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Ernie’s Inner Circle

Tech guidance from practicing lawyers
who offer real-world tested, unbiased advice

Online Lawyers

Saving more time

Lawyers who use technology effectively are more efficient, and save a lot more time than other attorneys.

Here are self-reported time savings by attorney members.

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are now the main reason members are saving time. Specifically, they report saving 4 to 7 hours each week.

Better delegation

Members report that significant improvement in delegation through the use of outsourcing, which is another way that they save time.

Levels of Focus

Members have different levels of focus for improving their practices, and also different budgetary constraints.

Therefore, I offer different levels of membership to accommodate those needs.

Levels of Support

If you’re just getting started, the Basic Level gives you plenty of practical, result-driven insights. But if you’re interested in personal guidance, and more resources—Advanced Level is better.

Here’s how they compare:

1. Basic Level

  • Two Zoom presentations per month on the new legal-tech options
  • Access to selected posted content and member comments (searchable by keyword)
  • Cost: $300/year

2. Advanced Level: “Co-Pilot”

  • Includes everything from the Basic level, plus…
  • A comprehensive assessment of your current use of technology, followed by specific recommendations for making immediate improvements
  • A 30-minute 1-on-1 Zoom call to review your assessment and develop your specific plan for improving
  • Full access to all workshops, including the ChatGPT Lab, Email Marketing Lab, and Passive Income sessions
  • Two live workshops every week, all recorded and transcribed
  • Friday “Coffee Chats”—informal Zoom gatherings with fellow members (not recorded)
  • Full access to all content: posts, courses, recordings and community conversations (fully searchable)
  • Cost: $179/month

[Special Bonus] ChatGPT Lab

Co-Pilot level members are eligible to participate in the ChatGPT workshop at no additional cost. And participants report getting stunning results from their use of AI:

“The more I use it, it’s actually scary how good I’m getting with it… I couldn’t imagine not using it now.” — Brandon Siegal.

“Using ChatGPT to prepare an affidavit for an expert — man, just so quick. The more you use it, the more mind-blowing it is.” — Joe Prieto

“I tried the voice version of ChatGPT on my phone—totally blew me away. It already feels like I’ve got a virtual teammate.” — Richard Serpe

To learn more about the ChatGPT workshop, click here.


Choosing: Basic vs. Advanced

If you’re on a limited budget or not able to commit time to the greater resources provided by the higher level, Basic will give you a solid start.
But if you want personal guidance and access to more resources (like the ChatGPT workshop), then Advanced level is better.


Core Tech Skills

Our members focus on the core skills and essential tools that will make the biggest impact in a modern practice. These skills and tools include:

1. Communication — mastering email, phone, chat, video, dictation, and meetings
2. Delegation & Outsourcing — knowing when and how to offload work
3. Process Management — creating and maintaining SOPs
4. Security & Data Protection — keeping client and firm data safe
5. Automation — using tools to streamline repetitive tasks
6. Marketing — especially referral-driven strategies
7. Remote Work — working effectively from anywhere
8. Artificial Intelligence — using AI to amplify your expertise

To learn more gett my free Essential Tech Guide. These are the tech skills you’ll master as a member of the Inner Circle.

What lawyers say…

Typical comments

Wonderful in helping me figure out what I need to do with concrete recommendations…use this, don’t use that.

Addie Prewitt

Nuts and bolts advice that really made a difference in my practice (in contrast to high-dollar consultants who I've not found that helpful).

Marty Sullivan

The Inner Circle program has saved me dozens of hours by giving me the straight scoop on: practice management software; document management systems; how to mail certified mail without going to the post office; and countless other technology lessons that save time. So grateful!

Maria Martinez Siemel

I went from a running 60+ emails backlog to inbox zero.

Tim Kowal

Inner Circle is helpful because it gives me access to like-minded lawyers and also gives me a forum to learn, chat, and discuss ideas for improving my law practice.

Joe O'Keefe

This is a community of lawyers interested in making their practices - and lives - better. I check in regularly for tips and observations from people smarter than me.

Michael Polk

It has 110% delivered what I was looking for.

I appreciate the helpful posts and conversations and keeping updated on AI insights, new apps, and things we can do to work smarter as lawyers.

Elizabeth Larrick

Nothing short of extraordinary. I've learned how to use technology to reduce stress, increase efficiency, and have more free time.

Neenah Jordan Kelliebrew

I highly recommend Inner Circle! It's helped my firm go paperless and made me more competitive with larger firms.

Robert L Armstrong

I love the Friday "Coffee Chat," an off-the-record chance to compare notes and debate what actually works, free from sales pitches or dull presentations.

Brandon Siegal

I can't think of a better mastermind group. I have recommended it to other lawyers, whether they are beginning their practice or looking for ways to improve it.

Bin Xia Zhang

Some of the tools and tricks I learned have made my life 10x better.

Joseph Rockne

How to join

  1. Complete an assessment: the answers you provide will give me a clear picture of your use of technology and immediate goals for improving your law practice.
  2. Receive personalized recommendations: After receiving your answers, I’ll send a video with specific recommendations for making improvements based on your top goals. 
  3. Schedule a call with me: to finalize the application process and make sure the program is right for you.

When you’re ready…

✅ Click to Apply

FAQs

What is the cost of each level?

  • The basic level is currently a yearly subscription of $300.
  • The Co-Pilot level is currently a monthly subscription of $179.

What topics will be covered in the Zoom sessions?

These are topics we plan to cover in the 2025 sessions:

  • File Organization, Collaborative Workspaces, Note-taking best practices and tools. etc.
  • Outsourcing: hiring, managing, and improving delegation with best practices and optimal tools (e.g. Loom)
  • Cybersecurity & Data Management: keeping your information safe and private.
  • Automation: best tools, best practices, and best opportunities for leveraging
  • Artificial Intelligence: best practices, best tools, and best opportunities for using (e.g. note-taking, summarization, research, automated time keeping, drafting, re-writing)
  • Telephony Options: virtual answering services, best VOIP phone systems, best ways to connect your telephone systems to other parts of your practice.
  • Calendar Efficiency: smart use of automated scheduling and keeping your calendars in sync and working effectively.
  • Better Online Meetings: how to appear more professional and authoritative in Zoom meetings
  • Online Marketing: websites, social media, email newsletters, and attracting more ideal prospects
  • Mobile Lawyering: working easily and efficiently outside the traditional office and on the road.
  • Smartphone tips & tricks: productivity tools, and fun things like how to take better pictures and videos.
  • Home automation & security: using Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google devices to control lights and monitor activity in and around your house.
  • Keeping up with tech developments: how to stay on top of significant changes (e.g., which sources and tools are best for doing this)

Is this a Facebook group?

No, most certainly NOT.

The platform we use to host the community is called Circle, and is designed for higher level community engagement. Although Facebook groups are widely used, they come with trade-offs, particularly regarding privacy. Facebook’s business model involves collecting and sharing data with advertisers, which I prefer to avoid.

Do I have to take the Assessment first?

Not necessarily but it’s recommended you answer these questions, so I can give you specific recommendations for improving your use of technology.

If you take the assessment and get my recommendations, you’re not committed to joining Inner Circle. If you do decide to join, I’ll strongly encourage you to take the assessment at that point anyway.

What if I'm not ready to join now?

I recommend you take my training course on the 5 Pillars of a Tech-Powered Law Practice. That will help you start improving your use of technology right away (and this course is totally free).

Do you have more questions?

If you want to find out more about Inner Circle, click here to book a free call with Ernie.

Or, if you’re ready to apply now, then👇

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