Traditional Law Practice
I began my legal career at a prestigious New Orleans firm, specializing in commercial litigation—a paper intensive practice that depends on the organizational expertise of many well-paid paralegals.
After working hard for several years I made partner, which was exciting—at least for a while.
I liked having a fancy office, extensive resources, and being able to work with smart, dedicated people. But, the bureaucracy and resistance to adopting technology left me a bit dismayed.
I took the initiative to figure out technology on my own, which—ultimately—led to the discovery that completely changed the way I practiced law
Shifting to Digital
In 2001, I began scanning documents into PDF files, which revealed the amazing power of digitization—making documents instantly, searchable, less bulky, and much easier to organize (without expensive paralegals).
I looked for other lawyers interested in technology but found none in my area. In 2002, after starting a blog (called ‘Ernie the Attorney’) I discovered an online world of non-lawyers who were more than eager to share great tips and insights.
The ABA took notice of my blog (one of the first five lawyer blogs) and invited me to speak at their annual Tech Conference in Chicago. There, I finally connected with lawyers who were also eager to adopt technology.
All of that was complete bliss. And shortly after those discoveries, I decided to leave the world of BigLaw.
Gaining Freedom
One Friday in 2006 I walked out of the firm’s 40th-floor office carrying client files that would have weighed several hundred pounds if they hadn’t been stored in a 2 lb. laptop I had tucked under my arm.
Starting my own firm was a game-changer, and being 100% paperless played a significant part in my success.
I enjoyed my solo practice because I worked a lot less and had clients who truly appreciated my help and happily paid their bills. In short, I was financially secure and happy.
Best of all, I enjoyed massive freedom and flexibility in how I ran my practice. Other lawyers took notice and sought my assistance, which I gladly provided.
Technology as a Catalyst
Technology is now integral in every aspect of law practice.
Used well, it enables us to remove friction, streamline workflows, and —ultimately— gain financial security and freedom.
Solo lawyers can adopt technology more quickly than big firm lawyers, and that’s a huge advantage.
Navigating Challenges
Yes, there are challenges. But many lawyers have met those challenges and are much better off as a result.
The road to success starts with a hard truth: Technology takes time to understand, evaluate, and adopt.
Some lawyers have time for this, but most do not.
How how I help lawyers
As a Lawyer Technology Coach, I help folks bridge what I call the “tech knowledge gap.”
My mission is simple: to help solo lawyers and small firm owners strategically use technology without becoming overwhelmed.
Leveraging the exact principles that enabled me to build a Ninja-efficient paperless practice, I guide lawyers through every important step—from assessing their current setup to implementing the best tools for their specific needs.
How to get started
I can only help lawyers who are willing to use tech strategically, and here’s what that process involves:
- A Comprehensive Tech Assessment: Start with a deep dive—a 50-question assessment to evaluate your current tech landscape and pinpoint exactly what you need. This is about finding the gaps and opportunities in your current setup.
- Unbiased Recommendations: I don’t offer “cookie-cutter solutions.” Instead, I provide unbiased advice specifically tailored your unique situation.
- Ongoing Support: After completing my strategic assessment, you’ll be eligible to join my Inner Circle—a high-value online community with bi-monthly Zoom sessions, informal “coffee chats,” and a trove of other resources. Leveraging technology strategically is all about making consistent progress through ongoing discussion and collaboration.
- Top Recommendations: Whether it’s apps for better email management, software for enhanced cybersecurity, or text automation tools, I’ll introduce you to the tools that truly matter. And then I’ll help you get the most out of them.
Why Work with Me?
Many people offer tech consulting services for lawyers. But I’m not like those other folks.
- Unbiased Expertise: Unlike many other consultants, I don’t get commissions from third-party vendors. My advice is all about what works best for you, no strings attached.
- Decades of Experience: With over 20 years of in-the-trenches tech use and 15 years of helping solo and small firm lawyers, I understand your unique challenges.
- Community-Centered Learning: The power of peer learning is immense. My Inner Circle community isn’t just about support—it’s about shared growth, where you leverage the experiences of other lawyers to make the necessary changes that lead to massive transformation.
Is This Right for You?
I work exclusively with lawyers in very small firms with limited resources —not with those in SMBs (who have extensive resources you don’t have). Specifically, I help lawyers who are:
- ✅ Focused on optimizing their practice for better financial outcomes, more flexibility, and greater freedom.
- ✅ Interested in using technology strategically —to streamline their work, attract better clients, and buy back time to do more of what matters most.
- 🚫Put off by cheesy phrases like “learn how to 10x your practice”—my approach is based on realistic, long-term success principles and strategies.
Ready to Make the Leap?
When you start working with me, you’ll learn how to:
- Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for higher-value work.
- Outsource to affordable VAs, hard-working folks who value the opportunity to work with a good attorney like you
- Market more sensibly, using low-cost tools to help you attract better clients more easily (i.e. ones you truly enjoy working with).
- Secure your data using the best cybersecurity measures for small firms
- Enjoy more freedom that comes with a strategically tech-optimized law practice.
If that sounds good, then here’s the best way to get started.
