Who counsels the counselor? Are you building systems to prevent risk, or patching problems after they appear? When was the last time you checked whether your employment practices could stand up to legal scrutiny?
In this episode, John Gardner breaks down the best legal steps to take when building and growing a private practice, from hiring the right team to staying compliant with employment laws. 
Podcast Sponsor: Headway







I want to thank Headway for sponsoring this episode. If you run a group practice, you know that accepting insurance can be overwhelming. Between credentialing, billing, and payroll, the admin side can easily take over your week. Headway was built to help you handle this — and they’re the only platform designed specifically for in-network group practices.
Whether you’re growing your team or running an established practice, Headway makes the business side easier with faster credentialing, higher per-session rates, and biweekly payments your team can count on.
They work with therapy, psychiatric, and hybrid groups — and there are no subscription fees. Just the support you need to run your practice with ease.
Run your best group practice with Headway — trusted by thousands of group practice leaders to simplify insurance admin and reach more people through in-network care.
Curious how Headway can work for you? 
Meet John David Gardiner












John David Gardiner is a member at Bodman PLC and chairs the firm’s Liquor Law Team. With over a decade of experience in business and employment law, he represents employers in various matters, including white-collar crime investigations and general civil litigation. John has a background as a former assistant district attorney and has served in various leadership roles in community organizations.
 
Find out more at Bodman Law and connect with John on LinkedIn.






In This Podcast

* Why practice owners must know what they don’t know
* How proactive systems prevent costly legal missteps
* Why crisis-based consulting is expensive and inefficient
* How preparation and compliance prevent liability

Why practice owners must know what they don’t know
Gardiner opens with a personal story about taking on a drywalling project himself, only to realize mid-way that he had no idea what he was doing. 
He uses this to illustrate a broader point: self-reliance is valuable, but overconfidence in unfamiliar territory can be dangerous. 
Business owners must identify their blind spots early, especially when it comes to employment and compliance.

This was not a good use of my time. Maybe it’s good for future stories … Not that I’m above or better than it – you know, if you need drywalling, let me know! – but it wasn’t a good opportunity cost for me … It’s important that I know what I don’t know – and I accept that. (John David Gardiner)

Recognizing your limits isn’t a weakness. They are forms of professional wisdom that protect both your business and your license.
How proactive systems prevent costly legal missteps
While it’s essential to work with lawyers, Gardiner cautions against letting outside experts run your business. Your attorney should advise you,