James Hansen is the CEO & Co-founder of Genesis Legal Group, a law firm specializing in family law and criminal defense. A serial entrepreneur with a background in banking, insurance, and digital marketing, James has a track record of building successful businesses through strategic hiring, digital client acquisition, and a client-first approach. In 2021, he co-founded Genesis Legal Group under Arizona’s new law allowing non-lawyer ownership of legal practices, and in under three years, he grew the firm to 23 attorneys and $10 million in revenue.

Breaking into the legal industry without a law degree isn’t easy, and leading a successful law firm as a non-lawyer might seem impossible. Yet, with the right strategies, mindset, and approach, even unconventional paths can lead to impressive milestones. So, what does it take for a non-lawyer to build a $10 million law firm from the ground up?

According to James Hansen, a visionary entrepreneur and a non-lawyer CEO of a law firm, it starts with understanding the client experience and creating processes that directly address client needs. He highlights that scaling a firm quickly requires a keen focus on hiring experienced attorneys, building a strong internal culture, and maintaining high service standards. These elements help not only in attracting clients but also in retaining top talent. By aligning his approach to legal services with clear goals and operational efficiency, James has been able to overcome challenges and establish a high-performing law firm.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen sits down with James Hansen, CEO & Co-founder of Genesis Legal Group, to discuss what it takes for a non-lawyer to run and lead a successful legal practice. James shares how he used digital marketing to drive client acquisition, the importance of intentional hiring for growth, and his philosophy on cultivating a team-focused culture. James also talks about the pivotal experiences that helped him scale the firm rapidly despite not having a traditional legal background.

Brian Beckcom is the Founding Partner and Owner of VB Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. As a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer and recognized Texas Super Lawyer for 14 years in a row, Brian has secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, earning his firm a reputation for litigating against major corporations and insurance companies. In addition to his legal work, Brian hosts the Lessons From Leaders podcast, showcasing esteemed guests and leadership insights. His unique background in computer science and philosophy informs his approach to law and has bolstered his firm's use of technology in law applications.

What happens when law intersects with the worlds of philosophy and technology? Can a background in these seemingly disparate fields give someone an edge in the courtroom or in running a successful business?

According to Brian Beckcom, a board-certified personal injury trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience, the key lies in a unique approach to problem-solving. He highlights that his dual degrees in computer science and philosophy allow him to think strategically and critically, whether dissecting a legal argument or analyzing data from a complex case. This combination of analytical thinking and ethical reasoning gives him an edge in both litigation and business management, enabling him to investigate, innovate, and adapt in ways that traditional methods may miss.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen sits down with Brian Beckcom, Founding Partner and Owner of VB Attorneys, to discuss how his background in philosophy and tech has influenced his approach to law. Brian shares his thoughts on the importance of strategic persistence in litigation, how technology like AI is reshaping the legal landscape, and why philosophy is a key tool for understanding legal ethics. Brian also shares insights from his Lessons From Leaders podcast and offers advice to aspiring lawyers.

Amy Petkovsek, Esq., is the Executive Director of the Community Law Center, Maryland's only legal services organization dedicated solely to strengthening neighborhoods and the nonprofit sector. With prior roles at Maryland Legal Aid, including as Deputy Chief Counsel, she boasts an extensive background in child advocacy and appellate law. Committed to empowering local communities and innovative leadership, she serves on several committees and boards, such as the University of Maryland, Carey School of Law, and Movable Feast. Amy is known for her "Flamingo Leadership" concept, which emphasizes the importance of standing out and supporting teamwork within the legal field.

Amy Petkovsek’s journey as an attorney began with a desire to help others, leading her to roles that focused on serving those in need, particularly children and underrepresented groups. But in a world where legal assistance can be hard to access, how did she tackle the challenges underserved communities face?

Legal representation not only solves individual matters but also shapes entire communities. Amy highlights how the rest of us might be unaware of the benefits derived from community law. She shares the impact of the Community Law Center’s legal advocacy and community engagement, from supporting vulnerable populations to advising neighborhoods on how to navigate school closures and property issues. Amy's dedication shines through as she talks about the responsibility of lawyers toward societal betterment and how her career path led her to impactful, mission-driven work. She discusses the importance of legal advocates focusing on communal well-being rather than individual cases. With an eye on the future, Amy describes the potential for remote courts and other innovative solutions to provide wider access to the justice system.

In this episode of 15 minutes, Chad Franzen hosts Amy Petkovsek, the Executive Director of the Community Law Center, about harnessing the law to transform communities. Amy outlines the impact of effectively listening to and legally empowering neighborhoods, innovative projects like “tools to save our schools,” and the importance of lawyers in promoting social justice. She also shares insights into the evolving legal landscape, including remote court sessions and AI’s role in broadening legal access.