Podcast

What does it really take to build a successful law firm when you start with nothing but faith and a laptop?

In this powerful episode of That One Lawyer™ Podcast, Neal Goldstein sits down with Cortney Walters, founder of The Walters Law Firm, to talk about her journey from first-generation law student to respected South Florida attorney.

Cortney shares how she built her firm from the ground up — starting on her couch during COVID with zero clients and no funding — and how she used social media, faith, and a heart for service to grow her practice.
This episode is packed with real talk for lawyers who are ready to bet on themselves, create an authentic brand, and lead with compassion instead of ego.

🔍 What You’ll Learn
✅ How to build a law firm from scratch with no budget or big-name backing
✅ What law school didn’t teach — running a business, managing stress, and building relationships
✅ How faith, discipline, and mentorship sustain you through the early years
✅ Why compassion and accessibility are the best marketing tools
✅ How to balance ambition with self-care to prevent burnout
✅ Why comparing yourself on social media will kill your confidence
✅ How to lead with kindness, not perfection

💬 Key Quotes
“You have to be willing to do what you don’t want until you can do what you want.”
“There are so many lawyers out there, but there’s only one me — and that’s my advantage.”
“My mom used to tell me, ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.’ That’s how I live and how I practice.”
“I started with no clients, no office, no loan. Just faith — and social media.”

🧠 Topics We Cover
The leap from public defender to solo practice
What happens when you’re laid off and decide to start your own firm
Building a personal brand on Instagram and TikTok that actually converts
Staying authentic online while growing your firm
How to build relationships with clients who feel seen and heard
Using faith and discipline to stay centered
How to create opportunity for others as your practice grows
Managing burnout and knowing when to slow down

🎯 Who This Episode Is For
First-generation lawyers and law students paving their own path
Solo and small firm attorneys ready to go independent
Women in law who want to build a practice on their own terms
Lawyers struggling with toxic firm culture or burnout
Anyone who believes kindness and integrity still matter in business