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Stephanie Everett

Stephanie Everett

Host of Lawyerist Podcast

Stephanie Everett leads the Lawyerist community and Lawyerist Lab. She is the co-author of Lawyerist’s new book The Small Firm Roadmap and is a regular keynote speaker at legal conferences and CLEs.

Stephanie practiced at a big law firm for five years before co-founding her own firm. As the managing partner, Stephanie watched her firm grow from two lawyers to a team of twenty in just seven years.

Her passion for owning and operating a law firm eventually led her to open a consulting practice, where she focused on helping lawyers learn how to run their own firms. From there, working with the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Supreme Court, and Georgia’s five law schools, Stephanie designed and launched Lawyers for Equal Justice, an incubator helping newer lawyers start socially conscious law firms.

Stephanie graduated cum laude from Georgia State University College of Law, where she was the symposium editor of the Georgia State Law Review. She is the current treasurer and on the board of directors of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. She is also a board member and former president of the Georgia State Law Alumni Council. During her career as a lawyer, Stephanie has been recognized as a Rising Star and a Super Lawyer, was named as a top lawyer of the year by Georgia Trends magazine, and was a recipient of the Fastcase 50 Award for law and technology.

Stephanie and her husband, Jason, both avid Texas Hold’em players, own a craft beer distributorship, serving the states of Georgia and Alabama. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her daughter–as long as it doesn’t involve running–in her home city of Atlanta.

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Recent Episodes
November 23, 2023

#477: Controlling Alcohol, with Annie Grace (Replay)

The holiday season is here which often brings fun, parties, stress, and a whole host of emotions. That’s why we are revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Annie Grace on some...

November 16, 2023

#476: The CEO Whisperer’s Advice for Hiring a Second in Command, with Cameron Herold

You are leading your law firm, but you can’t do everything. In this episode, Stephanie talks with Cameron Herald about what a second in command looks like and how to find one...

November 14, 2023

#475: Say “Yes!” to a Virtual Assistant and Say “Yes!” to Team Growth, with Demetrio Rico and Raquel Gomes from Stafi (Sponsored)

Have you been nervous about saying yes to a virtual assistant? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Raquel Gomez and Dimitri Rico, founders of Stafi, about why a VA may be the...

November 2, 2023

#473: Redefining Perfectionism and Striving for Lawyers, with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin

Zack talks with Stephanie Villinski and Kara Hardin about how lawyers can manage their mental health. They discuss balancing a striver vs. perfectionist mindset, and how lawyers can use self-forgiveness to help...

October 26, 2023

#472: Legal Innovation with Young Attorneys, with Kendall Heward

Stephanie checks in with one of the newest members of our profession, Kendall Heward. Hear how Suffolk’s Accelerator program prepared her to think about the business of law differently and how established...

October 19, 2023

#471: Unleashing Your Inner Creative, with Phil McKinney

Let’s bust a myth: Creativity isn’t an innate talent that you’re lucky to have or out of luck if you don’t.  And it’s not just about the arts. Everyone is creative, and...

October 12, 2023

#470: Navigating Compensation Discussions, with Brandon Bramley

As lawyers, we often negotiate for our clients. But are we able to negotiate for ourselves? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Brandon Bramley, Founder of The Salary Negotiator.   Learn common misperceptions...

October 5, 2023

#469: Lawyers in Crisis: Navigating Addiction and Mental Health, with Brian Cuban

In this episode, Stephanie talks with Brian Cuban, author of The Addicted Lawyer. Hear Brian’s story of how he battled addiction to alcohol and cocaine starting in college, then law school, and...

September 28, 2023

#468: Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs, with Supriya Venkatesan

What is holding you back? In this episode, Stephanie and Lawyerist Lab Business Coach, Supriya Venkatesan, discuss limiting beliefs and how they are unknowingly keeping us from reaching our goals.   Learn real...

September 21, 2023

#467: Healthy Owner: Embracing Change and Growth, with Ryan McKeen

The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we dive into...

September 14, 2023

#466: Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace, with Katherine Jeffrey

Be honest! Have you ever muttered or thought someone was being “such a Millennial” or “ok, Boomer!” Yes? Then, this episode is for you as Stephanie dives into generational differences with Katherine...

September 7, 2023

#464: Unpacking the Power of Self-Accountability in Coaching, with Leticia DeSuze

Stephanie talks with our new Lawyerist Lab business coach, Leticia DeSuze, about what is holding most business owners back and how working with a business coach can help. They also explore why...

August 31, 2023

#463: Reclaim Your Time and Grow Your Business, with Dan Martell

Business owners often hear the advice: “hire help and delegate!” In this episode, Stephanie talks with entrepreneur Dan Martell about why you should hire to buy back your time.   Learn how...

August 17, 2023

#460: High Stakes: Exploring the Rise of Gambling Addiction Among Lawyers, with Eric Webber

Stephanie talks with Eric Webber about the silent addiction of gambling. In this episode, we explore why you can’t go anywhere or watch a sporting event without hearing betting terms. Online gambling...

August 10, 2023

#459: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Connections on the Course, with LJ Finney

Think golf is a boring game for old white dudes? Think again! In this episode, Stephanie talks with LJ Finney about why golf is great for networking and business development and so...

July 27, 2023

#456: Building a Thoughtful and Personal Client Experience, with Rachel Allums

Lawyerist Lab member and estate planning lawyer Rachel Allums knows that the client experience isn’t “one size fits all.”   In this episode, Rachel Allums talks with Zack about her deliberate and thoughtful...

July 20, 2023

#455: Enhancing Office Safety in a Volatile World, with Brink Fidler

In this episode, delve into the crucial topic of active violence preparedness with Brink Fidler, owner and founder of Defend Systems, a prominent life safety and security consulting firm in Nashville, TN....

July 13, 2023

#454: Act with Intention to Increase Employee Retention, with Joey Coleman

Stephanie and Joey Coleman, author of Never Lose an Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention, explore the crucial role the employee experience plays in creating a happy and engaged team.  ...

July 6, 2023

#453: Healthy Systems: Creating Consistent Client Experiences, with Matt Loker

The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we dive into building,...

June 22, 2023

#451: Teaching the Business of Law, with Andrew Garcia and James Matthews

Professors Andrew Garcia and James Matthews discuss Suffolk University Law School’s Accelerator to Practice program. Designed to prepare students for small and solo practice, students partnered with small law firm owners in...

June 15, 2023

#450: The Power of Building Belonging, with Dr. Terrell Strayhorn

In this episode, Stephanie talks with diversity scholar Dr. Terrell Strayhorn about the concept of belonging, emphasizing its significance beyond buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusivity. They highlight the positive outcomes of...

June 8, 2023

#449: You Snooze You Lose: Cultivating Good Sleeping Habits, with Alex Colkitt

In this episode, Zack explores the vital role sleep plays in overall health and well-being with Alex Colkit, Founder and CEO of AC Holistic Wellness. They discuss the connection between sleep and...

June 1, 2023

#448: The Benefits of Accessible Systems and Practices, with Joe Hodge

Zack talks with Joe Hodge from American Printing House for the Blind, about building websites and systems for the visually impaired. They discuss why accessibility plugins may not be the panacea they...

May 25, 2023

#447: Healthy Teams: Leading Your Team to a Shared Vision, with Aaron Elinoff

The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for another stop on our podcast book tour. This week we’re diving into recruiting,...

May 18, 2023

#445: Step Up Your Podcast Game, with Britany Felix

In this episode, we get meta with Zack interviewing Lawyerist’s own podcast editor and consultant, Britany Felix. They talk about pitching yourself as a guest, using that appearance in your law firm...

May 11, 2023

#444: Streamlining Legal Operations for Success, with Catherine Sanders Reach

Stephanie talks with Director for the Center of Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association, Catherine Sanders Reach, about Legal Ops and how that can help put the right people in...

May 4, 2023

#443: Healthy Clients: Designing Client Experience, with Nkoyo-Ene Effiong

We’re back with another stop on our tour through The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited. In these episodes, we dive into each of the six areas of business integral to building client-centered, efficient,...

April 20, 2023

#441: Debunking Myths of Subscription Model, with Ron Baker

Recently, we’ve featured Labsters from our community who made the switch to subscription models. Today, Stephanie interviews Ron Baker, returning guest and author of “Time’s Up! The Subscription Business Model for Professional...

April 6, 2023

#439: Healthy Strategy: Client-Centered Business Model, with Brandon Harter

The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited doubled-down on our Healthy Firm model. But what, exactly, is it? Join us for a podcast book tour, where we dive into each of the six areas...

March 23, 2023

#436: Flat Fees and Flexible Firms, with Rebecca Ritchey

Labster Rebecca Ritchey from Sibus Law Group joins Sara to talk about how she has built a healthy business strategy in her firm—including a flat fee model, a flexible workplace, and opportunities...

March 16, 2023

#435: How Lawyers Can Maximize Word, with Barron Henley

Stephanie interviews Affinity’s Barron Henley and they dive into how lawyers can maximize their use of Microsoft Word. From formatting to footnotes, Barron offers his insights, tips, and strategies for making Word...

March 9, 2023

#434: Leverage AI to Stay Ahead, with Greg Siskind

So you think your firm is tech forward, but do you have a strategy behind that? Today Zack Glaser talks with Lawyerist Lab member, author, and fellow legal tech guru, Greg Siskind....

February 23, 2023

#432: Working Abroad Full Time

Have you considered moving abroad full time? Have you wondered what it would take to make that a reality? Lawyerist Lab Coach Bernadette Harris moved herself and her business to Mexico and...

February 16, 2023

#431: What’s Your Website Goal? with Zack Glaser

It sounds obvious, but it may need to be stated: your law firm needs a website. Today Stephanie talks with our own Legal Tech Advisor Zack Glaser about the importance of your...

February 9, 2023

#430: Building Your Team in a Down Market, with Chong Ye

No one said hiring and keeping a strong team was easy, but it’s definitely possible. Sara interviews Lawyerist Lab member, Chong Ye, about the success he’s found in hiring great people and...

February 2, 2023

#429: Tame Your Digital Chaos, with Paul Unger

Do you feel overwhelmed in your day-to-day as you try to get everything done? Guess what? You’re not alone. Paul Unger, speaker, author, and owner at Affinity Consulting, joins Stephanie and offers...

January 26, 2023

#428: Behind the Scenes of a $100M Verdict, with Ryan McKeen

Believe it or not, securing a $100 million dollar verdict is not an overnight project. Today Stephanie talks with Lawyerist Lab coach Ryan McKeen about how he built his personal injury firm...

January 19, 2023

#427: Better Decisions, Less Fatigue, with Nika Kabiri

Just like the body gets tired after a workout, the brain gets tired from making too many decisions. Stephanie talks with Decision Scientist Nika Kabiri about what decision fatigue actually is and...

January 12, 2023

#426: Leveraging LinkedIn as a Lawyer, with Amy Grubb

You probably have a LinkedIn profile. But, are you using it in a way that helps build your client portfolio, brand, and business? In this episode, meet new Lawyerist Lab coach Amy...

January 5, 2023

#425: The Making of a Merger, with Debbie Foster

Debbie Foster, managing partner at Affinity Consulting, joins Stephanie to share some big news. They detail how to best prepare your team for a merger through honesty and open communication. And outline...

December 22, 2022

#423: Bridging the Access to Justice Gap with Technology, with Sateesh Nori

Attorneys have a unique opportunity to use their skills for the good of others. And Sateesh Nori, Executive Director of JustFix, has worked his entire career doing just that. Sateesh spent 20...

December 15, 2022

#422: Know Your Team, Grow Your Firm, with Spencer Schmidt

How well do you know your team? Do they know you care about them? Did you know your relationship with your team can actually impact your bottom line?  In this episode, Sara...

December 8, 2022

#421: Leading Your Firm Through Adolescence, with Karen Graves

You’re no longer in start-up mode for your firm. You’ve grown and stretched and you’re ready to level up. So what’s next?  In this episode, Stephanie talks with Karen Graves, Lawyerist’s newest...

December 1, 2022

#419: Free Yourself from Productivity, with Oliver Burkeman

Is your to-do list never-ending? When was the last time you really felt productive? When we are constantly trying to get things off our list, the list seems to only grow longer.  ...

November 24, 2022

#418: More Income, Fewer Taxes, with Bernadette Harris

Financial Coach Bernadette Harris shares end of year financial considerations, including paying less in taxes while increasing income.

November 3, 2022

#415: Negotiating the Sweet Spot, with Leigh Thompson

In a negotiation, each party wants something. Discovering how to make it a win-win situation, aka finding the sweet spot, is the key. Today, Stephanie talks with author and professor Leigh Thompson...

October 27, 2022

#414: Why You Need an Integrator, with Jasmine Prout

What is an integrator? What does an integrator do? Does your team need one?  Sara Muender talks with Jasmine Jowers Prout, Operations Director of The Gober Group, about the importance of having...

October 20, 2022

#412: Challenging Hyper-Growth Mentality, with Paul Jarvis

How much growth is the right amount? How will you know when your business has grown enough? In this episode, Stephanie talks with Paul Jarvis, author and co-founder of Fathom Analytics, about...

October 13, 2022

#411: Staying Entrepreneurial at a Bigger Firm, with Nick Pleasants

Legal Talk Network wants to hear from you! Complete their Listener Survey and help them (and us!) improve your favorite legal podcasts and create new shows you’ll love. Complete the survey by...

October 12, 2022

Clio Cloud 2022: Managing Client Expectations for Long Term Success

Lack of communication and surprisingly large bills are often major sources of complaint for law firm clients, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Attorneys Shreya and Colin Ley share their...