context of a law firm. Ross shares how creating clarity and accountability among team members has been crucial in fostering a high-performing environment. He emphasizes the power of structured feedback and regular communication, drawing inspiration from leadership heavyweights like John Maxwell. With insights on the importance of KPIs and well-defined onboarding processes, Ross illustrates how these elements contribute to cohesive and efficient firm operations. His personal experiences underscore the importance of aligning processes across various practice areas to achieve both cultural and financial success. Ross also shares what it takes to scale a law firm without sacrificing your personal life. He speaks candidly about building trust, leading by example, and staying committed to continuous growth. Whether you’re managing a solo practice or leading a growing firm, Ross’s journey offers a roadmap for evolving from overwhelmed attorney to purpose-driven CEO. Tune in for actionable strategies to build a firm that reflects your values, supports your life, and fuels your biggest dreams. In this episode, you will hear: Ross Albers' journey from being fired to leading a successful law firmImportance of authentic leadership in scaling a law practice and developing high-performing teamsCreating a culture of clarity and accountability with regular feedback and clear KPIsWeekly performance reviews as a tool for maintaining team progress and addressing underperformanceStructured training and onboarding to enhance firm efficiency and cohesionLeadership development through continuous learning and embracing thought leadership principlesEncouragement to dream big, take action, and persist in achieving professional and personal success Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Supporting Resources: Ross Albers: www.rossalbers.com/our-team/ross-w-albersAlbers & Associates: www.rossalbers.comRoss Albers LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ross-albers-a7b2b183Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification (Get $500 off your Team Leader Certification Program! Use code: TLC500)The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Follow/dp/1400236169EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey: www.amazon.com/EntreLeadership-Practical-Business-Wisdom-Trenches/dp/1451617852Lead to Succeed: 10 Traits of Great Leadership in Business and Life by Rick Pitino: www.amazon.com/Lead-Succeed-Traits-Leadership-Business/dp/0767903420The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann: www.amazon.com/Go-Giver-Expanded-Little-Powerful-Business/dp/1591848288The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon: www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/0470100281 Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    51 mins
  • 134: What Surviving a Plane Crash Taught Me About Running a Law Firm with Blinn Bates

    134: What Surviving a Plane Crash Taught Me About Running a Law Firm with Blinn Bates
    Jun 2 2025
    Surviving a plane crash wasn’t part of Attorney Blinn Bates’ plan, but it became a pivotal chapter in his life story. A routine flight turned into a near-tragedy and forced a year-long recovery. As a third-generation attorney, Blinn faced the unimaginable. But instead of succumbing to despair, he used the pause to transform his law practice and reevaluate his personal life. On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Blinn shares his story of resilience and transformation through adversity. He turned the experience into an opportunity to innovate and modernize his family law firm, Woods and Bates. By embracing delegation and systematization, Blinn redefined his leadership style. The firm thrived—even during his extended absence. Using insights from Atticus growth programs, Blinn made a strategic shift. He moved away from a traditional model and created a more sustainable, future-proof law practice. His journey highlights the importance of planning for unexpected challenges and building a firm that doesn’t depend on one person. Blinn embraced the shift from task delegation to empowering others. Inspired by Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time, he aligned work with personal values and long-term goals. Work-life balance became a priority. Blinn shares how reshaping his focus enriched both his family and career. This episode offers valuable insights for any attorney seeking resilience and innovation in their practice. From humorous discoveries in an old desk to practical systems, Blinn’s story is both inspiring and actionable. We’re grateful for his openness and vulnerability, which will resonate with lawyers facing life-altering challenges. Join us to celebrate the power of community, support, and the courage to reinvent your life and practice after adversity. In this episode, you will hear: Blinn Bates’ transformation journey from surviving a plane crash to innovating his family law firmThe shift from a traditional practice to a sustainable, future-proof modelThe role of delegation, systematization, and niche specialization in redefining legal leadershipInsights from Atticus growth programs and Dan Martell’s “Buy Back Your Time” on strategic delegationPlanning for unforeseen challenges and creating a robust practiceThe importance of work-life balance and aligning professional responsibilities with personal valuesPractical applications of office organization as a catalyst for change and the importance of decluttering for growth Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Supporting Resources: Blinn Bates: woodsandbates.com/william-blinn-bates-jrWoods & Bates, P.C.: woodsandbates.comBlinn Bates LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blinn-bates-5152435Mark Metzger, Practice Advisor & Attorney: atticusadvantage.com/team/mark-metzgerPractice Growth Diagnostic: atticusadvantage.com/practice-growth-diagnosticBuy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell: www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297XLaGrande Marketing: lagrandemarketing.comPlan Crash Article: www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/more-information-released-after-small-plane-crashes-in-lincoln/amp Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
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