Kyle Harbaugh: Fixing the Hiring Crisis in Law Firms with Smarter Strategies

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Kyle Harbaugh discuss:

• Challenges in law firm business operations
• The importance of business strategy in law firms
• Hiring and leadership in law firms
• Leveraging AI and technology for growth

Key Takeaways:

• Many attorneys excel in legal practice but struggle with business management because law school does not prepare them for running a firm, resulting in inefficiencies and unnecessary stress.
• Most law firms lack a clearly defined and well-communicated vision, leading to misalignment within their teams and making it harder to attract and retain the right talent.
• Hiring mistakes often stem from relying too much on gut instinct instead of structured assessments and long-term goal alignment, which leads to high turnover and poor culture fit.
• AI-driven tools can help law firms make smarter business decisions by identifying growth opportunities and ensuring new hires align with the firm’s culture and objectives.

"Just because they are very successful in one role, it doesn’t mean they’re going to be successful when you elevate them." —  Kyle Harbaugh
 

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I'll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!
 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/

Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/
 

Episode References: 

The Game with Alex Hormozi: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-with-alex-hormozi/id1254720112

$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi: https://www.amazon.com/100M-Offers-People-Stupid-Saying/dp/1737475731
 

About Kyle Harbaugh: Kyle Harbaugh is the co-founder of Chief GO Officers, LLC, a business consulting firm specializing in law firm growth, operations, and organizational development. With 14+ years of experience, he focuses on management, business planning, and coaching to help firms scale while improving efficiency and client satisfaction. His approach integrates business intelligence, automation, and AI tools like STEP Ai and Right Hire Ai. Offering group and 1:1 coaching, fractional implementation, and strategic growth systems, Kyle helps law firms optimize profitability, branding, and client acquisition for predictable revenue and leadership excellence.
 

Connect with Kyle Harbaugh:  

Website: https://www.chiefgoofficers.com/

Email: KyleH@ChiefGoOfficers.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-harbaugh-chief-go-officers/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/chief-go-officers-llc

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

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Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

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