James Hansen is the CEO & Co-founder of Genesis Legal Group, a law firm specializing in family law and criminal defense. A serial entrepreneur with a background in banking, insurance, and digital marketing, James has a track record of building successful businesses through strategic hiring, digital client acquisition, and a client-first approach. In 2021, he co-founded Genesis Legal Group under Arizona’s new law allowing non-lawyer ownership of legal practices, and in under three years, he grew the firm to 23 attorneys and $10 million in revenue.

Breaking into the legal industry without a law degree isn’t easy, and leading a successful law firm as a non-lawyer might seem impossible. Yet, with the right strategies, mindset, and approach, even unconventional paths can lead to impressive milestones. So, what does it take for a non-lawyer to build a $10 million law firm from the ground up?

According to James Hansen, a visionary entrepreneur and a non-lawyer CEO of a law firm, it starts with understanding the client experience and creating processes that directly address client needs. He highlights that scaling a firm quickly requires a keen focus on hiring experienced attorneys, building a strong internal culture, and maintaining high service standards. These elements help not only in attracting clients but also in retaining top talent. By aligning his approach to legal services with clear goals and operational efficiency, James has been able to overcome challenges and establish a high-performing law firm.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen sits down with James Hansen, CEO & Co-founder of Genesis Legal Group, to discuss what it takes for a non-lawyer to run and lead a successful legal practice. James shares how he used digital marketing to drive client acquisition, the importance of intentional hiring for growth, and his philosophy on cultivating a team-focused culture. James also talks about the pivotal experiences that helped him scale the firm rapidly despite not having a traditional legal background.