How do you build a law firm team that actually loves what they do and stays longer because of it?

In today’s legal market, hiring for skill isn’t enough. Law firms need to rethink how they attract, engage, and retain top talent.

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Kyle Robbins, Founder of Robbins Estate Law, who’s sharing with us how he’s grown his firm through culture-first hiring. Using a custom personality and values survey, Kyle has scaled to over 30 team members in just a few years.

He's not just building a fast-growing practice—he’s reinventing how law firms hire, engage, and manage their people through innovative processes you won’t hear about in your typical legal playbook.

Get ready for tangible strategies, a few behind-the-scenes laughs, and ideas you can steal for your own firm!

Tune in to learn:

• From Farm to Firm Owner – Kyle’s unconventional journey from Oklahoma farm life to building a fast-growing estate law firm in Texas
• Fix the Hiring Funnel – Why traditional interviews fall short and how Kyle uses the Culture Index to find top talent that sticks
• Personalities Over Resumes – Real stories of team members thriving after shifting roles based on personality and behavioral data
• Automate to Elevate – How tools like Process Street and Clio helped Kyle replace entire departments and free up staff for high-impact work
• Lead Like a CEO – Why stepping away from lawyering was Kyle’s boldest and smartest move as a founder
• Market Smarter, Not Louder – What marketing efforts actually drove growth and how referrals became the engine of his firm

Key Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Assess “Fit” First – Use culture and personality assessments to hire for alignment, not just qualifications.
• Automate Intentionally – Deploy workflow tools to eliminate repetitive tasks and empower your team.
• Rework Roles, Not People – Redesign jobs around team members’ strengths to boost retention and morale.
• Measure What Matters – Track marketing ROI rigorously! Cut what doesn’t convert and reinvest in what does.
• Let Go to Grow – Delegate legal work to step fully into leadership and scale with purpose.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.robbinsestatelaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-robbins-3b54b480
• Culture Index: https://www.cultureindex.com
• Clio: https://www.clio.com
• Process Street: https://www.process.st

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

How many millions of everyday disputes go unresolved simply because the legal system is too daunting or inaccessible for the average person?

In an era where technology is reshaping everything from food delivery to banking, the legal industry is finally feeling the impact. Platforms are emerging that aim to make access to justice as easy as hailing a ride, challenging traditional legal models and empowering real people to take action.

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Michael Egenthal—Attorney, Law Professor, and Founder & CEO of Squabble—an innovative platform streamlining the small claims process across the U.S. We invited Michael on because he’s building the first-of-its-kind nationwide platform that makes filing and handling small claims approachable, transparent, and fast for everyone.

Tune in to learn the surprising bottlenecks of the small claims process, how Squabble is changing the game for plaintiffs and courts alike, and what legal tech means for traditional law firms.

Tune in to learn:

• From Olive Branch to Operating System – How Squabble evolved from a local mediation concept into a nationwide platform handling thousands of small claims.
• Why Most Small Claims Fail – The common procedural mistakes that derail pro se litigants—and how Squabble helps users avoid them.
• Triple-Check to Win – Squabble’s built-in process that dramatically lowers rejection rates and keeps claims moving forward.
• David vs. Goliath – How regular people are using tech to successfully bring claims against big companies—and win.
• When Automation Meets Advocacy – The balance between tech efficiency and the role of attorneys in simplifying legal access.
• Legal Industry Pushback – Why some traditionalists are wary of platforms like Squabble, and what that reveals about the future of legal tech.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Streamline Referrals – Use legal tech platforms to route out-of-scope or low-value cases, keeping your firm focused and your network grateful.
• Improve Your Intake – Apply principles from Squabble’s triple-check system to reduce document errors and boost client success.
• Lean Into Legal Tech – Embrace tools that simplify legal access—tech-savvy clients increasingly expect it.
• Know the UPL Line – Stay current on what counts as unauthorized practice so you can work with (not against) legal tech partners.
• Empower Through Education – Like Squabble, demystify legal processes to boost client trust—even when they’re not your direct client.

Important Links and Resources:

• Squabble: https://www.squabbleapp.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-e-8b292941

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Wondering how lawyers can use AI to improve their practice?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Drwencke—Founding Partner at DRD Law, LLC—to learn how he's using AI to streamline everything from intake and document review to trial prep and client communications. He also unpacks the realities of practicing in a high-stakes, privacy-sensitive field—where wins are hard to publicize and courtroom persuasion is part art, part science.

Whether you’re exploring legal tech or refining your client experience, David’s approach offers a forward-thinking blueprint for modern law firms.

Tune in to learn:

• Crafting Credibility in Criminal Defense – Why discretion matters more than online reviews in high-stakes, high-privacy cases.
• Persuade with Purpose – How to adapt your trial strategy depending on your audience—facts, law, or theatrics.
• Tech with a Human Touch – How David uses AI to improve speed, accuracy, and personalization—without losing empathy.
• Bench vs. Jury – The hidden dynamics behind choosing your forum—and how to win in either.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Digitize Your Voice – Use AI to automate and personalize client comms—boosting engagement without burning out your team.
• Review Before You Send – AI saves time, but human review protects your brand and your clients.
• Track the Right Metrics – From intake call sentiment to conversion rates, use AI insights to refine your process.
• Scale Without the Overhead – Smart automation can help small firms punch far above their weight.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://drdlawllc.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-drwencke
• David Drwencke’s podcast: Defending the Windy City: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defending-the-windy-city-with-david-drwecke/id1804172923
• CoCounsel: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/cocounsel

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when a divorce attorney chooses peace over war?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Anthony Diaz—aka The Peacemaker—to explore how empathy, creativity, and collaboration are reshaping the world of family law. Anthony shares his unique journey from CPA to nationally known mediation and arbitration attorney, and reveals why his practice is built around one mission: helping families move forward without destruction.

Plus, Anthony shares helpful free resources, including ebooks, to help anyone facing divorce navigate the process with clarity and compassion.

If you work in family law—or know someone going through it—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to learn:

• Branding with Integrity – How Anthony built The Peacemaker identity to reflect his commitment to conflict resolution in family law.
• Balance the Books, Calm the Storm – Why Anthony’s CPA background gives him an edge in crafting fair and financially sound divorce agreements.
• Disrupt the Drama – A look at how some attorneys escalate conflict for profit—and why the profession needs a culture shift toward peace.
• Mediate to Win – Why Florida’s mediation-first model resolves up to 95% of family law cases without going to trial.
• Create, Don’t Confront – Real-world examples of collaborative solutions to high-conflict issues like relocation and co-parenting.
• Draw the Line – When and why lawyers need to “fire” clients to preserve integrity, wellbeing, and better outcomes for all parties.
• Modernize the System – Anthony’s take on outdated laws—like alimony guidelines—and how clearer statutes could reduce litigation.
• Empathy Over Ego – Practical de-escalation strategies for attorneys and clients navigating emotionally charged family law disputes.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Lead with Values – Build a brand that reflects your mission and attracts the right clients by aligning your marketing with your principles.
• Own Your Niche – Specializing in peaceful, out-of-court resolutions can set your firm apart and appeal to today’s conflict-weary clients.
• Know When to Say No – Firing misaligned clients protects your firm’s culture, your mental health, and your long-term reputation.
• Design Systems for Settlement – Embrace mediation and collaborative tools that streamline case resolution, reduce burnout, and increase client satisfaction.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://anthonydiazlaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the1peacemaker
• Divorce Hour Podcast: https://anthonydiazlaw.com/divorce-hour-interviews
• Anthony’s E-Books: https://anthonydiazlaw.com/recommended-resources

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Can divorce really be amicable, cost-effective, and stress-free—with no lawyers involved?

This week on Hot Docket, we sat down with Dori Shwirtz, founder of Divorce Harmony—a remote mediation practice helping couples divorce smarter, faster, and with less stress. Dori’s here to break down what mediation really is, how it works, and why more people are choosing it over the traditional attorney vs. attorney approach.

With more couples seeking less combative ways to divorce, mediation and uncontested divorces are on the rise… and the legal industry is taking notice! Lawyers and firms are rethinking the traditional courtroom approach to meet the growing demand for more collaborative, peaceful solutions.

Curious to learn more?

Tune in to learn:

• Pivot with Purpose – How Dori transitioned from traditional law to building a thriving niche in remote divorce mediation.
• Build with Intention – The client-first philosophy behind Divorce Harmony and how it sets her practice apart.
• Mediate Remotely, Effectively – A look at how Zoom-based mediation operates and the scalable potential it offers law firms.
• Get Found Online – How strategic use of SEO, referrals, and Facebook drives steady client traffic.
• Balance Tech and Humanity – Why AI can streamline tasks, but empathy and human connection remain essential in family law.
• Guard Your Energy – Practical advice for maintaining emotional boundaries in emotionally charged practice areas.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Embrace Remote Mediation – Offering virtual mediation creates a scalable, accessible service that meets clients where they are.
• Educate for Impact – Clear communication and full transparency are essential for successful, informed mediation outcomes.
• Market to Pro Se Clients – Not every mediation needs attorneys; speaking directly to self-represented clients can open new growth channels.
• Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout – Build systems that protect your energy and time, especially in emotionally intense practice areas.
• Use AI Wisely – Automate admin tasks with tech, but remember: empathy, nuance, and human connection are still mediation’s superpowers.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.divorceharmony.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorceharmony
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divorceharmonymediation

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when a college athlete dies during practice—and the school is to blame?

In this episode of Hot Docket, Attorney Jeff Murphy takes us inside the high-stakes world of sports injury litigation where law, medicine, and tragedy collide. Together, we uncover the hidden truths behind sports-related death and injury litigation.

With over 35 years of experience in law and 17 years as a volunteer high school football coach, Jeff has become a leading voice in representing families of student-athletes who tragically lost their lives during athletic conditioning. He shares compelling stories from landmark cases against major universities, unpacks the complex legal and medical issues surrounding student-athlete deaths, and offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how these emotionally charged cases are built—and challenged.

From legal challenges like liability waivers and state immunity to hidden health risks like sickle cell trait and heat-stroke, Jeff breaks down a complex area of law that affects more people than you might think. He also shares how he found his way into this unique legal niche—and how it’s changing both the courtroom and athletic safety standards nationwide.

Tune in to learn:

• The Hidden Risk in Conditioning – Why the start of training periods is the most dangerous time for athletes—and where most of these tragedies occur.
• Medical Conditions Like Sickle Cell Trait – The #1 overlooked factor that can turn intense workouts deadly, especially when staff miss the warning signs.
• Why Waivers Don’t Always Hold Up – How buried legal language and unsafe training practices can render signed waivers unenforceable in court.
• State Immunity & Capped Damages – The legal barrier that limits justice, even after a jury rules in the family’s favor—thanks to sovereign immunity laws.
• Universities Shielding Themselves – How schools use private entities like DSOs to avoid scrutiny while still benefiting from state protections.
• Jeff’s Dual Role: Coach & Attorney – Why having both field and courtroom experience gives him a unique edge in these emotionally charged cases.
• How a Niche Becomes a Calling – The moment one case turned into a national mission, opening the door to help families across the country.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Own a Niche to Stand Out – Specializing in a unique legal area builds credibility, visibility, and trust faster than general practice ever will.
• Promote Big Wins – Publicize major case results to attract similar clients and boost your reputation through SEO, media, and referrals.
• Be a Thought Leader – Share your expertise through podcasts, articles, and events to position your firm as the go-to in your niche.
• Double Down on What Works – Once you gain traction in a niche, amplify it with focused marketing to create a referral engine.
• Leverage Media for Authority – Use press coverage of unique cases to extend your reach beyond local markets and attract national attention.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.jeffmurphylaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-d-murphy-58938834
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personalinjuryattorneytampa#

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Are you a solo attorney looking to scale your practice and stand out in a competitive legal market? In this episode of Hot Docket, we sit down with Jonathan Breeden, Owner and Attorney at Breeden Law Office, to explore how he transformed his solo practice into one of North Carolina’s leading family law firms.

As law firms across the country turn to digital marketing and tech-driven solutions, Jonathan shares what it really takes to stay ahead—especially in saturated urban and suburban markets.

🔍 Sneak Peek: After partnering with a boutique marketing agency, Jonathan’s firm website climbed into the top 10 law firm websites in North Carolina within just 18 months—a testament to the power of smart strategy and strong online presence.

Whether you're a legal professional looking for law firm growth strategies or simply curious about the evolving world of family law, this episode dives into:

• How to build a law firm with purpose, starting from scratch
• Turning personalized marketing into your competitive edge
• Why practical, real-world skills are essential in legal education
• What it’s really like to practice family law—challenges and rewards
• Tips for navigating law practice in urban vs. suburban settings
• How business coaching can transform your legal career and firm
• Why adaptability and strong ethics are key to long-term success in law

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Invest in a professional, consumer-tailored website for better lead management.
• Seek out marketing firms that understand your market and can personalize your strategy.
• Consider the practical application of law in your education and ongoing practice.
• Balance aggression and amicability in family law to align with client needs.
• Get a business coach to help grow and scale your law firm effectively.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.breedenfirm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-breeden-75852ba

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What does it take to run a family law practice? From high-stakes custody battles to the truth behind prenups, Mark Kachhi, Founder of The Mark Kachhi Law Firm, has seen it all. In this episode of Hot Docket, he shares why he chose family law over other legal fields, the challenges he faces, and the unexpected rewards of the practice.

Mark breaks down prenups and postnups, explaining why they’re more common than you think and when they’re essential. He also reveals the biggest mistakes people make in divorce and custody disputes, plus how a strong strategy can make all the difference. As a solo practitioner, Mark offers an inside look at the dynamics of family law and the importance of building relationships—even with opposing counsel.

In this episode of Hot Docket, Bobby, Andrew, and Mark discuss:

• From Classroom Debate to Family Law – How Mark found his true calling in advocacy
• Prenups Without the Stigma – Why prenuptial agreements strengthen, not sabotage, relationships
• Postnups Done Right – The strategic move that protects assets and prevents future conflicts
• Winning Custody Battles – How smart custody planning can safeguard your parental rights
• Solo, But Never Alone – How Mark built a thriving solo law practice on his own terms
• The Power of Strategy – Why a tactical mindset in legal negotiations changes everything

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Consider the value of personalized prenuptial agreements to avoid 'one size fits all' settlements.
• Evaluate the potential benefit of postnuptial agreements for clients with significant personal assets or marital changes.
• Encourage clear communication and pre-planned custody arrangements to safeguard client interests.
• Cultivate strong, objective relationships with opposing counsel for smoother negotiations.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.themarkkachhilawfirm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kachhi
• Instagram: @themklawfirm

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!