From Burnout to 200 Days Off: How Kent Berk Rebuilt His Firm to Run Without Him | Ep. 160

Time management for lawyers isn't just a productivity hack, it's the key to freedom. What if you could take around 200 days off a year without your firm collapsing, and actually increase law firm profitability in the process? That's exactly what Arizona probate, trust, and estate litigator Attorney Kent Berk has pulled off. In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life., Kent joins Steve to share how he went from overwhelmed and burned out, ready to walk away from his law practice, to leading a focused, profitable firm built on smart law firm business strategy and intentional law firm leadership. You'll hear how coaching, accountability, and a handful of mindset shifts helped him protect his time, reduce stress, and drive serious law firm growth. Steve and Kent break down the operational side of that transformation: revamping human resources, tightening law firm hiring practices, building an in-house training engine with AI-driven modules and real assessments, and aligning compensation with clear KPIs. With support from Practice Advisor Daniel Struna and the Atticus team, Kent redesigned his law firm operations so his team can train, make decisions, and move cases forward even when he's not in the office. From rethinking compensation structures and productivity metrics to embracing healthy conflict as a leadership tool, Kent's story is a practical blueprint for attorneys who want to step into a more intentional role, whether that's CEO, marketing director, or true firm leader. He shows how grit, clarity, boundaries, and a strong law firm culture can lead to exceptional client experiences and a life you actually enjoy. Whether you're overwhelmed or simply ready for your practice to support a better life, this episode delivers concrete strategies for attorney success, healthier law firm management, and meaningful, sustainable change. In this episode, you will hear: Kent Berk's transition from burnout to a balanced, profitable legal practiceStrategies for reducing stress through delegation, in-house training, and AI-enhanced operationsThe importance of a growth-oriented mindset and redefining roles within a law firmEnhancing firm efficiency by refining human resources, aligning compensation with performance, and leveraging technologyHow to connect traditional pricing models with clear productivity metrics to improve financial performanceEmbracing conflict and mistakes as opportunities for team growth and improvementThe benefits of taking significant time off to enhance creativity, focus, and firm profitability Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Kent Berk: berklawgroup.com/team/kent-berk Berk Law Group: berklawgroup.com Daniel Struna, Esq., Practice Advisor & Attorney: atticusadvantage.com/team/daniel-struna Law Firm Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification The Berk Brief (YouTube Series): www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4HbIYjUOpFG9W1JbnMlqBZ3M8YkwMxb_ The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 Blog "Why Law Firms Lose Top Talent (And How to Fix It)": atticusadvantage.com/blog/why-law-firms-lose-top-talent Onboarding Guide: atticusadvantage.com/worksheets/new-hire-onboarding-guide If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [e-mail]. Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.