Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury

Scaling a Law Firm Without Losing Your Sanity

Episode Summary:In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury dives into the challenges and strategies of scaling a law firm while maintaining control, quality, and peace of mind. From his early days as a solo practitioner to managing a multi-state practice, Lance reveals how he learned to delegate effectively, hire the right people, embrace technology, and grow strategically without compromising his firm’s mission.
Timestamps:00:00 – How Lance’s journey from small-town lawyer to national tax resolution leader began02:00 – What scaling looked like in the early days of the firm03:00 – Why taking calculated risks is essential for growth04:00 – Shifting from brick-and-mortar to virtual offices06:00 – Lessons learned from managing a growing team08:00 – Why hiring the right people matters more than ever10:00 – How financial planning fuels sustainable expansion12:00 – The technology that keeps operations running smoothly13:00 – Hiring smarter with headhunters and long-term talent strategies14:00 – Lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and future expansion plans
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury helps individuals and small business owners fight back when the IRS comes calling. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lance Drury shares expert strategies to protect assets, prevent tax problems, and build financial peace of mind.

The Business Side of Law: What They Don’t Teach in Law School

Episode Summary:In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury shares what law school never prepared him for — running a law firm like a business. Drawing from decades of experience, he discusses how to market effectively, build the right team, and think like an entrepreneur. Lance also offers insight into his firm’s national expansion, the importance of financial management, and why every attorney should embrace modern tools like artificial intelligence to stay competitive.
Timestamps:00:00 – Why running a law firm requires more than legal skills02:00 – Realizing the difference between law and business04:00 – How marketing and radio helped launch a successful practice05:00 – Lessons learned from taking calculated risks07:00 – Expanding into major markets across the U.S.09:00 – Why lawyers must think like entrepreneurs10:00 – Building the right legal team and hiring strategies that work12:00 – How marketing and referrals built a national reputation13:00 – Keeping a law firm financially healthy14:00 – The importance of tracking ROI and adapting marketing methods15:00 – Balancing leadership, innovation, and long-term vision
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury helps individuals and small business owners fight back when the IRS comes calling. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lance Drury shares expert strategies to protect assets, prevent tax problems, and build financial peace of mind.

Building a Practice Around a Niche: Why Tax Law Became My Focus

Episode Summary:In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury shares his journey from criminal defense to becoming one of the leading tax resolution practitioners in the country. He explains how focusing on one area of law—tax resolution—helped him grow a thriving multi-location practice and serve clients more effectively. Lance also discusses the evolution of his business mindset, the importance of specialization in modern law, and how embracing marketing, media, and risk-taking can transform a small practice into a scalable firm.
Timestamps:00:00 – Why Lance transitioned from criminal defense to tax law02:00 – Discovering tax resolution and building a practice from scratch05:00 – Expanding the firm into multiple states07:00 – Why specializing beats being a generalist09:00 – Challenges of building a successful law firm10:00 – Understanding small business clients and their tax struggles12:00 – Marketing strategies that built the firm’s visibility13:00 – Treating the law firm as a business, not just a practice14:00 – The biggest lessons from committing to one niche
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury helps individuals and small business owners fight back when the IRS comes calling. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lance Drury shares expert strategies to protect assets, prevent tax problems, and build financial peace of mind.

Self-Employed Estimated Tax Pitfalls

Episode Summary:Attorney Lance Drury explains the common mistakes self-employed individuals make with estimated taxes—and how to avoid them. From commission-based income to quarterly tax rules, he breaks down how late or missed payments can spiral into IRS debt and penalties. He also shares practical steps to stay compliant, protect income, and avoid long-term tax trouble.
Key Timestamps:00:00: Understanding estimated tax requirements for self-employed individuals01:30: How commission-based earners fall behind on taxes03:00: Missed payments, bad timing, and lack of planning05:00: How IRS calculates late fees and interest06:30: Using a separate account for quarterly taxes08:00: Realtors and other commission-based workers09:30: What to do if you’ve missed or underpaid11:00: Lance’s three-step plan to protect clients13:30: Where to start if you’re already behind
About the Show:Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury helps individuals and small business owners fight back when the IRS comes calling. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lance Drury shares expert strategies to protect assets, prevent tax problems, and build financial peace of mind.

Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Appeals: Fighting Personal Liability

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury, breaks down what every small business owner needs to know about the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) — and how to protect personal assets when payroll taxes go unpaid.
Lance explains who can be held personally liable, how the IRS identifies responsible parties, and why business owners should never handle these cases alone. He also shares key mistakes to avoid, insights on appealing a TFRP, and practical steps for anyone facing personal liability for payroll tax debt.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty is and when it applies02:00 – Why business owners can be personally liable for payroll taxes04:00 – How the IRS determines who the “responsible party” is06:00 – What happens after a TFRP is proposed08:00 – Common mistakes when trying to fight or ignore a TFRP10:00 – The importance of hiring the right tax professional12:00 – How the appeal process works and when it makes sense14:00 – Why small business owners must stay compliant and informed
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury, a seasoned tax attorney helping individuals and small business owners fight back against the IRS. Each episode delivers clear, practical advice on resolving tax disputes, protecting assets, and staying compliant with federal tax laws.

IRS Substitute Returns: What You Didn’t File Could Come Back to Haunt You

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury, a seasoned tax attorney based in Missouri, explains what happens when the IRS files a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf — and why ignoring it can lead to serious financial consequences.
Lance shares how SFRs are created, why the numbers are often inaccurate, and how taxpayers can correct or override them by filing their own returns. He also explains the risks of waiting too long, how to prevent levies and wage garnishments, and the steps to take if you discover the IRS has filed one for you.
Key Timestamps
00:00 – What an IRS Substitute for Return (SFR) is and why it’s issued02:30 – Why SFR numbers are often inflated and inaccurate04:00 – How filing your own return can override an SFR06:00 – What happens if you ignore an SFR and don’t file08:00 – How SFRs can trigger IRS actions like levies and garnishments10:00 – Why IRS staffing shortages cause delays and inconsistencies12:00 – Lance’s advice for taxpayers who haven’t filed for several years
About the Show
Resilience and Resolve features Lance Drury, a Missouri-based tax attorney helping individuals and small business owners fight back against the IRS. Each episode covers practical strategies for resolving tax problems, stopping levies and garnishments, and protecting what matters most.

Tax Planning for People Who’ve Already Fallen Behind

Episode Summary:In this episode, Lance breaks down what to do when you’re already behind on your taxes and feel buried by IRS debt. Instead of focusing on theory or prevention, he explains how to create a real plan for recovery — even if you owe money or haven’t filed in years. From becoming compliant to avoiding the most common mistakes self-employed individuals make, Lance walks through the exact steps to get back on track and stay there.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why compliance is the first step toward any IRS negotiation.
The biggest mistake self-employed people make when trying to fix tax debt.
How estimated tax payments can actually reduce what you owe.
Why paying monthly is smarter than waiting for quarterly deadlines.
How the Offer in Compromise really works (and who qualifies).
Practical habits to avoid falling behind again — and how to stay compliant long term.
Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Tax planning when you’re already in trouble. 01:10 – The first step to recovery — becoming IRS compliant. 03:25 – The most common mistake self-employed people make when repaying tax debt. 05:40 – How estimated tax payments help you pay less overall. 07:50 – Why monthly payments beat quarterly deadlines. 09:30 – Understanding the Offer in Compromise — and why most people don’t qualify. 12:45 – Smart tax habits that prevent future debt. 14:30 – Final advice for anyone currently struggling with the IRS.
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.

Do You Need a Tax Attorney or a CPA? Know Who to Call and When

Episode Summary
In this episode of Resilience and Resolve, Lance Drury breaks down one of the most common tax questions small business owners and individuals face — when to hire a CPA and when to seek a tax attorney. He explains the key differences between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys, and why the wrong choice could cost you more than money. Lance also shares why experience, representation rights, and attorney–client privilege matter when dealing with the IRS.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
The difference between a CPA, tax preparer, and tax attorney
When to hire a tax attorney instead of a CPA or enrolled agent
The risks of letting unqualified professionals handle serious IRS matters
Why attorney–client privilege offers stronger protection than accountant confidentiality
How strong communication and early legal intervention can prevent tax issues from escalating
Common red flags that mean it’s time to bring in a tax attorney
Key Timestamps
00:00 – 02:00 — Introduction to the episode and topic overview02:01 – 05:00 — The real difference between CPAs, tax preparers, and attorneys05:01 – 08:00 — Why some professionals give harmful IRS advice08:01 – 10:00 — How legal training and negotiation skills protect clients10:01 – 12:00 — The power of attorney–client privilege in IRS cases12:01 – 14:00 — Why poor communication between clients and representatives leads to problems14:01 – 16:00 — When to hire a tax attorney before issues escalate16:01 – 18:00 — Final advice from Lance Drury for individuals and businesses facing tax troubles
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit lancedrurylaw.com.

Small Business Bookkeeping Mistakes That Lead to Tax Problems

Episode Summary
In this episode, Lance Drury discusses how small bookkeeping mistakes can quickly turn into serious tax problems for business owners. He explains the most common errors he sees, how to avoid red flags that trigger audits, and the right way to separate personal and business finances. Lance also shares what to do if your records are disorganized and how working with a professional accountant can save you from costly penalties down the line.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
The most common bookkeeping mistakes that trigger IRS audits
Why mixing personal and business finances is a major red flag
How missing documentation can cost you deductions during an audit
Industries most vulnerable to state and federal audits
Steps to fix disorganized records and maintain clean books
Why hiring an accountant is a smart investment for small business owners
Key Timestamps
00:45 – The biggest bookkeeping mistake small business owners make02:20 – Why mixing personal and business accounts can create IRS issues04:30 – Common red flags that attract audits06:10 – How disorganization leads to tax problems08:00 – Industries often targeted for audits and why09:45 – How to clean up your books and move forward11:00 – The value of hiring a professional accountant
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.

Tax Debt After a Natural Disaster: What Relief Is and Isn’t Available

Episode Summary
In this episode, Lance Drury explains what to do if the IRS shows up at your home or business. He breaks down why direct contact with revenue officers can be so intimidating, the common mistakes taxpayers make when speaking to the IRS, and how to protect yourself from scams and liability. If you’ve ever wondered what rights you have during an unexpected IRS visit, this conversation will prepare you.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
Why you should never speak directly to the IRS without representation.
The role of revenue officers and what triggers in-person visits.
The types of questions and documentation the IRS looks for.
How to protect yourself from scams disguised as IRS contact.
Why separating personal and business bank accounts is critical.
What rights taxpayers have when refusing to answer IRS questions.
How fear and panic can lead to costly mistakes with the IRS.
Key Timestamps
00:45 – How often the IRS really shows up in person.02:20 – Why taxpayers should never talk directly to revenue officers.04:10 – Common tactics IRS agents use to get information.06:05 – Importance of separating business and personal bank accounts.08:20 – Understanding your rights when refusing to answer IRS questions.09:40 – How to spot IRS scams and fake notices.11:20 – A $40,000 mistake: when a taxpayer spoke to the IRS on his own.
About the Show:
Resilience and Resolve with Lance Drury provides practical legal insights into IRS matters, tax law, and financial defense strategies. Each episode explores timely and complex tax issues with real-world examples and expert analysis from Lance Drury and his experienced legal team.