Leveling the Playing Field
Smaller and mid-size firms don’t need Am Law 50 budgets to win. This candid, tech-forward panel shows how to turn agility, reputation, and smart automation into unfair advantages. Hear how a Kentucky PI/med-mal practice, a California workers’ comp firm, and a fast-growing multi-state PI team build client loyalty with “no-update updates,” automate reviews, integrate their CMS with phones and courts, and use AI transcription and message editing to scale quality without adding headcount. You’ll leave with a 30/60/90-day plan, the metrics that matter, and a practical playbook for competing—and winning—on your terms.
Details about this webinar
Panelists:
- Moderator: Paul Bamert (Vice President of Product Marketing, Case Status)
- Sheila Hiestand (Partner, McCoy & Hiestand, PLC)
- Sergio Hidalgo (Founding Partner, Sergio Hidalgo Law)
- Travis Meltzer (Founder & Managing Attorney, Valley Injury Law)
Overview: Strategies for competing with larger firms.
Summary: Size isn’t everything when it comes to winning clients and cases. This panel unpacks how mid-sized firms can leverage agility, client engagement, and smart technology to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s largest firms. Attendees will gain practical strategies to sharpen their competitive edge while staying true to their firm’s strengths.
Short description
Smaller and mid-size firms don’t need Am Law 50 budgets to win. This candid, tech-forward panel shows how to turn agility, reputation, and smart automation into unfair advantages. Hear how a Kentucky PI/med-mal practice, a California workers’ comp firm, and a fast-growing multi-state PI team build client loyalty with “no-update updates,” automate reviews, integrate their CMS with phones and courts, and use AI transcription and message editing to scale quality without adding headcount. You’ll leave with a 30/60/90-day plan, the metrics that matter, and a practical playbook for competing—and winning—on your terms.
Topics covered
- Where mid-size firms beat Am Law 50: speed, focus, and community trust
- Marketing without TV budgets: local SEO, reviews, digital presence, partner/referral networks, and traceable campaigns
- Everyday AI in the workflow: call/expert-interview transcription, AI message editor, note capture—plus risk & ethics basics
- Client engagement at scale: “no-update updates,” proactive status, e-signature, and closed-case follow-ups
- Picking systems and integrations that create leverage: CMS fit (e.g., court-integrated WC tools; Neos + RingCentral), e-sign, review automation
- Operating for efficiency: flat-fee/contingency alignment and outsourcing non-core tasks to reinvest in CX
- Metrics that matter: response time, client engagement rate, case velocity, and review volume—how to instrument and act
- 30/60/90-day leveling plan: quick wins, near-term process changes, and durable tech enablers
Meet Our Esteemed Panelists

Sheila P. Hiestand is a partner at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, with more than three decades of experience advocating for clients and leading complex litigation. Known for her fearless approach and deep commitment to client service, Sheila has built her career on listening closely, navigating challenges head-on, and fighting tirelessly to make her clients whole. As a seasoned firm leader, she brings a practical perspective on sustainable legal practice, mentorship, and delivering strong outcomes without losing sight of the human impact of the law.

Travis has been practicing law for over a decade, starting as an insurance defense attorney before shifting his focus to helping accident victims. His experience representing insurance companies gave him valuable insight into how claims are defended, which he now uses to advocate for injured clients. A Las Vegas native, he earned his business degree at UNLV and his law degree at Arizona Summit Law School. Known for his approachable and straightforward style, Travis combines legal expertise with compassion, working to secure the best outcomes for his clients during their most challenging times.

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