Beyond Legal Pad With Laura Cowan

The Billable Hour and Its Limitations: How to Break Free

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Beyond the Legal Pad, attorney Laura Cowan dives into the challenges and limitations of the traditional billable hour model for lawyers and entrepreneurs. Laura shares her insights into transitioning to a flat-fee model, highlighting its benefits for both attorneys and clients. She explains how value-based pricing not only improves work-life balance but also fosters transparency and trust in client relationships. Along the way, Laura and co-host Kevin Rosenquist discuss tools, strategies, and the role of automation and AI in streamlining legal practice.
 
Timestamps:
[00:31-02:16] Why the billable hour doesn’t work and the advantages of flat fees in estate planning.
[02:17-03:53] Challenges and strategies for implementing a flat-fee model.
[03:54-05:28] Systematizing processes to streamline estate planning practice.
[05:29-07:40] Tools and software for automation and workflow efficiency.
[07:41-08:23] The benefits of automation and maintaining the human touch in estate planning.
[08:24-10:42] AI’s role in legal practice: enhancements, not replacements.
[10:43-11:31] Consistent revenue with flat fees: transitioning off the “cash flow roller coaster.”
[11:32-14:12] Steps for moving away from billable hours and embracing value-based pricing.
[14:13-15:21] How flat fees improve client relationships and attorney quality of life.
 
About The Show
Beyond the Legal Pad with attorney Laura Cowan is a podcast dedicated to helping lawyers transform their practices into efficient, client-focused businesses. Laura brings her expertise in estate planning and her passion for creating streamlined, lifestyle-driven law practices. Through engaging conversations and actionable advice, she empowers attorneys to break free from the billable hour, implement flat fee models, and use innovative tools to achieve work-life balance and consistent revenue.

Estate Planning 101 - Changing the Way You Practice Law

Episode Summary
In this episode of Beyond the Legal Pad, Laura Cowan discusses the transformative journey of creating a sustainable and profitable estate planning practice. Starting with her story of launching a practice from scratch, Laura shares her strategies for achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of delegation, building a strong team, and adopting virtual workflows post-COVID. The episode covers the essentials of estate planning, the ACE method (Attracting, Closing, Executing), and effective marketing techniques like hosting community workshops. Laura also introduces her upcoming book, Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution, offering insights for lawyers seeking fulfillment without abandoning their legal careers.
 
Timestamps:
[00:00-00:30] Introduction to Laura Cowan and Beyond the Legal Pad.
[00:31-01:43] Laura’s journey to launching a seven-figure estate planning practice.
[01:44-03:39] Impact of COVID-19 on legal practices and work-life balance.
[03:40-05:04] The ACE framework: Attracting, Closing, and Executing.
[05:05-06:35] The importance of having a team and starting with an assistant.
[06:36-08:26] Why estate planning is ideal for a lifestyle-focused practice.
[08:27-10:19] Marketing strategies: Educational workshops and community outreach.
[10:20-12:37] Effective client consultations and converting leads into clients.
[12:38-14:00] The Two-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer Program overview.
[14:01-15:15] Personal habits for maintaining balance and productivity.
[15:16-16:40] Laura’s book, Lifestyle Lawyer Revolution, and its mission.
 
About The Show
Beyond the Legal Pad is a podcast hosted by attorney Laura Cowan, offering insights into creating a fulfilling and balanced legal career. With a focus on estate planning, Laura shares her journey of building a successful virtual practice, launching the Two-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer program, and helping attorneys streamline their practices for more profit and freedom. Whether you're a lawyer seeking better work-life balance or interested in estate planning, this show provides practical advice, strategies, and inspiration to transform your legal career.