Author Archives: Tom Fafinski

Navigating Legal Differences: Key Considerations for Expanding Your Law Practice to Another State 

Expanding your law practice to a new state can open up exciting opportunities for growth and diversification. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to understanding and navigating the legal differences between states. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations, which can significantly impact how you operate your practice.  Before expanding, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research on theContinue reading “Navigating Legal Differences: Key Considerations for Expanding Your Law Practice to Another State “

Hiring a VA: What You Need to Know (and Do Right)

When your to-do list keeps growing and your hours don’t, your biggest bottleneck might be… you. When every hour is packed with client calls, deadlines, and admin tasks, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds and lose sight of your bigger goals. That’s where a Virtual Assistant (VA) comes in – not just asContinue reading “Hiring a VA: What You Need to Know (and Do Right)”

Experience an EPiC Peer Group Simulation on 01.20.25– Limited to 10 Seats

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of an estate planning peer group, now’s your chance to experience it for yourself. On January 20, 2026 (10:30 am – 4:00 pm CST, virtual), we’re opening the doors to a one-day Simulation designed to give estate planning law firm owners a taste of theContinue reading “Experience an EPiC Peer Group Simulation on 01.20.25– Limited to 10 Seats”

Deal Structuring and SBA Financing for Estate Planning Practice Sales: Part 4 of 6

SBA loans have become a popular tool for financing the acquisition of small and mid-sized estate planning firms. Their appeal lies in the ability to secure favorable terms—such as 10–25 year amortization schedules and down payments as low as 10%—which allow more buyers to enter the market and more sellers to achieve clean exits. ForContinue reading “Deal Structuring and SBA Financing for Estate Planning Practice Sales: Part 4 of 6”

Financial Transparency and Performance Metrics for Estate Planning Firms: Part 3 of 6

For estate planning firms, financial health is more than just revenue figures. Buyers assess net profitability, recurring income from trust administration or maintenance plans, and how clearly the books reflect real operations. Clean, well-organized financials provide confidence to buyers, lenders, and brokers alike. To prepare for a sale, owners must produce accurate P&Ls, ideally segmentedContinue reading “Financial Transparency and Performance Metrics for Estate Planning Firms: Part 3 of 6”

Making Your Estate Planning Firm Independent of You: Part 2 of 6

A critical step in preparing an estate planning firm for sale is reducing its reliance on the founding attorney. Many estate planners serve as the primary rainmaker, decision-maker and client advisor. While this builds trust with clients, it presents challenges when the time comes to transition ownership. To make a practice more attractive, owners mustContinue reading “Making Your Estate Planning Firm Independent of You: Part 2 of 6”

Understanding Buyer and Seller Motivation in Estate Planning Practices: Part 1 of 6

In the estate planning field, transitions in ownership are deeply personal and often triggered by changes in lifestyle, health or long-term vision. Many practitioners reach a point where the idea of retirement, relocation or reducing hours becomes more appealing than day-to-day operations. But the truth is, these decisions should not be driven by momentary burnout.Continue reading “Understanding Buyer and Seller Motivation in Estate Planning Practices: Part 1 of 6”

Quarterly Rocks for Estate Planning Law Firms: How EOS, 4DX and Rockefeller Habits Can Supercharge Your Strategic Planning

Running an estate planning law firm is a juggling act. Clients need your attention, your team needs your guidance, and the day-to-day fires never seem to stop flaring up. Then, before you know it, the quarter’s over and you’re left wondering, “Wait, did we actually make progress on the big stuff?” That’s where quarterly executionContinue reading “Quarterly Rocks for Estate Planning Law Firms: How EOS, 4DX and Rockefeller Habits Can Supercharge Your Strategic Planning”

From Chaos to Control: Building a GTD System That Actually Works

We all know the feeling: a cluttered inbox, sticky notes multiplying like rabbits, and tasks slipping through the cracks no matter how hard we try to stay on top of things. For many professionals, “busy” has become a badge of honor—but it often comes at the cost of clarity and control. Enter GTD (Getting ThingsContinue reading “From Chaos to Control: Building a GTD System That Actually Works”