“It’s not more work. You have to start thinking differently. Because once you start thinking differently, the work yields different results.” – Kara Vaval

On this episode of That One Lawyer Podcast, Neal Goldstein sits down with Kara Vaval, attorney, entrepreneur, speaker, and author, to unpack one of the most important lessons lawyers need to learn: success in law isn’t about grinding harder, it’s about shifting your mindset.

For too long, lawyers have been told that the only path to success is longer hours, more billable time, and constant hustle. Kara challenges that outdated thinking. Instead, she explains how a true lawyer mindset shift can transform the way you practice, the way you serve clients, and ultimately, the results you’re able to achieve.

Watch Full Episode on YouTube HERE

In this conversation, Kara and Neal go deep on topics that every young lawyer, solo practitioner, and law firm owner needs to hear:

• Why thinking differently creates better outcomes for both lawyers and clients

• The importance of aligning your practice with your values and vision

• How to avoid burnout by reframing the way you approach your work

• The difference between “more work” and “different work” — and why the latter is where growth lives

• Kara’s personal journey from traditional lawyering to becoming a sought-after voice on mindset, marketing, and meaningful success

• Real strategies to help lawyers stop chasing someone else’s version of success and start building practices that actually support their lives

This episode is about more than just motivation. Kara offers tangible steps you can take right now to build resilience, think differently, and see real change in your practice.

Whether you’re a law student, a new lawyer just starting out, or a seasoned law firm owner trying to adapt to a changing profession, Kara’s insights will help you rethink what’s possible.

Why this episode matters for lawyers

Lawyers today face more pressure than ever — competition, client expectations, and the relentless pace of legal work. The lawyers who thrive are not necessarily the ones working the longest hours. They are the ones who adapt, evolve, and embrace a new way of thinking.

Kara shows us that lawyers who make the mindset shift can:

• Attract better clients through authentic relationships

• Build more sustainable firms without sacrificing personal health and well-being

• Grow beyond traditional marketing strategies like billboards and SEO, and instead create trust and loyalty that lasts

Become “that one lawyer” people think of when it matters most.

About That One Lawyer Podcast

Hosted by attorney Neal Goldstein, That One Lawyer Podcast isn’t about Hollywood lawyers in expensive suits. It’s about real lawyers having real conversations. Every week Neal talks with lawyers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who share the stories that shaped them, the mistakes they’ve made, and the strategies they’ve used to build meaningful, client-centered practices.

The podcast is designed for:

• Law students wondering what it’s really like to practice law

• Young lawyers trying to stand out in a crowded field

• Solo and small-firm lawyers looking for marketing and growth strategies

• Law firm owners ready to rethink their business models

• Anyone who believes relationships are the true foundation of success in law

Subscribe to That One Lawyer Podcast for more interviews with attorneys, law firm owners, and entrepreneurs who are changing the way law is practiced. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

At The McCraw Law Group, compassion and integrity aren’t just words on a wall. They’re the foundation of how Lin McCraw has built a values-driven law firm that gets results for real people.

In this episode of That One Lawyer™ Podcast, Neal Goldstein sits down with Lin McCraw to explore how filtering every decision through core values — compassion for clients and integrity in every interaction — creates a law firm that stands out.

Watcht the full video on YouTube HERE

Lin shares:

• Why treating clients as human beings, not case files, is the key to building trust.

• How compassion and integrity guide his firm’s systems, culture, and growth.

• Practical steps lawyers can take to align their practice with their personal values.

• Why values-driven lawyering creates both better outcomes and better lives for attorneys.

Whether you’re a young lawyer, a solo practitioner, or a law firm owner looking for growth strategies, this conversation will show you how to build a sustainable practice that puts clients first without burning yourself out.

👉 Subscribe to That One Lawyer™ Podcast for more interviews with attorneys, law firm owners, and entrepreneurs who are changing the way law is practiced.

Starting a law career later in life doesn’t mean you’re behind — it can mean you’re better prepared.

In this episode of That One Lawyer™ Podcast, host Neal Goldstein talks with Christopher Nicolaysen, co-founder of Springs Law Group in Colorado Springs, about his unconventional path into law, building a practice around authenticity, and how young and solo attorneys can grow without burning out.

Christopher shares his journey of entering law later in life, what he carried from past experiences into his practice, and how staying grounded in family and fitness gives him balance. He opens up about the challenges of starting a firm, the lessons he’s learned about client relationships, and why vulnerability and humility make you a better lawyer.

Whether you’re just starting your practice, running a small law firm, or thinking about how to make your career more sustainable, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right now.

Watch Full Episode on YouTube HERE

• Intro

• Why Christopher Nicolaysen started law later in life

• Lessons from starting a firm with no “traditional” background

• Building Springs Law Group with authenticity and heart

• How fitness and family anchor his leadership

• What young lawyers need to know about client trust

• Mistakes to avoid when starting your own law practice

• Advice for lawyers who feel behind in their careers

• Closing thoughts

Christopher is the co-founder of Springs Law Group, a personal injury firm in Colorado Springs. Known for his approachable leadership style and client-first mentality, he helps people rebuild after trauma while guiding his team with authenticity and care.

👉 Subscribe now for more conversations with lawyers who are growing referral-first, relationship-driven practices.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.