Episode 349 — AMMA — The Leadership Shift: Building a Firm That Doesn’t Depend on You
Are you struggling to let go of day-to-day tasks, even though you know it could propel your firm to new heights?
In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill breaks down the essential moves every attorney must make to go from operator to leader — and why your firm’s growth depends on it. You’ll uncover the exact strategies to get out of the weeds, elevate your brand, and drive insane levels of trust, performance, and profitability.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The importance of identifying and delegating tasks outside your unique skill set to focus on high-impact activities that drive your firm’s scalability
- How to leverage your personal brand to cultivate a firm-wide standard of excellence, ensuring clients’ trust beyond your direct involvement
- Strategies for stepping back from individual case management to embrace a leadership role that helps elevate your law firm and build a robust practice
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or running a fast-growing team, this episode delivers real talk and real strategy to help you define success on your terms — and build the law firm of the future.
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Show Notes:
Balancing family dynamics. “In our household, we’ve implemented an evening routine that emphasizes accountability and independence for our children. It’s about teaching them early on that actions have consequences. For example, we have a routine to ensure bedtime goes smoothly — a lesson in cause and effect. This approach is not only beneficial for parenting but is also crucial for business leaders who need to instill accountability within their teams.”
Balancing working on and in your business. “The perennial question: when do you stop doing everything yourself? I think back to the early days when I was handling every aspect, from sales and marketing to payroll. The ‘aha’ moment was realizing that my time was better spent on high-impact activities that require my unique skills. So, if your goal is to scale, focus on freeing yourself from tasks that do not require your personal touch, even if this means stepping away sooner than you think.”
Building a team brand. “I know it’s tough to step back and let your team carry the torch, especially if your clients are used to working directly with you. But they are not coming to you just for you; it’s your standard and your firm’s credibility they trust. Elevate your team by marketing their achievements; this way, clients will expect a standard of excellence, regardless of who handles the case.”
Playing to your strengths. “Imagine spending 70% of your day doing what truly excites you instead of managing tasks you’re not passionate about. It’s liberating to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Find someone whose strengths complement yours — perhaps a practice manager — to handle the operational side that doesn’t energize you. This unlocks your potential to thrive doing the work you truly enjoy.”
Hiring the right people. “The key to management is delegation. For tasks you don’t relish, hiring someone who excels at them can be transformative for your quality of life and business performance. It’s not about the cost of hiring this person; it’s about the value and freedom you gain, which will likely translate into growth and profitability for the firm.”
Professional versus personal growth. “Your reputation as an attorney is a significant asset, but it shouldn’t be a barrier to your firm’s growth. Leverage your personal brand to empower your team, letting clients see that your firm as a whole meets the high standards they expect from you. It’s not just about stepping back; it’s about strategic transparency and communication with your clients about your valued team.”
Connect with Michael
- Text directly at 404-531-7691