How a Panic Attack Led Law Firm Owner Marco Brown to Financial Independence (Ep. 104)

Mar 3

In the fast-paced world of law, financial independence might seem like a pipe dream, especially when saddled with overwhelming debt. Yet, Marco Brown, the distinguished owner of Brown Family Law, has a story that proves otherwise. Transitioning from a staggering $450,000 debt to financial freedom was no easy feat, but it provides valuable lessons for law firm owners aiming for prosperity.

Recognizing the Financial Elephant in the Room

Despite owning a top-rated law firm in Utah, Marco faced a common yet daunting issue: substantial debt accrued from educational expenses. In his own words, “It really did seem insurmountable,” and it's a scenario many law firm owners find themselves in. However, the turning point came from recognizing that financial success isn’t just about earning well; it’s about how you manage and strategize your finances.

The Turning Point: A Panic Attack's Silver Lining

For Marco, the wake-up call occurred in the most unexpected of places—a shower-induced panic attack. This intense moment of clarity offered a glimpse into a future that pushed Marco to change course. It wasn’t just about addressing financial instability. It was about shifting the mindset towards managing his law firm as a business entity rather than just a practice.

Structured Financial Discipline: The Catalyst for Change

Marco’s path to financial independence was guided by a structured financial plan, which included utilizing Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. The framework helped break down the intimidating debt into manageable chunks. This method wasn’t just about cutting corners; it was about smart financial strategies—paying off loans methodically and creating a system that emphasized savings and reducing unnecessary expenditures.

Scaling and Systems: The Business Mindset of a Law Firm Owner

In any business, especially law, transitioning from a solo practice mindset to a business owner mentality is pivotal. Marco’s evolution involved embracing a systematic approach to client acquisition, revenue management, and sales. Reading transformational books like Grant Cardone’s “Sell or Be Sold” armed him with the techniques to elevate his firm’s operations, focusing on improving sales processes and closing deals effectively.

The Balance of Freedom and Success

For Marco, success did not mean working harder; it meant working smarter and reaping the benefits of a well-oiled machine. Transitioning duties, delegating effectively, and ensuring his team excelled meant that Marco could achieve the time freedom many law firm owners desire. Despite the success, the passion for his work remains the driving force, highlighting a crucial takeaway: enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Path to Financial Independence

As Darren Wurz, host of The Lawyer Millionaire Podcast, notes, achieving financial success as a law firm owner requires disciplined changes in financial habits. Marco Brown’s journey exemplifies how strategic planning and the right mindset can lead to not only financial independence but also a thriving business that continues to grow.

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About our guest:

I still remember the day a good friend called and asked me to help her get divorced. Hers was a very difficult situation, and while I had never done a divorce before, I knew I needed to take her case.

The night before I met with her, I stayed up until 3 a.m. reading everything I could about family law. Whatever I read that night worked because we got a great result.

Honestly, I had never thought about being a divorce attorney before my friend’s case. After her case, however, I was hooked.

At this point, I have to back up for a moment. I grew up in a little village in Alaska (and by little I mean 85 people little). Kids from places like that don’t become successful lawyers. Thankfully, however, my parents expected big things of their boys. They expected us to be like our grandmother, who had a doctorate and was a special education professor. We were to be educated and serve our communities. That was our duty.

I had searched since I was young to fulfill that duty, and I had done okay at it. I served a mission for my church in Italy. I worked full-time with intellectually impaired individuals for years. I clerked for judges in the third district in Iowa after law school.

All of that was great, and I loved it. But it wasn’t until I helped my friend that I found what I had been looking for in the law. Helping families successfully transition during such a difficult period was necessary, fulfilling, and important work.

Since finishing my friend’s case, I have dedicated myself to becoming the best divorce and family law attorney possible and developing the best family law firm in Utah.

Outside Work

When I’m not working, I hang with my family. My beautiful wife, Demaree, has a doctorate in vocal performance. In other words, she sings opera (yeah, she’s the one everyone likes, and I’m the lawyer). My son is a ham who loves bowling and often refers to himself in the third-person.

I also read. A lot. Like geek amounts a lot. It’s usually about history, law, or business. I don’t read much fiction, but when I do I prefer Steinbeck and Kafka. (I already used the word “geek,” right?)

I cook too — Italian mostly, because it’s awesome. My favorite food is pizza. (Not Domino’s or Papa John’s; the real stuff you find on spaccanapoli in Naples.) Pizza is how we know God loves us.

And to keep weight off while I read and cook, I hike or lift weights.

When possible, we vacation as a family in Europe. There’s nothing quite like walking the old streets, smelling the pastries, visiting the museums, and soaking in the amazing cultures.

Thank you so much for letting me introduce myself. I hope our website and our firm provide you the knowledge and service you need to be successful.

Areas of Practice

Divorce/Family Law

Litigation Percentage

100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

Utah, 2010
New Mexico, 2008
U.S. District Court District of Utah, 2008
U.S. District Court District of New Mexico, 2008
U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit, 2008

Education

University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska

J.D.
Honors: With Distinction

Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

B.S. – 2002
Major: Psychology
Minor: Italian

Published Works

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: The Decisions and Its, N.M. Bar Bulletin,, Mar. 1, at 9., 2010
Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges, A Book Review by Marco, N.M. Bar Bulletin, Sept. 22, at 10., 2008

Honors and Awards

Utah’s Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year, 2015

Professional Associations and Memberships

Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Utah State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
New Mexico Bar Association

Pro Bono Activities

Chair of Davis County Domestic Violence Coalition, 2012 – 2013

Ancillary Businesses

Mediation: Utah Mediation Services

Languages

English
Spanish
Italian

Courtney Grayson

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