BE THAT LAWYER Ed Alexander: Why Communication and Strategy Make or Break Law Firm Partnerships
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ed Alexander discuss:
- Challenges and risks in forming and managing law firm partnerships
- Strategic considerations and planning for succession and law firm exits
- The importance of communication, expectations, and alignment in business relationships
- Diversifying marketing and building sustainable value in a law practice
Key Takeaways:
- Many law firm partnerships collapse because they lack a clear strategic purpose, and poor communication during both the honeymoon phase and long term creates conflicts that are nearly impossible to resolve.
- Setting clear expectations early—on contributions, compensation, growth, retirement, and lifestyle philosophies—can prevent disputes where one partner feels undervalued or overburdened.
- Selling or transitioning a law practice requires years of preparation, including transferring goodwill, maintaining referral trust, phasing into an of counsel role, and positioning the buyer as a trusted successor.
- The 2008–2009 global financial crisis showed how fragile referral-dependent firms can be, as many lost business overnight, underscoring the need for diversified marketing, consistent development, and team-based client service.
"Partnerships, it’s interesting, because they’re marriages, right? They’re business marriages, and that’s what they should be called, business marriages." — Ed Alexander
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 Ed Alexander: Ed Alexander is an attorney, author, and founder/CEO of Alexander Business Law, PLLC in Orlando, where he has practiced business law since 1993 after an early career in technology that earned him a U.S. patent. He is the author of several notable works, including The Guide to Selling Your Florida Law Practice, The Guide to Partnerships and Partnership Agreements, and 10 Common and Costly Business Killing Legal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them. He is recognized for professional excellence and community service and has also taught at the University of Central Florida. In his free time, Ed enjoys cycling, kayaking, sailing, hiking, and traveling with his wife of 38 years, Faith.
Connect with Ed Alexander:
Website: https://orlandobusinesslawyer.com/
Email: ed@alexanderbusinesslaw.com
Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ed-Alexander/author/B0C2QXJG7K
Show: Law Deals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/law-deals-succession-planning-partnerships-purchases/id1724776380
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorneyedalexander/
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
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.