Being a Lawyer is the "8th Most Important" Thing in My Life | Matt Long (Civil Litigation Lawyer)

If you want to learn how to live a full, sustainable life as a lawyer, this episode is for you. Matt Long breaks down how to build a healthy firm culture, communicate effectively, and avoid burnout as a lawyer.

Please consider sharing this episode with someone who could benefit from it.

Matt is the President of Bowen Ten Long & Bal in Richmond, Virginia. Over his 17+ year career, he has led with a simple philosophy: protect your people, communicate openly, and never let the profession consume your entire life. His open-door style has created a positive, honest, and supportive culture that keeps both clients and employees thriving.

In this episode, we discuss:
◼️ How to build a firm culture people genuinely want to be part of
◼️ Why open-door communication prevents most internal problems
◼️ How to avoid burnout when every client needs you “right now”
◼️ How he prioritizes employees, clients, and the business itself
◼️ The realities of practicing in smaller Virginia jurisdictions
◼️ How rising insurance limits are reshaping PI practice
◼️ Why prioritizing family and self-care makes you a better lawyer

1:42 Meet Matt Long: A Lawyer's Intentional Life
2:23 Matt's Legal Career and Specializations
4:00 Running a Legal Listserv for Small Firms
6:07 The Challenge of Access to Legal Counsel
8:19 Legal Deserts and Unmet Needs
10:15 Attorney Fees and the Johnny Depp Trial
10:57 Challenges in the Court System
13:28 The Shortage of Lawyers and Legal Deserts
14:57 Reaffirming Life-Work Balance and Priorities
17:25 Strategies for Time Management and Delegation
20:32 Autonomy and a 'Fruitful, Free Life' as a Lawyer
22:43 Pet Peeves: Lack of Responsiveness & Procrastination
26:50 Building a Positive Firm Culture
29:59 Managing Growth and Feedback in a Firm
31:49 The Role of a Firm President: Prioritizing People
35:05 Employee Well-being Beyond Perks
37:48 Unique Approach to PI Negotiations (Mother's Influence)
39:22 The Art of Adjuster Relationships & Ammunition
42:57 Leveraging Technology for Efficient Demands
47:50 Insurance Limits and Client Challenges
49:56 Managing Client Expectations in Tough Cases
51:57 Favorite Travel Destinations
53:02 Writing a Book on Travel Hacking
54:24 Advice to Young Lawyers: Full Ownership

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Sharif Gray and Nael Abouzaki