The Renegade Lawyer Podcast
I am more convinced than ever that nothing that traditional bar organizations are doing is going to move the needle on the sad stats on lawyer happiness ...
The root cause of all lawyers' problems is financial stress. Financial stress holds you back from getting the right people on the bus, running the right systems, and being able to only do work for clients you want to work with. Financial stress keeps you in the office on nights and weekends, often doing work you hate for people you don't like, and doing that work alone.
(Yes, you have permission to do only work you like doing and doing it with people you like working with.)
The money stress is not because the lawyers are bad lawyers or bad people. In fact, most lawyers are good at the lawyering part and they are good people.
The money stress is caused by the general lack of both business skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Thus, good lawyers who are good people get caught up and slowed down in bringing their gifts to the world. Their families, teams, clients, and communities are not well-served because you can't serve others at your top level when you are constantly worrying about money.
We can blame the law schools and the elites of the profession who are running bar organizations, but to blame anyone else for your own woes is a loser's game. It is, in itself, a restrictive, narrow, mindset that will keep you from ever seeing, let alone experiencing, a better future.
Lawyers need to be in rooms with other entrepreneurs. They need to hang with people who won't tell you that your dreams are too big or that "they" or "the system "won't allow you to achieve them. They need to be in rooms where people will be in their ear telling them that their dreams are too small.
Get in better rooms. That would be the first step.
Second step, ignore every piece of advice any general organized bar is giving about how to make your firm or your life better.
Episodes
286 episodes
EP. 286 – From the Archives: Stop Hiring for Job Titles
Traditional job descriptions can limit your firm's growth. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explains why adaptable, multi-skilled team members, virtual assistants, and creative thinkers are essential to building a law firm that can ...
EP. 285 – From the Archives: Collaboration Beats Competition
What if sharing your best ideas actually made your business stronger? In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explains how collaboration, an abundance mindset, and the Great Legal Marketing community help lawyers improve their marketing, g...
EP. 284 – From the Archives: Stop Getting Lost in the Noise
Everyone is fighting for attention. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explains why traditional advertising and a great website aren't enough to stand out—and how building a loyal community, earning trust, and creating meaningful conn...
EP. 283 – From the Archives: Stop Doing Everything Yourself
You don't have to do it all yourself. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass shares how virtual receptionists, assistants, content creators, and smart technology can help lawyers delegate effectively, improve operations, and focus on grow...
EP. 282 – From the Archives: Never Be Boring
Boring doesn't get attention. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass shares a courtroom story and explains why creativity, humor, and unexpected marketing messages can help lawyers stand out—without making misleading promises.
EP. 281 – From the Archives: Average Is Not the Goal
Just because every other lawyer does it doesn't mean you should. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass challenges traditional legal industry norms, explains why protecting your time is essential, and shares how thinking differently can h...
EP. 280 – From the Archives: One Good Idea Can Change Everything
You don't need to master every marketing strategy overnight. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explains why every lawyer is at a different stage of growth—and how finding the right idea at the right time can move your practice forwar...
EP. 279 – From the Archives: Get Inspired. Don't Copy.
Great marketing ideas are everywhere, but copying someone else's work isn't the answer. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass shares why lawyers should respect intellectual property, ask permission, and turn inspiration into original mar...
EP. 278 – From the Archives: Stop Telling People You're the Best
Stop telling people you're the best lawyer. Show them why they should trust you. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explains how educational marketing—through books, websites, and helpful resources—can build credibility while helping ...
EP. 277 – From the Archives: What Are You Really Working For?
What's the point of building a successful business if it takes you away from what matters most? In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass shares stories about his family, personal passions, and the philosophy behind building a law firm that ...
EP. 276 – From the Archives: Marketing Isn't Getting Any Easier
Law firm marketing isn't what it used to be. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass explores declining public trust in lawyers, the growing complexity of advertising, and why there's no magic shortcut to standing out in a crowded market.
EP. 275 – From the Archives: Your Competition Can't Copy This
You don't need a massive advertising budget to stand out. Ben Glass explains why your personal story, authentic relationships, and a strong referral community can become your greatest competitive advantage—and why the best marketing is somethin...
EP. 274 – From the Archives: Think Outside the Marketing Box
Great marketing doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode from the archives, Ben Glass shares how branded crayons and a children's coloring book became a creative community marketing initiative—and why thinking differently can help lawyer...
Ep. 273 – Build a Business That Doesn't Need You
What happens when your law firm can thrive without you? Ben Glass and Chris Keller discuss coaching, systems, leadership, and the mindset shift required to stop being the person everything depends on—and start building a business that creates r...
Ep. 272 – The Travel Hack Nobody Taught You
How do you turn everyday spending into nearly free luxury travel? Ben Glass talks with attorney Matt Long about his points strategy, including how he turned an $80,000 New Zealand trip into a $500 out-of-pocket vacation—and how anyone wi...
Ep. 271 – Your Clients Shouldn't Come First
The legal profession tells lawyers to put the client first. Ben Glass says that's backwards. Build a great life for yourself, your family, and your team first—and you'll create the energy and environment needed to serve your clients even better...
EP. 270 – Who’s in Your Corner?
Hard work is unavoidable. Doing it alone isn't. Ben Glass shares the advice he'd give his younger self: invest in coaching, find the right community, and surround yourself with people who will challenge, encourage, and help you grow.
Ep. 269 – If You Can’t Delegate, You Can’t Grow
Think you're the only one who can do it right? That's the problem. Ben Glass explains why better delegation starts with better communication—and how letting go of the “I'll just do it myself” mindset can unlock your team's potential and your fi...
Ep. 268 – Let the Kids Play. Let the Refs Ref.
Youth referees can't improve if we chase them away before they get the chance. Ben Glass sits down with referee mentor and assigner Ben Zimmerman to discuss spectator behavior, zero-tolerance policies, referee development, and how parents, coac...
Ep. 267 – Stop Comparing Your Journey
Stop measuring your success against someone else's. Ben Glass explains why your journey is uniquely yours, why you should measure progress by how far you've come, and why growth will always require some stress, failure, and experimentation.
Ep. 266 – Would Your Website Stop the Scroll?
Pull out your phone and look at your website like a potential client would. Ben Glass explains why your headlines and messaging have only seconds to stop the scroll—and why seeing your website through your client's eyes might reveal some uncomf...
Ep. 265 – Your Life Comes First
Leadership is hard, but success shouldn't make you miserable. Ben Glass explains why taking care of yourself first creates a ripple effect: a better leader builds a happier team, and a happier team creates a better experience for clients.
Ep. 264 – Stop Sacrificing Yourself for Everyone Else
Lawyers are often taught that serving others means sacrificing themselves. Ben Glass challenges that idea and explains why taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially—puts you in a stronger position to build a gre...