The 80/20 Principle

By: Ernie Svenson
  • Summary

  • Concrete advice on how to simplify technology to streamline work and gain more freedom. Running a law practice today means navigating a sea of tech options. Success with tech demands you focus on a few key tools in six areas: (1) automation, (2) outsourcing, (3) marketing, (4) cybersecurity, (5) remote work, and (6) artificial intelligence. That's what this podcast will help you with: strategically focusing on a few key tech options and explaining why they matter and how to get the most from using them.
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Episodes
  • 306: Revamping Legal Research - The AI Advantage for Solo & Small Firms
    Apr 15 2025

    Discover how legal research giants like LexisNexis and Westlaw are being disrupted by low cost AI tools like ChatGPT. Smart solo lawyers are ignoring overpriced AI tools favored by BigLaw in favor of cheaper, more innovative options.

    Listen to find out which AI-powered legal research options that deliver speed, savings, and simplicity without bloated price tags.

    Resources from this Episode

    • Carolyn Elefant's LinkedIn Post
    • ChatGPT
    • Google NotebookLM
    • Midpage
    • Westlaw
    • LexisNexis
    • CoCounsel (Thomson Reuters / Casetext AI assistant)
    • Fastcase
    • Vincent AI (Fastcase’s AI research tool)
    • Clearbrief
    • Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Other Resources

    • The 80/20 Principle (my techlaw newsletter)
    • The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice
    • The Inner Circle (my online community for lawyers)

    Follow and Review:

    I’d love for you to follow me if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. I’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.

    Thanks to the sponsor: Smith.ai

    Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish.

    And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.ai.

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    16 mins
  • 305: Improve Your Memory using Proven Techniques (with Anthony Metivier)
    Apr 1 2025
    In a world where we rely on digital tools to remember things, the ancient art of memory training seems to have been forgotten. Which is a shame because memory training provides many advantages—especially for lawyers who need to retain vast amounts of information. In this episode, memory expert Anthony Metivier explains how to develop extraordinary recall using personalized techniques that make memorizing more engaging and effective. If you’ve ever wanted a sharper memory and a stronger mind, you’ll relish what you'll learn in this episode. In this episode, you will hear: Learn about memory palaces and association strategies for organizing and recalling complex information.Discover real-world applications of memory mastery, especially in professions like law, for better persuasion and connection.Personalization of memory techniques for effective long-term retention and practical everyday use.Embrace the transformative power of memory training for personal growth and cognitive enhancement. Resources from this Episode About Anthony MetivierMagnetic Memory Course by Anthony MetivierAnthony's podcast: Magnetic Memory MethodMy blog post on How to Improve Memory Using Proven Techniques General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for LawyersSubscribe to: The 80/20 PrincipleCheck out my Law Firm Systems IntensiveJoin: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard KochGet my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter)The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law PracticeThe Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.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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    57 mins
  • 304: Subscription Pricing for Transactional Lawyers (with Mathew Kerbis)
    Mar 18 2025
    Mathew Kerbis transitioned his billable hour practice to one that uses subscription pricing exclusively. Find out how he did this, and how subscription pricing works for transactional lawyers. Also discover how AI is making it work even better. In this episode, you will hear: Transitioning from billable hours to subscription-based legal servicesIntegration of AI tools to enhance legal workflows and client satisfactionFlexible pricing strategies and maintaining low operating expensesInsights from other entrepreneurs on technology-driven innovationBenefits of project-based tracking over traditional time tracking Resources from this Episode Mathew's website: The Subscription AttorneyMathew's podcast: Law SubscribedMathew's LinkedIn ProfilePaxton.ai - Service Mathew uses and recommendsGoogle Notebook LM Plus - Service Mathew uses and recommendsPerplexity Pro - Service Mathew uses and recommends General Resources Click for a list of the Best Tech Tools for LawyersSubscribe to: The 80/20 PrincipleCheck out my Law Firm Systems IntensiveJoin: '80/20 Inner Circle' (valuable business insights for small firm owners)Read: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, by Richard KochGet my new email course: ChatGPT for Lawyers (it's free) Other Resources The 80/20 Principle (email newsletter)The 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law PracticeThe Inner Circle (online community for law firm owners) 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. Thanks to My Sponsor Smith.ai Smith.ai is an amazing virtual receptionist service that specializes in working with solo and small law firms. When you hire Smith.ai, you’re hiring well-trained, friendly receptionists who can respond to callers in English or Spanish. If there’s one great outsourcing opportunity for your practice, this is it. Let Smith.ai have your back while you stay focused on your work, knowing that your clients and prospects are being taken care of. Plans start at $210/month for 30 calls, and pricing starts at $140 for 20 chats, with overage at $7 per chat. They offer a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee on all receptionist and live chat plans, including add-ons (up to $1000). And they have a special offer for podcast listeners where you can get an extra $100 discount with promo code ERNIE100. Sign up for a risk-free start with a 14-day money-back guarantee now (and learn more) at smith.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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    40 mins
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