Wondering how lawyers can use AI to improve their practice?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by David Drwencke—Founding Partner at DRD Law, LLC—to learn how he's using AI to streamline everything from intake and document review to trial prep and client communications. He also unpacks the realities of practicing in a high-stakes, privacy-sensitive field—where wins are hard to publicize and courtroom persuasion is part art, part science.

Whether you’re exploring legal tech or refining your client experience, David’s approach offers a forward-thinking blueprint for modern law firms.

Tune in to learn:

• Crafting Credibility in Criminal Defense – Why discretion matters more than online reviews in high-stakes, high-privacy cases.
• Persuade with Purpose – How to adapt your trial strategy depending on your audience—facts, law, or theatrics.
• Tech with a Human Touch – How David uses AI to improve speed, accuracy, and personalization—without losing empathy.
• Bench vs. Jury – The hidden dynamics behind choosing your forum—and how to win in either.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Digitize Your Voice – Use AI to automate and personalize client comms—boosting engagement without burning out your team.
• Review Before You Send – AI saves time, but human review protects your brand and your clients.
• Track the Right Metrics – From intake call sentiment to conversion rates, use AI insights to refine your process.
• Scale Without the Overhead – Smart automation can help small firms punch far above their weight.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://drdlawllc.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-drwencke
• David Drwencke’s podcast: Defending the Windy City: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defending-the-windy-city-with-david-drwecke/id1804172923
• CoCounsel: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/cocounsel

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

What happens when a divorce attorney chooses peace over war?

This week on Hot Docket, we’re joined by Anthony Diaz—aka The Peacemaker—to explore how empathy, creativity, and collaboration are reshaping the world of family law. Anthony shares his unique journey from CPA to nationally known mediation and arbitration attorney, and reveals why his practice is built around one mission: helping families move forward without destruction.

Plus, Anthony shares helpful free resources, including ebooks, to help anyone facing divorce navigate the process with clarity and compassion.

If you work in family law—or know someone going through it—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to learn:

• Branding with Integrity – How Anthony built The Peacemaker identity to reflect his commitment to conflict resolution in family law.
• Balance the Books, Calm the Storm – Why Anthony’s CPA background gives him an edge in crafting fair and financially sound divorce agreements.
• Disrupt the Drama – A look at how some attorneys escalate conflict for profit—and why the profession needs a culture shift toward peace.
• Mediate to Win – Why Florida’s mediation-first model resolves up to 95% of family law cases without going to trial.
• Create, Don’t Confront – Real-world examples of collaborative solutions to high-conflict issues like relocation and co-parenting.
• Draw the Line – When and why lawyers need to “fire” clients to preserve integrity, wellbeing, and better outcomes for all parties.
• Modernize the System – Anthony’s take on outdated laws—like alimony guidelines—and how clearer statutes could reduce litigation.
• Empathy Over Ego – Practical de-escalation strategies for attorneys and clients navigating emotionally charged family law disputes.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Lead with Values – Build a brand that reflects your mission and attracts the right clients by aligning your marketing with your principles.
• Own Your Niche – Specializing in peaceful, out-of-court resolutions can set your firm apart and appeal to today’s conflict-weary clients.
• Know When to Say No – Firing misaligned clients protects your firm’s culture, your mental health, and your long-term reputation.
• Design Systems for Settlement – Embrace mediation and collaborative tools that streamline case resolution, reduce burnout, and increase client satisfaction.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://anthonydiazlaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the1peacemaker
• Divorce Hour Podcast: https://anthonydiazlaw.com/divorce-hour-interviews
• Anthony’s E-Books: https://anthonydiazlaw.com/recommended-resources

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!

Can divorce really be amicable, cost-effective, and stress-free—with no lawyers involved?

This week on Hot Docket, we sat down with Dori Shwirtz, founder of Divorce Harmony—a remote mediation practice helping couples divorce smarter, faster, and with less stress. Dori’s here to break down what mediation really is, how it works, and why more people are choosing it over the traditional attorney vs. attorney approach.

With more couples seeking less combative ways to divorce, mediation and uncontested divorces are on the rise… and the legal industry is taking notice! Lawyers and firms are rethinking the traditional courtroom approach to meet the growing demand for more collaborative, peaceful solutions.

Curious to learn more?

Tune in to learn:

• Pivot with Purpose – How Dori transitioned from traditional law to building a thriving niche in remote divorce mediation.
• Build with Intention – The client-first philosophy behind Divorce Harmony and how it sets her practice apart.
• Mediate Remotely, Effectively – A look at how Zoom-based mediation operates and the scalable potential it offers law firms.
• Get Found Online – How strategic use of SEO, referrals, and Facebook drives steady client traffic.
• Balance Tech and Humanity – Why AI can streamline tasks, but empathy and human connection remain essential in family law.
• Guard Your Energy – Practical advice for maintaining emotional boundaries in emotionally charged practice areas.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners:

• Embrace Remote Mediation – Offering virtual mediation creates a scalable, accessible service that meets clients where they are.
• Educate for Impact – Clear communication and full transparency are essential for successful, informed mediation outcomes.
• Market to Pro Se Clients – Not every mediation needs attorneys; speaking directly to self-represented clients can open new growth channels.
• Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout – Build systems that protect your energy and time, especially in emotionally intense practice areas.
• Use AI Wisely – Automate admin tasks with tech, but remember: empathy, nuance, and human connection are still mediation’s superpowers.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.divorceharmony.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dori-s-2979723
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorceharmony
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divorceharmonymediation

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email info@hotdocketpodcast.com.

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!