BE THAT LAWYER Be That Lawyer Live: Building a Practice That Lasts (Part 2)
In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Tim Semelroth, Casey Grabenstein, and Neil Dishman discuss:
- Treating business development as essential
- Using systems and empowering teams
- Building a culture of growth
- Learning through resilience and honesty
Key Takeaways:
- Integrating business development into daily routines and tracking it like billable work ensures steady growth. Making it non-negotiable builds consistency and prevents unpredictable cycles.
- Leveraging CRM tools, spreadsheets, and point systems keeps outreach organized and accountable. Involving junior lawyers in relationships and strategy builds future rainmakers.
- Firms that reward, support, and normalize business development create sustainable success. Encouragement at every level strengthens engagement and results.
- Focusing on process over outcome turns setbacks into lessons and maintains momentum. Honest communication and reflection foster better relationships and continuous improvement.
"For me, making myself feel satisfied that I’ve put in enough in that week to get good results, and then not worrying about whether the results come in… Try to stop worrying about the results and focus on the process is the best that I can do." — Casey Grabenstein
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.
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About Tim Semelroth: Tim Semelroth is Iowa’s only board-certified truck accident attorney and a partner at RSH Legal. With over 25 years of experience, he provides trusted expertise in trucking litigation and collaborates with attorneys statewide and beyond. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to fairness, Tim offers consultation to help chart the best course for complex truck accident cases.
Connect with Tim Semelroth:
Website: https://www.timsemelroth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/
About Casey Grabenstein: Casey Grabenstein is a litigation partner at Saul Ewing LLP, handling complex commercial disputes and class actions involving securities, consumer fraud, and ERISA. He also advises clients in the cannabis and litigation funding industries, serving as both due diligence and primary counsel. A frequent writer and speaker, Casey brings deep insight into emerging issues in litigation finance and commercial law.
Connect with Casey Grabenstein:
Website: https://www.saul.com/professionals/casey-grabenstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-grabenstein-a375094/
About Neil H. Dishman: Neil H. Dishman is a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. in Chicago, where he helps employers prevent and resolve workplace disputes. His practice spans discrimination, retaliation, and wage-hour compliance, with extensive experience across multiple industries. A sought-after speaker and published author, Neil is known for his practical guidance on employment law and risk management.
Connect with Neil H. Dishman:
Website: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/neil-h-dishman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/
Email: Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com
Connect with Steve Fretzin:
LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin
Twitter: @stevefretzin
Instagram: @fretzinsteve
Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.
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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