In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Steve Steckler, a veteran marketing and leadership coach for lawyers and author of Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur. They discuss practical strategies for lawyers to overcome marketing challenges, emphasizing behavior change, authenticity, and relationship-building over traditional sales tactics. Steve shares insights on balancing legal work with business development, the impact of the billable hour, and leveraging AI tools. The episode offers actionable advice for lawyers to grow their practices, reduce burnout, and achieve greater personal and professional freedom.
Steve is a seasoned marketing, career, and leadership coach with 20+ years of experience working with 100’s of partners, associates, and in-house counsel. He advises attorneys on advancing their careers and coaches them on taking actions that will help them reach their goals. He helps lawyers to change their mindset when they are not advising clients.

As an attorney who has dedicated his entire professional life to helping lawyers find more career satisfaction and achieve marketing success, Steve is “Counsel to Counsel.” What gets him excited is identifying ways to get intelligent professionals to embrace the change they want and then move past obstacles that are getting in the way.

Unique Approach: Behavior vs. Mindset (00:03:08)

Evolution of Legal Marketing and Coaching (00:05:21)

Lawyer Personality Traits and Challenges (00:06:52)

Key Behavior Changes for Lawyers (00:08:34)

Client Success Story (00:10:01)

Why Lawyers Struggle with Marketing (00:12:11)

Authenticity in Marketing Activities (00:12:37)

The “Yes, But” Disease (00:13:58)

Leveraging Lawyer Traits Positively (00:15:55)

The Platinum Rule (00:16:28)

Building Authentic Relationships (00:17:23)

Common Marketing Mistakes (00:19:24)

Prioritizing Marketing Despite Busyness (00:20:38)

Finding Authentic Marketing Strategies (00:21:54)

Being of Service vs. Selling (00:23:30)

Impact of AI on Legal Marketing (00:24:14)

Key Takeaways from the Book (00:27:03)

Monetizing Social Connections (00:28:57)

Advice for Hesitant Marketers (00:31:05)

Personal Freedom and Legal Practice (00:31:23)

Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free

Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call

346. Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur: Marketing, Mindset & Freedom