If you’re a solo or small firm lawyer, you know technology can make a significant difference in your practice. The problem isn’t finding tools—it’s figuring out which ones are worth your time, money, and energy.
That’s where I come in.
I test legal tech tools—especially AI-powered ones—and vet their usefulness, ease of adoption, and fit for solo and small firm lawyers. I consider:
- What’s the learning curve?
- Do you need a tech expert to implement it?
- Is it better for Apple or Google Workspace users?
- Will it make a real difference or just feel like a distraction?
Not all tools are worth your time.
I categorize tools into three levels:
- Flip-the-switch tools — Easy to try, often shallow. Good for quick wins, but not always significant.
- Intermediate tools — Require commitment or a mindset shift. These can make a significant impact if you stick with them.
- Advanced tools — Require outside help or deep tech skills. Ideal for those ready to level up.
Helping You Navigate the Adoption Process
In my community, The Inner Circle, I help lawyers:
- See how other lawyers use tools in real practices.
- Ask more insightful questions before committing time or money.
- Get honest, lawyer-specific demos—no sales pitches.
- Build habits and processes around valuable tools.
What Lawyers Say
“When I first came to you my law partner had just died… I needed help rebuilding the practice. Your Inner Circle became my home base. It’s where I made every smart decision.” — W.K.
“I started using Box, Hazel, TextExpander, and Backblaze after your Inner Circle recommendations. You helped me cut down on admin stress, and now I feel more in control.” — Tammy Kaousias
“Ernie’s Inner Circle has saved me from shiny object syndrome. I now focus only on tools that actually help me work less and earn more.” — Maria Martinez Siemel
“Otter.ai is a complete game-changer for meeting notes. I never would’ve discovered it without Ernie’s vetting process.” — Craig Bayer
“Several months ago, you mentioned using ChatGPT in your brief writing. That suggestion alone has dramatically improved how I prepare legal arguments.” — Tim Kowal
Results Lawyers Are Seeing
🕒 Time Saved
- “Saved me 6–10 hours a week using two tools I learned from Ernie.”
- “The live demos saved me time on research and trial-and-error.”
- “AI tools now draft client emails and newsletters—huge time saver.”
🧠 Smarter Tech Adoption
- “I stopped chasing shiny objects and focused on tools that matter.”
- “The Inner Circle is a shortcut to real insight—not just noise about the latest trends.”
- “It’s not just tech recs—Ernie shows how and when to actually use them.”
🤝 Community Support
- “I feel less alone in trying to modernize my practice.”
- “It’s like a tech-focused mastermind group for solo lawyers.”
- “Hearing how other lawyers use tools helps me adopt faster.”
🧰 Practice Transformation
- “Delegating email changed everything. I bought back my time.”
- “Using ChatGPT to simulate opposing arguments transformed how I prep cases.”
- “My marketing is more effective, and I enjoy doing it now.”
🎯 Ready to Stop Wasting Time?
Join the Inner Circle to make informed tech decisions that transform your law practice.
Join the Inner Circle
Use technology to radically improve your law practice by focusing on the few core elements that have the biggest impact.
