The Josh Schachnow Show

Today’s update uncovers the dynamic world of juggling business and family life. As a parent of a twenty-one-month-old, I’m finding new ways to balance the chaos and freedom that come with running an immigration law firm.

Business has been bustling, and with the advent of AI and technology, we’re streamlining operations like never before.

It’s fascinating - our clients are happier as our processes become leaner, but change always comes with challenges as I recently had to let go of my first virtual assistant. This twist made us rethink our support structure, leading to an exciting opportunity to hire our first lawyer. It’s a wild journey, adapting to these shifts, that brings both the good and the challenging - but the thrill of growth keeps us pushing forward.

Now, let’s talk about the “work smarter, not harder” mantra. With our legal workflows and cutting-edge tech, we’re reducing layers of communication, giving clients direct access to their lawyer. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances client satisfaction—a win-win. We’re embracing a strategy to hire slow but fire fast, ensuring the right talent comes on board. Excitement is in the air as we approach our third-round interviews with potential new hires and welcome a new salesperson to the team. These efforts point towards a bustling future - more work, more growth, more opportunities.

Lastly, on a personal note, as the Canadian summer winds down, I’m squeezing in the last of the outdoor moments and reflecting on my reading adventures. Books by figures like Tim Grover and Warren Buffett have offered insights that align with the relentless spirit I aim to embody.

Whether it’s bounding through entrepreneurial roadblocks or navigating family fun, life remains an unpredictable dance. Join me regularly for updates from these ever-changing trenches of entrepreneurship - and don’t forget to share this journey with friends who might appreciate the real-time lessons from this ever-evolving path. Until next time, keep pushing those boundaries!

Agenda:

00:00 Quick Life Update

00:48 Firm Growth Momentum

01:14 Tech And Efficiency Wins

01:50 Letting A VA Go

02:10 Hiring A New Lawyer

02:38 Lean Team Model

05:00 Salesperson Starts Today

05:32 Family And Entrepreneur Life

06:06 Economy And AI Shifts

07:08 Book Reviews And Reads

09:48 Posting Cadence And Wrap Up

Josh shares a personal update covering recent weeks as a lawyer, law firm owner, and new father.

He reports strong growth in his Canadian immigration practice, effective marketing, and active hiring for a junior SDR role, while also looking to partner with experienced lawyers in areas like family, employment, or tax to expand beyond immigration within a tech-forward, AI-enabled firm.

He describes how internal software, a developer, and a virtual assistant have reduced manual admin work so he can focus on consultations and legal review.

On the content side, he’s posting consistently on LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok and using AI to repurpose videos into text posts. He also discusses recent and upcoming reads, including Dan Martell’s “Buy Back Your Time,” plus books on Warren Buffett, Tim Grover, and Rockefeller.

Finally, he opens up about the emotional difficulty of his daughter’s daycare transition and asks listeners for feedback on future updates.

00:00 Personal Update Intro
00:24 Law Firm Growth Plans
00:34 Hiring and Expansion
02:06 Tech Powered Practice
03:29 Marketing and Repurposing
04:11 Books and Reading Hacks
07:16 Daycare Transition Reality
09:15 Parenting and Work Balance
09:59 Wrap Up and Feedback

Josh records a car update on his way to the office to explain why his podcast/vlog and Substack have slowed down. He shares that he’s been busy balancing work as a Canadian immigration lawyer and tech co-founder, parenting his 18-month-old daughter, and navigating recent professional changes.

After pivoting into family law about a year and a half ago, he decided it wasn’t for him due to the stress, emotional intensity, and feeling like he had to start over, so he returned to immigration law and is adjusting to how the field has changed.

He also explains that an AI product for family lawyers was built and launched but ultimately not pursued, and the focus is now back on his immigration platform, Visto, and tech to support his firm. He adds that baby number two is due in December, which is reshaping priorities and reducing time for frequent Substack posts.

To make sure you never miss an update, make sure you're following his substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Car Ride Update
01:05 Where Ive Been
03:06 Switching Back To Immigration
04:19 Why Substack Slowed Down
06:01 Baby Two And Priorities
07:13 Parenting And Partnership Lessons
07:43 Wrap Up And Feedback

The AI Hack That Saved My Law Practice 40+ Minutes Per Day! As a busy attorney, last week nearly broke me (multiple court appearances + family commitments!). But I discovered a simple AI workflow for lawyers that instantly freed up valuable time. If you're struggling with legal research, drafting, or summaries, this video is your blueprint for productivity.

In this episode, Josh shares the exact tools and strategies he used to automate tedious legal work and reclaim 40+ minutes daily. Learn how to implement AI automation in your own practice, from solo firms to large operations. This is essential viewing for anyone interested in lawyer productivity, legal technology, AI for law firms, and time management strategies for attorneys.

Never miss an update on his journey by joining his substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Apology for Missing Last Week
00:40 Why I Missed the Vlog Last Week
02:42 Using AI to Save Time on Legal Work
03:37 Detailed Example of AI in Legal Practice
09:05 Steps for Effectively Using AI in Legal Work
11:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

Welcome to the Weekly Vlog! Josh explains why he's exceptionally tired this week due to a packed schedule. He discusses attending and speaking at two conferences on AI for legal professionals, preparing for upcoming court appearances, and his thoughts on the book he's reading, '33 Strategies of War' by Robert Green. 

Josh also shares plans to hold a webinar on building custom GPTs for legal professionals. Tune in to get all the details!

Never miss an update on his journey by joining his substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:25 Why I'm Exhausted This Week
01:19 Presenting at Two Major Events
02:08 Upcoming Court Appearances
03:19 AI in Legal Practice
07:07 Future Webinar on Custom GPTs
09:32 Current Book Review: 33 Strategies of War
11:30 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Why I'm Exhausted: Busy Week Recap & AI Workshops for Lawyers

In this episode, I delve into the future of the business of law with advancements in AI, sharing a story about a lawyer creating his own AI platform. I also cover how I think AI might change the business of law moving forward.

The book review of the week is 'The Tao of Charlie Munger,' a book compiling insightful quotes from Berkshire Hathaway's vice chairman. Stay tuned for insights on technology's role in legal practice and lessons from one of the greatest minds in business.

Never miss an update on his journey by joining his substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:34 The Future of Law: AI and Innovation
00:52 A Lawyer's Journey into AI
04:00 Implications of AI on Legal Practice
10:38 Book Review: The Tao of Charlie Munger
12:40 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder

Join Josh, a Canadian family lawyer and tech co-founder, as he dives into his experiences practicing family law in Ontario. In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of court proceedings, offering insights and stories from his time in court. 

Learn about the challenges of scheduling, dealing with unreasonable parties, and the mental stimulation of engaging with sharp judges. Whether you're a legal professional or just curious about the legal system, this vlog provides a candid look at the realities of family litigation.

Never miss an update on his journey by joining his substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:23 Weekly Check-In and Background
00:52 Diving into Court Experiences
02:30 The Good: Why I Love Court
06:26 The Bad: Challenges in the Court System
09:36 The Ugly: Dealing with Unreasonable Parties
11:17 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

In this episode, Josh discusses his perspective on how AI and advanced technologies in platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office could potentially render general-purpose legal CRMs like Clio and PracticePanther obsolete. 

Josh shares insights from his experience in family law and how he's been able to automate numerous tasks using these workstations. He highlights the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of using integrated features like e-signature, custom workflows with AI support, and booking links. 

Josh also talks about the niche legal tech tools that will still be necessary and offers examples from his practice to demonstrate these concepts. Tune in to hear his predictions and learn more about his tech-driven approach to legal practice.

Never miss an update on my journey by joining my substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:36 Balancing Tech and Law Practice
02:19 The Rise of AI in Legal Workspaces
05:25 Cost Efficiency of Google Workspace
07:43 Future of Legal CRMs and AI Integration
09:38 Niche Legal Tech Tools
10:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join Josh in this week's episode of the Weekly Vlog as he explores three compelling topics. First, he delves into how technology is transforming the court system in Canada, discussing whether this shift towards virtual appearances is beneficial. 

Second, he examines the impact of advancing AI and technology on career and business planning, especially in the legal field. 

Lastly, Josh shares his latest reads, including his thoughts on 'Mastery' and 'Think and Grow Rich.'

Never miss an update on my journey by joining my substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:37 Virtual Court Appearances: Pros and Cons
03:49 Technology's Impact on Career Planning
07:11 Book Reviews and Recommendations
08:54 Closing Remarks and Subscriptions

Join Josh in this week’s vlog as he shares updates on his busy life balancing a family law practice and co-founding a tech company in the Greater Toronto Area. Josh discusses the ebb and flow of litigation work, details his tech firm's advancements in automated immigration forms, and highlights his thoughts on the importance of niche solutions in tech development. 

Additionally, he reviews the books 'Crushing It' by Gary Vaynerchuk and 'Mastery' by Robert Green, sharing insights and recommendations for readers interested in personal growth and mastery. 

Never miss an update by joining the substack here: https://joshschachnow.substack.com/

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update
01:04 Law Firm Insights and Court Preparations
04:30 Tech Company Developments and Niche Strategies
07:58 Community Building and AI in Legal Practice
08:38 Book Reviews and Recommendations
12:44 Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes