How to Start a Legal Podcast

Why lawyers should consider starting a podcast

As legal marketing becomes more competitive, law firms need channels that build trust, not just visibility. As successful lawyers have shared through law firm marketing tips, thought leadership, education, and meaningful client engagement all play a key role in reaching potential legal clients effectively. 

Clients want clear, accessible insight from professionals they can trust, delivered in formats that fit naturally into their daily lives. When done well, podcasting meets those expectations by giving lawyers a direct, engaging way to educate audiences, strengthen their brand, and build credibility over time. 

Podcasts also offer a unique advantage over many traditional content formats when it comes to depth of engagement. Think about it: while you may skim blog posts and social media updates in a few seconds or minutes, podcast listeners may spend 30–60 minutes or more with an episode. That extended attention gives you significantly more time to communicate clearly, build rapport, and reinforce trust compared to what written marketing content alone provides.

Consider the following strategic benefits of starting a law podcast:

1. Showcasing your knowledge

A podcast gives you a platform to share your legal know-how and establish credibility, whether by explaining legal concepts, analyzing the implications of recent high-profile cases, or offering practical guidance in an approachable way.

By delivering useful, targeted content, you can earn trust and demonstrate professionalism, while reinforcing your firm’s expertise in ways that support both brand authority and ethical, professional standards.

2. Strengthening your firm’s visibility in traditional and AI searches

Beyond audience engagement, a podcast can also strengthen how your firm shows up online. When episodes are paired with written show notes, transcripts, and clear topic descriptions, they create a steady stream of authoritative, indexable content tied to your practice areas. This helps reinforce topical relevance in traditional search engines like Google while also providing structured signals that large language models like ChatGPT rely on when surfacing trusted legal expertise.

Over time, consistent long-form insight positions your firm as a credible source for both prospective clients and AI-powered search tools, strengthening brand authority wherever people are looking for legal answers.

3. Creating a modern client experience

Clients today expect more than just static websites or occasional blog posts. They want information delivered in formats that fit into their daily routines. Podcasts meet this need by letting listeners engage with your content at convenient moments throughout the day. Hearing a lawyer’s voice helps humanize you and the firm, making it feel more approachable while reinforcing confidence and trust. 

Depending on the format of your podcast, it can also give you space to address common client questions in a conversational, easy-to-understand way, often before a listener ever reaches out for help.

4. Building referral networks

Podcasts aren’t only useful for reaching potential clients. They can also strengthen relationships with other lawyers and professionals. For example, by featuring guests, sharing insights peers find valuable, or discussing issues relevant to your practice areas, you can position your podcast as a trusted resource within your professional community. 

Over time, this kind of visibility can be a key piece of a broader referral campaign for law firms, supporting growth in a way that feels more natural and less promotional.

What successful legal podcasts have in common

If you’re going to invest time and energy into starting a legal podcast, you want it to be successful and deliver a solid return on investment, whether that’s audience growth, brand awareness, or new clients.

You don’t need a celebrity host or expensive production. In fact, you and your firm’s unique value and insights should be what shines. That said, the most successful law shows follow consistent, trackable patterns that help them build a loyal audience.

Here’s what they have in common:

Consistent cadence, episode length, and format

As with any thriving podcast, successful legal podcasts prioritize reliability over perfection. Consistency helps your listeners know when to expect new content, which helps build trust and encourages repeat engagement.

While the average length of a podcast depends on factors like the podcast’s style, subject matter, and frequency (for example, daily news updates are often shorter than deep-dive investigative episodes), many podcasts stick to 20–40 minute episodes published weekly or every other week. 

The key? Pick what works best for your bandwidth, and stick to it.

Thoughtful guest strategy

Interviewing or chatting with guests adds depth and variety to your podcast. It can also be less time-intensive than writing a script for a solo podcast, especially when you select guests thoughtfully and strategically. A few well-planned prompts around a clear topic help conversations flow naturally, reducing prep time while keeping episodes authentic for your audience.

For a law podcast, consider inviting:

• Other lawyers or legal professionals in complementary practice areas.
• Referral partners, such as financial advisors or consultants.
• Industry experts who can provide insight beyond the law.

A good rule of thumb? Your goal should be to broaden perspectives and provide real value to your listeners, not to fill airtime.

Clear tone, storytelling, and narrative flow

You want your listeners to look forward to tuning in, which means focusing on what successful podcasts do best: tell stories and speak directly to your audience. Prioritize:

• Conversational, approachable language over legal jargon.
• Education-first content rather than overt promotion.
• Real-world examples (without revealing client details).
• A clear episode structure that shows listeners what they’ll learn, why it matters, and what to take away.

Ultimately, the goal is to make your episodes digestible, memorable, and actionable so that your listeners gain real value each time they tune in.

Differentiators that build long-term listener loyalty

Think about the podcasts, legal or otherwise, that you personally come back to, or study the podcasts at the top of listening lists: what do they have in common? When listeners know what to expect and consistently receive value, they’re more likely to stay engaged and recommend your podcast to others.

In most cases, it comes down to certain distinguishing traits that you can replicate, including:

• Consistent focus or a unique, niche topic.
• Recognizable segments or recurring features.
• A predictable publishing schedule.
• Respect for listener time.
• A clear point of view and professional perspective.

Define your legal podcast’s purpose and audience

Now that you know your why, it’s time to focus on the who and how to start a legal podcast​.

A podcast that tries to be everything to everyone rarely resonates. First, before you hit record, get clear on who your law podcast is for. Focusing on a specific audience helps you create episodes that are meaningful, engaging, and shareable, all of which tie back to setting your show up for success.

Ask yourself:

• Who is your primary audience? Are you speaking to potential clients, other lawyers, or your local community?
• What problems or questions does this audience face? How can your podcast help solve or address these issues?
• How do they consume content? When you imagine your target listener, are they pressing play during commutes, while working, or via social media snippets?

Once you know your audience, clarify your podcast’s purpose and the type of content you want to deliver. Consider the following common categories for legal podcasts:

• Public-facing “legal literacy” content: Explain legal concepts or current issues in plain language to help non-lawyers better understand the law.
• Practice-area commentary: Provide updates and analysis specific to your field to reinforce your credibility in that area.
• Lawyer-to-lawyer interviews or insights: Share experiences, tips, and strategies with peers to strengthen professional networks and referral opportunities.
• Community-focused storytelling: Highlight stories and cases that showcase your connection to the community or explore issues affecting local audiences.

It’s also helpful to do some background research. If you don’t already, listen to some of the best legal podcasts to understand which formats, tones, and styles resonate—and identify opportunities to differentiate your show. By clarifying your audience and purpose early, you set yourself up for consistent, focused episodes that deliver real value and keep listeners coming back.

Build your legal podcast’s name and identity

Once you know what your podcast is about and who it’s for, the next step is choosing its name and overall brand.

Your podcast’s name and brand immediately attract, or potentially discourage, listeners, so invest time in crafting them. An effective podcast name is memorable, precise, and ethically sound, clearly indicating your target audience and the podcast’s subject matter.

Start with a brainstorming session and gather stakeholder feedback. Once you’ve narrowed your options to a short list, use this simple test: if someone sees this name, do they immediately understand who the audience is and what the podcast will help them with?

Beyond the name, your podcast’s branding elements contribute to how polished and professional your show feels. Just as with any element of law firm branding, thoughtful podcast branding helps signal quality, build trust, and makes listeners more likely to subscribe, share, and return for future episodes.

Consider these tips when developing your podcast’s branding elements:

• Title: Keep it clear and concise. If an overly clever pun obscures the purpose, it’s not the right pick.
• Cover art: Choose something visually striking, readable at small sizes, and reflective of your legal niche. You may want to hire a graphic designer to help create cover art and a logo.
• Intro/outro: Use music or a tagline that reinforces your tone, whether approachable, authoritative, or conversational, without overcomplicating production.
• Tone and voice: Decide whether your show will be formal, conversational, or storytelling-focused and keep that consistent across episodes.

Plan your first few episodes

When your podcast’s purpose and vision are clear, it’s time to plan out your first few episodes. A small amount of upfront structure helps your podcast feel focused, professional, and sustainable, especially in the early stages. 

Start by outlining 5–10 topics and episodes to build early momentum. Planning ahead prevents your podcast from stalling after your first episode and supports consistent publishing as it grows.

Consider these best practices when planning your first episodes:

1. Define a clear theme for each episode. A strong place to start is with common client questions. Topics that come up during intake or consultations often resonate most because they reflect real concerns potential clients are actively trying to understand.
   
2. Use a consistent episode structure. Create a simple template that includes an introduction, clear, client-friendly explanations, and any recurring segments. Consistency will help your listeners know what to expect, and it makes episodes easier to produce.
   
3. Draft loose scripts or talking points. Whether you prefer a script or bullet-point notes, even conversational podcasts benefit from planning. This helps you stay on track and explain complex topics clearly and professionally.
4. Consider guest preparation. Share the episode topic and sample questions before recording. Guest preparation leads to more focused conversations and helps ensure discussions remain relevant and professional.
5. Include clear disclaimers and plan with ethics in mind. Each episode should clarify that the content is for general informational purposes only. Avoid individualized legal advice, confidential details, or exaggerated claims, and be sure you understand the lawyer advertising rules and legal podcast ethics regulations and pitfalls that apply in your jurisdiction.

Tip: Consider recording two or three episodes before launching your podcast. This gives you a buffer and helps prevent gaps that can slow early audience momentum if your schedule gets busy.

Formats: Video vs audio podcasts for lawyers

When starting a legal podcast, one of the first decisions is whether to focus on audio-only, video, or a mix of both. Each podcast format has advantages, and the right choice depends on your goals, audience, and capacity.

Audio podcasts are the simplest place to start. They’re easier to produce, require minimal equipment, and fit naturally into listeners’ daily routines like commuting or exercising. For many lawyers, audio offers the most sustainable path to consistent publishing.

Video podcasts add visual presence and can expand reach through platforms like YouTube and social media. They also make it easier to repurpose episodes into short clips, perfect for TikTok and Reels. However, video requires more time, planning, and comfort on camera.

How to choose: If consistency and efficiency are your priorities, start with audio. If visibility, content repurposing, or visual connection matter most and you have the bandwidth, video may be worth the extra effort. Many successful legal podcasts begin with audio and add video later as the show grows.

Tips for podcasting equipment and recording setup

You don’t need a big budget or a professional studio to sound credible. By investing in a few affordable tools and a thoughtful setup, it’s easier than ever to record clear, professional audio that listeners trust.

Start with simple, reliable equipment

Whether you’re recording audio-only or video, a simple, reliable podcast setup goes a long way toward sounding (and looking) professional.

For audio podcasts, most lawyers can get started with:

• A USB microphone that plugs directly into your computer.
• Basic headphones to monitor sound quality.
• A stand or boom arm to reduce background noise and handling sounds.

This setup is more than sufficient for clear, professional audio and keeps production simple.

For video podcasts, audio quality still matters most, but you’ll also need:

• A webcam or camera with clear video resolution.
• Basic lighting (such as a ring light or desk lamp positioned in front of you).
• A clean, uncluttered background that feels professional and distraction-free.

Good lighting and framing often matter more than an expensive camera. Even a modest setup can look polished with thoughtful placement.

Choose beginner-friendly recording and editing tools

You don’t need complex software or an engineer to launch your law podcast. Beginner-friendly tools make recording, editing, and publishing straightforward. 

Popular choices include:

• Audacity for budget-conscious lawyers who want full control over audio editing.
• Riverside for interview-style legal podcasts with remote guests and video.
• Descript for lawyers who value speed, simplicity, and content repurposing.

Many of these tools support both audio-only and video workflows, making it easier to expand formats later if you choose.

Recording tips that apply to both audio and video formats

• Record in a quiet space with minimal echo.
• Position microphones close to your mouth, not your keyboard.
• For video, record at eye level and look into the camera to create a natural connection.
• Test short clips before publishing to check audio levels, lighting, and framing.

A simple setup you can use consistently will always outperform a complex setup you rarely touch.

Costs to get started

While the exact cost to start a podcast will vary depending on the setup you choose, you may be surprised at how affordable it is to get everything you need to start recording.

Many law firms can start a professional audio podcast for a few hundred dollars or less with:

• A USB microphone: $50–$150
• Accessories like headphones or a stand: $30–$50
• Recording software: free to low monthly cost (some features in free options require subscriptions)
• Webcam or camera: $50–$200
• Basic lighting (ring light or desk lamp): $20–$50

Recording and editing best practices

Even the most confident lawyer can feel a bit uncertain when it comes to creating a podcast. After all, it’s a new challenge. 

However, the following best practices for delivery, pacing, and editing essentials can elevate the listening experience and help you communicate clearly and confidently on air.

• Avoid legal jargon: Explain concepts in plain language so clients and peers can easily understand.
• Keep episodes tight and engaging: Stick to your pre-planned structure and aim for concise explanations. When in doubt, shorter can be better than dragging an episode out.
• Practice with pilot clips: Before publishing anything, record a few short “pilot” episodes and listen back to them to get comfortable with tone, pacing, and delivery. This can help reduce filler words and boost confidence.
• Edit for clarity: You don’t have to be perfectly polished at first take. Remove filler words, long pauses, and background noise, and edit to maintain consistent audio levels throughout.
• Ensure consistency: Before publishing, check that intros, outros, and disclaimers are included and consistent across episodes.
• Create a simple pre-publish episode checklist: Include any checks for things like audio levels, disclaimers, intro/outro, and content structure to maintain professional quality.

Publish your legal podcast

You’ve got your first few legal podcast episodes recorded, edited, and ready to go. Now it’s time to share them with listeners.

The next step is to choose where you want to host your podcast: on your website or on a podcast hosting platform.

On your law firm website: 

Hosting episodes directly on your website gives you full control of your content, but it can take significant technical setup and maintenance. You’ll need to ensure your server can handle audio streaming without slowing down your site, manage your RSS feed (possibly with a plugin), and use third-party services like Podtrac if you want industry-standard analytics.

On a podcast hosting platform: 

Platforms like RSS.com, Spotify for Creators, or Buzzsprout act as the central hub for your podcast files and automatically distribute episodes to major directories (after a one-time initial setup), such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Most hosting platforms provide easy-to-read dashboards with IAB-certified metrics, letting you track downloads, listener locations, and devices with precision.

To publish your podcast successfully and keep it accessible:

• Write clear show notes and descriptions so listeners and search engines understand what each episode covers.
• Use episode transcripts to improve accessibility, support SEO, and create opportunities to repurpose content.
• Publish consistently to build listener habits and reinforce trust over time.

Promote your legal podcast

Publishing your legal podcast is an accomplishment, but it’s just the first step. Promotion helps your podcast reach the right audience and, ultimately, helps you reach your strategic goals. 

You don’t need a separate marketing plan. Leverage your firm’s existing channels like your website, law firm newsletters, and social media to maximize engagement and ROI.

Consider the following ideas:

• Repurpose for social media: Turn each episode into short audio/video clips, quotable insights, or summaries for social media that you can share across different channels.
• Feature in newsletters: Highlight episodes in client, referral, or professional newsletters with key takeaways to drive clicks.
• Encourage guests to share: Ask podcast guests to share episodes they appear on to reach new audiences and strengthen professional relationships.
• Embed on your website: Place episodes on relevant practice-area pages to increase time on site, improve SEO, and connect content to your services.

Measure and refine your approach

Like any marketing effort, tracking your podcast’s performance helps you understand what resonates with listeners. Focus on simple indicators such as downloads, listener feedback, and website traffic to see which topics and formats perform best.

Podcast growth takes time, especially early on. Use what you learn from early feedback to make small adjustments to episode length, format, or topics. Regular review and refinement help ensure your podcast continues to support your brand and engage your audience.

Conclusion: Now’s the time to start a law podcast

Podcasting is a powerful, accessible way for lawyers to differentiate their practice and connect with clients and peers. You don’t need perfect production to deliver value, listeners care far more about clarity, consistency, and authenticity than studio-level polish. 

If you’ve been thinking about starting a law podcast but haven’t been sure where to start, now’s the time to take the first step with confidence. Start small, share your expertise, and let your voice be heard. With each episode, you’re building credibility, strengthening your brand, and creating meaningful connections that can expand your practice over time.

Do I need an LLC to start a podcast?

No, you don’t need an LLC to start a podcast. Podcasts can be launched by individuals or existing businesses. While an LLC can provide legal and financial protection, it isn’t required to create or host a show.

How many clients could a podcast with 10,000 listeners generate?

Most lawyers don’t start podcasts to earn ad revenue. The real value is in trust and client demand.

With 10,000 listeners, even conservative assumptions can add up:

• If 1–3% of listeners take a next step, that’s 100–300 interested prospects.
• If a fraction of those contact your firm, that can still translate into meaningful new inquiries over time.

Because podcast listeners spend more time with your content, they often arrive with higher trust than leads from many other marketing channels.

What is the average cost to start a podcast?

Starting a podcast can be very affordable. An average basic setup with a USB microphone, headphones, and free or low-cost editing software can cost as little as $100–$300. Costs increase if you invest in higher-end equipment, professional editing, or video recording.