PEAK PRACTICE
Peak Practice is a community that delivers expert industry insights on how to scale, streamline, and accelerate personal injury law practices. By providing knowledge and resources on law firm operations, marketing, and business growth, Peak helps personal injury attorneys gain a competitive edge. As the leader in lien resolution, Synergy partners with firms to eliminate settlement bottlenecks, optimize client outcomes, and drive greater profitability—so you can focus on securing justice. Join the community here and discover how partnering with Synergy helps you achieve Peak Practice.
Below are our Synergy InSights on all things related to Peak Practice.
In the latest episode of Trial Lawyer View by Synergy podcast, I sat down with Charley Mann, founder of Law Firm Alchemy, to dive deep into law firm growth—and came away with a masterclass in metaphors, mindset, and metrics.
Charley doesn’t just coach lawyers—he redefines what it means to lead a law firm. Whether you’re stuck in growth purgatory or just trying to keep your head above water, Charley’s insights will resonate.
Here are some of the top takeaways from our conversation:
The BUSINESS of Running a Law Firm
Why Law Firm Growth Is About Endurance
Charley shared that training for a marathon—even while battling “cuboid syndrome”—has shaped how he thinks about business. The key lesson?
“You have to pace yourself. So many law firm owners go hard at first, then burn out—just like runners who go out too fast and get passed by the steady pack.”
The metaphor? Law firm growth requires consistent, measured effort—not flashy, unsustainable bursts.
Mindset Shift
One of Charley’s five core challenges law firm owners face: Shedding the belief that doing great work alone brings in clients.
“You have to accept that marketing is primary. And referrals? Those are outbound too.”
Charley’s checklist for escaping growth plateaus:
- Get serious about outbound and digital marketing
- Track key metrics (new cases, closed matters, production)
- Start buying back your time and delegate
- Replace yourself strategically
- Redefine your identity from lawyer to entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship as Daily Practice
For lawyers who don’t have a business background, Charley suggests building your entrepreneurial chops like a muscle:
- Send a marketing email.
- Post a video.
- Read a business book.
“Do one entrepreneurial thing every day.” (And if you’re a soccer parent like Charley, he calls these your “hundreds”—small daily reps that lead to big growth.)
What Chess Can Teach Law Firm Owners
Surprisingly, chess offers a powerful metaphor: success isn’t about flashy tactics. It’s about mastering the fundamentals, just like knowing your marketing metrics and managing your team.
“Most people want clever tactics, but they never studied the openings. That’s why they keep getting crushed.”
Importance of Metrics in Running a Law Firm
Metrics Matter More Than You Think
If you’re not measuring, you’re guessing. And if you’re guessing, you’re likely losing.
Charley advises firms to forecast revenue on a quarterly basis, even if they’re wrong at first. “You can’t get better at predicting until you start trying to predict.”
And that “money bolus” in your head? Don’t let it stop you from resolving cases quickly. Velocity + clarity beats bloat every time.
Predictive Metrics: Operate with Eyes on the Road Ahead
Charley emphasized using predictive data—not just historical reports. Revenue projections, file velocity, and operational dashboards aren’t just for tech startups. They’re essential to scaling law firms.
“You can’t be right unless you start measuring.”
Leading & Managing People
Leadership Insight
Charley dropped a line that stuck:
“If you’re not growing, your team can’t grow. You are the lid on what’s possible.”
Leadership isn’t about being everyone’s friend—it’s about setting a direction and curating a crew who want to go there with you. That means moving away from the “we’re a family” mindset and toward being the captain of the ship. Letting go of poor performers isn’t cruelty—it’s integrity to your mission and your high-performing crew. The best people will thank you for it.
Culture, Integrity, and Showing Up
Integrity isn’t built on grand gestures—it’s built on patterns.
“Tell your client you’ll call at 3 PM? Move heaven and earth to do it.”
Patterns of showing up and communicating consistently create trust—internally with your team and externally with clients.
Getting Ahead with Marketing
3 Marketing Strategies You Should Be Using Right Now
- Referral Marketing: Build and nurture a list. Weekly emails. Two calls per week. Mail something real.
- Local Service Ads: Love them or hate them—test them every 6 months. They can be a game-changer.
- Broadcast + OTT Advertising (For larger firms): Scale omnipresence with TV, radio, and streaming ads.
Referral Marketing 2.0: Build a List, Nurture It Like Gold
His 3-part framework:
- 2 live interactions/week (coffee, calls, Zoom)
- 1 weekly email (not monthly—weekly!)
- Print newsletter or personal touches by mail
Your referral network isn’t built on chance—it’s built on rhythm and relationships.
Conclusion
Charley’s Final Thought
“Know yourself. Own your identity. And don’t be afraid to grow into the person your business needs you to be.”
Whether you’re a lawyer trying to grow a small practice, or a $15M+ firm trying to break through the next ceiling, Charley’s message is clear: growth starts with you—and your willingness to do the boring, beautiful work of becoming a better leader.
Learn more about Charley and Law Firm Alchemy: www.lawfirmalchemy.com
Listen to the full episode of the Trial Lawyer View by Synergy podcast for even more growth insights: https://triallawyerview.com/podcast/charley-mann/
If you want to grow and scale your law firm more effectively, consider partnering with synergy. to eliminate bottlenecks at settlement due to liens. Learn more at: https://partnerwithsynergy.com/liens/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pi-practice-growth-secrets-from-charley-mann-how-run-jason-d–axyte
Trial lawyers already juggle proving liability, causation, and damages in a personal injury case. But when settlement rolls around, another layer of complexity often arises: healthcare lien resolution.
Just as attorneys routinely outsource to experts in areas like accident reconstruction, life care planning, probate matters, special needs planning or Medicare compliance, it’s not only permissible—but often smart—to outsource lien resolution to specialized professionals who understand the inside baseball.
Here’s how to do it ethically, efficiently, and to your client’s benefit
Why Outsource Lien Resolution?
- It’s Complex Medicare, Medicare Advantage, ERISA, Medicaid, FEHBA—many cases involve multiple liens from various providers. Missteps here can lead to litigation, malpractice, or even personal liability for double damages under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act.
- It’s Ethical—If Done Right ABA Model Rules (1.1, 1.5, 1.15, and Ethics Opinion 08-451) support outsourcing when: You retain ultimate responsibility Confidentiality is protected Fees are reasonable and disclosed Clients give informed consent
- It Helps Your Clients Skilled lien negotiators often secure deep reductions—maximizing your client’s net recovery. That’s the definition of making a difference.
State-Specific Rules for Outsourcing – New York as an Example:
Some states have developed specific rules that address ethical outsourcing of lien resolution, but many have yet to do so. For practitioners in states that have not done so, New York’s rules are a great guideline to follow. New York allows personal injury lawyers to outsource lien resolution and charge the cost to the client, but only if:
· The retainer agreement discloses the possibility, and the client gives informed consent;
· The fee is reasonable and passed through at cost (no markups);
· The outsourcing results in a net benefit to the client;
· The arrangement complies with all legal fee regulations;
· The lawyer retains responsibility for the final work.
How to be Compliant?
So, in summary, before outsourcing, make sure you update your retainer agreement to clearly state lien resolution may be outsourced, and that your client agrees to it. Make sure to get informed consent by walking the client through what outsourcing entails and the benefit to them. Ensure that the charges are reasonable with no markup by passing costs through at actual value, no surcharges. Some states allow these fees as case expenses but check your local rules. A necessary step is to vet potential lien resolution partners by doing your due diligence to make sure they are competent, trained, and trustworthy like synergy. Lastly, and importantly, you must supervise the work. Direct oversight = ethical compliance. Stay engaged with the process.
Key Takeaway
Outsourcing lien resolution is not just smart—it’s often essential. It protects clients, shields your firm from liability, and levels the playing field against well capitalized and skilled subrogation recovery vendors. If you are ready now to partner with synergy. and outsource healthcare lien resolution to the pros, visit https://partnerwithsynergy.com/liens/ today!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-how-outsource-lien-resolution-ethically-jason-d–fyzme
Scaling a personal injury law firm is more than just increasing case volume—it’s about sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and a well-defined strategy. In his recent Peak Practice webinar presentation, Perry Schneider of Mike Morse Law Firm and Senior Business Coach at Fireproof Performance, outlined a growth accelerator model to help you scale your practice in 2025. Fireproof Performance coaches law firms on how to exceed their scaling and profitability goals. Here’s a breakdown of Perry’s key insights to help your firm accelerate success.
Define Success on Your Terms
Before scaling, clarify your growth goal—is it revenue? Market dominance? Thought leadership? A set profit amount? Define success, embrace it, and lead by example. Growth of your personal injury practice starts with you.
Know Your Numbers & Track Progress
Without accurate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), scaling is impossible. You have to know your baseline to analyze your growth. Ask yourself:
· Do you know your firm’s key metrics?
· Are they tracked reliably?
· Are they automated for easy access?
Your data must be accurate and actionable for strategic decision-making.
Document Processes & Standardize Operations
To properly scale, a personal injury practice needs consistency. Essential processes must be documented. So ask yourself:
· Are your best practices written down?
· Is every case handled uniformly?
· Do all employees follow the most efficient workflow?
Documented processes prevent chaos as you scale and ensure your firm runs like a well-oiled machine.
Invest in & Leverage Technology for Efficiency
You need reliable and powerful technology to scale. The right tech amplifies your firm’s capabilities, so evaluate:
· Case Management System
· Integration Between Tools
· Secure Communication & Data Storage
Ensure your systems talk to each other and empower your team with the best tech tools for success.
AI is Here—Embrace It
AI isn’t replacing lawyers or law firms; it’s a tool making them more efficient. Are you looking into:
· Chatbots for client communication
· Automated demand generation
· AI-powered medical and depo summaries
Firms leveraging AI will dominate—don’t get left behind. The start of the revolution is upon us.
Deliver Exceptional Client Service
Great service leads to more organic referrals, the foundation of law firm scaling. How do you make sure you are delivering? Start with:
· Educate clients on the process
· Keep them informed before they ask
· Gather feedback throughout their case, not just at the end (a customer feedback loop)
Happy clients = more referrals. Ask for Google reviews.
Marketing: Invest in Your Brand & Community Presence
Marketing, key is selecting the right vendor to partner with for marketing services. Also, it is helpful to be part of mastermind groups that help provide marketing ideas and support the evaluation of vendors.
Branding, comes before marketing, isn’t just about ads—it’s about your reputation and visibility.
· Sponsor local events
· Partner with local charities
· Support community initiatives (like Mike Morse’s backpack giveaway for students)
Strong brand equity builds trust and attracts more cases.
Rethink Your Staffing & Workforce Structure
What worked in the past may not work in the future as the workplace evolves. One of the biggest obstacles to scaling a personal injury practice is failing to properly grow your workforce! This means having the right people in the right seat and the correct number of team members as well as the right level of HR support.
· Are all employees working at their highest and best use?
· Can you delegate lower-level tasks to specialty teams?
· Remote work, does it work? Are you offering hybrid options?
· Are you exploring offshore team members or offshore solutions?
· Should you consider fractional C-suite roles for HR, IT, or finance?
Traditional staffing models won’t cut it in 2025. Adapt and evolve. Equally important is having a well-trained staff that runs at optimal efficiency. Making sure that your firm has metrics to evaluate time on desk and moving cases effectively through the process is critical. If you need to turn to vendors, like Synergy, to accomplish greater profitability then do it today!
Optimize Case Flow
Scaling means handling more cases without breaking your system.
· Have a plan for overflow cases—referral networks are key
· Identify and fix bottlenecks in litigation, settlement, and intake
· Use data-driven insights to adjust capacity dynamically
Get a Business Coach
Scaling a personal injury law firm can be overwhelming. A business coach, like Fireproof Performance, can help you: ✔ Stay accountable ✔ Work on the business (not just in it) ✔ Identify blind spots and accelerate growth
Final Thought: Start Moving the Needle Today
No matter where your firm is in its journey, there are actionable steps you can take today.
Similarly, if you want to move the needle in terms of time on desk and profitability of your firm, consider partnering with synergy. for lien resolution to leverage our deep team of experts to eliminate bottlenecks at settlement due to liens.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-scale-your-personal-injury-practice-2025-insights-jason-d–gznne
Why Should Law Firms Consider Partnering with Experts for Lien Resolution?
When handling a personal injury case, law firms are burdened with managing the process of lien resolution, subrogation claims, and reimbursement obligations that arise against a client’s settlement. The complexities of lien resolution can drain a law firm’s time, resources, and create bottlenecks. Partnering with experts to take on this function offers a strategic operational advantage for personal injury firms.
What are the key challenges for personal injury law firms without an expert partner like Synergy?
- Identifying & Tracking Liens: Law firms must identify potential liens from Medicare, Medicaid, private insurers, and recovery vendors then keep track of them through the resolution process.
- Multiple Liens in One Case: Clients may transition from employer-based ERISA plans to Medicare, or from traditional Medicare to Part C, creating multiple reimbursement claims and more complexities.
- Determining Validity & Resolution: A law firm must assess the legal merit of claims which require experience and then substantial negotiation to resolve valid claims.
- Navigating Federal and State Laws: ERISA, FEHBA, FMCRA, and state-specific Medicaid laws create a complex legal framework for a personal injury firm’s team to navigate.
- Proper Strategy: Attorneys must weigh net recovery, reimbursement obligations, and statutory reductions to deploy proper strategies to protect client interests.
- Delays in Disbursement: Prolonged lien negotiations can delay client disbursements, creating a bottleneck, impacting client satisfaction and firm reputation.
Key Benefits of Partnering with Synergy
- Frees Up Staff from Administrative Burdens & Increases Profitability Frees paralegals/attorneys to focus on increasing the value of existing inventory of cases and moving matters towards settlement rather than focusing on administrative tasks related to lien resolution. Reduces operating expenses by decreasing or eliminating allocation of firm resources to in-house lien resolution management.
- Expert Negotiation Against Powerful Vendors Recovery vendors (e.g., Rawlings, Optum, Equian) aggressively pursue recovery; partnering with a dedicated lien resolution team of experts ensures the best possible outcomes for clients. Government plans (Medicare, Medicaid, FEHBA) involve complex regulations requiring specialized expertise which a lien resolution partner can provide to a personal injury firm’s team.
- Maximizing Client Recoveries Experienced lien resolution partners, like Synergy, secure optimal reductions, ensuring injury victims keep more of their settlement. Avoids errors that could result in overpayment or legal liability for attorneys.
Ethical Considerations in Outsourcing
Outsourcing lien resolution is ethically permissible when handled transparently and in the best interest of the client. Proper due diligence in selecting a reputable lien resolution provider ensures compliance with professional standards.
Conclusion
Partnering with experts like Synergy for lien resolution reduces bottlenecks at case resolution, enhances profitability, and ensures optimal outcomes for clients. By leveraging expert knowledge and resources, law firms can overcome the aggressive tactics of recovery vendors while maintaining better operational efficiency and reducing liability.
Law firms that strategically outsource lien resolution position themselves for long-term success, improved client satisfaction, and enhanced reputation in their community. So, if you want to recapture more of your team’s time, free your burdened staff and supercharge lien resolution results, consider partnering with synergy. for lien resolution. Visit https://partnerwithsynergy.com/liens/why-partner/ to learn more.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-partnering-lien-resolution-how-achieve-peak-jason-d–dypue
According to Chris Dreyer of Rankings.io in his recent Peak Practice by Synergy webinar presentation, many personal injury law firms are unknowingly leaving money on the table. They may be pouring resources into their marketing efforts, but without the right strategy, it can feel like trying to fill a leaky bucket. So how do you avoid it? Chris says it comes down to demand creation, demand capture. Here is how he broke it down in his presentation.
The Two Components That Make or Break Success: Demand Creation and Demand Capture
As trial attorneys, you know that the key to winning a case often lies in the details—timing, preparation, and strategy. The same is true for your marketing efforts. Demand creation and demand capture must work hand-in-hand to ensure your firm isn’t just known, but is the first choice when an accident happens.
Demand Creation: Building Awareness and Positioning Your Firm as the Go-To Choice
Imagine you’re driving down the highway, and you see a billboard for a personal injury lawyer. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? If it’s a well-known firm with a memorable message, you might think, “If I ever get hurt, I’ll call them.” That’s the power of demand creation—building awareness and positioning your firm to be the choice when a client needs you most.
In the personal injury space, you’re not just fighting for attention, you’re fighting for recognition at the very moment someone needs help. Awareness comes from being everywhere your potential clients are: TV, radio, billboards—these are still the most cost-effective ways to build recognition. In fact, they are what the biggest firms in the country, like Morgan & Morgan, continue to invest in because they work.
But, awareness alone isn’t enough. If your message doesn’t resonate—if it’s not unique or memorable—you’re just another face in a crowded market. Differentiation is everything. Whether it’s a unique tagline, a bold color scheme, or a memorable phone number, your firm needs to stand out. Think about it: what makes your firm special? Why should someone choose you over the competitor down the street? It’s these unique touches that make your brand unforgettable.
Demand Capture: Converting Interest into Clients
Now, let’s talk about the moment your potential client goes from awareness to action. When someone is searching for a personal injury attorney, they’re already in the market for your services. But what happens next? This is where demand capture becomes critical.
When someone sees your billboard or hears your ad on the radio, they likely head straight to Google to search for your firm—or worse, to search for someone else. That’s where search engine marketing (SEM), and SEO come in. You need to be at the top of the search results when they’re ready to make that decision. If you’re not, you’re missing out on leads that are ripe for conversion.
And it’s not just about SEO anymore. With the rise of AI, retargeting has become a game-changer. Have you ever searched for something online, only to see ads for that same product follow you around the web? This is retargeting at its finest. When you retarget potential clients who’ve already interacted with your firm, you’re reminding them of your value and pushing them closer to conversion.
The Secret to Success: Integrating Both Demand Creation and Capture
You need both demand creation and demand capture working together to be successful. The days of focusing on one or the other are over. Firms that excel in 2025 will be those that understand the full marketing cycle—from awareness to conversion.
Imagine your firm running TV ads, gaining widespread awareness, and then seamlessly capturing those leads through strategic SEO and retargeting. The combination of both creates demand and captures it when clients are ready to act. It’s a strategy that works synergistically to maximize every dollar spent.
Measuring Your Marketing Success: KPIs You Can’t Afford to Ignore
If you want to track the effectiveness of your efforts, there are specific KPIs to measure for each component of your strategy. For demand creation, track impressions and cost per thousand impressions (CPM) to gauge how much you’re spending for each potential client reached. For demand capture, focus on cost per acquisition, form submissions, and calls to understand how well you’re converting interest into real clients.
But here’s the catch: don’t measure channels in isolation. Today’s buyers don’t make decisions in a straight line. They might see your billboard, hear your ad on the radio, Google your firm, check your reviews, and then click on an ad on social media before converting. This is why a blended measurement strategy is crucial. It’s not about what works in a vacuum—it’s about how your entire marketing ecosystem works together to drive results.
Conclusion
As trial lawyers, you’re in a fierce competition for clients who need your expertise the most. But it’s not just about winning cases—it’s about winning the client’s trust before they even step foot in your office. The firms that will succeed in 2025 and beyond will be those that balance high-reach demand creation with smart, data-driven demand capture strategies. If you’re not doing both, you’re leaving money on the table.
Similarly, if you want to recapture more of your team’s time, free your burdened staff and supercharge lien resolution results, consider partnering with synergy. for lien resolution. Visit https://partnerwithsynergy.com/liens/why-partner/ to learn more.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chris-dreyers-secrets-goat-marketing-demand-creation-jason-d–kn1ne
The legal profession is evolving, and trial lawyers are feeling the pressure more than ever. With increasing competition, evolving technology, and growing expectations, the challenge isn’t just to survive—it’s to elevate. The goal is building a practice that can sustain growth and deliver exceptional results for clients over the long term. In his recent Peak Practice webinar presentation, Sean Domnick of Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa laid out a vision for trial lawyers to elevate and accelerate in 2025. His message was clear: Elevate your practice. Accelerate your growth. Dominate your market. Here’s how.
The Art of Elevation: Building a Law Practice That Stands Above the Rest
What does it mean to elevate your law firm? According to Domnick, it’s about more than just increasing caseload. It’s about improving the quality and standards of your practice. That means sharpening your own legal skills, strengthening your team, and ensuring that your clients receive the highest level of representation possible.
But elevation also means being strategic about the cases you take. Many lawyers fall into the trap of accepting too many low quality cases, only to find themselves drowning in work that doesn’t generate the revenues they need. Domnick warns against this. “Too many cases can be just as bad as not enough,” he says. The key is to find that sweet spot—a caseload that challenges your team without overwhelming everyone.
To achieve this, trial lawyers must constantly analyze their inventory, looking not just at the present, but at the future pipeline. What cases will be resolving in a year? In three years? If you don’t like the answer, it’s time to reassess your caseload strategy. Are you attracting the right kinds of clients? Are you spending too much time on low-value cases that eat into your firm’s profitability? Elevation requires honest, sometimes brutal, self-evaluation.
The Acceleration Factor: Fast-Tracking Growth Without Losing Your Edge
Once you’ve positioned your firm for the optimal caseload, the next step is acceleration. Domnick defines acceleration as the ability to fast-track growth and operational improvements while maintaining the highest levels of quality and compliance. This isn’t about chasing quick returns—it’s about strategic, controlled expansion.
One way to accelerate growth is by embracing technology. Artificial intelligence, case management software, and automation tools can streamline processes and improve efficiency. But Domnick warns that technology alone won’t solve a firm’s challenges. It must be implemented thoughtfully, with proper training and clear objectives. Buying new software that your team doesn’t fully utilize is a waste. Instead, trial lawyers must adopt a mindset of continuous improvement—investing in tools and training that truly make their firms more effective.
Another key to acceleration is proper staffing. Many firms operate under the misconception that fewer lawyers handling more cases will drive profitability. In reality, this often leads to burnout, delays, and frustrated clients. Domnick advocates for a different approach: hiring more lawyers to handle fewer cases each, ensuring that every case result is maximized. This strategy keeps cases moving faster, reduces overhead in the long run, and, most importantly, maximizes results for clients.
Investing in the Right Growth Opportunities
Growth requires investment. But how do you know where to put your money? Domnick emphasizes that trial lawyers must be willing to spend in order to grow. Cutting costs can only take you so far—true success comes from making strategic investments in staff, marketing, and case acquisition.
One powerful avenue for growth is exploring new practice areas. Expanding into mass torts, class actions, or other high-value litigation can be a game-changer. But Domnick cautions against diving in blindly. Instead, he recommends partnering with experienced attorneys who can guide you through the complexities of new practice areas. “Crawl, walk, run—in that order,” he advises. Growth should be ambitious but calculated.
Similarly, location matters. Many trial lawyers limit themselves to their immediate geographic area, but there are underserved markets with untapped potential. Identifying regions where competition is lower but demand for legal services is high can open new doors for firms willing to expand strategically.
The Future of Marketing: What Works in 2025?
Gone are the days when word-of-mouth and TV commercials were enough to sustain a law firm. In 2025, the most successful firms will be those that understand the modern marketing landscape. Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn are no longer optional—they’re essential tools for building brand awareness and client trust.
However, Domnick cautions trial lawyers to be selective about where and how they market. What works for one firm may not work for another. The key is authenticity. Clients want to see real trial lawyers with real results, not generic advertisements. Thought leadership, educational content, and strategic partnerships with influencers in the legal field can make a bigger impact than traditional advertising.
Elevate, Accelerate, Dominate
At the heart of Domnick’s message is a challenge: Don’t settle for being an average personal injury firm. Elevate your standards. Accelerate your processes. Dominate your market. This is the path to building a law practice that is not only profitable but also deeply fulfilling.
Sean Domnick has laid out the blueprint. The question is—are you ready to build the law firm of the future?
If you want elevate your practice by adding a team of experts to help you improve your operations and supercharge results (part of Sean’s “acceleration factor”), consider partnering with synergy. for lien resolution. Visit https://partnerwithsynergy.com/liens/why-partner/ to learn more.
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