134: What Surviving a Plane Crash Taught Me About Running a Law Firm with Blinn Bates

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus

Surviving a plane crash wasn’t part of Attorney Blinn Bates’ plan, but it became a pivotal chapter in his life story. A routine flight turned into a near-tragedy and forced a year-long recovery. As a third-generation attorney, Blinn faced the unimaginable. But instead of succumbing to despair, he used the pause to transform his law practice and reevaluate his personal life.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Blinn shares his story of resilience and transformation through adversity. He turned the experience into an opportunity to innovate and modernize his family law firm, Woods and Bates. By embracing delegation and systematization, Blinn redefined his leadership style. The firm thrived—even during his extended absence.

Using insights from Atticus growth programs, Blinn made a strategic shift. He moved away from a traditional model and created a more sustainable, future-proof law practice. His journey highlights the importance of planning for unexpected challenges and building a firm that doesn’t depend on one person.

Blinn embraced the shift from task delegation to empowering others. Inspired by Dan Martell’s Buy Back Your Time, he aligned work with personal values and long-term goals. Work-life balance became a priority. Blinn shares how reshaping his focus enriched both his family and career.

This episode offers valuable insights for any attorney seeking resilience and innovation in their practice. From humorous discoveries in an old desk to practical systems, Blinn’s story is both inspiring and actionable. We’re grateful for his openness and vulnerability, which will resonate with lawyers facing life-altering challenges.

Join us to celebrate the power of community, support, and the courage to reinvent your life and practice after adversity.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Blinn Bates’ transformation journey from surviving a plane crash to innovating his family law firm
• The shift from a traditional practice to a sustainable, future-proof model
• The role of delegation, systematization, and niche specialization in redefining legal leadership
• Insights from Atticus growth programs and Dan Martell’s “Buy Back Your Time” on strategic delegation
• Planning for unforeseen challenges and creating a robust practice
• The importance of work-life balance and aligning professional responsibilities with personal values
• Practical applications of office organization as a catalyst for change and the importance of decluttering for growth

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Supporting Resources:

• Blinn Bates: woodsandbates.com/william-blinn-bates-jr
• Woods & Bates, P.C.: woodsandbates.com
• Blinn Bates LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blinn-bates-5152435
• Mark Metzger, Practice Advisor & Attorney: atticusadvantage.com/team/mark-metzger
• Practice Growth Diagnostic: atticusadvantage.com/practice-growth-diagnostic
• Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your Empire by Dan Martell: www.amazon.com/Buy-Back-Your-Time-Unstuck/dp/059342297X
• LaGrande Marketing: lagrandemarketing.com
• Plan Crash Article: www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/more-information-released-after-small-plane-crashes-in-lincoln/amp

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.