

The 80/20 Principle
Ernie Svenson
This podcast is for lawyers who want more freedom, flexibility, and control over their practice. Ernie focuses on the 20% of tools and strategies—especially AI—that deliver 80% of the results.
No buzzwords. No hype. Just clear, practical insights on using AI, automation, outsourcing, marketing, cybersecurity, and smart systems to reduce friction, streamline workflows, and run your practice your way—from anywhere.
No buzzwords. No hype. Just clear, practical insights on using AI, automation, outsourcing, marketing, cybersecurity, and smart systems to reduce friction, streamline workflows, and run your practice your way—from anywhere.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 18min
294: Google NotebookLM (plus AI in the Courtroom)
Discover Google's innovative NotebookLM, designed to streamline document analysis with impressive features like summaries and FAQs. Explore a fascinating legal case that highlights the use of AI in court, tackling issues from inheritance disputes to the admissibility of AI-generated evidence. Delve into the ethical implications of integrating AI in the justice system and discuss the balance between its benefits and potential risks. This discussion uncovers a new frontier at the intersection of technology and law.

Oct 15, 2024 • 38min
293: Want to Travel the World While Practicing Law? Here's How Brian Dixon Made It Happen
Brian Dixon, a lawyer turned digital nomad, shares his inspiring journey from traditional practice to traveling the world while working. He reveals how the pandemic opened doors for remote legal work and discusses the best legal fields for aspiring nomads. Dixon offers practical tips on staying connected, exploring useful tech tools like VPNs and Airalo for seamless work abroad. He emphasizes the importance of established systems for efficient client management and highlights the benefits of a balanced work-life, making legal practice more fulfilling and adaptable.

Oct 1, 2024 • 45min
292: The Keys to AI-enhanced Legal Writing (with Ross Guberman)
Ross Guberman, founder of Legal Writing Pro, shares insights on the transformative power of generative AI in legal writing. He discusses how AI can craft better briefs and contracts, emphasizing the importance of effective prompt construction. Guberman introduces BriefCatch, an AI tool enhancing legal writing clarity and creativity. The conversation also touches on the balance of technology and human judgment, as well as the impact of pessimism in achieving optimal outcomes. His insights offer lawyers strategies to improve their writing in a digital age.

17 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 45min
291: Judge Scott Schlegel Explores the Use of AI in the Court System
Judge Scott Schlegel, a tech-savvy appellate judge with a finance background, delves into the intersection of AI and the legal system. He argues for the necessity of legal professionals to understand AI tools, highlighting their potential to streamline processes like jury instructions and document review. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns, the importance of human judgment, and the implications of AI innovations on legal language and copyright. Schlegel's insights point towards a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the judicial process.

Sep 4, 2024 • 43min
290: 3 Keys to a Smooth Running Practice
Elise Buie is an accomplished attorney known for creating a thriving and enjoyable law practice. In this conversation, she reveals her top secrets for success, emphasizing the importance of controllable elements and using technology effectively. Elise discusses the pivotal roles of self-reflection and personal responsibility in legal practices. She also highlights how AI and efficient delegation can enhance productivity. Focusing on stoic principles, she encourages listeners to prioritize processes over outcomes for greater workplace satisfaction.

Aug 20, 2024 • 38min
289: The Best AI Note-Taking App for Lawyers
Lawyers, take note! Discover the top AI note-taking apps that can revolutionize your documentation process. Delve into personal experiences that emphasize efficiency and accuracy. A detailed comparison highlights the crucial aspects of reliability, security, and integration capabilities. Learn about innovative headset technology that enhances communication without blocking your hearing. Finally, join a community of legal professionals to share insights on tech tools that can streamline your practice.

Aug 6, 2024 • 23min
288: ABA Ethics Opinion on Lawyers use of AI
The ABA's new ethics opinion claims AI can predict judicial rulings, sparking skepticism over its authority. Lawyers face ethical challenges when using AI tools in their practice, especially regarding competence and confidentiality. The podcast explores how AI is reshaping tasks like electronic discovery and contract analytics. It also discusses AI's potential to analyze judicial biases, highlighting tools that evaluate written opinions. This transformation calls for ongoing education for legal professionals to navigate the evolving landscape.

21 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
287: Social Media Marketing: 5 Pro Tips for Lawyers
Discover effective social media marketing strategies for lawyers, emphasizing authenticity over chasing viral content. Learn the importance of relationships in marketing and tips on engaging effectively. Explore content harvesting and sharing strategies, plus insights on AI contract drafting software.

Jul 2, 2024 • 42min
286: Online Workspaces for Modern Law Work
Discover the best online workspaces for modern law work, including Craft and Notion. Learn about the benefits of remote collaboration and affordable tools. Get insights on efficient communication with Loom videos and Substack newsletters. Join the inner circle for enhanced virtual collaboration.

49 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 53min
285: 6 Key Systems for Lawyers (with Kristen David)
Kristen David, a lawyer coach, shares 6 key systems for law practices, including effective lead acquisition, team collaboration, and communication. She emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and documenting procedures for success and work-life balance in law firms.


