Steve Mesirow: How Solo Attorneys Can Defer Hundreds of Thousands in Taxes

Steve Mesirow: How Solo Attorneys Can Defer Hundreds of Thousands in Taxes

Mid-year is one of the most powerful windows to reshape your tax bill and retirement future. In this episode, you’ll learn how solo and small-firm attorneys can legally shelter six figures a year, catch up fast if they’ve started late, and turn their practice into a true retirement engine.   * Why is waiting until tax season the absolute worst time to plan your retirement? * How can solo and small-firm attorneys legally shelter up to $300,000 a year from taxes? * What are the different "levels" of retirement plans, and how do you know which one fits your firm? * Why is starting early—even with small amounts—the most powerful wealth-building tool you have? * How do rising earners trade lower tax rates today for decades of completely tax-free growth? * What is a cash balance plan, and why do you not need a massive corporate firm to use one? * How do you calculate the exact nest egg needed to secure a six-figure pension by age 65? * Why is being "conservative" with your investments actually a massive risk for your long-term future? * How can getting your accountant and financial advisor in the same room change your financial trajectory? * What mid-year financial moves can you make right now before the January 1st deadline locks you out?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Steve Mesirow for sharing his insights on how solo attorneys can take control of their financial future, maximize compounding growth, and make the government wait for its cut. If you want to dive deeper into these high-contribution strategies and start building your own retirement powerhouse, be sure to connect with Steve and utilize his wealth of wealth-management expertise. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow attorney or business owner who needs to optimize their tax bill. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Steve Mesirow: Steve Mesirow is a Senior Managing Director in Mesirow Wealth Management. He provides investment advice and financial planning strategies to individuals, business owners, and charitable organizations that are designed to help accumulate, manage, and preserve wealth. Steve joined the firm in 1993 and has more than 30 years of financial services experience. He has been recognized by Forbes | SHOOK as a Best-in-State Wealth Advisor in 2025 and 2026. Steve serves on the Jewish United Fund Health and Human Services subcommittee. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Political Science from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in History from the University of Maryland, and a Master's in teaching from the American University. Steve is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.   Connect with Steve Mesirow: Website: https://www.mesirow.com/ [https://www.mesirow.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmesirow/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmesirow/] Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/14C2aOiBMs84asVohHbGKIAUXKB7jFFTv/view?usp=drive_link [https://drive.google.com/file/u/0/d/14C2aOiBMs84asVohHbGKIAUXKB7jFFTv/view?usp=drive_link]     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com [ronb@amataoffices.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/] Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ [https://amatacorp.com/] “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467]   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/] Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Jared Gibson: Turning Expertise into a Visible Personal Brand with AI and Video

Your law degree is elite, but your online presence is invisible—and it’s costing you, clients. Legal buyers are searching for your exact expertise, but all they’re finding are quiet profiles. In this episode, Jared Gibson breaks down how to take the brilliant insights locked in your head and turn them into high-visibility content that commands attention from both humans and AI.   * What’s the secret to turning what’s already in your head into a high-visibility content machine? * How do you build a custom “AI brain” that replicates your unique voice without sounding like a robot? * Why did the post-pandemic buyer journey permanently shift the spotlight from corporate logos to personal brands? * What’s the biggest mistake time-starved professionals make when trying to stay consistent on social media? * How can you ruthlessly repurpose a single monthly interview into a multi-channel content strategy? * Why is chasing polished perfection actually the fastest way to kill your authenticity online? * What’s the truth about LinkedIn engagement, and why are your actual buyers rarely the ones leaving comments? * How do you leverage the power of Claude and modern AI tools without polluting the internet with generic AI slop?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Jared Gibson for sharing his insights on how executives and attorneys can get out of their comfort zones, scale their visibility, and show up everywhere their buyers are. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to stop waiting for perfect and just start creating. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Jared Gibson: Jared Gibson is the co-founder of Outworks, a company that helps B2B CEOs, founders, and executives build personal brands and drive leads on LinkedIn. He began his career in traditional B2B sales roles before transitioning into entrepreneurship, eventually pivoting Outworks from an initial focus on email lead generation to a dedicated LinkedIn content and relationship-building agency. Jared is an advocate for "operator thinking," authentic networking, and leveraging video to capture a leader's genuine voice. He focuses on building scalable content operating systems that help time-starved executives maintain consistent digital visibility without sacrificing their unique personalities to generic AI tools.    Connect with Jared Gibson: Website: https://www.outworks.io/ [https://www.outworks.io/]     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com [ronb@amataoffices.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/] Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ [https://amatacorp.com/] “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467]   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/] Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Robert Harney: How Smarter Phone Systems Stop Law Firms from Losing Clients at First Contact

Most law firms obsess over marketing but ignore what happens when the phone actually rings. In this episode, you’ll learn how modern, AI-enabled phone systems turn first contact from a hidden leak into one of your firm’s most powerful revenue drivers.   * How do modern, AI-enabled phone systems turn a law firm's hidden leaks into revenue drivers? * What is "telecom hell," and how can growth-minded firms escape it? * Why does the biggest leak in a firm's marketing funnel happen after the prospect calls? * How can a well-optimized phone network find 40% or more in hidden savings on your current bill? * What are the foundational network elements required before you even look at a VoIP provider? * How do smartphone systems use analytics and CRM integration to ensure calls convert into signed matters? * What is the proper balance between the human touch and AI during client intake? * Why should law firms avoid "jack of all trades" practice management systems in favor of open APIs? * What hidden taxes and manufactured fees are phone vendors hiding in your contract? * Why are attorneys losing hundreds of dollars an hour by trying to be their own office tech support?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Robert Harney for sharing his insights on how to escape telecom hell and transform your law firm’s phone system into a client-converting profit engine. If you want to dive deeper into maximizing your intake, analyzing your communication bills, or building a high-level touch network that integrates the best of human expertise and AI, connect with Robert and find out how to stop losing clients at first contact. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow firm owner who needs to stop bleeding leads. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Robert Harney: In 2009, Robert Harney set out to transform the way businesses handle telecommunications. With over 25 years of industry experience and a passion for supporting fellow entrepreneurs, he founded Open One Solutions to cut through the chaos and bring sanity, clarity, and service back to business phone systems. Robert’s approach is simple: give business owners powerful, reliable communication tools without the headaches. His deep technical knowledge, combined with his curiosity and love of technology and how it serves his clients, is what fosters long-term client relationships and makes Open One a rare gem in an industry filled with impersonal giants. Robert is a telecom expert with a passion for leadership, community, and connection. As Chairman of the Business Executives Association of Chicago and Secretary of the Rotary Club of Chicago—where he also co-chairs the Job1 Program—Robert leads with purpose and vision. He serves on the Extended Board of the Small Business Advocacy Council and is a Past Master of his Masonic Lodge. His support of organizations like Child’s Voice School and Spotlight Youth Theater underscores his commitment to empowering others and strengthening communities. Outside the office, Robert enjoys the outdoors, classic cars, fine spirits, and cigars. He is a proud alumnus of Beloit College. Robert’s mission is clear: eliminate the stress, confusion, and inefficiency of technology so business leaders can focus on what they do best—growing their business.   Connect with Robert Harney: Website: https://openonesolutions.com/ [https://openonesolutions.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertharney/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertharney/]       Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com [ronb@amataoffices.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/] Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ [https://amatacorp.com/] “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467]   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/]   Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Rakesh Parikh: Valuation, Exit Planning, and the Hidden Power of Your Law Firm’s Address

Most lawyers never connect today’s billable rate to tomorrow’s exit number. In this episode, you’ll learn how location, recurring revenue, team structure, and smart exit planning can transform a professional services firm from a lifestyle practice into a business buyers actually want to pay a premium for. * What’s the difference between what your law firm is worth and what a buyer will actually pay? * How can a solo or small firm owner transform a lifestyle practice into a sellable asset? * Why is "de-risking" the most important step for an entrepreneur looking to exit? * How does your office address and overhead directly impact your valuation multiple? * What is the biggest misconception lawyers have about the value of their practice? * Why should a business owner work backwards from the end in mind? * How do you know if your firm is actually ready for a private equity exit? * Why is recurring revenue the "holy grail" for professional service firms? * How can an annual valuation be used as a tool for partner incentives and team growth? * What’s the one thing that makes valuation more "art" than science?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Rakesh Parikh, co-founder of Pivot Capital, for sharing his insights on how to build a firm that’s truly an asset, not just a job. If you want to dive deeper into how to de-risk your business and prepare for a high-value exit, be sure to connect with the team at Pivot Capital. Their expertise in M&A advisory and exit planning is exactly what you need to ensure your hard work pays off when it’s time to move on to your next chapter. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Rakesh Parikh:  Website: https://pivotcapitalllc.com/ [https://pivotcapitalllc.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-parikh-3a69207/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-parikh-3a69207/]     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com [ronb@amataoffices.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/] Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ [https://amatacorp.com/] “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467] Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/]   Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Erin Guthrie: Turning Your Law Firm into a Valuable, Exit-Ready Asset

Most lawyers assume their practice ends the day they stop practicing. In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your law firm into a sellable, exit-ready asset—with the right timelines, processes, and client strategy to actually get paid for what you’ve built.   * Why do 87% of businesses never sell? * When should a lawyer actually start planning their exit strategy? * How do you make a law practice less dependent on the founding rainmaker? * What role do branding, online reviews, and marketing play in firm valuation? * How do you build documented, repeatable processes that reassure a buyer? * What are the dangers of over-relying on one or two "whale" clients? * How can a solopreneur or single lawyer creatively structure a successful handoff? * What is the difference between an earn-out and a cash buyout regarding risk and control? * How do you distinguish between an "ego number" and a realistic valuation? * Why is it never too early to start planning with the final end in mind?   That’s all for today! Big thanks to Erin for sharing these crucial insights on how to transition from a practicing attorney to an asset owner with an exit-ready firm. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs some help building a business that can run without them. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!   About Erin Guthrie: Erin Braddock Guthrie is the Managing Director of Exit Factor of Chicago Downtown, where she specializes in helping business owners transition their companies into highly valuable, long-term assets. Recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as a "40 Under 40" honoree, she has built a distinguished career guiding corporate growth and economic strategy, previously serving as Senior Director of Cloud+AI Strategy at Microsoft, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Dell Technologies, and Secretary of Commerce for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under Governor JB Pritzker. Her extensive background also includes leadership as the General Manager of Regional Midwest Operations and Marketplace at Uber and an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. Erin holds an MBA as a fellowship recipient from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business and a B.A. in Public Policy from Stanford University.   Connect with Erin Guthrie: Website: https://exitfactor.com/ [https://exitfactor.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinbraddockguthrie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinbraddockguthrie/]     Connect with Ron Bockstahler: Email: ronb@amataoffices.com [ronb@amataoffices.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbockstahler/] Company website: https://amatacorp.com/ [https://amatacorp.com/] “Don't Lose Your Balance” book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Lose-Your-Balance-Business/dp/1964046467]   Connect with Rebecca Bockstahler: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bockstahler-aa786b2a6/] Show notes by Team Podcastologist Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.