Robert Hanna
Robert Hanna is the founder and managing director of KC Partners, a leading legal talent solutions firm dedicated to transforming the careers of legal professionals. With a background in industrial design and a passion for innovation, Robert has established himself as a key player in the legal community, fostering collaboration and driving change through his ventures, including the top-ranked Legally Speaking Podcast. His commitment to building a kinder, more inclusive legal landscape is evident in his partnerships with industry leaders, mentorship of emerging talent, and advocacy for diversity within the profession. Robert’s vision is to empower legal professionals to secure meaningful roles and thrive in their careers while embracing the opportunities presented by technology and collaboration.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
Our business mascot would be a miniature chocolate brown dachshund in a sleek suit, carrying a briefcase and sporting glasses. This mascot would be inspired by Otto, my loyal companion, elevated to represent the sharp, strategic, and personable qualities of KC Partners. This character would embody persistence, boldness, and community building — much like how dachshunds, though small, are known for their bravery and determination. The suited Otto symbolizes our expertise in the legal world, uniting professionals globally with a touch of warmth, wit, and professionalism.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running KC Partners comes down to clear boundaries and a focus on well-being. I prioritize time with my family and carve out moments for activities like playing golf or spending time with Otto, my miniature dachshund. I also structure my workdays efficiently, delegating where possible and using tech tools to streamline tasks, which allows me to focus on strategic decisions. Lastly, I advocate for mental health, making sure to set aside time for mindfulness and to switch off when needed, knowing that rest fuels long-term productivity.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When faced with unexpected detours, I pivot by staying grounded in my core values of community, collaboration, and adaptability. I’ve always believed in the power of relationships, so I turn to my network—whether it’s through the Legally Speaking Podcast or the broader legal and entrepreneurial communities—to seek advice and gain new perspectives. By remaining open to innovation, as I’ve shown with my ventures into legal tech and Web3, I embrace change as an opportunity for growth. For fellow entrepreneurs, I lead by example, demonstrating that resilience comes from balancing strategic thinking with personal well-being, knowing that setbacks often pave the way for more meaningful success.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
Beyond financial metrics, I measure the success of KC Partners by focusing on the strength of the relationships we build and the impact we have within the legal community. Customer satisfaction is at the core, and I gauge it through long-term client loyalty and the success stories of the legal professionals we place in roles that truly advance their careers. Community engagement is another key indicator—whether it’s through the growth and interaction with the Legally Speaking Podcast or the events we host that bring people together. I look for how we contribute to fostering a collaborative, supportive legal network globally. It’s about creating meaningful connections and driving real change in the industry.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
A memorable moment that stands out is partnering with Clio, the world’s largest cloud-based legal tech company valued at $3 billion, to sponsor the Legally Speaking Podcast. Through this collaboration, we’ve amplified our mission of transforming legal careers, just as Clio does with its innovative solutions. One particular episode with Clio’s CEO, Jack Newton, was a turning point—our listeners shared how it reshaped their understanding of legal tech and how they could apply it to improve their own practices. This partnership has not only expanded our global reach but also created an engaged community of legal professionals eager to embrace innovation, demonstrating the tangible impact both KC Partners and Clio are making in the legal industry.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship has been a cornerstone in my entrepreneurial journey, and I believe it plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses. Having mentors accelerates growth and provides perspective during challenging times. For me, it’s been invaluable, from gaining insights into building a world-leading legal talent solutions firm like KC Partners, to navigating complex industries like legal tech and Web3. My mentors have helped shape strategic decisions, like scaling the Legally Speaking Podcast and establishing partnerships with industry leaders like Clio.
I’ve also seen firsthand how mentorship empowers others, whether it’s through my own work mentoring legal professionals, offering career advice, or supporting startups as a strategic advisor. It’s the exchange of wisdom and the shared belief in success that pushes boundaries and fosters innovation.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is centered on building a collaborative and kinder global legal community, spanning multiple areas—from running KC Partners, a leading legal talent solutions firm, to hosting the top 1% ranked Legally Speaking Podcast. I specialize in helping legal professionals not only secure dream roles but also thrive in their careers through mentorship, community-building, and insightful content. Whether advising recruitment and legal tech startups or championing diversity and inclusion through various platforms, I aim to leave a lasting impact on the legal profession.
What sets my work apart is the focus on innovation and transformation. By partnering with Clio, a global leader in legal tech, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for legal professionals and law firms by embracing technology, breaking down traditional barriers, and creating a future where the legal experience is transformed for all. My mission is about more than just business—it’s about empowering others to succeed, creating lasting relationships, and building a legal world where kindness, community, and opportunity thrive.