Feeling like you’re “doing all the right networking” but not seeing any real business come in? In this episode, Laurin breaks down how lawyers can move beyond just showing up, get specific about referral sources, and turn the pressure of business development into a true competitive advantage. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Laurin Johnson discuss: Reframing pressure as a privilege in a legal career Laurin’s path from tax/estate attorney to operations consultant Why most lawyers struggle with networking and referrals How to choose the right networking groups and evaluate them Being a true “giver” beyond just making referrals Key Takeaways: Pressure at work often signals that you care deeply and are in a position of impact, and can be reframed as a privilege rather than a burden. Law is a business, and building a book of business requires sales and networking skills that are rarely taught in law school or in traditional mentoring. Vague statements like “anyone” or “any attorney” are a good referral source make it harder for others to help you; specificity is what triggers real introductions. Simply attending networking meetings is not enough—relationship-building happens in one-on-ones, through follow-up, and by consistently adding value to others. Being a giver isn’t limited to sending referrals; connecting others, supporting their kids, amplifying them on social media, and showing up for their events can be even more powerful. "Not all referral sources are created equal." —  Laurin Johnson Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Laurin Johnson: Laurin is an analytical and creative strategist who draws on her background as a trusts and estates attorney and former Membership Experience Director at USA 500 Clubs to help law firm leaders streamline operations, navigate transitions, and build sustainable growth initiatives. Holding an LL.M. in Taxation and DISC behavioral assessment certification, she combines deep insight into complex firm financials with a nuanced understanding of leadership and communication dynamics. Renowned for her agility, diplomacy, and attention to detail, Laurin partners directly with firm executives on change management, leadership development, and operational efficiency—bringing the same focus and perseverance that has earned her multiple national and world titles showing Morgan horses. Connect with Laurin Johnson:  Website: https://mblawconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurindjohnson/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Drowning in emails, client demands, and late nights at the office? In this episode, you’ll learn how to use boundaries, focus, and smart delegation to transform your law practice from constant chaos into a business you actually enjoy running. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elizabeth Grace Saunders discuss: Power of boundaries in time management Recognizing when your schedule has become a problem Niching and being selective about legal work and clients Setting and resetting client expectations around access and response times Delegation, email efficiency, and leveraging AI tools Key Takeaways: Boundaries are one of the most powerful tools for managing time, and they start with taking responsibility for what you tolerate from clients, colleagues, and yourself. You have a time management problem when your schedule consistently harms your health, relationships, or client service—regardless of the number of hours you work. Saying yes to every kind of matter and every type of client creates “crazy” in a practice; focus on your true area of expertise and on clients who are a good fit and can pay reliably. Clear, consistent expectations around availability and response times—communicated up front and reinforced by your behavior—train clients to respect your time. Delegation, better email protocols, and AI tools that draft or prioritize messages can reclaim hours each week and free you to do higher-value legal and business development work. "You need to be very clear within yourself and very explicit with your client when you are or not available." —  Elizabeth Grace Saunders Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Elizabeth Grace Saunders: Elizabeth Grace Saunders is a time management coach, member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and best-selling author of The 3 Secrets to Effective Time Investment, How to Invest Your Time Like Money, and Divine Time Management. Since founding Real Life E Time Coaching & Training in 2009, she has helped thousands of individuals globally—including newly promoted professionals and parents—overcome burnout, reduce stress, and achieve work-life balance. Named one of the World’s Top 30 Time Management Professionals by Global Gurus annually since 2018, Elizabeth regularly contributes to Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, drawing on prior corporate experience at Meredith Corporation and Abbott Laboratories and her summa cum laude degree from Drake University. Connect with Elizabeth Grace Saunders:  Website: https://reallifee.com/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What happens when a probate litigator stops chasing every matter and starts designing a firm that can grow without them? In this episode, you’ll hear how Shawn Kerendian scaled a niche trust and estate litigation practice by saying no to the wrong work, obsessing over infrastructure, and using EOS, OKRs, and tech to build a truly scalable law firm. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Shawn Kerendian discuss: Choosing a narrow niche in trust and estate litigation Protecting capacity to pursue business development and opportunities Scaling from 20 to 40+ people and rebuilding firm infrastructure Implementing EOS, OKRs, and KPIs as a single operating system Tech stack, AI experimentation, and branding for talent and referrals Key Takeaways: Protecting time and capacity—rather than maximizing short-term billables—creates room to pursue the opportunities that actually grow a firm. Committing to a narrow niche makes it easier to become the go‑to expert, generate referrals, and collaborate with other specialists. Rapid headcount growth without parallel investment in management, systems, and infrastructure eventually exposes serious strain on both clients and employees. Running on a single operating system with clear objectives, key results, and KPIs turns firm management from reactive chaos into a predictable rhythm. The biggest hiring risk isn’t moving too slowly—it’s bringing in the wrong people, which can damage culture, client service, and the morale of everyone who stays. "The biggest mistake was chasing growth without worrying about the right people or the right fit." — Shawn Kerendian Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Shawn Kerendian: Shawn Kerendian is a probate litigator and the founder and Managing Partner of Keystone Law Group, P.C. He specializes in trust, estate, and conservatorship litigation, representing trustees, beneficiaries, and heirs in complex probate disputes. By narrowing his firm's focus exclusively to probate litigation, Kerendian scaled Keystone Law Group into a premier niche practice while implementing modern business frameworks—such as EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), OKRs, and business intelligence tech—to streamline operations, law firm management, and sustainable team growth. Connect with Shawn Kerendian: Website: https://keystone-law.com/firm/attorneys/shawn-s-kerendian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-kerendian-0b88ab16/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if your biggest business-development advantage wasn’t your legal skill, but how you make people feel? In this episode, you’ll hear how a former big-firm lawyer turned coach built a decades-long career helping attorneys grow their books by leading with listening, caring, and genuine relationships. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stewart Hirsch discuss: Why “how you make people feel” drives business development Lessons from watching a non-lawyer sell through listening and care Stuart’s journey from law firm associate to in-house to full-time coach Shifting from marketing to true business development in law firms Practical habits: following up, setting next steps, and thinking like in-house counsel Key Takeaways: Technical excellence is now table stakes; the differentiator is how you treat people and how you make them feel in every interaction. Deep, genuine listening often outperforms sophisticated “pitches” when it comes to earning trust and long-term business. Careers can pivot powerfully when you follow the work that energizes you, even if it means turning down “dream” jobs that would pull you off your path. Consistent follow-up and always setting clear next steps are two of the most reliable habits for building a strong book of business. To serve in-house clients effectively, outside counsel need to think like business decision-makers, not just risk-spotters, and offer practical, directional advice. "Start with the attitude of caring and curiosity." —  Stewart Hirsch Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Stewart Hirsch: Stewart Hirsch, Esq. is the Managing Director of Strategic Relationships, LLC, where he serves as an executive leadership and business development coach, consultant, and facilitator. Drawing on over 20 years of experience practicing law—both in-house at major corporations like Staples, TJX, and Welch's, as well as in private practice—he helps lawyers, C-suite executives, and professional services leaders build high-impact client relationships, navigate complex communications, and accelerate career growth. Recognized as a top business development coach by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Stewart also acts as a Senior Coach for Trusted Advisor Associates, designs interactive corporate workshops, and serves as a career coach for members of the Association of Corporate Counsel. Connect with Stewart Hirsch:  Website: https://strategicrelationships.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewarthirsch/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Discover how an employment lawyer built a seven-figure practice not by “working the room,” but by being radically authentic, hyper-generous, and unforgettable in her relationships. This episode breaks down how to turn clients, competitors, and even adversaries into your most loyal referral sources. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Randi Cohen discuss: Non-traditional path from prosecutor to employment law partner Forming and growing a boutique firm through partnership Authentic, curiosity-driven networking (not “working the room”) Turning clients, competitors, and adversaries into referral sources Overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting your own skills Key Takeaways: Business development becomes much easier when you stop “networking” and instead focus on being genuinely curious about people’s lives, needs, and goals. Long-term success often comes from leading with generosity—connecting others, sharing referrals, and helping even when there’s nothing immediate in it for you. The most valuable relationships are built over time through repeated touchpoints, shared experiences, and small acts of follow-up and care. How you handle billing and money can either cement trust or destroy it; protecting relationships is far more valuable than squeezing every last 0.2 from a time entry. Confidence is often forged in scary, high-stakes cases—learning to push through imposter syndrome and rely on your preparation and judgment is a pivotal professional shift. "My entire approach to networking is not to think of it as networking. It's just authenticity." —  Randi Cohen Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Randi Cohen: Randi M. Cohen, Esq. is a labor and employment counselor and litigator at Kalmanson Cohen PLLC with nearly 20 years of experience representing individuals and businesses. Focused on practical, personalized problem-solving, she specializes in resolving workplace issues through strategic counseling and negotiation, while maintaining a formidable litigation practice in federal, state, and administrative tribunals across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania when necessary. Widely sought after by small-to-medium businesses and individuals alike, Randi is an active author and member of the American Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. Recognized as a New York Metro Super Lawyer, she holds a J.D., cum laude, from New York Law School and a B.A. from Muhlenberg College. Connect with Randi Cohen: Website: https://kalmansoncohen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randimcohen-employmentlawyer/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What’s really holding your law firm back isn’t a lack of leads—it’s how you spend your time and handle the ones you already have. In this episode, you’ll learn how smart hiring, offshore staffing, and a professional intake process can free you from $10-an-hour tasks and unlock real, sustainable growth. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brett Trembly discuss: Mindset shift from saving to spending for growth Early-stage law firm struggles and first key hires Offshore staffing in Latin America and founding Get Staffed Up Broken intake systems and the client’s first experience with a firm Delegation, KPIs, and freeing managing partners from billable work Key Takeaways: Clinging to a “safe” bank balance before hiring often traps owners in low-value tasks and slows growth dramatically. Hiring support—especially before you feel fully ready—is usually the only way to stop doing admin work and start focusing on higher-value activities. Law firms frequently don’t need more marketing; they need to fix intake and conversion so leads actually become clients. A professional, structured intake process signals competence, builds trust, and can transform the client’s experience from chaotic to “white glove.” Using KPIs, scorecards, and results-focused metrics is more effective than obsessing over every minute your remote or salaried team members work. "Doing all the little things yourself prevents you from ever building up your money." — Brett Trembly Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Brett Trembly: Brett Trembly, Esq., is the founding partner of Trembly Law Firm in Miami, Florida, where he focuses on business law, franchise law, and commercial litigation under the firm's mission of "Protecting the Economy, One Business at a Time." He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Eastern New Mexico University in 2005 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2008. In addition to managing his legal practice, Trembly co-founded Get Staffed Up, a virtual staffing company that provides offshore support personnel to law firms across North America, and authored books on business growth including 24 Months to Freedom and The Danger Zones. Active in the South Florida legal community, he has served as President of the Miami Kendall Bar Association and Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar 11th Circuit Grievance Committee, earning recognition as a Florida Super Lawyer and an Inc. 5000 honoree. Connect with Brett Trembly: Website: https://tremblylaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrembly/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

When everyone’s chasing the latest shiny marketing tactic, what does it look like to grow a law firm by doing less but better? In this episode, Elliot Johnson shares how “addition by subtraction,” disciplined strategy, and deep content can transform both your firm’s brand and your client experience. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elliot Johnson discuss: Addition by subtraction and prioritization in marketing Career journey into legal marketing and CMO role Jujitsu as a framework for leadership, patience, and strategy Personal branding for lawyers vs. firm branding Content, SEO, AI, and aligning marketing with client experience Key Takeaways: Focusing on a small number of high-impact initiatives—and cutting everything else—is often the fastest path to meaningful growth. Mastery in any discipline, whether jujitsu or marketing, comes from deliberate fundamentals, patience, and long-term commitment rather than quick wins. Lawyers who intentionally build personal brands online give clients confidence, create future career options, and support their firm’s broader marketing efforts. Aligning your external marketing promises with a genuinely strong client experience is essential for generating trust, five-star reviews, and referrals. Strategic, expert-driven content now serves not only human readers but also AI and search engines, making it a crucial long-term investment for any law firm. "We want them to be able to confidently recommend us." —  Elliot Johnson Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Elliot Johnson: Elliot Johnson is the Chief Marketing Officer of Angel Reyes & Associates, one of Texas’s fastest-growing personal injury law firms — and one of the few in the industry to build a truly world-class SEO and paid media operation entirely in-house. Where most firms outsource their digital marketing and hope for the best, Elliot has assembled and developed an elite internal team spanning paid search, SEO, content, local search, digital PR, and lead generation — with a hard focus on attribution, ROI, and performance that can be defended in a boardroom. His operating philosophy is AI-first and data-obsessed, built for a marketing landscape that is changing faster than most teams can keep up with. When he’s not optimizing campaigns or debating LLMs, Elliot is a professor of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a cinephile with a watchlist that never gets shorter. Connect with Elliot Johnson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotjohnsonks/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Discover how small and midsize law firms can stop being “revenue rich but cash poor” by building real systems, leveraging AI, and tracking the right numbers. In this episode, you’ll hear how to plug profit leaks, tame AR, and design a law firm that runs like a business—not a burnout machine. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and John Jakovenko discuss: Career path from HR to fractional law firm COO Why systems are critical for efficient, profitable law firms Practical AI use cases for billing, timekeeping, and intake Revenue vs. cash flow, debt, and financial blind spots Lead capture, AR strategies, and creative pricing/payment models Key Takeaways: A law firm can have impressive revenue and still be “cash poor” if systems, expense control, and debt management are ignored. AI should be treated as a teammate, not a threat—offloading first drafts, admin tasks, time entry, and pre-bill review so attorneys can focus on higher-value work. Profitability depends heavily on cash velocity: how quickly work is billed and money actually hits the account, not just what’s on paper. Most firms waste a significant portion of their marketing spend because they lack proper lead capture, follow-up, and accountability metrics. Creative product mixes (e.g., adding flat-fee or subscription-style services) and structured payment plans can smooth out revenue and reduce financial stress. "You might be revenue rich but cash poor, and that comes from not having your systems in place, but it's also not knowing your numbers." —  John Jakovenko Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About John Jakovenko: John is a leading expert on all things business of law. Since 2006, John has devoted his career to law firm management, working with firms of all sizes and in various states. He also teaches the Association of Legal Administrators Business of Law HR courses as well as the HR section of the Legal Management Fundamentals course, helping new administrators navigate their first five years in law firms. Connect with John Jakovenko:  Website: https://jakovenko.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakovenko/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Discover how a jazz pianist turned niche entertainment work into a powerhouse advertising, privacy, and tech practice—and why treating business development as a marathon, not a sprint, has allowed him to build a loyal, decades‑long client base. In this episode, you’ll hear practical, battle‑tested strategies for specialization, client relationships, and training the next generation of rainmakers. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jamie Rubin discuss: Lawyer’s journey as a marathon, not a sprint Building a niche/specialist practice and moving firms Impact of legal operations, budgets, and alternative fee arrangements Personal branding vs. firm branding and the “Info Law Group way” Training younger lawyers in organized, non-salesy business development Key Takeaways: Treating a legal career like a marathon allows room for ebbs and flows in work while staying confident that consistent effort will pay off over time. Specializing deeply in a niche practice area or industry builds trust and makes it easier for clients to follow you, even when you change firms. Modern in‑house legal operations demand sharper budgeting, clearer estimates, and more flexible fee arrangements, forcing outside counsel to become better business partners. Strong client loyalty grows from genuine personal relationships—helping clients succeed, understanding how they are judged internally, and making them look good in front of their own stakeholders. Younger lawyers can learn business development by following a structured, organized process that avoids pushy “sales” tactics and instead focuses on thoughtful questions, careful listening, and well‑practiced messaging. "My big mistake is not truly understanding my client's perspective." —  Jamie Rubin Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Jamie Rubin: Jamie Rubin is an advertising, technology, and privacy lawyer who guides clients through bringing traditional and emerging campaigns from initial concept to execution. Ranked as a Leader by Chambers and Partners and recognized by Best Lawyers, his practice covers national and digital advertising, celebrity agreements, sweepstakes, social media marketing, and claim substantiation. Certified as an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Jamie previously practiced as a partner at Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon LLP and was named one of the "40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 To Watch" by Law Bulletin Publishing Company. Connect with Jamie Rubin:  Website: https://www.infolawgroup.com/jamie-rubin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrubinadlawyer/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Even high-earning attorneys can feel financially stuck when taxes, lifestyle creep, and poor planning collide. In this episode, you’ll learn how to fix the most common money mistakes lawyers make and build a financial plan that actually supports your life and career. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Niraj Chhabra discuss: Taxes as the biggest financial pitfall for attorneys Lifestyle creep and savings habits for high earners Balancing kids’ education, family support, and retirement Retirement, deferred compensation, and long-term care planning Unique financial challenges for solo and small-firm lawyers Key Takeaways: Taxes are often the largest and most overlooked threat to an attorney’s long-term wealth, especially when income rises, but tax strategy doesn’t evolve. As income increases, spending almost always follows—but savings rarely keep pace unless it’s structured and intentional. Funding children’s education and big life events is important, but it must be weighed against the very real risk of extending your own working years. Tools like deferred compensation plans, 529s, and properly structured insurance can dramatically improve both tax efficiency and retirement outcomes when used correctly. Solo and small-firm lawyers face unique cash flow and risk issues and need different emergency reserves, retirement structures, and income protection than firm employees. "You should have three to six months' worth of expenses set aside in cash. If you're a solo, you need 12 to 36..." — Niraj Chhabra Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Niraj Chhabra: Niraj Chhabra is the Managing Director of SideBar Advisors. Before launching the firm in 2022, he was an advisor with Ameriprise Financial since 2005, concentrating on clients in the legal profession. His central focus includes family finances, tax and estate strategies, retirement, and financial planning for small businesses. His goal is to help attorneys navigate their unique tax challenges and modify their financial plans as their careers evolve. He does this by offering attorneys holistic financial planning and complimentary educational workshops. Connect with Niraj Chhabra:  Website: https://sidebaradvisors.com/ Show: https://sidebaradvisors.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirajchhabra/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidebaradvisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideBarAdvisors/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.