Ep. 108: From Fired to Partner: Scarcity Mindset & How to Build a Partnership with Jason Epstein

In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Jason Epstein — partner at Premier Law Group in Bellevue, Washington, Washington Super Lawyer, ABA trial skills faculty, and adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law — for a conversation about what it actually takes to build a law firm on your own terms. Jason's path wasn't linear. He got fired after asking to see the firm's financials. He discovered he was unemployable. And then he built something worth having. In this episode, he breaks down the scarcity mindset that quietly traps most personal injury firms, shares the real story behind bringing on a third partner after 15 years — valuation, buy-in structure, promissory notes and all — and explains why most small firm owners never build a partnership track even when they should. What we explore: ✅ The Scarcity Trap: Why most PI firms operate from scarcity — and how protecting "inventory" leads to bad decisions, locked-out attorneys, and a culture that stunts growth. ✅ From Fired to Founded: What getting fired for asking to see the firm's financials taught Jason about firm ownership — and why being "unemployable" turned out to be his greatest asset. ✅ Building a Partnership Track: The real process behind identifying the right candidate, valuing a firm, structuring a buy-in, and what to look for in a partner beyond just hard work. ✅ Teaching What Law School Skips: Why Jason pitched a Law Firm Entrepreneurship class at Seattle University School of Law — and what he wishes someone had taught him six or seven years into practice. If you're a firm owner thinking about your next hire, your succession plan, or just wondering why your firm feels stuck — this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Jason Epstein: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasongepstein Website: www.premierlawgroup.com 📣 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:  🚀 Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future – August 2026: Stop the daily grind and start architecting your next era. Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic laboratory.  👉 Secure your spot: https://powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/  📊 We Love Your Feedback! Help us design the next year of the podcast. Take this 2-minute audience survey: https://forms.gle/EgMgxd3tbXCsmqgp9 📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:  🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com  📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup  💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice  Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:  🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers  🔹 Facebook: /poweruppractice  🔹 Website: rubypowers.com  🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: Stafi https://calendly.com/d/csbk-3y4-35w/staffing-strategy-session-stafi-ruby-powers?month=2025-07  Filevine https://www.filevine.com/partner/powers-referral/  CandleAI https://www.trycandle.ai/powers Vonage https://share.vonage.com/zones/friend_landing_experience_microsite?extole_share_channel=%5C%22SHARE_LINK%5C%22&extole_shareable_code=wzq4f&referral_id=wzq4f&source=%5C%22direct%5C%22&utm_source=Power+Up+Your+Practice+by+Power+Strategy+Group&utm_campaign=a7c6feafe9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_13_07_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3b4d3388ea-a7c6feafe9-74618973