

BE THAT LAWYER
Steve Fretzin
BE THAT LAWYER is for attorneys who want more freedom, enjoyment and most importantly, control in their career. Topics will include business development, marketing, branding, technology, and law firm growth. The goal is to educate, entertain and share best practices related to these topics, so that you, the listener can get real value. This is primarily an interview show with great guests (attorneys and legal marketing professionals), sharing stories and analogies, as well as engaging in personal discussions that will keep you entertained and coming back week after week.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 32min
Dr. Rachel Boehm: Sustaining Excellence Through Resilience
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dr. Rachel Boehm discuss:Building systems that support adaptabilityRedefining peak performance for longevityClearing mental clutter for growthPursuing fulfillment through reflection and learning Key Takeaways:Sustainable success in law combines strong organizational structures with personal flexibility. This balance allows attorneys to navigate change, manage chaos, and stay grounded amid demands.True performance isn’t about short-term output but about consistency and well-being over time. Intentional rest, stress management, and self-care sustain excellence without leading to burnout.Unhelpful “head trash” often limits progress more than external pressures or workload.Addressing mindset challenges builds clarity, resilience, and openness to new possibilities.Regularly reassessing goals and definitions of success keeps one aligned and purposeful. Continuous improvement, mentorship, and meaning-centered work lead to lasting contentment. "Culture is a verb. You have to keep creating it." — Dr. Rachel Boehm 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. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Dr. Rachel Boehm: Rachel Boehm is an award-winning journalist turned workplace-wellness advocate who helps individuals and organizations redefine success, mental clarity, and sustainable performance. With a background in communications and well-being, she guides clients past “head trash,” builds adaptive systems, and cultivates lasting contentment rather than short-term fixes. Rachel’s work blends empathy and strategy, equipping professionals to lead with heart, purpose, and resilience. Connect with Dr. Rachel Boehm: Website: https://rachelboehm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelboehm/ Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 27, 2025 • 34min
Charles Gallaer: Simplifying the Practice to Amplify the Impact
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Charles Gallaer discuss:Simplifying communication for clarityBuilding systems for an organizationInvesting in professional growthLearning resilience through experience Key Takeaways:Lawyers who communicate simply build stronger connections with clients and colleagues. Clear language removes confusion and makes legal concepts easier to understand. Simplicity earns trust and enhances professional credibility.Effective systems keep information, tasks, and deadlines in check. Tools like OneNote, Remarkable, and frameworks like “Second Brain” support focus and structure. The organization ensures consistency and reliability in client service.Continuous learning and adopting new technologies strengthen long-term success. Investing in tools, systems, and skills helps lawyers stay efficient and relevant. Growth-minded professionals turn adaptation into an advantage.Setbacks are learning opportunities, not reasons for regret. By reflecting instead of reacting, lawyers can grow wiser and more confident. Resilience transforms challenges into lasting professional strength. "It's important to keep things simple...anything we can do to boil it down into as simple as terms...through that simplicity, it can really give you a level of clarity that you didn't think was possible." — Charles Gallaer 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. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Charles Gallaer: Charles Gallaer, Esq., is an attorney focused on automotive retail and dealership law. He is licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida and serves as an associate advising manufacturers, dealer groups, and franchised operators.Before law school, he held roles at Ford Motor Company and served as general manager of his family’s Lincoln-Mercury dealership, giving him hands-on operational insight into the industry. He earned his J.D. with distinction from Brooklyn Law School and holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia.Charles advises on transactions, litigation, compliance, data privacy, EV mandates, and vendor contracts. He speaks regularly at industry events and contributes to publications on dealership law and regulation. Connect with Charles Gallaer: Website: https://www.afslaw.com/attorneys/charles-gallaerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgallaer/Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 23, 2025 • 32min
Stacey Brown Randall: You Deserve Referrals, But You Do Not Owe Them
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stacey Brown Randall discuss:The realities and misconceptions of referral marketing for professionalsBuilding genuine, relationship-driven client experiences that foster loyaltyBalancing efficiency, personalization, and automation in client communicationMindset management and learning from business failures in professional growth Key Takeaways:Doing great work alone doesn’t automatically generate referrals—intentional relationship-building and structured referral strategies are essential.A strong client experience combines excellent work output with emotional connection and proactive relationship touchpoints across the “new,” “active,” and “alumni” stages.Only about 20–30% of clients are typically referred; managing expectations and distinguishing between repeat and referred clients prevents misleading assumptions about referral rates.Protecting one’s mindset and resisting external pressure or comparison—especially regarding success metrics—is crucial to maintaining authenticity and preventing burnout. "Doing great work does not equal referrals." — Stacey Brown Randall 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. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Stacey Brown Randall: Stacey Brown Randall is the author of the new book, The Referable Client Experience, the award-winning book, Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, and the host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast. Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally...without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking. She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids. Connect with Stacey Brown Randall: Website: https://staceybrownrandall.com/Book: The Referable Client Experience: https://referableclientexperience.com/Show: Roadmap to Referrals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roadmap-to-referrals/id1405302350LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall/ Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 20, 2025 • 32min
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 developmentThe challenges of transitioning from large firm life to independent or entrepreneurial practiceThe influence of mindset, discipline, and mentorship on legal career growthThe 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. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ Episode References: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194Tees 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 FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 16, 2025 • 32min
Raquel Gomes: From Burnout to Boundaries and Balance in Business
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Raquel Gomes discuss:The importance of setting boundaries and saying no to maintain focus and balanceOvercoming perfectionism and developing trust through delegation and leadershipBuilding sustainable business systems that support both growth and personal well-beingThe mindset shift required to transition from burnout to passion-driven entrepreneurship Key Takeaways:By performing a detailed time audit and identifying tasks that don’t align with your priorities, you can reclaim control of your schedule, eliminate low-value work, and create space for what truly drives personal and professional growth.Effective delegation depends on replacing micromanagement with structured onboarding, clear expectations, and consistent communication so your team feels empowered and capable while you stay focused on leadership and strategy.Long-term business success requires building systems and processes that allow your company to operate smoothly even in your absence, ensuring both stability and the freedom to take restorative time away without anxiety or burnout.The decision to leave corporate life before feeling fully ready underscores the importance of self-trust — embracing uncertainty and believing in your own capability can lead to transformation, purpose, and sustainable fulfillment. "Rest is revenue generated as well." — Raquel Gomes Unlock the secrets of rainmaking success—join Steve Fretzin and four powerhouse legal experts for Be That Lawyer LIVE on August 27; reserve your spot now at fretzin.com/events. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Raquel Gomes: Raquel Gomes is the visionary Founder and CEO of Stafi, a virtual staffing company transforming how law firms operate and grow. A former psychologist with an MBA and a background in corporate America and technology, Raquel brings a rare combination of emotional intelligence and business acumen to leadership. Inspired by her own journey balancing motherhood, burnout, and ambition, she built Stafi to empower busy professionals—especially women—to scale their firms without sacrificing their well-being. Under her leadership, Stafi now supports hundreds of law firms worldwide, connecting them with skilled virtual assistants and sustainable systems for success. Raquel’s mission is rooted in redefining work-life balance and proving that thriving in business and in life are not mutually exclusive. Connect with Raquel Gomes: Website: https://getstafi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-gomesstafi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetStafiConnect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 13, 2025 • 31min
Elise Buie: Numbers Plus Narrative in Building a Healthier Law Firm
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elise Buie discuss:Using data-driven decision-making to manage and grow a modern law firmRedefining work-life integration and employee well-being within professional cultureBuilding brand identity and marketing strategies rooted in authenticity and measurable ROILeadership through adaptability, empathy, and alignment between values and performance metrics Key Takeaways:Reframing “billable hours” as “build-on-invoice hours” can close significant financial gaps by ensuring all productive time is accurately tracked and billed.Setting clear KPIs for every team member creates transparency, objective performance evaluation, and alignment with organizational values.Structured delegation and workflow redesign can reduce working hours without sacrificing productivity, improving overall employee satisfaction.Combining quantitative data with qualitative narratives allows leaders to make informed decisions that support both profitability and people. "If you have good data, I don't care where my people are. They could be in New Zealand on a black beach, and I know exactly what's happening." — Elise Buie Unlock the secrets of rainmaking success—join Steve Fretzin and four powerhouse legal experts for Be That Lawyer LIVE on August 27; reserve your spot now at fretzin.com/events. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsors!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Elise Buie: Elise Buie, Esq., is a Seattle-based family law attorney and founder of Elise Buie Family Law Group, a law firm devoted to divorce, family law, and estate planning. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, her own divorce, and many dish-filled sinks piled high after lively family dinners with her husband, Doug, and their blended family of six (six!) now-adult children, Elise knows firsthand what it means to juggle work and parenting, finding balance in between, even if it means a lot of late nights. When she’s not advocating for her clients, the best interests of their children, and civility in divorce, you can find her sailing on Puget Sound. Connect with Elise Buie: Website: https://www.elisebuiefamilylaw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-buie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisebuiefamilylawInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisebuiefamilylawgroup/Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 2: How Lawyers Turn Networking and Visibility into Rainmaking Success
In this insightful conversation, Daniel Scola, Eido Walny, and Karl Seelbach share their expertise in transforming personal passions into client relationships. Daniel talks about using music to connect with clients, while Eido emphasizes cufflink-making and car restoration as unique ways to attract business. Karl highlights the importance of strategic referral relationships and staying top of mind through speaking engagements. They also discuss the need to delegate and avoid complacency to ensure long-term growth and success in the legal field.

Oct 6, 2025 • 34min
BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 1: Turning Mistakes and Passions into Lasting Success in Legal Business Development
In this enlightening discussion, guests Daniel Scola, Eido Walny, and Karl Seelbach share insights from their diverse journeys in the legal field. They reveal the common struggles lawyers face with business development and the importance of seeking mentorship. The conversation emphasizes the value of consistent habits like time-blocking and using CRM tools for client growth. Personal passions play a key role in building authentic connections, while mistakes serve as vital lessons that propel growth and innovation in their practices.

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Oct 2, 2025 • 33min
Nancy Fox: Networking Business Development and the Future of Rainmaking in Law
Nancy Fox, founder of The Business Fox, offers valuable insights on networking and business development for legal professionals. She discusses the crucial mindset shift from 'if' to 'how' for growth and the necessity of agility in navigating the evolving legal landscape. Lawyers often misstep by failing to strategically choose networking settings and over-relying on referrals. Nancy emphasizes daily consistent activities in short bursts for effective networking and encourages focusing on listening to others to build deeper connections.

Sep 29, 2025 • 34min
Matt Darner: Getting Paid What You Deserve While Running a Law Practice
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Matt Darner discuss:Challenges attorneys encounter in chasing overdue client paymentsBuilding strong systems, processes, and roles to keep law firms efficientPsychology and communication dynamics that shape how clients pay their billsLessons learned from business mistakes and the growth unlocked by niching Key Takeaways:When lawyers delay or inconsistently send invoices, clients subconsciously perceive the firm as disorganized, which weakens professionalism and makes collecting payment significantly more difficult later.Establishing transparent expectations with clients about how billing and payments will work from day one creates accountability, prevents confusion, and reduces the risk of overdue receivables.Shifting accounts receivable follow-ups away from attorneys and onto trained specialists or outsourced support ensures that lawyers can focus on high-value legal and business development work rather than chasing payments.Narrowing focus to serve a single type of client—such as law firms—can dramatically accelerate growth, create clearer messaging, and lead to deeper expertise that builds stronger client trust and results. "If you’re not invoicing regularly, it is communicating something is wrong with your business, whether you know that or not." — Matt DarnerCheck 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. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don’t miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/Thank you to our Sponsor!Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Matt Darner: Matt Darner is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Business Development at CollBox, a platform built to help law firms and professional service businesses recover what they’re owed without straining client relationships. Over the past decade, he has focused on blending technology with a human touch to simplify accounts receivable and give attorneys back their time. With a background in sales and business growth, Matt understands the challenges firms face in scaling while staying profitable. His mission is to ensure that hard-working professionals get paid faster and more reliably, allowing them to focus on the work they do best.Connect with Matt Darner: Website: https://collbox.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdarner/Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.


