Tom’s Trek: September 2024 Review

We are following Attorney Tom Hartin as he launches his family law firm. Month #2 is officially closed. How did Tom do? Check out the show to get the authentic details. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t a huge month financially, but he’s above water and making progress.
A Bumpy, Bruising, Successful First Month

Attorney Tom Hartin’s first month is in the books. How’d he do? It was definitely a “learning experience”! 🥴 In this episode we cover: Tom’s first client A (needlessly) difficult opposing counsel Preparing for the first trial Marketing results Family law’s bumpy consults
Fixed Fee Attorney Metrics

We are back following Attorney Tom Hartin as he launches Hartin Family Law. At the time of this recording, we are only a few weeks into the life of his new start up. We discussed: Overcoming geographic targeting issues and filtering out irrelevant leads The gritty details of Tom’s first consultation – and his big lesson learned The emotional side of family law, from client consultations to compassionate follow-ups Comparing fixed-fee versus hourly billing models Handling multiple cases efficiently with delegation Staying adaptable and positive during the initial stages of launching a business
Allocating Work in a Family Law Firm

We recorded this show just after Tom launched and had a wide ranging discussion on managing a family law firm. Highlights include: The impact of fixed-fee billing on efficiency and client satisfaction Managing and optimizing U.S.-based and Philippine-based teams The role of a good paralegal in improving service delivery and managing high caseloads Expectations for handling ~40 active files per attorney
Punch List of Must Do’s Before Launching Firm

We are following Attorney Tom Hartin as he launches and builds his family law firm. In this 5th episode of the Tom’s Trek series, we walk through Tom’s meticulous planning and discuss all the many items that must be done to successfully start a family law firm. If you want a checklist of “Law Firm Launch Action Items,” you are listening to the right show.
Handling Client Sales and Intake

Curious as to how to determine the right fixed fees for family law cases? In our latest Tom’s Trek series, I have an insightful conversation with emerging Family Law attorney Tom Hartin, and seasoned expert Mary Sankey. Together, we delve into the intricacies of family law and share practical strategies for quoting fixed fees effectively. Here’s a glimpse of what we discussed: Strategies for handling diverse client expectations through a well-structured fee plan that ensures transparency and fairness. Factors like child-related issues, debt, asset division, and tax implications increase the cost and complexity of divorce cases. Exploring less contentious and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation. Insights into different stages of the legal process and their impact on the overall cost. An overview of our structured three-stage approach to managing divorce cases, designed to resolve issues amicably and protect the welfare of children.
Quoting Fixed-Fees for Family Law with Mary Sankey and Tom Hartin

Curious as to how to determine the right fixed fees for family law cases? In our latest Tom’s Trek series, I have an insightful conversation with emerging Family Law attorney Tom Hartin, and seasoned expert Mary Sankey. Together, we delve into the intricacies of family law and share practical strategies for quoting fixed fees effectively. Here’s a glimpse of what we discussed: Strategies for handling diverse client expectations through a well-structured fee plan that ensures transparency and fairness. Factors like child-related issues, debt, asset division, and tax implications increase the cost and complexity of divorce cases. Exploring less contentious and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation. Insights into different stages of the legal process and their impact on the overall cost. An overview of our structured three-stage approach to managing divorce cases, designed to resolve issues amicably and protect the welfare of children.
Building and Marketing the Law Firm’s Website

This is the second installment of the “Tom’s Trek” series. We are following Attorney Tom Hartin as he plans and opens his family law practice on Long Island, New York. We discuss: Launching Tom’s website (hartinfamilylaw.com) Setting up a Google My Business profile and initiating SEO efforts Understanding the local legal landscape and assessing competition Securing office space and planning for local marketing strategies Practical steps for effective online presence and client acquisition
Starting a Family Law Firm from Scratch

Transitioning from patent law to family law is no small feat, but Attorney Tom Hartin is taking on the challenge. This is episode one of a new series: Tom’s Trek. We will be following Tom as he leaves his patent law career behind and embarks on building a family law firm. In this show, we discuss: The appeal of family law for Tom, including mediation, client interaction, and litigation The complexities and financial implications of starting a new practice while raising young children Building an online presence and marketing strategy Practical advice on managing client calls, setting financial targets, and creating a web presence Key metrics for business success