180: Amazon #1 Authors Amy Shield & Roger Levine on Writing a Book to Establish Authority

What happens when elite appellate attorneys turn decades of hard-earned courtroom wisdom into a practical survival guide for people facing divorce? I sat down with appellate attorneys Amy Shield and Roger Levine of Shield & Levine, P.A. to unpack the thinking behind their Amazon #1 bestseller Divorce SOS. From changing passwords and handling social media to courtroom decorum, choosing the right attorney, and using a book as a powerful thought-leadership asset, this conversation blends legal precision with real-world clarity. The result is a masterclass in preparation, perspective, and professional authority that leaves listeners better equipped for both divorce and leadership. The takeaway is simple and empowering: preparation changes outcomes.Key Topics02:55 - Why appellate attorneys see the same divorce mistakes repeated year after year04:07 - Amy Shield’s path into family law appeals and how appellate thinking changes outcomes05:47 - Growing up around the law and developing an analytical mindset for complex cases07:28 - The hidden errors trial lawyers and clients make that only surface on appeal09:55 - Why changing passwords is one of the smartest moves to make before filing for divorce12:02 - How smart home technology, cameras, and shared accounts can be weaponized in divorce13:11 - Social media behaviors that quietly destroy credibility in court14:10 - Who gets the family pet and how state laws treat pets very differently15:37 - Using a book to establish authority and trust in a niche legal market16:58 - How busy attorneys realistically find time to write and finish a book18:11 - Why outlining first is the difference between finishing a book and quitting halfway19:33 - How appellate lawyers evaluate records, transcripts, and courtroom behavior22:10 - Practical advice for attorneys considering writing a book for thought leadership25:48 - How judges evaluate appearance, behavior, and credibility in court and online hearings30:16 - What clients should look for when choosing the right divorce attorney32:14 - Why preparation before filing often matters more than arguments made laterResources MentionedTechnologyMicrosoft Office – https://www.microsoft.comZoom – https://zoom.usBooksDivorce SOS: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Protect Your Money, Children, and Sanity – Amy Shield & Roger Levine - https://a.co/d/bLjo9pvAdvanced Internet Marketing for Law Firms - Jay Berkowitz - https://a.co/d/bSNlAZkPodcastsDarenDaily On-Demand - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/darrendaily-on-demand/id1449270369About our Guests:Amy Shield is an AV Preeminent®–rated appellate attorney, a distinction that reflects the highest level of professional excellence and peer recognition for legal ability and ethical standards. She focuses her practice on appellate advocacy, bringing precision, strategic clarity, and deep legal analysis to complex appeals.Known for her thoughtful approach and strong written and oral advocacy, Amy works closely with trial teams to refine legal arguments, preserve issues for appeal, and strengthen cases at every stage of litigation. Her reputation as a trusted appellate lawyer is built on credibility, experience, and a commitment to high standards in appellate practice.Roger Levine is a Florida appellate attorney providing litigation support across civil matters including family law, probate and trust disputes, commercial litigation, personal injury, and insurance cases. He is admitted to all Florida state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.A National Merit Scholar, Roger earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Florida and holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has a longstanding commitment to community service, including a decade as a volunteer guardian ad litem in Palm Beach County.https://shield-levine.com/About Jay Berkowitz:Jay Berkowitz is a best-selling author and popular keynote speaker. Mr. Berkowitz managed marketing departments at: Coca-Cola, Sprint and McDonald's Restaurants, and he is the Founder and CEO of Ten Golden Rules, a digital marketing agency specialized in working with attorneys.Mr. Berkowitz is the author of Advanced Internet Marketing for Law Firms, The Ten Golden Rules of Online Marketing and 10 Free Internet Marketing Strategies that went to #1 on Amazon. He is the host of the Ten Golden Rules of Internet Marketing Webinar and Podcast. He has been profiled by the Wall Street Journal, The Business Journals and FOX Business TV.Mr. Berkowitz was selected for membership as a TITAN for Elite Digital Marketing Agencies, he is the recipient of a SOFIE Award for Most Effective use of Emerging Media, and a Special BERNAY’s Award.Connect with Ten Golden RulesSubscribe to Ten Golden Rules on YouTubeCheck out our webinars on TenGoldenRules.comConnect with Ten Golden Rules on LinkedInFollow Ten Golden Rules on FacebookConnect with Jay Berkowitz on LinkedInThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. 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