What do you get when you mix a CPA, a marathon runner, a legal tech transformer, and the Association of Legal Administrators' 2025-2026 president? You get Travis Armstrong, and he’s bringing the energy (and the hiking metaphors) to this episode of The Mostly Legal Podcast. 

Join Rob and Amanda as they talk with Travis about his presidential theme “Climb Higher,” his 20-year journey in ALA, and how leadership often starts with getting just a little uncomfortable. Travis shares how he went from not running at all to completing five marathons (most of them his “last”), and how that same perseverance plays out in legal operations—like leading a major document management system overhaul at his firm. 

From getting skeptical partners on board, to turning trusted team members into change champions, to leaning on an independent tech consultant for a smoother implementation, Travis breaks down what it really takes to lead firm-wide transformation without losing your mind (or your trail map). 

Also in this episode: 

If you're a law firm leader, legal administrator, or someone who just wants to lead a little better with heart and a sense of humor, this one’s for you. 

About the Guest

Travis Armstrong

Accounting suits Travis Armstrong, but he also likes variety. He’s found the perfect fit as the Chief Operating Officer at ELPO Law, handling many types of responsibilities related to his chosen field that include budgeting, financial analysis, and financial reporting. Travis works with everyone at the firm to ensure that the firm is meeting both its budget and business objectives.

Outside of work, Travis is an avid student of management techniques, and lists among his favorite books “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. He previously served on the Family Enrichment Center Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors of the Association of Legal Administrators, Middle Tennessee Chapter. He also served as treasurer for Bowling Green Christian Church, and enjoys spending time outdoors running, kayaking and attending WKU sporting events.

Episode Resources

Travis Armstrong on LinkedIn

ELPO Law

Amanda and Rob sit down with John Byrne, President of the Legal Marketing Association and CMO of the mid-sized law firm Gould + Ratner, to talk all things legal marketing—from the basics of building a brand to avoiding “random acts of marketing.” John brings his trademark humor and deep industry insight to a wide-ranging conversation that covers:

About the Guest

John Byrne

As Chief Marketing Officer at Gould & Ratner, John's top priority is leading and supporting the firm's growth and delivery of unparalleled service to its clients. In his role, John draws upon his unique combination of experience as a practicing lawyer, marketing and sales director, professional journalist and publisher, career coach and recruiter, and small business owner.

John has spent nearly 30 years in the legal profession, with much of that time devoted to helping lawyers attract new clients and engagements.  He has particular skill in business development and traditional sales, as well as writing, marketing communications and public relations.  John's most valuable skill, though, is his ability to connect with lawyers and clients alike, listening to them and understanding their needs to create strategies for success.

An active participant in the 4,000-member Legal Marketing Association, John is its President for 2025.  His service on its International Board of Directors includes roles as President Elect, an at-large member, chair of the Regional Leaders Committee, Treasurer-Elect and Treasurer.  He has also served as President of the group's Midwest Region, as well as co-executive editor of LMA's Strategies magazine in 2015-16 and as co-chair of LMA's Annual Conference in 2014.

John earned his law degree from Loyola University Chicago and his bachelor's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where he was the editor in chief of The Daily Northwestern.  For the past few years, John has served as chair of the board of directors for Students Publishing Co., Inc., the independent nonprofit entity that owns and operates The Daily Northwestern.

Episode Resources

John Byrne on LinkedIn

Gould & Ratner, LLP

Legal Marketing Association

Debbie Foster is back! She's the only guest to make a repeat appearance (so far!) on The Mostly Legal Podcast. Debbie shares her insights on some of the most pressing challenges law firms face today, from when (and whether) to hire a COO to rethinking firm governance for the future. She dives into why simply giving someone a fancy title like "COO" isn’t enough, how mid-sized law firms can set business leaders up for success, and the pitfalls of clinging to outdated decision-making structures. Plus, Debbie shares real-world stories of how firms are starting to use AI to revolutionize firm operations and strategic planning. From governance structure shakeups to how real change starts with honest conversations, this episode offers practical advice for law firms that want to move their firms forward.

About the Guest

Debbie Foster

Debbie Foster is the CEO of Affinity Consulting and a nationally recognized thought leader on people, strategy, efficiency, and innovation in professional legal organizations. Her 20+ years of experience, combined with a mix of strategic management and strong leadership skills, have enabled Debbie to develop a unique ability to work with law firms and legal departments to help them build a future-proof organization and to navigate the ever-changing legal services delivery landscape. Debbie consults with firms across the country helping them solve their most challenging issues. Debbie is active in the Association of Legal Administrators and the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association.

Episode Resources

Elyssa Goldstein was the perfect guest to re-introduce our podcast and kick off our fourth season! In this episode, Elyssa describes with enthusiasm and authenticity how she has created her career path so far, starting at the front desk and working her way up to Chief Operating Officer. Along the way, she found her passion for legal management, built her leadership skills through the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), and even managed to keep her love of music and sports alive. Elyssa, Amanda and Rob cover everything from career growth and advocating for yourself, to why working at a law firm doesn’t have to be temporary gig, and why getting involved in ALA can literally change your career.

About the Guest

Elyssa A. Goldstein

Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP is the Chief Operating Officer of Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, LLP.  She began her career in legal in 2009 as a receptionist and transitioned to legal management in 2013. 

Elyssa previously served as Co-Chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Law Office Management Committee, as well as on its Pandemic Task Force – Law Firm Opening and Operations Committee.  She served on the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators for eight years, including one year as President. 

At the international Association of Legal Administrators level, Elyssa has served as Chair of the Membership Development Committee, as well as on the Certification Committee and 2021 Annual Conference & Expo Planning Committee.  She is currently serving on the Board of Directors and will assume the role of President in April 2026. 

In her free time, Elyssa volunteers with the New Jersey Law and Education Empowerment Project, working with middle and high school students on resumes, cover letters, scholarship essays and mock interviews. She holds a B.A. degree in music from Hofstra University.

Episode Resources

Elyssa Goldstein on LinkedIn

Rebenack Aronow Mascolo, LLP

Association of Legal Administrators