Problem-Solving Strategies for Lawyers and Entrepreneurs

What separates tech-savvy lawyers from those being left behind: 1. Start with problems, not tools. - Identify your most painful daily bottlenecks before exploring software solutions - Ask "what takes me 3+ hours that should take 30 minutes?" rather than "which AI should I buy?" - Focus on fixing specific workflows instead of chasing trendy platforms - Audit how many times you repeat the same tasks manually each month - those are your automation targets 2. Invest in practical learning. - Schedule 30 minutes weekly to master one feature of tools you already have - Join user communities for your key platforms - they're goldmines for shortcuts - Record short videos of your improved processes to share with skeptical colleagues 3. Measure what matters. - Track time saved through automation, not just money spent on subscriptions - Document how tech adoption has improved client response times - Collect specific examples of errors prevented through better systems - Calculate your "not having to ask IT" dividend - the hours saved by becoming self-sufficient The most effective legal tech adopters aren't necessarily technical experts. They're pragmatic problem-solvers who recognize that a contract management system that works is worth more than another hour spent manually checking defined terms. They've learned that time invested in mastering technology pays dividends in every matter that follows. #legaltech #innovation #law #business #learning

If you're a visionary founder, you likely have a special ability— You notice problems that other people don't see.   I once learned we had a phone problem when I called my firm's main line and got put on hold for 45 seconds.   I realized we had a client care problem a couple years ago when a satisfied client mentioned they'd never met their lawyer face to face.   I knew we had a negotiation problem last year when I had a gut feeling we were leaving some money on the table.   If you're a visionary, chances are you notice these sorts of problems in your firm too. But have you developed a process for actually solving those problems?   When I identify a problem that needs solving, I ask that it get tracked on our firm's Jumbotron. Because what gets measured gets done.   We identify which metrics need improvement. We start tracking the data in real time. We hold one another accountable.   To solve the phone problem, we set a target that the phones would get answered after 1 ring. Almost immediately, our hold times plummeted. And they've stayed short.   To solve the client meetings problem, we set a goal that 75% of client interactions happen face to face, either in person or over Zoom. Our lawyers started spending more time talking directly to their clients.   To solve the negotiation problem, we brought in a highly skilled lawyer I met in my mastermind to train our team earlier this year. Before that, our largest settlement was $9.5 million. Since working with him, we've settled cases for: • $12 million • $20 million • $30 million • $37 million.   After 30 years running the Mike Morse Law Firm and 5 years helping visionaries through Fireproof Performance, I can safely say that no matter how successful your business is, you’ll always have problems. The first step to solving a problem is noticing it exists. The next step is putting aside your ego and getting it fixed—even if that means bringing in outside help.

I discovered effectuation 2 years ago. Changed everything about how I run my law firm. Does it sound fancy? Maybe. Is it complicated? Not at all. Will it change how you think about business? Absolutely. Here's what researchers found... Bad entrepreneurs start with a goal and try to predict the future. Good entrepreneurs start with what they have and create the future. It's called effectuation. And honestly? It explains why some lawyers build thriving practices while others struggle. Instead of asking "What should I achieve?" → Ask "What can I do with what I have?" Instead of massive business plans → Take small, affordable steps. Instead of avoiding failure → Embrace it as learning. Instead of competing → Partner and collaborate. When I started my firm, I didn't have: - A huge marketing budget - Perfect market research - A crystal ball What I had: - Willingness to experiment - My legal knowledge - A few connections I used effectuation without knowing it. Started with immigration cases because that's what walked through my door. Built relationships with other attorneys. Learned from every mistake. My point: Stop waiting for the "perfect" business plan. Start with what you have today. Take action. Adjust as you go. The best entrepreneurs don't predict the future. They create it. 😊 How are you creating your future with what you have right now?

Last month, I shared my observations about lawyers who successfully transitioned to business roles. Many of you resonated with one of the points that I made: that these lawyers tend to be great at issue spotting, but "with an eye for opportunity—not risk." Today I’ll share four ways that have helped me calibrate my issue spotting skill for the business world: 1. Be aware of the bigger goals. Without knowing what my company’s goals were, I would always default to issue-spotting for risk. It’s just how lawyers are trained, I guess. Understanding our top priorities helped me also figure out what our CEO/execs needed, and where our company could find unexpected ways to achieve them. Seeing the bigger picture gave me a framework for understanding how to make tactical, day-to-day type of decisions. 2. Focus on how to “get lucky” instead of “being correct.” There was something comforting about pointing out risks because even if bad things didn’t end up happening, I felt like I was “correct” in warning my teammates about them. Eventually I started using my ability to process fact patterns to quickly visualize multiple unexpected paths to achieving company objectives. Leadership appreciates when you come up with new ways to help them hit their goals. 3. Recognize the hidden costs of the status quo. Your lawyer brain may scream “don’t sign that contract” but what are the consequences of not bringing on that customer? As a startup person, I eventually realized that if we didn’t hit certain revenue milestones in time, it would put fundraising at risk—which would lead to the company running out of money. It dawned upon me why the status quo was unacceptable—even if that path was safer from a legal perspective. 4. Get comfortable acting with incomplete information. Lawyers, especially those of us who come from the law firm world, are used to researching thoroughly before recommending a course of action. However in the business world, speed often matters just as much as accuracy. Which means you have to move quickly and adjust/iterate over time as you learn new information. This can be very uncomfortable for lawyers—but the good news is that it gets easier over time. Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’re a business person who works with ex-lawyers, or if you’re a lawyer who’s successfully made the transition! 

Are you showing admiration for a problem? I listened to someone on the phone the other day, basically for the day, “admiring the problem”. If that whole 8 or so hours could have been spent on solution seeking, asking “what’s right with this?” the person and their team might be a little ahead. To move beyond this unproductive #mindset, here are some strategies people can adopt: 1. Reframe the Problem • Shift the focus from describing the problem to exploring opportunities for change. • Use solution-oriented language, such as “How might we…?” 2. Clarify the Desired Outcome • Define the goal or the ideal state you want to achieve. • Ask, “What does success look like?” 3. Break It Down • Deconstruct the problem into smaller, manageable pieces. • Address each part with specific actions. 4. Prioritize Action Over Analysis (Paralysis) • Set a time limit for discussing the problem, then transition to brainstorming solutions. • Encourage trying small, experimental solutions (e.g., prototyping in #designthinking). 5. Adopt a #Collaborative Approach • Engage diverse perspectives to generate ideas and build momentum. • Create an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute solutions. 6. Use Frameworks and Tools • Apply structured tools like root cause analysis, the 5 Whys, or SWOT analysis to understand and address the issue. • Visualize the path forward with a decision matrix or action plan. 7. #Empower Accountability • Assign ownership for tasks and follow up on progress. • Build systems that encourage responsibility, such as regular check-ins or deadlines. 8. Encourage a Bias Toward Experimentation • Shift from “getting it perfect” to “getting it started.” • View failures as learning opportunities. 9. Challenge Complacency • Ask tough questions to disrupt the cycle of inaction: • “What happens if we don’t solve this?” • “What’s one thing we could do right now to make progress?” 10. Leverage Emotional Intelligence • Identify emotional barriers, such as fear or frustration, that might keep people stuck. • Foster optimism and resilience in the face of challenges.