Business

Young Entrepreneur Andrew Hristo On Harnessing the Power of the Internet

Published

6 years ago

September 26, 2020

When asked what he wants to be known for and what he’d like his legacy to be, Andrew Hristo passionately conveys the message of financial freedom and the opportunity we all have to live on our own terms. According to Andrew, these possibilities are within reach for everyone, and it’s all thanks to the internet.

When the internet hit its first screens all the way back in October 1969, we had no idea that the one, simple message of “L. O”–sent 350 miles to a Stanford research institute in California, and which led to a system crash–would change the way we live and do business. Recent years have seen an explosion of online businesses dominating the earning sphere.

Online businesses are far more accessible to people who don’t have the funds to put up major capital. While there’s a greater chance of success for everyone, it still takes incredibly hard work and courage to get started. The first few months–maybe even the first few years–might be slow going and one will have to play around to learn what works and what doesn’t. So what’s the motivation behind striking out on one’s own? Why not stay where they are, safe in their bubble that’s held up by someone else?

For Andrew, it’s all about doing something he enjoys, and not living a life where he has to count the days to his next paycheck. One can find something they love doing, and then create a business around that. If one wanted to do this 20 years ago, they would have to come from a wealthy family, have a magnificent stroke of luck, or put in decades of work before seeing a significant profit. With the internet, aspiring entrepreneurs have the chance to launch their companies from their homes with little overhead costs and minimal risk.

Andrew knows firsthand about the power of the internet. He’s fulfilled his goal of being able to generate multiple six figures a year from his laptop, which he cites as one of his biggest successes. Andrew didn’t come from money and he didn’t live in a major city. He’s also just 25 years old. Hailing from a small town in South Australia, Andrew initially dipped his toes into the world of e-commerce when he was only 13 years old. Having access to the internet allowed him to sell products across the country, rather than being limited to the people in his town.

To keep up with Andrew, you can follow him on Instagram at @andrewhristo.

Business

Click for Counsel: YesLawyer Wants to Make Lawyers as Accessible as Wi-Fi

Published

5 days ago

April 1, 2026

Matthew Wiles

Photo Courtesy of: YesLawyer

Byline: Andi Stark

For many people facing a legal problem, the most difficult part is not understanding their rights but finding a lawyer willing to speak with them in the first place. Long wait times, unclear pricing, and administrative hurdles often delay even the most basic consultations. YesLawyer, an AI-enabled plaintiff firm operating across all 50 states, is testing whether technology can shorten that gap.

Founded in 2024 by 25-year-old entrepreneur Rob Epstein, the platform offers free intake, automated screening, and, in many cases, same-day conversations with licensed attorneys. The idea is simple: reduce the friction between a client’s first request for help and an actual legal discussion. In this interview, Epstein explains how the system works, where artificial intelligence fits into the process, and what problems the company is trying to address in the broader legal system

Q: When you say you want lawyers to be “as accessible as Wi-Fi,” what does that mean in practical terms?

A: It’s a way of describing speed and availability. Someone dealing with a workplace dispute, a serious injury, or an immigration issue should be able to move from an online form or phone call to a real conversation with counsel in hours, not weeks. YesLawyer is structured so that a client begins with a free case evaluation, goes through automated conflict checks and basic screening, and, in many instances, speaks with a lawyer the same day.

Q: How does the process work once someone contacts the platform?

A: We use a structured workflow. It starts with a short questionnaire and an initial conversation to capture basic facts. That information feeds into conflict checks and internal review. The system then proposes a match with a licensed attorney and provides a calendar link for a virtual consultation, often within 24 hours. After the meeting, the client receives a written legal plan outlining next steps, deadlines, and estimated fees.

Q: Where does artificial intelligence fit into that process, and where does it stop?

A: AI is used for organizing and routing information, not for giving legal advice. It helps with conflict checks at scale, case categorization, and structured summaries so attorneys can focus on the substance of the matter. Every consultation is conducted by a licensed lawyer, and all decisions about strategy or next steps are made by humans.

Q: What problem is this model trying to solve in the current legal system?

A: Delay and cost are still major barriers. Many civil plaintiffs face long waits just to get a first appointment, along with high retainers and hourly billing that make early legal advice risky. We try to respond with faster consultations, flat-fee options, and financing. The idea is to remove administrative friction so lawyers spend less time on logistics and more time speaking with clients.

Q: Some critics say platforms like this blur the line between a technology company and a law firm. How do you describe YesLawyer?

A: We describe ourselves as a national, AI-enabled plaintiff firm that connects clients with independent attorneys. That structure does raise regulatory questions, especially around responsibility and oversight. We focus on licensing verification, attorney-written case plans, and clear communication about fees and services.

Q: You’ve said the main bottleneck is “systems” rather than people. What do you mean by that?

A: The issue isn’t that lawyers don’t want to help more people. It’s that the systems around them make it hard to scale their time. Intake, scheduling, and document handling take hours. Automating those parts means attorneys can handle more matters without being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks.

Q: Does this model risk favoring only the most profitable cases?

A: That’s a real concern in legal technology. Automation often works best for repeatable, high-volume disputes. Our view is that lowering administrative cost can actually make it easier to take on smaller or more complex cases that might otherwise be turned away. Whether that holds over time depends on the data.

Measuring Impact Over Time

YesLawyer’s attempt to compress the timeline between inquiry and consultation reflects broader changes in how legal services are being delivered. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in administrative work, firms are experimenting with new ways to reduce wait times and clarify costs.

The company’s early growth suggests that many clients value faster access to an initial conversation, even before considering long-term representation. Whether this platform-based model becomes widely adopted or remains one of several emerging approaches will depend on regulatory developments, lawyer participation, and measurable outcomes for clients. For now, YesLawyer’s experiment highlights a central question in modern legal practice: how quickly can help realistically be made available to the people who need it.