Lawyers Who Learn

#18 Learning Through Listening: Building The Legal Tech Fund Summit

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, host David Schnurman sits down with Zach Posner, Managing Partner at The Legal Tech Fund, for an insightful conversation about building relationships and fostering innovation in the legal technology space. Posner shares his journey from edtech entrepreneur to legal tech investor, offering a unique perspective as the first non-attorney guest on the show.
The conversation delves deep into how Posner and his team manage 15-20 daily conversations with industry stakeholders, building a vast network that has led to investments in over 60 companies. He discusses the creation of The Legal Tech Fund Summit, a distinctive conference that brings together CEOs, investors, and innovators in the legal tech space without the typical commercial pressures of sponsorships and vendor booths.
Posner offers candid insights about the challenges and opportunities in early-stage investing, including the lengthy feedback cycles and the transformative potential of AI and regulatory changes in the legal industry. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and knowledge-sharing in accelerating industry growth, exemplified by his team's commitment to publishing their investment theses and market research openly through legaltechfund.com.
This conversation provides valuable lessons for both legal professionals and entrepreneurs about the power of continuous learning, authentic relationship building, and the future of legal technology.

#17 Learning Through Building Legal Tech Businesses

In this engaging episode of Lawyers Who Learn, host David interviews Basha Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Priori Legal, a tech-enabled legal marketplace connecting corporate clients with vetted attorneys. Having started Priori in 2013, Basha shares candid insights from her 12-year entrepreneurial journey, from initial conception to growing it into a successful platform with 8,000+ legal professionals.
The conversation covers the evolution of Priori from serving small businesses to enterprise clients, the challenges and lessons of raising $25 million in venture capital, and the delicate balance between building a billion-dollar company versus maintaining ownership control. Basha offers valuable advice for attorneys on effectively presenting themselves to clients and discusses how the platform vets and matches lawyers with corporate legal needs.
The discussion also explores the impact of remote work on company culture, the implementation of AI in legal tech, and broader industry trends. The episode concludes with an insightful exchange about work-life balance and the importance of personal freedom in building a sustainable business. Whether you're a legal tech entrepreneur, practicing attorney, or interested in the future of legal services, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on innovation and growth in the legal industry.

#16 Learning Through Productizing Legal Services

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, former law firm owner and current CEO of Bonterms Todd Smithline shares his two-decade journey of running a successful fixed-fee law practice serving major tech companies, including Facebook (now Meta) and Adobe. Todd breaks down how he transformed traditional hourly billing into a predictable subscription model by focusing on productizing legal services and creating reusable knowledge assets. He explains why law firms should think beyond pricing to focus on service packaging, client relationships, and value delivery.
Key discussion points include:
How to transition from hourly to fixed-fee billing while maintaining profitability
Building trust through month-to-month commitments and service guarantees
Creating reusable legal tools and processes to scale effectively
The impact of AI on legal services and why lawyers must adapt
Practical advice for attorneys looking to modernize their practice models
Whether you're a solo practitioner or managing partner, this episode offers valuable insights on reimagining legal service delivery in an evolving marketplace. Todd's candid discussion of both successes and challenges provides a realistic roadmap for attorneys seeking to build more efficient, client-centric practices.

#15 Learning Through Hosting Virtual and In-Person Gatherings for Attorneys

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, we highlight Ari Kaplan’s 25-year career as an award-winning legal analyst, author, and advisor with a transformative approach to networking and lifelong learning. From practicing law to advising legal professionals, Ari’s work emphasizes collaboration and innovation.
Ari shares how his daily virtual lunch series, launched during the pandemic, grew into over 1,100 sessions with sponsors and a vibrant community. He recounts how co-authoring articles as a young associate sparked his passion for writing and thought leadership, which led to his acclaimed books Reinventing Professional Services and The Opportunity Maker. Ari also reflects on hosting a public access TV show and organizing unique gatherings like his Legal Tech Mafia Breakfasts, which bring legal professionals together for innovation and collaboration.
Through candid reflections and practical advice, Ari offers attorneys a roadmap for transforming how they learn, connect, and grow in their careers.
 
 

#14 Learning Through Legacy

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, host David Schnurman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Justin Blitz, a seasoned personal injury attorney with a rich entrepreneurial spirit. They explore the parallels and differences in their career paths, delving into Blitz's unexpected shift from a budding career in music law to a successful journey in personal injury litigation.
Blitz shares emotional stories, including his first trial verdict, navigating family dynamics within the legal profession, and the profound impact of his father's legacy. The conversation also touches on the importance of lifelong learning, the evolving nature of legal practice, and the balance between professional passion and personal life.
This episode is a poignant and inspiring narrative for both seasoned and aspiring lawyers.

#13 Learning Through Curiosity, Creation, and Connection

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, host David Schnurman interviews Hani, an estate lawyer and Lawline power user. They discuss the importance of constant learning for attorneys and how Hani's dedication, particularly to leveraging Lawline courses, has fueled his legal career. The conversation delves into Hani's methods of learning, including listening to courses multiple times, engaging in study groups, and utilizing AI tools. They highlight the significance of curiosity, creation, and connection in the learning process, offering valuable insights for legal professionals eager to enhance their knowledge and skills.

#12 Learning to Build Tech-Savvy Law Firms for Tomorrow

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, Lawline’s CEO David Schnurman interviews Dominic Rogger, a legal tech entrepreneur based in Zurich, Switzerland. Dominic shares his journey from traditional law practice to founding legal tech companies like Get Your Lawyer and managing a forward-thinking law firm, Ponte Nova. They discuss the transformative impact of AI and large language models (LLMs) on the legal industry, the evolution of legal practice management, and the future of law firms. Learn how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing legal landscape and build a competitive, tech-savvy law practice.

#11 Learning Through Pushing Limits

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, we explore the power of pushing boundaries with Kolby Granville, an attorney, entrepreneur, educator, and endurance athlete whose life exemplifies growth through embracing discomfort. Kolby is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of After Dinner Conversation, a nonprofit promoting philosophical discourse through storytelling, and he also is an attorney at Granville Law, PLLC, focusing on criminal defense and civil matters. 
Kolby shares how consistently stepping outside his comfort zone, from navigating the complexities of law and starting new ventures to competing in Ironman races has shaped his career and life.
Whether you're looking to grow in your career or take on new personal challenges, this episode offers actionable advice for anyone ready to explore uncharted territory and achieve meaningful progress.

#10 Learning Through Opening Doors

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, we dive into the inspiring journey of Angelica Cesario, Vice President of Learning Solutions at Lawline. Angelica shares her path from a family deeply rooted in the values of hard work and education, through her formative experiences at prestigious institutions like Spence School and Amherst College, to impactful roles in civil rights law and legal education.
Discover how mentors and opportunities, such as the Teagle Fellowship, shaped her career and led her to her current role at Lawline, where she combines her legal expertise with a passion for innovative content development and strategic growth. Angelica also discusses her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), her work to create inclusive learning environments, and her focus on empowering attorneys through high-quality educational opportunities.
Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, Angelica's story highlights the power of perseverance, mentorship, and lifelong learning in driving success in legal careers. Join us for this compelling conversation and gain valuable insights into how education and connection can inspire growth and meaningful change in the legal profession.

#9 Learning Through Being in An Alternative Career

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, Lawline's CEO David Schnurman dives into the career path of Shahed Kader, an attorney who transitioned from a decade-long career in SaaS sales to founding his own law firm focused on legal services for technology companies. The conversation highlights the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and practical strategies for integrating legal education into a full-time career. Shahed shares insights on overcoming challenges, the value of sales experience, and leveraging CLE courses and AI tools like Lawline for continuous learning and professional growth. The episode ends with a discussion on the future of law, emphasizing flexibility, entrepreneurial spirit, and the transformative potential of AI in legal practice.