What does it really take to build a successful law firm when you start with nothing but faith and a laptop?

In this powerful episode of That One Lawyer™ Podcast, Neal Goldstein sits down with Cortney Walters, founder of The Walters Law Firm, to talk about her journey from first-generation law student to respected South Florida attorney.

Cortney shares how she built her firm from the ground up — starting on her couch during COVID with zero clients and no funding — and how she used social media, faith, and a heart for service to grow her practice.

This episode is packed with real talk for lawyers who are ready to bet on themselves, create an authentic brand, and lead with compassion instead of ego.

✅ How to build a law firm from scratch with no budget or big-name backing
✅ What law school didn’t teach — running a business, managing stress, and building relationships
✅ How faith, discipline, and mentorship sustain you through the early years
✅ Why compassion and accessibility are the best marketing tools
✅ How to balance ambition with self-care to prevent burnout
✅ Why comparing yourself on social media will kill your confidence
✅ How to lead with kindness, not perfection

• The leap from public defender to solo practice
  
  

• What happens when you’re laid off and decide to start your own firm
  
  

• Building a personal brand on Instagram and TikTok that actually converts
  
  

• Staying authentic online while growing your firm
  
  

• How to build relationships with clients who feel seen and heard
  
  

• Using faith and discipline to stay centered
  
  

• How to create opportunity for others as your practice grows
  
  

• Managing burnout and knowing when to slow down
  
  

• First-generation lawyers and law students paving their own path
  
  

• Solo and small firm attorneys ready to go independent
  
  

• Women in law who want to build a practice on their own terms
  
  

• Lawyers struggling with toxic firm culture or burnout
  
  

Anyone who believes kindness and integrity still matter in business