The 1958 Lawyer Podcast
A podcast about the business of law — how solo and small firms actually grow, market, hire, and run a practice. Each episode features attorneys, founders, and consultants sharing how they built their practice, found clients, and navigated the legal landscape.
"The 1958 Lawyer and His 1938 Dollar."The American Bar Association pamphlet that gave this show its name — and helped launch the billable hour.
The last time the business of law really changed.
Before 1960, most legal work was billed by the project. Then the ABA published a now-famous pamphlet arguing that lawyers were falling behind — and the billable hour was born. It reshaped how every firm in America made money.
That was the last major change to the business of law. More than 60 years ago. We think it's past time for the next one — and this show is where we work it out, one honest conversation at a time.
What is The 1958 Lawyer? It's a podcast about the business of law for solo and small firms — growth, marketing, staffing, and the realities of running a practice — hosted by Ron Bockstahler, founder of Amata Law Office Suites and a Chicago Bar Association partner.
Ron & Rebecca: How to Collect Without Conflict
Latest Episodes
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Estate Planning: When you have a child with Special Needs!
Gregg Garofalo is the Founding Partner at Garofalo Law Group, he has been practicing law for 20 years…
Megan Mathias: Lawyer, Single Mom, Candidate For Chicago Alderman
Megan Mathias is the Founder of Lopp Mathias Law, she represents business owners with challenges relating to corporate…
Stephen Seckler: Coaching Can Make All the Difference!
In this episode, Stephen E. Seckler, Esq. talks about how lawyers should adopt marketing strategies that feel comfortable…
McKenna Prohov: Encouraging Clients to Think With a Legal Mindset
McKenna is the founder of Law x Design, a legal practice that focuses on entrepreneurs, artists and start-ups.…
Wochner Law Firm LLC – Corinne Cantwell Heggie
Corinne Cantwell Heggie is a Principal at Wochner Law Firm LLC and she specializes in estate planning. She…
Bill Cisar: Making The Best Out Of Tax Reduction And Legacy-building With Private Foundations
Bill Cisar left his career working as an associate at a boutique firm to establish his own practice…
Frank Ramos: Advice for young lawyers on building a successful career
Franklin “Frank” Ramos has written over 20 books, 400 articles and spent many years providing invaluable advice to…
Reynolds & McElwee: Two Attorneys Build a Law Firm Fit for the Future of Law
Matthew McElwee and Jared Reynolds are the founding members of RM Law Group LLC, a firm built for…
What Listeners Say
Ron gets to the heart of what matters — real talk about running a law practice. No fluff, just honest conversations with people doing it right.
Been solo for 3 years and this podcast has been my best business mentor. The guests actually run firms, not consultants selling frameworks.
Every episode gives me something I can actually use. Growth, staffing, operations — The 1958 Lawyer covers what matters to real attorneys.
This is the podcast I recommend to every attorney I know. Real problems, real solutions, from people who've actually built successful practices.
Finally a podcast that treats attorneys like adults — no sugar-coating, no fluff. Ron's guests are doing real work and aren't afraid to talk about the money side of law.
The business of law rarely gets this honest treatment. From marketing to operations to hiring — these conversations are changing how I think about my firm.
Doing law differently? Come talk about it.
We're always looking for attorneys and legal professionals with a real story about the business of law — what worked, what didn't, and what you'd tell someone starting out.
Or call us — 312.924.0200