BE THAT LAWYER Addison Watson: Building Freedom, Confidence, and Clients in Modern Law
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Addison Watson discuss:
- Building and sustaining a law practice through intentional business development
- The challenges of transitioning from large firm life to independent or entrepreneurial practice
- The influence of mindset, discipline, and mentorship on legal career growth
- The evolving role of technology and AI in shaping modern legal careers and firm structures
Key Takeaways:
- Failing to invest time in networking and business development early in one’s career can severely limit future autonomy and opportunity.
- Setting aside even one weekly breakfast, coffee, or lunch meeting can spark lasting professional relationships that later generate referrals.
- Attorneys who treat themselves as entrepreneurs—outsourcing low-value tasks and tracking ROI—free more time for growth and client work.
- Lawyers who own a portable “book of business” gain control over their careers, whether moving laterally or launching a solo practice, and are less threatened by AI or firm instability.
"If you feel the anxiety of being an entrepreneur, it might not be for you." — Addison Watson
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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Episode References:
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194
Tees and CLEs take place April 15–17, 2026, at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, uniting legal professionals for accredited education, networking, and a round or two of golf: https://www.teesandcles.com/
About Addison Watson: Addison Watson is the founder of Summit Legal Consulting, a Birmingham-based firm that helps businesses and law firms close deals efficiently and build smarter legal operations. Leveraging his background as a corporate attorney at Balch & Bingham LLP and his current role as General Counsel at ClickFunnels, Addison brings a dealmaker’s mindset to every client engagement. He’s also the co-founder of Tees and CLEs, an annual event combining accredited legal education with networking and golf for attorneys nationwide. A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Addison is passionate about blending legal strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation to redefine how modern lawyers practice and connect.
Connect with Addison Watson:
Website: https://www.teesandcles.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-watson/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/slc205/
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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