Client
A small Fort Lauderdale-based criminal defense firm focused on clients with case values ranging from $5000 to $75000.
Problem
A law firm was spending tens of thousands of dollars on Google ads with a poor return on investment, leading to significant financial losses.
Strategy and approach
Tools and methods used
- Howard conducted a deep-dive analysis to identify the root cause of the firm's financial losses—a broken client intake system
- He held honest conversations with the firm's owner to realign business priorities and secure buy-in for a complete overhaul
- A new client intake system was implemented to streamline the process from lead to conversion
- Howard provided hands-on training to the firm's team to empower them with the skills needed for success
- He provided continuous strategic guidance and collaboration to ensure the new methods were sustained and effective
In 2024, a law firm seemed to be in a good spot, receiving around 400 leads each month. Their Google ads were working, bringing in plenty of potential clients. But as their lead volume grew over the next six to eight months, a silent problem began to sabotage their success. The owner was completely unaware, but the firm was missing hundreds of prospective client calls every month. This was a critical failure, effectively burning cash on ads and leaving a massive amount of money on the table with no chance of ever signing those clients.
That’s when Howard stepped in. His detailed Firm Heartbeat analysis quickly exposed the problem, revealing the alarming number of missed calls and the huge financial impact. Howard didn’t just deliver a report; he implemented a comprehensive solution. He worked closely with the owner, setting up a robust system to track every lead and training the entire staff on a weekly basis. With a new focus on accountability, every member of the team was held responsible for their part in the process.
The results were almost immediate. In just a couple of months, the firm went from missing hundreds of calls to missing almost none. This dramatic improvement had an instant effect on their bottom line, with monthly signed cases soaring to over $200,000. Beyond the financial gains, the team’s morale reached an all-time high, as they finally felt empowered and effective.
This story also holds a powerful lesson about consistency. Soon after hitting record-breaking success, the firm changed its internal processes and deviated from the Firm Heartbeat process that had been so effective. The consequences were swift and severe: their monthly signed cases plummeted to $130,000. This sharp decline proved that true, lasting success isn’t just about finding the right system—it’s about sticking with it. The Firm Heartbeat process isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a blueprint for continuous growth and financial stability.
