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A Different Practice

A Different Practice

Written by: ADifferentPractice.com
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How do I build a solo law practice that doesn’t lead to burnout? How do I break free of the traditional, one-size-fits-all idea of being a lawyer? How do I create a sustainable, fulfilling, and profitable practice? If you’re ready to free yourself of the legal profession’s antiquated approach and build a better solo practice, this podcast is for you. A Different Practice is a business and well-being podcast for solo and semi-solo attorneys looking for actionable strategies to earn more and work less. It's hosted by Lauren Lester, an active solo attorney in Colorado.

adifferentpractice.substack.comLauren Lester
Economics
Episodes
  • Creating a Subscription Service: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025
    Jun 26 2025

    In this bonus episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I dive into one of the most talked-about topics in modern legal services—subscription models.

    Mathew walked me through how subscriptions can be structured for different practice areas, including estate planning, and offered tons of practical insight on what makes a legal subscription model work. We talked about how to define clear benefits (like annual meetings or quarterly check-ins), use tech to streamline the admin side, and even collaborate with financial planners to create more value for clients.

    I shared some of my own hesitations—like the potential manual workload of managing subscriptions and how it fits with my current fixed-fee model—but I’m staying open to experimenting with new approaches that could better serve both my clients and my business.

    If you’ve been curious about how to make subscriptions work in your law firm—or whether they’re right for you at all—this episode is a great place to start.

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    Want proven tips to help you build a thriving solo practice from someone who's tested them already? Subscribe to the Solo Success Lab and learn what really works in solo practice: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe
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    39 mins
  • Parenthood and Entrepreneurship: How to Run a Law Firm in 2025
    Jun 19 2025

    In the eighteenth episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I got personal. We talked about what it’s really like to run a law firm and a household, especially as parents.

    We shared how we navigate the demands of our practices while being present for our families and the systems we've built to make it all work. For Mathew, entrepreneurship has meant the flexibility to take on more household duties and be there for his child in a way traditional legal roles didn’t allow. For me, it’s been about setting boundaries, streamlining tasks at home and at work, and defining what balance actually means for me.

    We also talked about the role of supportive partners and community—how having people around you who understand (and help) makes all the difference. And we wrapped it all up by asking a powerful question: What does “enough” look like for you? In terms of time, money, energy—what’s truly enough to feel fulfilled?

    If you’re building a life alongside your business, this episode is for you.

    P.S. Stay tuned—we’ve got a bonus episode coming soon about incorporating subscription models into your law practice!

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    Want proven tips to help you build a thriving solo practice from someone who's tested them already? Subscribe to the Solo Success Lab and learn what really works in solo practice: https://adifferentpractice.com/subscribe



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • The 6-Step System for Guilt-Free Time Off
    Jun 17 2025

    When was your last real vacation? Not a “replying to client emails under a beach umbrella” kind of break, but an actual, restorative, inbox-free escape. If that question makes your eye twitch, this episode is for you.

    I’m walking you through the exact 6-step system I use to plan and take real vacations as a solo attorney. You’ll learn how to protect your time off like it’s a court date, prep clients without guilt, set up a no-panic pre-vacation sprint, and come back without a mountain of chaos.

    Vacations aren’t reckless. They’re a strategy. Tune in and learn how to finally take the time you need without your practice falling apart.

    Listen Now!

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    Subscribe to The Solo Success Lab

    See the Show Notes



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adifferentpractice.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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