The 80/20 Principle
Tech and AI recommendations for solo and small-firm lawyers. The 20% that actually matters, not the hype and shiny objects that don't. Hosted by Ernie Svenson — a former big-firm litigator turned solo, then coach to lawyers learning technology. He's been doing this for 20+ years. Episodes are short and practical. Tool reviews, AI explainers, and stories from coaching lawyers — focused on what's worth your time and what isn't. Beyond the podcast, Ernie runs a private community called the Inner Circle — a collective R&D department for solo and small-firm lawyers who can't build one alone. To learn more visit: https://ernietheattorney.net/
Episodes
Most AI training for lawyers is shiny-object stuff — nine prompts, the "ultimate playbook" — and that's exactly why none of it sticks. My old golf instructor figured this out decades ago, and he taught me the fix before AI even existed.
In this episode I tell that story and show you the...
In this episode, we explore why a long-time ChatGPT user made the switch to Claude and what ultimately drove that decision. We break down how features like direct file access, structured project workflows, and custom skills are transforming the way lawyers handle complex, document-heavy work. You'll hear how AI can dramatically speed up tasks like course creation, improve writing quality, and act more like a true thinking partner. ...
In this episode, we explore how lawyers can adapt to rapid AI advancements by shifting from billable hours to outcome-based, flat-fee services. We'll discuss creating a better client journey, using AI to improve research efficiency, and o...
In this episode, we'll examine how AI has made recording conversations effortless—and why that convenience poses legal, ethical, and moral challenges for lawyers. We'll break down the risks of passive and stealth recording, including issues around consent, biometric privacy laws, and client trust. And you'll get simple, practical tips for using recording tools transparently while maintaining professi...
In this episode, we'll examine how AI has made recording conversations effortless—and why that convenience poses legal, ethical, and moral challenges for lawyers. We'll break down the risks of passive and stealth recording, including issues around consent, biometric privacy laws, and client trust. And you'll get simple, practical tips for using recording tools transparently while maintaining professionalism and integrity.
Cha...
In this episode, Ernie explains how the American Arbitration Association is now using AI to draft decisions, subject to human review. The discussion covers the importance of transparency, control, and human oversight in the arbitration process, as well as the potential for AI to improve access to justice by making dispute resolution faster and more cost-effective.
Show Notes
In this podcast episode, Ernie Svenson interviews Dorna At Gavel, a former attorney turned tech entrepreneur, about her journey in creating Gavel, a legal technology platform. Dorna shares her experiences in buildi...
Show Notes
In this episode, Ernie discusses the impact of AI on the legal profession, emphasizing that while AI may replace surface-level tasks, the best lawyers will thrive by focusing on deeper, strategic thinking and understanding complex legal out...
In this episode, California attorney Jeff Lewis and I discuss the recent Clio conference that took place in Boston, which we both attended along with 2,700 other lawyers.
There was a lot of discussion about AI and how its grow...
What if you could run a thriving 40-person law firm entirely from your smartphone? In this episode, attorney Elise Buie—known as "The Smartphone Lawyer"—shares how sh...
Email isn't dead—it's dominating. In this episode, email marketing expert Tyler Cook explains why email remains the highest ROI marketing channel for lawyers (and just about everyone else). You'll learn:
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Why email still outperforms social media by a mile
Law firms love their SOPs—binders full of screenshots, arrows, and step-by-step instructions. But here's the problem: they take months to build, cost thousands to produce, and go out of date the moment software updates.
There's a better way. In this episode, I break down how forward-thinking lawyers are replacing outdated SOPs with
AI is changing how people search for lawyers, and that means your website has to do more than just "look professional." In this episode, Megan Hargroder (of Legends Legal Marketing) explains what works—and what doesn't—when it...
When big news drops—whether it's politics, celebrity scandal, or the launch of GPT-5—the internet spins into a frenzy of hot takes, half-truths, and hype.
In this episode, we discuss the rollout of GPT-5 as a case study in how to filter out bad information, pace your learning, and make better decisions without getting sucked into the vortex.
You'll hear why intentionality matters more than speed, how to choose the right...
As AI tools become more prevalent in law practice, how do we keep our client data secure? In this episode, we address the biggest risks lawyers face and how to navigate them without losing the benefits of tools like ChatGPT.
You'll hear the latest ins...
Too many lawyers focus only on digital marketing and overlook one of the most effective ways to reach clients: direct mail. In this episode, you'll hear from Wilson Zehr, the creator of ZairMail, about why direct mail remains effective an...
How can a solo personal injury lawyer run a leaner, more profitable practice without sacrificing client service? Lee Rudin, a New Orleans-based attorney, shares the tech stack and outsourcing strategies that help him ...
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