Law Firm & Aviation Market Disruption with Sanford Michelman
Law Firm & Aviation Market Disruption
I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast, featuring an incredible conversation with Sandy Michelman, the chairman and co-founder of Michelman & Robinson, a law firm with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Sandy is also the chairman of FlyHouse, an innovative private aviation company. This episode is packed with insights that are sure to spark your curiosity and provide valuable takeaways for your business journey.
Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Sandy Michelman:
- The Journey to Success:
- Sandy’s path from a traditional law firm to founding Michelman & Robinson.
- The pivotal moment when he decided to start his own firm, driven by a desire to align client interests with legal services.
- Innovative Training Methods:
- How Michelman & Robinson inverts the traditional pyramid of training for lawyers.
- The firm’s unique programs like Michelman & Robinson University, TAP (Trial Advocacy Program), and CAP (Corporate Advocacy Program).
- Transparent Billing Practices:
- The firm’s approach to billing based on skill level rather than seniority.
- How this model ensures clients receive fair value and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
- Client Development and Marketing:
- Insights from the Client Development Program (CDP) inspired by Sandy’s time at Harvard Business School.
- Strategies for lawyers to secure repeat business and effectively communicate their value to clients.
- Firm Culture and Work-Life Balance:
- The importance of a strong firm culture over financial metrics.
- Sandy’s unique perspective on dividing life into thirds: work, family, and community.
- Leadership During Crisis:
- How Sandy led his firm through the COVID-19 pandemic with transparency and support.
- Wellness initiatives like individualized coaching, Fitbits, yoga mats, and Kindles to maintain morale and productivity.
- Private Aviation Insights:
- Debunking the myths around the cost of private aviation.
- The innovative "Friend Share" feature that makes private flights more accessible and affordable.
- Entrepreneurial Advice:
- Establishing a strong value set for your business.
- Focusing on solving real problems rather than just making money.
- The importance of adaptability and having fun in the entrepreneurial journey.
Why You Should Listen:
This episode is a goldmine for anyone involved in investment groups or growth-stage businesses. Sandy’s journey and insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership, innovation, and client-centric practices. Whether you’re looking to refine your business strategies or gain inspiration from a seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation is not to be missed.
Tune In Now!
Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative episode. Click here to listen now and gain valuable insights that could transform your business approach.
Stay curious and keep growing!
P.S. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts or questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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Sanford Michelman
Attorney
Sanford L. Michelman is a powerhouse attorney and Chairman and Co-Founder of Michelman & Robinson, LLP (M&R), a national law firm launched in 1999 and headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in Irvine, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and New York. He represents clients across industries, including the insurance, financial services, advertising and digital media spaces. Named the “Litigation Attorney of the Year” for 2021 and, more recently, a “Top 100 Lawyer” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Sanford is routinely called upon to handle the most difficult and complex “bet-the-company” matters that play out in arbitration, administrative proceedings, and in state and federal courts all over the country.
An extraordinary entrepreneur, Sanford is also Chairman of FlyHouse, one of the fastest growing jet management and charter companies, leveraging tech to disrupt the private aviation space.
Beyond his work at M&R and FlyHouse, Sanford’s experience extends to monetary policy. In 2016, he was elected as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s board of directors and served as the Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Audit and Risk Management Committee. His term ended in December 2022.