AlderTalk

A lot of lawyers think “being tough” means raising your voice, firing off sharp emails, or trying to intimidate the other side. I’ve watched that approach cost people time, money, and credibility for decades.

The truth is simple: respect gets you paid faster.

After 30 years of handling referrals from other lawyers — especially those who hit a wall with adjusters or defense counsel — I’ve learned this over and over again. Most people don’t realize the story they think they’re telling is the opposite of the story that’s actually being heard.

You don’t build a reputation by acting like a bulldozer.
You build it by being clear, organized, collaborative, and unshakeably professional.

In my newest episode, I break down what adjusters and in-house counsel are actually motivated by, how reserves get set, what information they need to move money, and how treating people with respect speeds everything up. This isn’t just good lawyering — it’s good living.

If you want bigger results, fewer headaches, and happier clients, this one’s worth a listen.

Come on now.

https://youtu.be/d047js3NtAs

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

AlderTalk

I’ve taken over 5,000 depositions in my career. And I’ll tell you this: most lawyers are doing them wrong. A deposition isn’t just about gathering facts. It’s about showing the other side what kind of litigator you are.

In my new video, I break down the mindset, the law, and the art behind taking a killer deposition — plus a few tricks I’ve learned the hard way. Watch here:

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

AlderTalk

Most people try to avoid failure. Darren Miller built an entire national law firm because of it.

In our latest episode, Darren talks about how he failed more than ten times before he ever found his rhythm — and how those early losses became the foundation for his success.

We also talk about:
➡️ How he grew from a local PI lawyer to handling national cases worth billions
➡️ Why the same mindset that wins in trial also wins on social media
➡️ The lessons he learned from the USC sexual abuse litigation and LA County settlements

Darren’s story is proof that success doesn’t come from playing it safe — it comes from showing up, learning fast, and failing forward.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/JUqWHZqQnho

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

AlderTalk

Most people think trial work is about preparation.

And it is — but not just case preparation.
It’s self preparation.

After wrapping up our seventh trial of the year with a $29.7M verdict, I realized something: the only way to survive back-to-back trials isn’t to grind harder — it’s to take better care of yourself.

Sleep.
Movement.
Fuel.
Mindset.

Those four things have become non-negotiables for me — whether I’m in the middle of trial #9 or trying to recharge before trial #10 later this year.

In the latest episode of ‪@AlderTalk‬ I break down how I mentally and physically prepare for trial after 30 years in the courtroom. Because the truth is, your performance under pressure starts long before you ever step into the courtroom.

https://youtu.be/UaVVOA6xdpg

2 months ago | [YT] | 1

AlderTalk

Running a law firm isn’t just about knowing the law. It’s about building relationships, creating systems, and using smart tools that help you grow.

Two of the most powerful things you can focus on today? Networking and AI-powered intake.

Networking is how you build trust. It’s not about passing out business cards — it’s about showing up, staying visible, and creating real connections. Some of my best cases have come from a simple conversation or a LinkedIn post that sparked a referral. People do business with people they know.

Social media has become the modern handshake. It’s where clients and colleagues see who you are, what you stand for, and how you help. You don’t need to post perfectly — just consistently. Share lessons, client wins, even the tough days. Presence builds trust.

And then there’s AI intake — the new game changer for law firms. It helps capture every lead, respond instantly, and screen clients efficiently. I’ve seen firms double consultations just by using AI tools to follow up faster.

Bottom line:
Networking builds relationships.
Social media builds reputation.
AI intake builds efficiency.

Combine all three, and you’ve got a modern, scalable foundation for your practice — one built on trust, visibility, and smart systems.

3 months ago | [YT] | 2

AlderTalk

Miss my most recent episode of ‪@AlderTalk‬? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/WCp9p3m1pk0?si=RNPwU...

3 months ago | [YT] | 0

AlderTalk

Weekends test your discipline more than weekdays ever will.

During the week, structure keeps you accountable — meetings, deadlines, routines. But on weekends, no one’s watching. That’s when discipline turns into character.

You don’t have to grind nonstop — rest is part of success. But there’s a big difference between resting with intention and checking out completely.

The people who reach their goals don’t let two days erase five. They rest, recharge, and still move the ball forward.

Discipline isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about keeping your promise to yourself, even when no one would notice if you didn’t.


#personalgrowth #success #discipline

3 months ago | [YT] | 3

AlderTalk

The secret to momentum isn’t motivation — it’s routine. Motivation comes and goes, but a routine keeps you moving forward whether you feel like it or not.

I’ve seen it in the courtroom and in life: the people who get ahead are the ones who stick to the small daily habits long after the excitement wears off. Routines create structure. Structure creates consistency. And consistency is what wins.

Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Build a routine, stick to it, and let the results compound over time.

3 months ago | [YT] | 4

AlderTalk

Most people think you need billboards, TV ads, or a massive budget to build a law practice.

Chris Montes de Oca proved otherwise.

He started with no clients, no ads, and no connections—just grit, gratitude, and a willingness to outwork everyone else. Nearly two decades later, he’s resolved cases worth tens of millions, including a recent $45 million settlement.

In this AlderTalk episode, Chris and I talk about:
👉 How to grow a practice from zero through relationships and sweat equity
👉 Why trial experience (even in criminal defense) is the best training ground
👉 The mindset shifts that help lawyers handle pressure, setbacks, and big moments
👉 The role gratitude and resilience play in both practice and life

Chris’s journey is proof that small, consistent actions over time build the foundation for extraordinary results.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/LR6972wSneE

3 months ago | [YT] | 0

AlderTalk

I used to think I’d never be a “routine guy.” As a trial lawyer and business owner, my days were unpredictable—late nights prepping cases, early mornings in court, constant fires to put out. For years, I told myself a routine just wasn’t possible. But the truth is, it wasn’t about finding the perfect system—it was about practicing small, consistent habits until they stuck.

Most people overcomplicate routines. They picture a perfectly scheduled day with military precision—wake up at 5am, meditate, run 6 miles, read 3 chapters, cold plunge, eat kale. Then they burn out in a week.

Here’s the truth: the best routines are just good habits stacked together. Consistency beats complexity every time.

If you’re struggling to build one, don’t overthink it. Start with one small thing you can actually stick to. Do it every day until it’s automatic, then add another. Over time, those little habits compound into a routine that feels effortless.

A few simple places to start:

1. Drink a glass of water right when you wake up.
2. Walk for 10 minutes before you check your phone.
3. Write down one thing you’re grateful for.
4. Set a bedtime alarm so you don’t scroll the night away.

None of these will change your life overnight. But strung together, they will. That’s how routines are built—one small, repeatable action at a time.

3 months ago | [YT] | 0