Maximum Lawyer: "What Actually Worked in 2025 (And What Didn’t)"
Host: Tyson Mutrux
Date: January 17, 2026
Podcast Theme: Candid reflections on 2025 for law firm owners, highlighting strategies, lessons, and standout podcast episodes, with an eye toward intentional firm growth and leadership in 2026.
Episode Overview
Tyson Mutrux welcomes listeners to the first Maximum Lawyer episode of 2026, using it as an opportunity to express gratitude and reflect on the most impactful lessons and podcast episodes of 2025. He shares both his and Becca's top picks from the past year, providing behind-the-scenes insights and key takeaways—what actually worked (and what didn’t) for law firm owners striving for better businesses and lives.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. A Year of Growth & Change
Timestamp: 00:53–03:30
- Tyson celebrates 2025 as a year of "amazing profits" and "massive growth" for both Maximum Lawyer and his firm.
- He candidly admits the show had stagnated in 2023–2024, but format changes (longer, deeper episodes) led to dramatic improvement in reach, particularly on YouTube and podcast platforms.
"We switched the format quite a bit and that led to some really massive improvements... Massive growth on YouTube."
— Tyson Mutrux (01:46)
- Expresses gratitude toward the community and gives special thanks for support during the relaunch of the MaxLawCon conference and the creation of Becca’s List, a new legal vendor review platform.
2. The Value of Going Deeper
Timestamp: 06:30–09:45
- Tyson reflects on moving away from rigid 30-minute time slots, experimenting with longer, more in-depth episodes based on listener response.
"Now I mean, I could go 90 minutes... If we had time, a lot of these episodes we'd be going a lot deeper."
— Tyson Mutrux (07:52)
- He notes that sometimes the episodes he thinks will resonate most don’t, while others unexpectedly have major impact—pointing to feedback on the Chris Early episode.
"[You’ll] record one that... nothing in my mind was super significant... It will have a massive impact on [someone]."
— Tyson Mutrux (06:18)
3. Top Podcast Episodes of 2025 — Tyson’s Picks
Full Section: 10:00–23:30
a. Unlocking the Secrets to Viral Videos (with Hillary Billings)
- Explores what makes content shareable: "People don't share content because it's good. They share it because it moves them." (12:25)
- Tyson highlights Hillary’s on-camera skill and depth of the interview, sharing that personal story came before marketing tactics.
b. A Frank Discussion About Vendors that Charge Too Much (with Becca)
- Originated from frustrations about the "lawyer tax" and lack of customer service.
- Led to the creation of Becca's List, sparked by a venting session about vendor predation on lawyers.
c. The Legal Tech Shakeup (with Dr. Kane Elliott, Filevine)
- Dr. Elliott’s insight: "Every profession that thought it was immune eventually learned it wasn’t." (16:22)
- Tyson recounts his mind being "blown" by Elliott’s predictions for legal AI and urges listeners to revisit the episode for futuristic thinking.
d. Future Proofing Your Law Firm (with Brian Mittman)
- Discusses the ups and downs of firm mergers and acquisitions; the deal discussed ultimately fell through.
- Tyson notes it left him "full of energy" after a long recording day—"just a really awesome, awesome episode." (18:15)
e. How Your Money Story is Sabotaging Your Law Firm (with Jaden Doy)
- Covers financial mindset and behavioral finance, blending numbers with deep self-perception.
- Memorable quote: "You can't out-earn a belief you won't confront." (20:12)
f. Why Your Legal Case Management System is Costing You Cases (with Dan Schnerbush)
- Tyson and Dan "nerd out" over AI in legal tech, building analogies between tech tools and craftsmanship.
g. Couples Series
- Tyson created “Couples Series” interviewing law firm co-owners in relationships, asking the same questions for both perspectives.
- Tysons wishes for more behind-the-scenes drama, but found joy in exploring the differences and coordination involved in joint ownership.
h. The Real Secret Behind Boutique Firm Growth (with Evelyn, aka "The Real Evelyn")
- Focuses on Evelyn’s journey through major life transitions and firm management across borders (Canada-US).
- Tyson: "It was just so much fun talking about what it's really like to run a law firm while you also have personal things going on." (24:20)
i. Behind the Firm: A Candid Conversation with Tyson and Amy
- Tyson’s personal favorite: An intimate and unscripted episode with his wife Amy, marking her first appearance in nearly 10 years.
"We essentially have grown up together... it was a really, really enjoyed that one. It was also a really good reminder of, like, the journey."
— Tyson Mutrux (26:10)
- Tyson describes the playful uncertainty and honest answers in a lively, authentic conversation.
4. Becca’s Top Picks and Runners-up
Timestamp: 24:55–26:45
- Overlap: Many of Tyson’s picks also appear on Becca’s list: Jaden Doy (April 29), Kane Elliott, Future Proofing (Brian Mittman), and frank vendor discussion.
- Unique Picks:
- Product and service review platform (the Becca’s List launch episode).
- "Why Solving Problems for Your Team Just Might Be the Worst Idea Ever" (July 26).
- "How to Treat Your Law Firm Like an Asset, Not a Job" (with Jonathan Hawkins).
- "How Mike's Firm Eliminates Silos and Serves Clients Better" (with Mike Payne).
- "The Cash Flow Fix No One Told You About Until Now" (with Chelsea Williams, May 6).
5. What Actually Worked: Strategies & Lessons
- Long-form, deep-dive content connects with listeners more than surface-level discussions.
- Community-driven tools like Becca’s List help level the playing field for law firm owners.
- Embracing change—whether that’s in episode format, tech adoption, or leadership—fosters firm and business growth.
- Personal stories and practical strategies combined make the most memorable, impactful episodes.
6. Association Updates & Resources for 2026
Timestamp: 26:46–End
- The community has transitioned to the “Association” (from “Guild”) for broader access and improved structure.
- New coaching and networking features on the Circle platform:
- AI experts: Max and Martin (Swans Legal Engineering)
- YouTube strategy: Jeff Hampton
- Billing: Molly Creamer
- Rotating quarterly coaching and more niche channels for specific topics.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On content impact:
"People don't share content because it's good. They share it because it moves them."
— Hillary Billings, as quoted by Tyson (12:25) -
On legal profession disruption:
"Every profession that thought it was immune eventually learned it wasn’t."
— Dr. Kane Elliott (16:22) -
On limiting beliefs:
"You can't out-earn a belief you won't confront."
— Jaden Doy (20:12) -
On personal growth in the firm:
"It was also a really good reminder of, like, the journey that we've had together, but with the firm as well."
— Tyson Mutrux (26:25)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & gratitude: 00:53–03:30
- Why longer episodes: 06:30–09:45
- Top episodes recap begins: 10:00
- Unpacking specific episodes: 11:20–22:00
- Personal favorite with Amy: 23:00–24:50
- Becca’s list of bests: 24:55–26:45
- Association/coaching changes: 26:46–28:00
Conclusion
Tyson closes by reiterating the power of intentional reflection and adaptation—encouraging law firm owners to review standout episodes for actionable strategies and to tap into new Association resources. He thanks listeners for fueling Maximum Lawyer’s best year yet and points to even greater things ahead in 2026.
For Further Exploration
- Becca’s List: beccaslist.co
- Join the Association: maximlawyer.com
This summary captures the core strategies, stories, and spirit of “What Actually Worked in 2025 (And What Didn’t),” providing law firm owners concrete next steps for building a thriving, future-proof practice.