What I Wish I Learned in Law School

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Attorney and Counselor at Law of The Law Firm of Myrna Serrano Setty, Myrna Serrano Setty. Myrna's decision to start her own law firm in 2016 was driven by a desire for control over her practice and time. As a young mom, she needed flexibility to balance her professional and personal life. This decision wasn't easy, but it allowed her to focus on estate planning and probate, areas she was passionate about. To learn more about Myrna's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Founder, Estate Planning, and Elder Law Attorney of The Law Office of Angela Odensky, Angela Odensky. Elder law is a unique field that transcends traditional legal boundaries, focusing on serving a population rather than a specific area of law. Angela's firm, based in Bellaire, Texas, and also serving Washington, specializes in elder law, estate planning, probate, and special needs. The firm's mission is to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of aging and the legal issues that accompany it.Angela emphasized the importance of the intake process, where they gather comprehensive information, often via telephone, to identify the legal needs of their clients. This step is crucial as many individuals may not even know what kind of legal assistance they require. Elder law attorneys often act as the social workers of the legal world, providing guidance to other attorneys when complex legal issues related to capacity and aging arise.The legal profession has seen a significant shift towards virtual practice, a change accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Angela shared her vision of leveraging technology to expand her practice to Washington while maintaining a presence in Texas. Tools for remote communication and document management are key to operating across state lines, allowing her to serve communities that may lack access to specialized legal services.To learn more about Angela's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence, talks with the Founder and CEO of Trustate, Leah Del Percio. Leah Del Paso's journey in co-founding Truestate is a testament to the power of innovation in legal services. Truestate emerged as a response to the complex needs of trust and estate lawyers, offering tools designed to streamline their work and enhance their practice. Leah emphasized the platform's ability to simplify intricate processes, making it easier for lawyers to manage their caseloads and maintain accuracy in their work.The conversation naturally progressed to the broader technology topic in the legal field. Leah pointed out that lawyers who embrace technological tools are better equipped to serve their clients efficiently in today's digital age. She highlighted how Truetate leverages cutting-edge software to automate mundane tasks, freeing lawyers to focus on the more nuanced aspects of their cases.To learn more about Leah's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence introduces the Director of NSS Legal, Oliver Sloam. Oliver is at the helm of NSS Legal and partners in an actuarial firm that oversees UK pension schemes. His expertise is rooted in a family tradition of managing trusts, which has undoubtedly shaped his career trajectory. Oliver painted a vivid picture of his daily responsibilities, from drafting wills and trusts to tackling capacity issues, all aimed at ensuring his clients' legacies are preserved and protected.Quality service is the cornerstone of any successful law practice, and Oliver's approach is no exception. Inheriting a client base from a larger actuarial firm, he now caters to an eclectic mix of individuals, including former James Bond actors and parliamentarians. Oliver underscored the critical role of understanding budgets and operations to deliver top-notch service in the competitive legal services landscape.To learn more about Oliver's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence introduces the CEO of Westrock Appraisal, Abe Romer. Westrock Appraisal isn't just a company; it's a legacy established in 1987 by Abe Romer's father. As the current President, Abe oversees every department, ensuring that the company's reach extends across 40 states in the US. Their clientele is diverse, ranging from CMBS lenders and conventional banks to estate planning attorneys and the IRS. Abe's leadership has been instrumental in the company's expansion, maintaining a robust staff of about 85 full-time employees nationwide.One of the standout services provided by Westrock Appraisal is their work with estate planning attorneys. Abe explained how they appraise properties for clients involved in estate planning, a service made possible by their extensive coverage across the United States. This capability allows them to collaborate with attorneys in various states, showcasing the company's adaptability and commitment to meeting client needs.To learn more about Abe's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Owner and Managing Attorney of J. Akin Law, Jennifer Akin. Jennifer's journey into law is as fascinating as it is inspiring. With a career spanning several years, she has established herself as a formidable presence in the legal community. Her areas of expertise are vast, but she has a particular passion for helping clients navigate the often-daunting legal system. Jennifer's approach to law is both compassionate and strategic, ensuring that her clients are well-represented and their interests protected.At J Aiken Law, Jennifer and her team are committed to providing top-notch legal services. The firm specializes in a variety of practice areas, which Jennifer discussed in detail during our interview. She shared insights into the day-to-day operations of her practice and how she approaches each case with a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication. It's clear that for Jennifer, law is not just a profession—it's a calling.To learn more about Jennifer's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Events of Smokeball, Emma Raimi-Zlatic. One of the first topics was Emma's role at Smokeball, a company that's at the forefront of legal case management software. Contrary to what some might think, Smokeball has nothing to do with cannabis. Instead, it's a powerhouse of legal technology, offering robust document automation tools and comprehensive features that streamline managing legal matters, billing, and timekeeping.Emma's position as the Director of Partnerships places her at the heart of Smokeball's mission to enhance the efficiency and productivity of law firms. Through her work, she ensures that legal professionals are equipped with the best tools to manage their caseloads effectively, allowing them to focus on what they do best—practicing law.To learn more about Emma's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Partner of Polur Elder Law, Shari Polur. At the heart of Shari's practice is a holistic approach to elder law. She believes that providing clients with "nice hard gritty documents and nice folders" is simply not enough. To truly serve her clients, she delves deep into their lives, understanding their family relationships, medical issues, living situations, and financial capabilities. This comprehensive understanding begins with a 19-page questionnaire, ensuring that by the time she meets with her clients, she has a clear picture of their legal questions and overall life circumstances.Shari's method is unconventional, starting with such a level of detail, and it can be intimidating for new clients. However, she emphasizes the importance of tailored advice over generic solutions. She compares the need for specialized legal counsel to the necessity of seeing a geriatrician for age-specific health conditions rather than a general practitioner or a pediatrician. Her goal is to make her clients understand why it's crucial to consider their entire lives, not just their legal documents when planning for the future.To learn more about Shari's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Attorney and Partner of Eastbridge Law Group, Nancy Thome. Nancy's journey into the niche of elder law was born out of a desire for new challenges. With a solid background in estate planning and probate, she found herself yearning for more after years of practice. It was the realization of a growing need in the elder law sector, coupled with a personal passion for the field, that steered her in this direction. Nancy's story is a testament to the importance of staying engaged and passionate in one's career, and how the pursuit of new challenges can lead to fulfilling opportunities.One of the most candid revelations from the discussion was Nancy's perspective on the transition from law school to actual legal practice. She humorously noted that despite her love for learning, law school hadn't quite prepared her for the day-to-day tasks of a practicing attorney. Drafting motions, affidavits, and petitions were skills she had to acquire on the job. This insight is particularly valuable for current law students or recent graduates, emphasizing the need to be adaptable and ready to continue learning beyond the classroom.To learn more about Nancy's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with Managing Partner of Stratton & Reynolds, T C Reynolds. TC's journey into elder law was somewhat serendipitous. Initially, their interest in law was piqued by estate planning during their law school years, but elder law wasn't on their radar until later. It was Reynolds' partner, who had extensive experience in elder law, that illuminated the importance and satisfaction derived from this field. They introduced Reynolds to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NALA) conference, which further solidified their interest and commitment to elder law.Elder law is distinct from other legal fields in several ways. Primarily, it involves working closely with individuals and their families rather than large corporations. This personal touch is what sets elder law apart, as it often involves assisting the elderly and their children through complex and emotional situations. Additionally, elder law is not commonly practiced in large firms, leading many in this field to establish solo or small boutique practices.Running an elder law firm requires meticulous attention to detail and client management. Software solutions like Wealth Counsel and Elder Counsel are indispensable for keeping legal documents current and tailored to individual client needs. Systematizing repetitive tasks ensures consistency across the practice, especially as the firm grows and more attorneys join the team.To learn more about T C's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

Your host, Audrey Ehrhardt, talks with the Principal of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Crystal West Edwards. Elder law encompasses a variety of legal matters that affect the elderly, a demographic that Crystal West Edwards serves with both proficiency and compassion. She shared her perspective on the multifaceted nature of elder law, where legal expertise meets the personal narratives and emotional realities of aging individuals. Crystal's practice is rooted in a deep-seated empathy, recognizing that elder law is as much about people and their life stories as it is about statutes and legal frameworks.Crystal revealed her thoughtful approach to client relations. She underscored the critical role of trust and the tailored care she provides to each client's circumstances. Elder law often involves delicate topics such as estate planning, advance directives, and guardianship. Crystal navigates these areas with a deft blend of legal knowledge and heartfelt concern for the dignity and wishes of her clients.To learn more about Crystal's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

On this episode of What I Wish I Learned in Law School, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks with the Owner and Life Transitions Lawyer of The Chubb Law Firm, Heather R Chubb. Chubb Law Firm, nestled in the heart of Folsom, California, is not your typical legal practice. During the conversation, Heather shared the firm's dedication to solving what she calls "people puzzles." This philosophy is at the core of their services, which include elder law, estates and trusts, and special needs trusts. Heather's passion for making a tangible difference in her clients' lives was evident as she spoke about the firm's commitment to understanding the unique dynamics of each family they serve.In a field where legal matters can often feel impersonal and daunting, Chubb Law Firm stands out for its empathetic approach. Heather emphasized the importance of truly listening to clients, a practice that allows her team to provide personalized attention and tailor their services to each individual's needs. This client-centric approach ensures that the planning process is seamless and non-intrusive, a testament to the firm's dedication to its clients' well-being.To learn more about Heather's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.

On this episode of What I Wish I Learned in Law School, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks with the Partner of Ortego & Urech, Caroline Ortego. At Ortega & Urech, the firm where Caroline practices, they pride themselves on offering more than just legal advice. They specialize in estate planning, Medicaid planning, probate, and even dabble in real estate work. What truly sets them apart, however, is their commitment to providing hands-on, individualized attention to each client. Carolyn emphasized the importance of understanding clients' unique situations, which often allows her to identify additional ways to assist them—options they might not have initially considered.In an era where many services are becoming commoditized, Caroline believed that offering attentive, high-touch service remained a smart strategy. Her response was simple yet profound: treat clients the way you would want to be treated. This philosophy not only reflects the values of her firm but also ensures that clients receive the kind of service that fosters trust and long-term relationships.To learn more about Caroline's work, click HERE and HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.Want to learn more about Audrey Ehrhardt's work at Practice42, check out her website at https://practice42.com/.