Bold Moves and Better Margins with Lauren Presser on Courage and Team Investment in Law Firm Growth | Ep. 156

What if you could transform a legacy law firm while staying true to your personal goals? In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, attorney Lauren Presser reveals the law firm growth strategies that transformed her practice, creating clarity, balance, and sustainable growth. After buying out her uncle's 50-year-old family firm in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Lauren partnered with Atticus to modernize every part of her practice. The result was a 35% increase in revenue within one year, without sacrificing her family time or her sanity. This is a compelling narrative of courage, mentorship, and strategic innovation in a traditionally static industry. Lauren's transformation began with a clear why: she wanted to be fully present for her children while leading a thriving practice. Every change she made flowed from that intention. With coaching and focus, she trained her legal assistants to lead initial consultations, replaced discounts with fixed-fee packages, and introduced structured scheduling: no walk-ins, time templates, and set client touchpoints. Lauren's story is a masterclass in law firm growth strategies that actually work. Her firm's culture evolved too. Lauren implemented a simple bonus structure built around three measurable KPIs, aligning her team and inspiring accountability. The result was a calm, collaborative environment where everyone knew what success looked like. Lauren's story proves that growth doesn't require burnout. By setting boundaries, empowering her team, and leading with purpose, she built a profitable firm that supports her life instead of consuming it. Her journey is a powerful example of what's possible when you pair intentional leadership with practical systems and a reminder that success at work means little if you miss the moments that matter most at home. In this episode, you will hear: Lauren Presser's transformation from associate to principal owner of a 50-year-old law firm Strategies for achieving a 35% revenue increase while maintaining work-life balance Implementation of fixed pricing models and bonus structures based on key performance indicators Overcoming challenges in a family-run firm and navigating systemic changes with the help of mentorship Strategic moves, such as relocating to a larger office space to accommodate a growing team Importance of setting boundaries to ensure personal well-being and professional success Empowering non-lawyers to conduct initial consultations and the benefits of adopting innovative business practices Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Lauren Presser: apelderlaw.com/about/our-attorneys Ayres Presser Elder Law: apelderlaw.com Mark Metzger: atticusadvantage.com/team/mark-metzger Julianna Maria: atticusadvantage.com/team/julianna-maria Practice Growth Diagnostic: atticusadvantage.com/practice-growth-diagnostic   Code: STEVESENTME to get it for free! DISC assessment: atticusadvantage.com/disc-assessment Workshop: The Path to a Great Practice & Great Life: atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-path-to-a-great-practice-great-life Is It Possible for Non-Lawyers to Do Initial Meetings? with Patti Paz: atticusadvantage.com/podcast/train-your-team-members-for-client-intake Lawyer Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching My Great Life Focus: mygreatlifefocus.com The Summit: atticussummit.com Atticus Newsletter If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected]. Curious about growing your own practice? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.