The Legal Growth Podcast

Data-Driven Dealmaking: A Conversation with Real Estate & Transactional Attorney Ford Miller

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Ford Miller, a real estate and transactional attorney with a passion for analytics, efficiency, and building smarter legal processes. Ford shares his unconventional path from philosophy major to UMKC Law grad, and how early mentorship led him deep into the world of title work, underwriting, and the life cycle of real estate deals.
After years in big law and corporate roles, Ford partnered with previous guest Leo Oppenheimer to combine their skill sets — bringing Ford’s transactional expertise together with Leo’s litigation practice. Their collaboration now allows the firm to handle real estate matters from both ends: preventing problems on the front end and resolving them when things go sideways.
Ford also reveals his not-so-secret superpower: a deep love for numbers, data, and pattern recognition. From automated reports to pivot tables, he explains how data analysis shapes everything from client budgets to practice management to predicting shifts in the real estate market. He also breaks down emerging trends like foreclosures, loan workouts, and economic pressures that may reshape the next decade of real estate work — and how his firm is positioning itself to stay efficient, effective, and prepared.
Listeners will learn:
How Ford transitioned from philosophy to real estate law
Why title work and underwriting created the perfect foundation for his practice
How combining litigation and transactional work creates stronger outcomes for clients
How data analytics can dramatically improve law firm operations and forecasting
What current real estate patterns may signal about the future of the market
How efficiency and systems help keep legal spend down during financially stressful situations
Why understanding both borrower and lender perspectives leads to better resolutions
👉 Tune in for a smart, strategic, and insight-packed conversation that showcases how data, collaboration, and real-world experience can transform the way law firms serve clients — especially in the fast-evolving real estate industry.

Building From the Ground Up: A Conversation with Trial Attorney Leo Oppenheimer

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Leo Oppenheimer, founder of a rapidly growing Kansas City law firm, to discuss resilience, reinvention, and how to build a thriving legal practice from scratch in a city where you have zero professional roots.
Leo shares his remarkable journey from college football player to New York finance hopeful to Columbia-trained litigator — and how the 2008 financial crisis unexpectedly set him on the path to the courtroom. With energy and candor, he reflects on discovering his passion for litigation, the competitive nature of trial work, and the thrill of stepping into a profession where “two people walk in, one walks out.”
Returning to Kansas City after years on the East Coast, Leo built his firm from a one-lawyer operation into a five-attorney team in just two years. He breaks down the marketing strategies, relationship building, and deliberate positioning that fueled his explosive growth. Leo also discusses how he’s integrating AI into his practice responsibly — not as a replacement for expertise, but as a tool to maximize efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of legal quality.
Listeners will learn:
How Leo pivoted from finance to litigation — and found his true calling
What it takes to build a law firm with no existing professional network
Why marketing (Google ads, LinkedIn, and bar associations) was crucial to early growth
The importance of finding the right team and ideal clients
How to use AI responsibly without compromising quality or ethics
Why fee structure matters when implementing new technology
How efficiency and expertise can coexist in modern legal practice
👉 Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation filled with smart growth strategies, candid reflections, and actionable insights for attorneys at any stage of their career.

The Art and Science of Law: A Conversation with Labor & Employment Attorney Trey Cammack

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Trey Cammack, a board-certified labor and employment attorney who also handles personal injury cases, to explore how patience, precision, and passion come together in both the courtroom and the kitchen.
Trey shares how his journey into law was inspired by a mix of curiosity, persistence, and a bit of family humor — and how a simple job close to home became the launching point for a career he loves. With thoughtful insights, he explains the constantly shifting landscape of employment law, where politics, federal agencies, and court appointments all influence the cases he handles. Trey also opens up about how his time working on both the defense and plaintiff sides has made him a more balanced and strategic advocate for his clients.
Beyond the courtroom, Trey draws surprising parallels between his love of cooking — from slow-smoked brisket to rich Cajun gumbo — and the practice of law, emphasizing that both require patience, skill, and a refusal to cut corners. He also dives into the impact of AI and legislative changes on the legal industry, offering practical advice for attorneys looking to adapt and thrive in a time of transformation.
Listeners will learn:
How Trey found his calling in employment and personal injury law
Why patience and precision are critical in both cooking and law
How to build trial experience and credibility in a competitive field
The effects of politics and legislation on employment law
Why AI is both a challenge and an opportunity for modern firms
The importance of paying attention to state and local legislative changes
👉 Tune in for a rich and engaging conversation that blends legal insight, real-world wisdom, and a little Southern flavor — proving that great lawyering, like great cooking, is all about the details.

Jumping Off the High Dive: A Conversation with Trial Attorney Joe Shull

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Joe Shull, co-founder and trial attorney at Shull & Klenda, to discuss entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the bold mindset it takes to build a successful litigation firm from the ground up.
Joe shares how his early love of storytelling and performance—fueled by high school radio and TV work—eventually led him to the courtroom, where he now channels that same energy into compelling advocacy for his clients. From launching his firm during uncertain times to securing major victories in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, Joe reveals how patience, persistence, and a clear vision helped him and his partner, Kasey Klenda, transform calculated risks into long-term growth.
He also dives into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal landscape—from intake to medical record review—and why he believes the human element of advocacy will always remain irreplaceable. With humor, humility, and a hint of “doctor envy,” Joe brings an engaging perspective on what it means to thrive as a modern trial lawyer.
Listeners will learn:
How taking calculated risks can lead to rapid firm growth
Why patience and strategic planning are key to sustainable success
How Joe’s background in media and storytelling enhances his courtroom presence
The role AI is playing in streamlining litigation and case management
Why empathy and authenticity matter as much as legal skill
How collaboration and shared vision fuel a thriving law partnership
👉 Tune in for an entertaining and insightful conversation that blends business strategy, innovation, and the human side of trial law — all from one of Kansas City’s most dynamic legal minds.

From the Field to the Courtroom: A Conversation with Trial Attorney Kasey Klenda

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Kasey Klenda, plaintiff’s attorney and partner at Scholl & Klenda, to discuss how teamwork, discipline, and empathy fuel success in the competitive world of personal injury and medical malpractice litigation.
Kasey shares his unique journey from college soccer player to courtroom advocate, revealing how his background in finance, marketing, and athletics shaped his competitive edge and collaborative mindset. Drawing from his experience litigating multi-million-dollar cases, Kasey opens up about what it takes to build trust with clients who are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
He also discusses how his firm is embracing technology and AI ethically and practically — while never losing sight of the human element at the heart of every case. Whether it’s fighting for justice, building a winning team culture, or adapting to an evolving legal landscape, Kasey’s insights offer real-world inspiration for attorneys at every stage of their careers.
Listeners will learn:
How Kasey’s sports background shaped his leadership and litigation style
Why empathy is a competitive advantage in personal injury law
How to build a “no ego” team that drives firm-wide success
The role of consistency and grit in achieving big wins
How AI is influencing litigation and client service — ethically and effectively
Why personal connection still beats automation in the practice of law
👉 Tune in for an energizing and authentic conversation that blends strategy, purpose, and the drive it takes to stand up for those who need it most.

From File Clerk to Firm Leader: A Conversation with Estate Planning Attorney Rochelle Falk

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Rochelle Falk, an accomplished estate planning attorney based in Kansas City, to explore her remarkable journey from file clerk to firm owner — and the lessons she’s learned along the way about leadership, empathy, and innovation in the modern legal landscape.
Rochelle shares how her early experience working in every role of a law firm — from admin to paralegal to attorney — gave her a unique perspective on firm culture, hiring, and management. With honesty and humor, she reflects on how her diverse background in nursing, marketing, and law has shaped her people-first approach to client service and team leadership.
She also dives into how she’s using AI tools responsibly within her practice, balancing the efficiencies of technology with the human connection that remains essential in estate planning. Rochelle’s story is proof that growth in law isn’t just about scaling a firm — it’s about evolving as a leader, staying curious, and using every experience as a foundation for empathy and innovation.
Listeners will learn:
How Rochelle went from file clerk to attorney and firm leader
Why empathy and understanding every firm role lead to stronger teams
How to balance technology, ethics, and the human side of law
The real-world challenges and opportunities of AI in estate planning
Why networking and collaboration are essential to long-term success
How to build client relationships through communication and trust
👉 Tune in for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation that highlights resilience, professional growth, and the future of legal practice in an AI-driven world.

Creating the Client Experience: A Conversation with Family & Estate Planning Attorney Trisha Morales Padia

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with San Antonio attorney Trisha Morales Padia, founder of Morales Padia Law, to explore how client experience, empathy, and innovation are redefining what it means to run a successful modern law firm.
Trisha shares her inspiring journey from marketing and advertising to building her own thriving law practice — one that focuses on family law, estate planning, and probate with a client-centered approach. Drawing from her background in marketing and her passion for people, Trisha reveals how she’s built a firm culture rooted in communication, trust, and genuine care — all while expanding her team from two to eight members in just a few years.
She also opens up about the challenges of starting from scratch, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and why “creating the Disney experience” for clients has become her north star for service excellence. From navigating layoffs in her early career to mastering business development as a solo attorney, Trisha’s story is one of resilience, vision, and purpose.
Listeners will learn:
How marketing and people skills translate into powerful legal growth strategies
Why focusing on experience — not just outcomes — creates loyal clients
The mindset shift attorneys need to scale their firms effectively
How to balance empathy with efficiency in family and probate law
Why mentorship, culture, and communication drive sustainable growth
How AI and automation are reshaping (but not replacing) the human touch in law
👉 Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation that blends business savvy, personal growth, and the power of creating meaningful client relationships.

Authenticity in Action: A Conversation with Estate Planning Attorney Jeremy Keel

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Jeremy Keel, an estate planning and probate attorney, to discuss how authenticity, curiosity, and compassion define the modern practice of law.
Jeremy shares his journey from choosing law for the challenge and prestige to finding his true passion in helping families navigate some of life’s most important decisions. With humor and humility, he talks about the lessons learned from early mistakes, the realities of starting out in law, and why empathy and transparency are his greatest assets in practice. Jeremy also offers candid advice for aspiring attorneys — from managing the financial investment of law school to understanding the human side of client service.
Listeners will learn:
How authenticity and empathy build trust with clients
Why attention to detail can make or break estate plans
The benefits and risks of AI and DIY legal tools in estate planning
Why mentorship and curiosity are key to early career growth
What future law students should know before committing to law school
👉 Tune in for an insightful and down-to-earth conversation that blends practical career wisdom with the human connection that makes great lawyers stand out.

Business Meets Law: A Conversation with Corporate Attorney Sheila Seck

In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Sheila Seck, founder and managing partner of Seck & Associates, to explore the intersection of business and law — and how curiosity, structure, and strategy create freedom for entrepreneurs.
Sheila shares how her journey from mechanical engineer to corporate attorney shaped her approach to problem-solving and why she’s passionate about helping business owners build sustainable, scalable companies. From discussing how coaching transformed her leadership style to embracing AI and innovation in her firm, Sheila offers an inspiring look at what it takes to run a modern, people-centered law practice.
Listeners will learn:
Why discipline and structure lead to more entrepreneurial freedom
How business law can serve as a true partnership with clients
The value of curiosity and empathy in client relationships
Why AI must be embraced — not feared — in the legal industry
How coaching and team development fuel long-term firm growth
👉 Tune in for a powerful conversation that blends business acumen with legal insight — and discover how today’s attorneys can lead with curiosity, innovation, and heart.

Reinventing Yourself Through Law: A Conversation with HR Director and Attorney Sabrina Norris

In this inspiring episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Sabrina Norris, HR Director at FitLife Foods and recent law school graduate, to discuss how combining legal expertise with human resources can transform both business and personal growth.
Sabrina shares her journey of going to law school in her forties as a single mom, balancing career, family, and self-discovery along the way. She explains how her legal education strengthened her ability to manage compliance, risk, and employee wellbeing — and why curiosity and courage are the foundation of every successful reinvention. From discussing how AI is shaping HR to offering candid insight into resilience and lifelong learning, Sabrina’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose.
Listeners will learn:
How to navigate major life changes while pursuing career goals
Why legal knowledge is a game-changer for HR professionals
The link between compliance, ethics, and employee well being
How AI and social media are reshaping workplace dynamics
The value of curiosity, courage, and reinvention at any age
👉 Tune in for a motivating conversation that proves it’s never too late to level up, pivot, and thrive — both personally and professionally.