Barred and Bearded with Rilee Harrison

What does it take to launch a law firm in today's legal landscape? For Oklahoma trial lawyer Rilee Harrison, the answer is not flashy marketing campaigns or pretending to be something you're not. It's relationships, authenticity, and a relentless commitment to helping clients get the outcomes they deserve. In this episode of The Founding Partner Podcast, Rilee shares how he transitioned from associate attorney to law firm owner, why social media became one of his most powerful business tools, and the vision behind the firm he's building today. Rilee Harrison is a trial lawyer focused on representing individuals and families who have been seriously injured. He has built his practice around one core principle: every case should be prepared as if it will go to trial, because that is what drives the best results for clients. Rilee's approach to personal injury law is both strategic and aggressive. He focuses on building cases the right way from the beginning — developing evidence, working closely with medical providers, and positioning every claim to maximize its value through litigation when necessary. Insurance companies recognize when a lawyer is prepared to take a case the distance, and Rilee uses that leverage to achieve strong outcomes for his clients. Rilee is actively involved in the Oklahoma Association for Justice, where he has taken on leadership roles and contributed to the advancement of plaintiff advocacy in the state. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an honor awarded to a small percentage of attorneys for professional achievement and peer recognition. Outside of his practice, Rilee enjoys spending time with his family and is often found in the kitchen cooking and hosting friends. He values the relationships he builds both personally and professionally and brings that same sense of connection to his work with clients. When he's not working, he likes to play golf and is an avid fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Biggest Mistake Lawyers Make on Social Media 01:20 Meet Rilee Harrison and His New Firm 04:40 Why Now Was the Right Time to Launch 10:15 Finding the Right Partners and Building a Shared Vision 13:00 What Changes When You Become an Owner 16:30 Systems, Processes, and Scaling a Modern Law Firm 19:00 The Unexpected Power of Twitter and LinkedIn 24:00 Turning Relationships Into Referrals 29:00 Why Consistency Matters More Than Algorithms 35:00 Can Social Media Actually Generate Cases? 39:00 Advice for Lawyers Who Want to Build a Brand 42:00 The Importance of Authenticity 44:00 Brisket, Barbecue, and Building Community 47:00 The Long-Term Vision for the Firm 51:00 Leadership Lessons From the First Three Months 53:00 Where to Find Rilee Harrison