060: Is It Procrastinatable? with Patrick Wilson
Unlock the secrets to overcoming the silent career killer of procrastination with practice advisor Patrick Wilson.
On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, we dissect the monumental shift from law school’s theoretical world to the demanding realities of legal practice management. Steve and Patrick’s conversation provides an economic lens to prioritize tasks more efficiently, pushing your practice towards heightened success while tackling the often shunned aspect of marketing in the legal field. Patrick’s journey from athlete to high-powered lawyer and the pivotal seminar that changed it all will both inspire and guide you to reshape your approach to practice management.
As proactive business strategies take center stage, we examine the challenges lawyers face when juggling the reactive nature of legal case work with proactive business development. The episode illustrates why the same urgency that drives case management should be applied to mastering essential business skills. Through tales of lawyers like Bob and Steve, you’ll learn how prioritizing high-value tasks and embracing marketing can grow your practice and reshape your work-life balance. Discover the tools that can help you shift from a reactive mindset to a strategic, growth-oriented businessperson.
Finally, we unpack the complexities of office management as law firms evolve, highlighting the pivotal roles and identity shifts that come with firm growth. Gratitude for the Atticus community is a theme woven throughout, accentuating the importance of mentorship and a supportive network. Patrick shares his gratitude for personal growth fostered by a collaborative career, leaving listeners with a sense of community and the encouragement to seek continuous learning and mentorship within their own professional journeys.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Patrick Wilson’s shift from legal theory in law school to practical law practice management
- Business acumen in a law practice
- Economic perspective on task prioritization: how managing time and focus can increase efficiency and profitability in legal practice
- The common aversion to marketing among lawyers and strategies to engage in marketing efforts effectively
- The reactive nature of legal work versus proactive business development
- Investing in business management skills
- Some personal stories of lawyers like Bob, who learned to delegate lower-value tasks to focus on high-value work for firm growth and work-life balance
- Marketing and relationship building, even for those who traditionally dislike it, as a means to grow a practice
- Exploring the evolution of law firm management, the role of office managers, and the challenges faced during firm growth and expansion
- Gratitude for the Atticus community and the value of mentorship and a supportive professional network in fostering personal growth
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Supporting Resources:
Patrick Wilson: Certified Practice Advisor & Attorney
Team Leader Certification Program
Steve Riley
Certified Practice Advisor & Attorney
Steve Riley has coached attorneys for more than 20 years. His one-on-one coaching focuses on a limited number of top producing attorneys committed to taking their practices to new levels of excellence, profit, and personal success. He also presents at group coaching workshops around the country for individual law firms, state bar associations, and other legal organizations.