A GUIDE for LAWYERS
TIGER
TACTICs
CEO EDITION
GOING FROM ZERO TO Law Firm CEO
INTRODUCTION by JOHN NACHAZEL
Dive deep into the minds of 13 of the nation’s most influential law firm CEOs. From the bustling streets of criminal law and the heartfelt challenges of family law to the intricate corridors of immigration and the high-stakes arenas of personal injury, these leaders have not only thrived but have also distilled their vast experiences into essential insights for you. Whether you’re at the dawn of your legal journey, navigating its zenith, or contemplating its sunset, this book isn’t just another guide.
It’s a mentorship in print, a chance to learn from those who’ve charted the treacherous terrains of the legal world and emerged victorious.
Discover the pivotal elements that fuel a flourishing law firm in today’s dynamic legal landscape. Gain invaluable wisdom from real-life tales of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Understand the universal principles that drive success across diverse practice areas. In the wild, unpredictable world of law, every law firm CEO needs a strategy to survive and thrive. Arm yourself with the Tiger Tactics and conquer your legal jungle.
MEET the AUTHORS
Sandy Van
CEO - Van Law Firm
Sandy Van is a successful entrepreneur with a multifaceted business empire having founded Van Law Firm, a legal virtual assistant administrative outsourcing agency, and is soon to be a general partner in an investment fund. She thrives in building businesses and giving back to underserved local and global communities. Her plan for the future is to be an inspirational leader showcasing success which she defines as the right balance between financial success, relationships, health, personal growth and contribution. Sandy is a philanthropist and a serial entrepreneur.
Allison Williams
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Allison C. Williams is an international speaker in the field of child maltreatment, national media contributor, featured author, and a decorated trial attorney who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and chosen by her peers as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New Jersey. She founded Williams Law Group, LLC, grew it from start-up to multi-million-dollar enterprise in 3.5 years, and then founded Law Firm Mentor, LLC, a business coaching service, which helps Law Firm Owners crush chaos in business and make more money. The motto of Law Firm Mentor is #NeverStopGrowing!
Elise Buie
Owner - Elise Buie Family Law Group, PLLC
Elise Buie, a Seattle-based attorney and founder of Elise Buie Family Law Group, focuses on family law and estate planning. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, her own divorce, a relocation, and blending families with Doug and their six children (now 20-somethings). Elise knows firsthand what it means to successfully integrate lawyering, entrepreneurship and parenting while elevating into the CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) roll. When not advocating for civility in divorce through a child-focused lens, you can find her hosting and mentoring young lawyer leaders while enjoying the Pacific Northwest from her oasis on the Hood Canal.
Mario Godoy
Founder - Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy specializes in family-based law, citizenship, removal, and criminal defense for immigrants. Born in Guatemala, he embodies the immigrant American Dream. Arriving in the U.S. at a month old, he grew up with Spanish as his first language, speaking English only from age 6. Inspired by his parents' pursuits—his father earning a Master’s and his mother starting a salon—he was driven by memories of a deported relative and family injustices. This led Mario to law school, aiming to make a change. He founded two law firms: Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers and Estate and Probate Legal Group. As an immigrant, husband, and father, Mario emphasizes the significance of family unity in America.
Jenn Gore-Cuthbert
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Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert founded Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, a leading Georgia firm handling auto collisions, trucking incidents, slips, and wrongful deaths. Leveraging technology and superior client communication, they've built a reputation for case value optimization and legal efficiency. Established in 2013, the firm has grown remarkably in caseload, revenue, and staff. Recognitions include awards from The National Trial Lawyers, Superlawyers, and AVVO. Additionally, they ranked on Inc 5000's Fastest Growing Companies list in 2022 and 2023. Jennifer, also a national speaker on Law Business, coaches upcoming attorneys. She serves on boards for Atlanta's John Marshall Law School and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. A community supporter, Jennifer backs the Achieving Your Goals Scholarship and Atlanta Back Pack Project. Married with three kids, she loves fitness and travel.
Allison McKeen
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Allison McKeen serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC, where she has been instrumental in driving a tenfold increase in revenue over a five-year span. Her leadership and practical enhancements have enabled the firm to scale effectively, reflecting her unique perspective on implementing vision through constant adaptation. When not immersed in solving operational, financial, and personnel challenges, Allison indulges in her passions for beekeeping, gardening, and knitting. She resides in Connecticut with her husband Ryan, their children Talia and Luke, two dogs, bringing joy and vitality to her personal world just as she brings growth and innovation to her professional one.
Michelle Dellino
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Michelle Dellino is CEO of Dellino Family Law Group. She is also a rescue dog mom, wife, friend, family law attorney, traveler, and baseball fanatic. Not necessarily in that order. She started her firm ten years ago based on the belief that there is a solution to every problem and a better way. Since then, DFLG has solved problems for thousands of people. Michelle makes sure her team always has the tools to take a case anywhere it needs to go and the support to get there. She holds her JD from Seattle University and MA from Arizona State University.
Seth Price
Managing Partner - Price Benowitz LLC
Seth Price is a founding partner and the business backbone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, a Washington, DC-based law firm. Seth’s commitment to creating a firm that provides excellent representation and exceptional customer service led Price Benowitz’s growth from 2 attorneys to more than 40 in less than a decade, covering multiple areas of legal focus. Seth is also the founder and CEO of BluShark Digital, a best-in-class digital agency focusing on the legal sector. An accomplished attorney and transformational thought leader, Seth is often asked to speak on law firm development and legal marketing strategy and is a frequent lecturer and moderator at some of the largest and most influential law conferences in the United States.
Joey Vitale
CEO - Indie Law
Joey Vitale is a trademark attorney for thriving brands. He owns Indie Law, one of the most reviewed trademark firms on Google, and he has filed over 800 trademark applications. Joey and his team help small business owners protect their brands and build the legal foundation they need to thrive. Joey has spoken to tens of thousands of people across the world, and he is sought after for podcasts, conferences, and to be featured in articles. He is also the CEO of Skybreaker, which helps online business owners build trustworthy teams so they can cut their work week in half.
William Umansky
CEO - The Umansky Lawfirm
Bill "the Lawman" Umansky is a seasoned attorney from Orlando, specializing in Personal Injury and Criminal Law. With 30 years under his belt, he now mentors lawyers aiming for seven to eight-figure revenues. Bill once presided over his local Rotary Club and founded the Second Chance of Florida scholarship foundation, promoting education for brighter futures. He's the acclaimed author of "Tiger Tactics" and host of "The Lawman's Lounge" podcast. Bill, husband to attorney Zahra and father to Zak and Jake, relishes travel, cooking, fitness, and time with dogs Boots and Bella. Rooted in the philosophy "Everyone Deserves a Second Chance," compassion drives his every move.
Billie Tarascio
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Billie Tarascio is the owner of Modern Law, a family law firm in Phoenix, Arizona and a co-owner of Win Without Law School and Modern Law Practice. Modern Law is a six-time award winner of the law firm 500 award and a Clio Riseman Award Winner. She was also named 2019 ABA Rebel. Billie is a true entrepreneur who has been experimenting and pushing the legal model throughout her twenty-year career. Billie is one of the original authors of Tiger Tactics and the author of Decode Your Divorce 1 and 2. Billie is also a mother to four children and active in building social media communities.
Jay Ruane
CEO & Serial Legal Entrepreneur - Ruane Attorneys at Law LLC
Jay Ruane is the owner of Ruane Attorneys at Law LLC in Connecticut and founder of The Criminal Mastermind. In addition to his law firm and coaching, Jay also is the CEO of FirmFlex, a social media marketing platform for lawyers. Jay worked defending DUI cases for over 25 years and expanded his office to include post-conviction work. In that, Jay successfully led the exoneration litigation for 2 men now free after spending decades in jail for murders they did not commit. A frequent lecturer on law firm management, marketing and systems, Jay created the online group The Law Firm Blueprint and lives in Connecticut with his wife and law partner Jill, and his 4 children, Julianna, Robert, James, and Isabelle.
Ryan McKeen
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Ryan McKeen is co-founder and CEO of Connecticut Trial Firm, LLC in Glastonbury, CT. He has grown a solo practice to a team of 35 (and growing). In 2022 Connecticut Trial Firm obtained the highest jury verdict in Connecticut history - $100 million. He speaks nationally on how to grow and run a law practice and legal technology. He is a tireless advocate for a healthier legal profession. The true loves of Ryan’s life are his wife Allison, his children Talia and Luke, and dogs Teddy and Masha.