In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Abby Schwarz to explore how a nontraditional career path, life experience, and a people-first mindset can shape a successful and fulfilling legal career.

Abby shares her journey into law as a third career, following years in human resources, marketing, and leadership roles at a major tech platform. Entering law school later in life, she brought with her a depth of real-world experience that continues to influence how she practices today — with a strong focus on client relationships, communication, and practical problem-solving.

Initially drawn to employment law, Abby quickly realized that her strengths and interests aligned more closely with trust and estate work. She discusses how the practice is far more nuanced and creative than many assume, requiring thoughtful planning, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate complex family dynamics. Rather than simply drafting documents, her role often involves guiding clients through important life decisions with clarity and confidence.

Abby also reflects on what growth looks like from her perspective — not just big wins, but the daily moments where she helps clients feel supported, understood, and taken care of. She emphasizes how life experience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of humor can be just as valuable as legal knowledge in building trust with clients.

Looking ahead, Abby shares her perspective on the future of law firms, highlighting the importance of work-life balance, sustainable career paths, and maintaining the human element in legal services. While technology continues to evolve, she explains why areas like estate planning will always require a personal, relationship-driven approach.

Listeners will learn:

• How nontraditional career paths can strengthen legal practice

• Why life experience is a powerful asset in client-facing work

• What makes trust and estate law more creative than people expect

• How small, daily wins define long-term success as an attorney

• Why emotional intelligence is critical in legal practice

• How to build trust and connection with clients

• What the future of law firms looks like beyond just technology

👉 Tune in for a refreshing and relatable conversation about career pivots, personal growth, and building a legal career that aligns with both skill and lifestyle.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Sean Dennin to explore how innovation, mission-driven thinking, and business model disruption are reshaping access to legal services.

Sean shares his unique path into the legal industry as a non-attorney, bringing years of experience in e-discovery, large-scale litigation support, and legal operations. From working on high-profile cases to building and scaling legal-adjacent businesses, his career has been centered around understanding how the legal system works — and where it falls short.

That perspective ultimately led him to help build a new kind of legal model focused on solving a major gap in the market: individuals facing serious habitability issues, like toxic mold, who often lack the financial resources or legal pathways to take action. Sean explains how traditional legal routes frequently fail these individuals, leaving them stuck between expensive retainers and difficult-to-prove claims.

By rethinking the model and implementing a contingency-based approach, Sean and his team created a system that meets people where they are — offering access to legal help that many previously didn’t have. The result has been rapid growth, strong demand, and real-world impact, with hundreds of cases and meaningful outcomes for clients in a short period of time.

Beyond innovation in services, Sean also dives into what he believes is the next evolution of law firms: not just technology, but culture and structure. From remote-first operations and global teams to profit-sharing philosophies and mandatory mental health days, he outlines a model designed for sustainability, purpose, and long-term success.

Listeners will learn:

• How non-attorneys can play a critical role in shaping the legal industry

• Why access to justice remains a major gap — and how to address it

• How rethinking the business model can unlock new markets

• Why contingency-based models can expand legal access

• How innovation goes beyond marketing and into service design

• What a modern, people-first law firm culture looks like

• Why the future of law includes both operational and structural change

👉 Tune in for a powerful conversation about innovation, impact, and how thinking differently can create meaningful change in the legal industry.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Bill Goldberg to explore how a background in business, technology, and real-world client experience can shape a more practical, effective approach to law.

Bill shares his non-traditional path into the legal profession, starting in the tech and business world working in sales, consulting, and project management before making the decision to attend law school. That foundation gave him a unique perspective early in his legal career — one that centers not just on legal theory, but on understanding what clients actually need to succeed.

He discusses how entering law later in life allowed him to approach the profession with more intention, discipline, and clarity. Instead of focusing solely on technical legal analysis, Bill emphasizes the importance of keeping client outcomes at the center of every decision — a mindset that continues to define how he practices today.

One of the most impactful moments in his career came after being laid off from a large firm, which unexpectedly led him into solo practice. That experience forced him to take full ownership of his work, build his own client base, and develop a deeper sense of accountability — ultimately accelerating his growth as an attorney.

Bill also brings a unique perspective on technology in the legal space. With a strong interest in AI and its applications, he explains how these tools are transforming efficiency in legal work — while also warning of the risks when they are used without proper understanding. From poorly drafted contracts to unintended legal consequences, he shares real-world examples of how misuse of AI is already creating problems that attorneys will need to solve.

Listeners will learn:

• How a background in business and tech can strengthen legal practice

• Why client-centered thinking is critical for long-term success

• How non-traditional career paths can create a competitive advantage

• What solo practice teaches about ownership and growth

• How AI is improving efficiency in legal work

• The risks of relying on AI without legal expertise

• Why the future of law will require both technical skill and practical judgment

👉 Tune in for a practical and insightful conversation about career pivots, real-world experience, and how technology is reshaping the way attorneys deliver value.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Mayowa Gbenro to explore how intentional growth, adaptability, and a people-first mindset are shaping modern legal careers and law firm success.

Mayowa shares his journey into law, highlighting the key moments and decisions that guided him toward building a meaningful and impactful legal career. With a focus on both professional development and client service, he discusses how his approach to law is rooted in understanding people, solving real problems, and continuously evolving in a competitive industry.

He reflects on his growth as an attorney, emphasizing the importance of gaining confidence through experience, learning from every stage of the journey, and building a practice that aligns with both skill and purpose. Mayowa also dives into the non-legal skills that have been critical to his success — including communication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with clients and colleagues on a deeper level.

Looking ahead, Mayowa shares his perspective on the future of law firms, including how technology, shifting client expectations, and evolving career paths are changing the legal landscape. He explains why attorneys who remain flexible, open to growth, and focused on delivering real value will continue to stand out.

Listeners will learn:

• How Mayowa built a purposeful and growth-focused legal career

• Why adaptability and continuous learning are essential for attorneys

• How strong communication and people skills elevate legal practice

• Why confidence develops through experience and real-world application

• How client relationships drive long-term success in law

• What trends are shaping the future of law firms and legal careers

• How attorneys can position themselves to stay competitive in a changing industry

👉 Tune in for a thoughtful and motivating conversation about growth, purpose, and what it takes to build a meaningful legal career in today’s evolving landscape.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Jason Adelstone, attorney at Harris Sliwoski LLP, to explore how an unconventional career path, global perspective, and adaptability are shaping success in emerging areas of law like cannabis and international business.

Jason shares his unique journey from spending over twenty years in the restaurant industry to traveling to Antarctica, and ultimately finding his way into law later in life. Drawn by an interest in business, regulation, and emerging industries, he built his legal career around corporate law and international cannabis policy — carving out a niche by becoming one of the few attorneys deeply versed in global cannabis regulations and treaty compliance.

He explains how a simple piece of advice early in his legal career — to find something no one else is doing and become an expert in it — led him to track cannabis policy across the globe, study international treaties, and even teach law students on the subject. That intentional focus helped him build both credibility and opportunity in a rapidly evolving space.

Jason also reflects on his biggest growth milestone: gaining true confidence as an attorney after entering the profession later in life, and building a practice on his own terms. Now at Harris Sliwoski LLP, he has expanded both his client base and his international reach, working on cross-border transactions, manufacturing agreements, and global regulatory issues.

Beyond legal knowledge, Jason highlights how his background in hospitality became one of his greatest advantages — teaching him communication, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure. He also shares a forward-looking perspective on AI, emphasizing that attorneys who are flexible, multi-disciplinary, and willing to evolve will be best positioned for the future.

Listeners will learn:

• How Jason transitioned from the restaurant industry to a legal career in his 30s

• Why emerging industries like cannabis law reward early specialization and curiosity

• How becoming an expert in a niche area can accelerate career growth

• Why hospitality experience builds essential skills for lawyers

• How confidence develops through experience — especially for non-traditional attorneys

• Why being a “jack of all trades and master of one” is a competitive advantage

• How AI is reshaping legal work — and why adaptability is critical

👉 Tune in for a dynamic and insightful conversation about career reinvention, niche expertise, and how thinking differently can create powerful opportunities in the legal industry.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning, to explore how clarity, discipline, and servant leadership can transform both legal and financial service firms.

Peter shares his unexpected journey into law — a path chosen partly by default — and how his time as an estate planning attorney became the foundation for something much bigger. By delivering high-end service quickly, charging flat fees, and explaining complex estate strategies in plain English, Peter built one of the largest estate planning practices in his region.

His real breakthrough came when he recognized what clients wanted before they could articulate it themselves: a fully integrated model combining financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and investment management under one roof. That vision led him to acquire Creative Planning in 2004 — then a small firm with just thirty clients and thirty million under management — and scale it into a nationally recognized powerhouse.

Peter dives deep into the practical habits behind that growth, from eliminating distractions and attacking the hardest task first each morning to embracing disciplined execution even when it’s not enjoyable. He also shares candid insights about the coming AI transformation in law and business, predicting that much of traditional legal work will be automated — and explaining why specialization and complex problem-solving will be key to survival.

Above all, Peter emphasizes the power of servant leadership and being a “player-coach” — leading from the front, working alongside your team, and eliminating the ivory tower mentality that holds organizations back.

Listeners will learn:

- How Peter scaled from estate planning attorney to CEO of a national firm

- Why delivering fast, flat-fee, high-quality service creates exponential growth

- How to eliminate daily noise and focus only on what truly moves the needle

- Why attacking the hardest task first changes productivity outcomes

- How AI will reshape law and professional services — and how to prepare

- Why specialization and complexity will protect professionals from automation

- How servant leadership and player-coach mentality build winning cultures

👉 Tune in for a high-impact conversation filled with practical strategies, bold predictions, and timeless leadership principles that apply to law firms, financial firms, and growth-focused organizations alike.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Demitrus Evans, an international business and intellectual property attorney based in the Chicagoland area, to explore how purpose, people-centered leadership, and innovation-driven lawyering are shaping the future of legal practice.

Demitrus shares how her path into law wasn’t driven by a childhood dream of becoming an attorney, but by a deep-rooted passion for justice and human rights. Her early work with Amnesty International exposed her to the complex role businesses play in global justice issues — a realization that ultimately led her into international business law, intellectual property, and cross-border innovation.

She reflects on one of her most rewarding growth success stories: guiding a small, immigrant-owned “mom and pop” automotive business from humble beginnings to an international acquisition by a German company. Through years of strategic legal support — from IP protection to contracts to mergers — Demitrus helped the client scale globally while preserving what mattered most to them.

Beyond client wins, Demitrus opens up about her leadership philosophy and the non-legal skills that set her firm apart. From incorporating yoga, breathing exercises, and mindset work into team meetings to fostering a culture of care, wellness, and long-term connection, she explains why investing in people is the foundation of sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Demitrus shares her forward-thinking perspective on AI, international trade, intellectual property, and even the metaverse — encouraging law firms and businesses alike to claim space early, adapt boldly, and stay curious about where innovation is headed next.

Listeners will learn:

- How a passion for human rights led Demitrus into international business law

- Why intellectual property plays a critical role in global business growth

- How long-term client relationships can turn small businesses into international success stories

- Why staff wellness, mindset, and culture directly impact firm performance

- How AI is reshaping international law, trade, and innovation

- Why law firms should be thinking about IP, AI, and the metaverse now

- How people-first leadership creates loyalty, longevity, and growth

👉 Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing, and future-focused conversation that blends global business insight with deeply human leadership — and shows why innovation works best when it’s grounded in care.

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Trina Nudson, founder of The Layne Project, Inc. and My Child Advocate, to explore how purpose-driven leadership, coaching, and systems-level thinking can radically change outcomes for families navigating the legal system.

Trina shares her powerful journey from foster care social worker to attorney and entrepreneur, driven by deep frustration with a system that too often fails the people it is meant to protect. Encouraged by her then-boyfriend (now husband) to “go be one of them,” Trina leapt into law school and ultimately into building not one, but two mission-driven organizations dedicated to helping families and children through moments of crisis.

Opening both a law firm and a social service agency at the same time in 2008, Trina reflects on the resilience it took to survive the early years, the lessons learned through entrepreneurial education, and how falling down repeatedly became the foundation for long-term success. She explains why coaching—not traditional lawyering—became her most powerful tool, and how guiding people to find their own clarity leads to better legal, emotional, and life outcomes.

Trina also discusses the evolving role of courts, attorneys, and technology, highlighting a shift from being “right” to truly “getting it right.” She introduces her newest platform, Be Aligned, a reflection and preparation tool designed to help clients arrive more grounded, focused, and ready—allowing attorneys to practice law instead of crisis management.

Listeners will learn:

- How Trina’s background in social work shaped her legal and entrepreneurial path

- Why she opened two mission-driven organizations at the same time—and survived

- How coaching differs from lawyering and why it matters for client outcomes

- Why emotional preparation is missing from most legal processes

- How technology and tools like Be Aligned can transform family law and mediation

- Why attorneys need systems that support clients without burning out lawyers

- How intellectual property and lived experience can be scaled for greater impact

👉 Tune in for a deeply inspiring and forward-thinking conversation about leadership, resilience, and building systems that serve people—not just cases.