
Hosted by Darren Wurz, CFP · EN

Many law firm owners are profitable on paper but struggle with cash flow, often unable to explain why their bank accounts are empty despite a profitable P&L statement. On this episode Darren Wurz explores why the gap between profit and cash is a critical issue that leads to financial stress and poor decision-making. Darren discusses: The importance of core capital. How to avoid making fear driven decision in your law firm. How to build core capital while paying debt. Common reasons for empty bank accounts even while profitable. Why law firm owners should avoid debt-fueled growth? Resources: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz (Book) Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

Most law firms are missing the crucial number that separates sustainable profit from a ticking time bomb and ignoring it could cost you everything. On this episode, Darren Wurz reveals the simple yet overlooked metric that predicts whether your firm will thrive or just survive. If you’re running below 10% pre-tax profit, you’re on a dangerous treadmill; get it right, and you’ll unlock growth, stability, and real wealth. Darren discusses: The critical distinction between revenue and profit. Why chasing top-line numbers often leads to burnout rather than growth. The true meaning of pre-tax profit beyond EBITDA. Why growth must be built on profitability, not revenue growth alone. Overcoming the challenges of the “black hole” revenue zone Why solo or small firms need to target a higher profit margin than larger firms Resources: Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

My guest on this episode is David Holmes who transitioned from a public defender role with overwhelming caseloads (up to 300 cases) in late 2024 to launching his own law firm in January 2025. David shares his journey from starting solo with only a laptop and a mobile phone to growing his firm to about 150 clients in 16 months David discusses: The major conversation that led to ending his career as a public defender. How his background in philosophy helps him as a business owner. How law firm owners can develop and improve their sales skills. What brings in more business – referrals and word of mouth or digital marketing. Lessons learnt from adopting the Profit First system. Resources: The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma (Book) Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz (Book) LawPay – Legal Payment Management Software & Solution Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List Connect with David Holmes: Website: Holmes Law Team About David Holmes: David H. Holmes is a dedicated criminal law practitioner who has been actively working in the field since 2023. With extensive experience in jury trials, suppression motions, and various hearings, he is well-equipped to handle a wide range of criminal law matters. Whether you need assistance with defense strategies, navigating the complexities of the legal system, or representation in court, David is prepared to provide the guidance and support necessary to address your criminal law needs. Trust his expertise and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Hiring readiness is a major challenge that confronts law firm owners. On this episode, I discuss 3 hiring tests for law firm owners and why hiring decisions must move from gut feel to objective, data-driven tests focused on cash flow and profitability. Darren discusses: How firms can overcome the black hole challenge Why you need to pay yourself a market based wage? The two hardest functions to outsource in a growing business. How to create a written plan to reach market wages over time. Two questions you must answer before you start hiring. Why you need to secure a capital safety net before hiring? Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree Simple Numbers 2.0 – Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth by Greg Crabtree Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

In today’s demanding market, many law firm owners struggle to find the right clients. On this episode, we’ll explore the strategy of cloning your best clients by identifying so that you can attract similar ones to maximize your firm’s profitability. Darren discusses: Five steps to cloning your ideal client. How to reverse engineer your best clients. How to discover your ideal client profile (ICP). Using specialist positioning to filter out poor-fit clients. Why building relationship and trust with prospects often outweighs relying on credentials alone. Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential by Greg Crabtree Simple Numbers 2.0 – Rules for Smart Scaling: A Play by Play Analysis for Pure Growth by Greg Crabtree Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

What if the path to a more profitable firm isn’t finding more clients, but actually letting go of the wrong ones? On this episode we explore what is arguably one of the most counterintuitive but honestly liberating decisions that you as a law firm owner can make, and that is the deliberate professional decision to let certain clients go. Darren discusses: The real impact of bad clients. How bad clients consume far more resources than they actually pay for. Bad clients occupy space other clients could be filling. How bad clients wear down your team. The subtle way bad clients quietly shape your positioning in the market. 3 reasons why law firm owners accept wrong clients. Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List

On today’s episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Jeffrey Kimmel the Managing Partner and CEO at Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro. Kimmel shares the challenges of running one of New York’s premiere trial firms, focusing primarily on medical malpractice and complex personal injury cases. Kimmel discusses: Managing finances in a contingency based business. How adding mass tort case referrals help to increase revenue. Why traditional banks struggle to understand contingency law firm cash flow. Transitioning from a purely referral-based model to active digital marketing and lead generation. Co-writing a book with his wife and the importance of developing a positive mindset. The importance of financial literacy for lawyers. Resources: Book: Profit First – Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List Connect with Jeffrey Kimmel: Linkedin: Jeffrey M. Kimmel Website: Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro LLP Book: What Lawyers Don’t Know: How to Run a Business and Start Loving Life by Jeff Kimmel and Connie Henriquez Kimmel About Jeffrey Kimmel: Jeff Kimmel has positioned himself as a fierce business leader in the legal industry. In his role as Partner and CEO, he has navigated the firm’s rapid growth and elevated its status to one of the leading and most progressive personal injury law firms in New York. His recognition as a “Trailblazer” by the New York Law Journal in its inaugural list of attorneys identified Jeff as a business leader and true agent of change in the legal field. As a graduate of Wharton Business School and Brooklyn Law School, Jeff has meticulously combined his entrepreneurial business background with his keen analytical legal sense to cultivate not just a dynamic law firm, but an effective, client-oriented business that supports and promotes lawyer development, firm efficiency processes, case value maximization protocols, staffing diversity, and community outreach programs. “I’m extremely fortunate to be a part of the continuous growth and success of our firm. The lawyers and staff all work hard to achieve meaningful results for our clients and restore for them some security and normalcy in their lives after a traumatic event. There’s a lot of satisfaction in that.” Jeff prides himself in developing a trusted firm, widely respected by the industry and clients. To Jeff, the firm’s reputation is paramount to the success of the ever-growing list of satisfied clients. This has led to consistent referrals, not just from those in need of legal representation, but also by referring attorneys who appreciate the wealth of experience and extraordinary efforts put forth to ensure that the value of each case is maximized. As an accomplished trial attorney, Jeff makes certain that the firm spares no expense in prosecuting any case. While the insurance companies battling the firm are armed with unlimited resources, SSKB’s history of financial achievements has enabled our trial attorneys to prepare and try cases unencumbered by costs. Jeff’s extraordinary efforts have been recognized in and out of the courtroom. He is widely known in the industry for his various professional publications, some of which include articles published in the New York Law Journal and a chapter on trial preparation and strategy contributed to the popular “Inside the Minds” series by Thomson Reuter. Additionally, Jeff was invited as an inaugural contributor to the New York Law Journal’s “Smart Litigator” and has provided commentary and expertise on News 12, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox news stations as a legal analyst. Jeff is also seen as a new thought leader within the legal community as he constantly reciprocates his passion and knowledge of the law as a sought-after lecturer and mentor. He frequently lectures attorneys on trial-related topics for the National Business Institute (NBI), NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, New York County Lawyers’ Association, and Brooklyn Law School. Additionally, he participates in CLE webinars for Lawline, Clear Law Institute, National Academy of Continuing Education, and myLawCLE. Jeff also regularly participates as a judge in Yale University’s annual Mock Trial competition. A proud and active participant in a number of professional organizations, Jeff served as chair of the Advisory Committee at Nassau-Suffolk Law Services and as a member of the We Care Committee at Nassau County Bar Association. He was highly active in the New York County Lawyers’ Association, serving as a former member of the Board of Directors, chair of the Committee on Committees, and chair of the Young Lawyers Section, where he established a successful Mentoring Program.

On today’s episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Lee Rudin who serves as the founder of Rudin Law. Launching a law firm is a bold step, especially in an industry known for its competitive nature. Lee Rudin has not only taken that plunge but has also achieved rapid success, reaching seven figures in revenue within months of opening his doors. We dive deep into Lee’s insights on creativity, effective marketing, client relationships, and the importance of financial strategy for law firms. Darren and Rudin discuss: How to develop your creative streak. The mindset of going all-in and financial preparedness. How to build a remote team. The importance of tracking your marketing efforts. Getting cases through referrals and fostering client relationships. How to translate your skills as a salesperson to the sales team. Resources: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara (Book) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List Connect with Lee Rudin: Linkedin: Lee Rudin Instagram: getrudelaw Youtube: Rudin Law Website: Rudin Law About Lee Rudin: Lee Rudin is the founder of Rudin Law, a personal injury law firm that has made a significant mark in a short time. With a decade of experience as a defense lawyer, Lee transitioned into plaintiff work, leveraging his unique approach to stand out in a crowded market. His innovative strategies and focus on client relationships have been instrumental in his firm’s quick growth.

On this episode, Darren Wurz sits down with Delisi Friday, founder of First Call Friday and a champion of referral marketing for law firms. Together, they bust myths about what referral marketing really means (hint: it’s not just networking!), and swap actionable strategies that any practice no matter the size can start using right now. You’ll hear real-world stories about how leveraging relationships, not just ad spend, can generate your highest value clients and set your firm apart in an age where digital noise is at an all-time high. Whether you’re a boutique practice or managing a multi-seven-figure firm, this episode is packed with practical advice that’s actually doable. Darren and Delisi discuss: Why referral marketing is more than just networking. How building genuine relationships can foster the growth of your practice. Why human connection will always outshine the algorithm. The future of referral marketing in an AI driven world. Simple and budget friendly referral tips you can start adopting today. How to make interactions with colleagues and clients feel more authentic and valuable. Resources: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara (Book) The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham (Book) Giftology by John Ruhlin (Book) This is Marketing by Seth Godin (Book) The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher (Book) Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List Connect with Delisi Friday: Linkedin: Delisi Araceli Friday Website: First Call Friday Podcast: From Coffee to Cases Book a Discovery meeting About Delisi Friday: Delisi Friday is a legal marketing strategist and business development expert with over 20 years of experience in the legal industry. Raised inside a law firm and born the day her father became a lawyer, Delisi grew up immersed in the realities of owning a law firm. From intake and operations to trial preparation in criminal and civil matters, she has worked nearly every role inside a law firm—giving her a deep, practical understanding of how law firms operate, scale, and sustain growth. Throughout her career, Delisi has worked in multiple 7 and 8-figure businesses. She spent 7 years as Marketing Director at Cowen Rodriguez Peacock, an 8-figure boutique personal injury law firm, where she led the marketing and intake departments, helped grow the firm from 7 to 8-figures, produced the award-winning podcast Trial Lawyer Nation, and scaled the staff in San Antonio from 3 to 30 through referral-based, relationship-driven marketing. Delisi later served as Chief of Staff to RJon Robins, founder of How to Manage a Small Law Firm, and an 8-figure serial entrepreneur. She helped RJon launch and scale a business that generated $50 million in revenue within 18 months and supported 17,000 small businesses nationwide. She also led the marketing campaign connected to the best-selling book Profit First for Lawyers and its companion podcast. In 2025, Delisi founded First Call Friday, a business focused on helping lawyers grow their practices through intentional relationships, strategic referrals, and systems that produce measurable ROI. Whether a law firm wants to generate more inbound referrals, or refine their outbound referral process, Delisi brings her experience working on both sides of the attorney referral partnership to help law firms ranging in size from 6-figures to 9-figures. Recognized as a top 1% LinkedIn creator and ranked among the Top 50 legal professionals in the United States on LinkedIn, Delisi uses her podcast From Coffee to Cases with the Legal Podcast Network to teach lawyers every month how to do relationship driven referral marketing for themselves. With a background in theatre, television, and film in Los Angeles and New York, including time behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live, and as Miss Latina World (2008–2009), Delisi brings confidence, clarity, and relatability to every stage. Her message resonates across practice areas: sustainable law firm growth still comes down to trust, relationships, and consistent human connection

On today’s episode, host Darren Wurz sits down with Eric Gros-Dubois, founder of EPGD Business Law in Miami, Florida, a firm that’s grown to 30 attorneys and eight figures in revenue, all without outside debt or acquisitions. But what’s the secret behind Eric’s success? Spoiler alert: it’s not obsessing over profit or revenue but a single, often-overlooked number that drives every decision. Eric shares his strategies for scaling a law firm, why knowing your break-even number is more than just accounting, and how cultivating relationships and building the right team fuels lasting growth. We dive deep into the financial operating system that has propelled his firm from humble beginnings to powerhouse status and uncover practical wisdom for law firm owners aiming to build wealth without losing margin or sanity. If you’re a law firm owner ready to rethink how you measure, manage, and maximize your business, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation. Let’s get started! Darren and Eric discuss: How to know your breakeven number. Why word of mouth is still important even in the age of digital advertising. How to build a team and culture that drives real profitability. The biggest waste of money in law firms. How building genuine relationships enhances business development. How to incentivize attorneys. Resources: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara (Book) How do you measure succcess? | Q+A by Simon Sinek (Talk) Law Firm Profitability Assessment How to Calculate Your Law Firm Tax Reserve Connect with Darren Wurz: Want to work with our team? Schedule an Intro Call The Lawyer Millionaire Website LinkedIn: Darren P. Wurz Join The Lawyer Millionaire® Community Don’t Miss a Thing! Subscribe to The Lawyer Millionaire® Email List Connect with Eric Gros-Dubois: Email: eric@epgdlaw.com Linkedin: Eric Gros-Dubois Website: EPGD Business Law The Entrepreneur’s Handbook by EPGD Business Law About Eric Gros-Dubois: Eric Gros-Dubois founded EPGD Business Law in 2013 and is the current head of the firm’s corporate, estate planning, and tax practice, and manages the firm’s Miami office. With a JD and MBA, and a specialization in finance, Eric is able to step back and view the legal world through a commercial lens while also acting as a trusted business advisor for his clients. He does his best to be solutions oriented, and tries to think like a business owner, not just a lawyer. When asked to identify his thoughts on practicing law, Eric answers without hesitation: “People aren’t hiring us to solve legal problems, they’re hiring us to solve personal problems.” With his hands-on approach, Eric works to build strong client-attorney relationships and finds himself intimately involved in each of his cases even after they’ve been resolved. While a partner at a prominent firm located in Washington, DC, his path led him to Miami where he handled commercial transactions and business litigation. As a law student, Eric worked at a non-profit organization, a private equity group, and the Federal Tax clinic representing taxpayers before the U.S. Tax Courts, laying the foundation for the future of EPGD Business Law. Eric does his best to be an outstanding member of the community. Finally, his hobbies include marathon running, cooking, chess, tennis, and sailing. Community Involvement Elected to Coral Gables Community Foundation Board of Directors Chair of Trustee Council, Executive Committee Member, Board Member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Elected to Board of Coral Gables Museum Former president of the Rotary Club of Brickell Former president of BNI Coral Gables Former president of his homeowner’s association Member of Coral Gables Bar Association Merrick Society Member of Coral Gables Community Foundation Member of Coconut Grove Sailing Club Former member of the International Affairs Coordinating Counsel for the Sister-Cities of Coral Gables on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Former member of the board of directors of Global Ties Miami (formerly the Miami Council for International Visitors) Sigma Chi Fraternity (Southern Methodist University) Beta Gamma Sigma honor fraternity (Kogod School of Business) Supporter of many fundraisers devoted to the community Schools Washington College of Law. Juris Doctor (JD) Kogod School of Business. Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Southern Methodist University. Bachelor of Arts (BA). Sigma Chi Fraternity Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Bar Admissions State of New York, 2008 State of Maryland, 2008 State of Texas, 2020 District of Columbia, 2008 State of Florida, 2010 Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2010 Federal District Court for Maryland, 2008 U.S. Tax Court, 2008 Lectures & Presentations CLE Lecture: “Franchising 101 – The Essential Guide for New Entrepreneurs.” May, 2024 CLE Lecture: “The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)” March, 2024 CLE Lecture: “Estate Planning 101” Feb, 2024 CLE Lecture: “Trademarks 101 – Everything an Entrepreneur Needs to Know.” November, 2023 Featured Speaker at The SelectUSA Investment Summit 2022, “Various Corporate Structures Available in the U.S and Which Might be Best Suited for Your Business.” June, 2022. CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil.” March, 2021 CLE Lecture: “Grow Your Firm with Great Law Clerks” November, 2020 Featured Speaker: Palm Beach Startup Week 2019, “5 Legal Things Every Business Owners Needs to Know.” June, 2019 Key Note Speaker: PT Now Annual Physical Therapist Conference, Cancun, Mexico. “Legal Points Every Franchisee Should Know.” June, 2019 Featured Speaker: Guayaquil, Ecuador. “Business Law in the U.S.” May, 2019 Featured Speaker: Bogota, Colombia. “Doing Business in Miami.” May, 2019 CLE Lecture: “New and Emerging Topics in Employment Law.” May, 2019 CLE Lecture: “New DOL Guidance on Tip Credit.” May, 2019 CLE Lecture: “Corporations v. Partnerships Top Tax Pitfalls to Avoid.” March, 2019 CLE Lecture: “LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, New Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.” March, 2019 Featured Speaker: Medellin, Colombia. “Migracion, negocios y inversiones en Los Estados Unidos.” February, 2019 CLE Lecture: “Corporate Tax Planning and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.” December, 2018 Featured Speaker: Polanco, Mexico, D.F. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” October, 2018 CLE Lecture: “IRS Form 1099: New Requirements.” September, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Issues with Employment Status: Salary vs hourly, independent contractors vs employee, Non-competes and legal discrimination.” August, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil and Reverse Piercing Fundamentals (2018 Edition).” August, 2018 Featured Speaker in Panama City, Panama. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” July, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Law Firm Management: Different Types of Engagement Letters, Referral Fees, and Trust Accounting.” July, 2018 CLE Lecture: “The Intersection of Employment Law and Business Immigration.” July, 2018 CLE Lecture: “The New Tax Rules for Mergers and Acquisitions.” June, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Employment Law 101: Independent Contractors versus Employees; Hourly versus Salary; Restrictive Covenants and Discrimination.” June, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Piercing and Reverse Piercing the Corporate Veil 2018 Update.” May, 2018 Featured Speaker in Bogota, Colombia. “Migracion, negocios e impuestos en Estados Unidos.” April, 2018 CLE Lecture: “Law Firm Management – Engagement Letter Variations, Referral Fees, Trust Accounting, and Law Firm Financial Management”. CLE Lecture: “Fundamentals of Form 1099: New Requirements!” CLE Lecture: “Accounting 101 for Attorneys (2018 Edition).” CLE Lecture: “Corporate Tax Planning and the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017” CLE Lecture: “Piercing the Corporate Veil and Reverse Piercing Fundamentals.” CLE Lecture: “Law Office Accounting: Managing Trust Accounts, Re...