Every growing law firm reaches a crossroads where the founding attorney can no longer juggle every role. The marketing director decision becomes unavoidable, but timing and selection make all the difference between transformative growth and costly disappointment.

When should you hire a marketing director? The answer might surprise you: now, or at least as quickly as possible. A dedicated marketing professional creates a powerful multiplier effect – while you handle cases and client meetings, they ensure your pipeline stays consistently full. The right marketing hire doesn't just cover their salary; they generate significant returns that compound over time.

Most small firm owners struggle with relinquishing control of marketing. We started our firms because we wanted more than just practicing law – we wanted to build something, learn business skills, and wear multiple hats. But this mindset creates problems when hiring marketing talent. Your first marketing hire rarely comes with comprehensive expertise, and neither do you. The solution? Experiment with fractional relationships first, bring your marketing person to educational events where you're learning, and develop their skills alongside your own.

Creating an effective hiring process means developing a clear ideal candidate profile, prioritizing attitude over specific skills, and asking revealing questions during interviews. Try these: "What are you currently reading or listening to?" "What would a previous employer say was your worst quality?" Watch how candidates explain topics they're passionate about, then compare their enthusiasm when discussing previous marketing work. This reveals whether they genuinely know what they claim to know.

Remember to respect title progression – don't call your entry-level marketing hire a "Director" or "CMO." They must earn those titles through demonstrated competence and leadership. Your ultimate goal should be building a firm that doesn't collapse without your daily presence – one where you can disappear for three weeks knowing everything will continue running smoothly.

Ready to transform your marketing approach and build a firm that works for you rather than the other way around? Join us at the Great Legal Marketing Summit on October 23-25 in Washington DC – bring your marketing director! Get tickets at glmsummit.com.

____________________________________
Brian Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about living a life of his own design and looking for answers to solutions outside of the legal field. This podcast is his effort to share that passion with others.

Want to connect with Brian?

Follow Brian on Instagram: @thebrianglass
Connect on LinkedIn

Most entrepreneurs say they’re building for their family… but their calendar tells a different story.

In this episode, Brian sits down with Mike McCarthy—real estate entrepreneur, co-founder of GoBundance, and creator of FAMBUNDANCE, a mastermind for entrepreneurial families. Together, they dive into what it truly means to design your life around your values, not your workload.

Mike shares how he stepped away from the hustle culture and chose a path centered on intentional leadership, present parenting, and lasting legacy. He introduces the concept of the "enough number," helping high-achievers define how much is actually enough to live well without burning out.

This episode isn’t just about productivity. It’s about reclaiming your time, protecting what matters, and building a life that works for your whole family.

You’ll learn:

• How to calculate your “enough” number and create true work-life alignment
• Why mentorship that stings a little can lead to your biggest breakthroughs
• How FAMBUNDANCE helps families grow together through shared values
• What a purpose-driven calendar really looks like

Plus, Mike shares the best thing he’s done recently with his son, and why choosing experiences over excess may be the smartest business decision you make.

Want to learn more about Mike and his work?
📲 Instagram: @gomikemccarthy
🌐 GoBundance: gobundance.com
🌐 FAMBUNDANCE: fambundance.com

____________________________________
Brian Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about living a life of his own design and looking for answers to solutions outside of the legal field. This podcast is his effort to share that passion with others.

Want to connect with Brian?

Follow Brian on Instagram: @thebrianglass
Connect on LinkedIn

At the year's midpoint, many attorneys find themselves contemplating their career path - distant enough from their last bonus but not yet focused on the next one. This critical juncture prompts the fundamental question: "Is this where I want to be?" Drawing from both personal experience and observations as a firm owner, I explore the delicate art of recognizing when it's time to move on and executing that transition with professionalism and integrity.

The markers of career dissatisfaction often appear gradually. While everyone experiences challenging days or weeks, consistent unhappiness over months signals it's time for change. I recommend implementing a simple system to track your professional satisfaction, evaluating factors like compensation alignment, work-life balance, colleague relationships, client satisfaction, intellectual stimulation, feeling valued, and organizational direction. When multiple areas consistently disappoint, it's time to explore new opportunities.

Leaving a legal position requires careful planning and execution. I advocate providing generous notice (4-6 weeks minimum) while simultaneously preparing financially for potential immediate termination. The most successful transitions involve proactive case management, clear client communication, and thorough documentation that allows seamless continuity of representation. Even when departing, maintaining professional bridges creates possibilities for future collaboration and referrals, while burned bridges permanently limit opportunities.

Have you contemplated a career change recently? What signals would indicate it's time for you to move on? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the reviews or connect directly through my website. And if you're enjoying these Friday solo episodes, or would prefer different content, please let me know - your feedback shapes the podcast experience!

____________________________________
Brian Glass is a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about living a life of his own design and looking for answers to solutions outside of the legal field. This podcast is his effort to share that passion with others.

Want to connect with Brian?

Follow Brian on Instagram: @thebrianglass
Connect on LinkedIn