135: Authentic Leadership in Law: How to Scale Without Burning Out with Ross Albers

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus

What does it take to shift from a struggling solo attorney to a CEO leading a thriving full-service law firm? Learn how authentic leadership transformed one law firm from solo practice to thriving law firm.

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Steve sits down with Ross Albers, CEO of Albers & Associates in Timonium, Maryland. Ross shares his inspiring and raw journey—from getting fired just days before his wedding to building a successful law firm with 13 attorneys spanning multiple practice areas. His story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become the foundation for future success with the right mindset and strategy.

Ross opens up about his early days practicing criminal law and accepting low-fee cases. Instead of staying stuck in survival mode, he adopted a new perspective—one rooted in long-term business growth. That shift led him to evolve from lawyer to leader, transforming his role and his firm in the process.

We examine the fundamentals of leadership and team development within the context of a law firm. Ross shares how creating clarity and accountability among team members has been crucial in fostering a high-performing environment. He emphasizes the power of structured feedback and regular communication, drawing inspiration from leadership heavyweights like John Maxwell. With insights on the importance of KPIs and well-defined onboarding processes, Ross illustrates how these elements contribute to cohesive and efficient firm operations. His personal experiences underscore the importance of aligning processes across various practice areas to achieve both cultural and financial success.

Ross also shares what it takes to scale a law firm without sacrificing your personal life. He speaks candidly about building trust, leading by example, and staying committed to continuous growth.

Whether you’re managing a solo practice or leading a growing firm, Ross’s journey offers a roadmap for evolving from overwhelmed attorney to purpose-driven CEO. Tune in for actionable strategies to build a firm that reflects your values, supports your life, and fuels your biggest dreams.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Ross Albers' journey from being fired to leading a successful law firm
• Importance of authentic leadership in scaling a law practice and developing high-performing teams
• Creating a culture of clarity and accountability with regular feedback and clear KPIs
• Weekly performance reviews as a tool for maintaining team progress and addressing underperformance
• Structured training and onboarding to enhance firm efficiency and cohesion
• Leadership development through continuous learning and embracing thought leadership principles
• Encouragement to dream big, take action, and persist in achieving professional and personal success

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Supporting Resources:

• Ross Albers: www.rossalbers.com/our-team/ross-w-albers
• Albers & Associates: www.rossalbers.com
• Ross Albers LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ross-albers-a7b2b183
• Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification (Get $500 off your Team Leader Certification Program! Use code: TLC500)
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Follow/dp/1400236169
• EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey: www.amazon.com/EntreLeadership-Practical-Business-Wisdom-Trenches/dp/1451617852
• Lead to Succeed: 10 Traits of Great Leadership in Business and Life by Rick Pitino: www.amazon.com/Lead-Succeed-Traits-Leadership-Business/dp/0767903420
• The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann: www.amazon.com/Go-Giver-Expanded-Little-Powerful-Business/dp/1591848288
• The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy by Jon Gordon: www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/0470100281

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.