

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

Dec 11, 2025 • 29min
Susan Filan: Finding Joy and Peace in a High-Pressure Career
Susan Filan, a former prosecutor and MSNBC analyst turned transformational speaker, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention after a near-fatal accident. She discusses the fragility of life and how fear often hides our true desires. Susan emphasizes that fulfillment starts when we live authentically, rather than meeting external expectations. Her coaching focuses on asking the right questions to ignite dreams and promote inner peace. She reminds listeners that happiness cannot be outsourced and encourages living in alignment with what genuinely matters.

Dec 8, 2025 • 31min
Dustin Ruge: Transforming the Legal Landscape Through Strategy, Value, and AI
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dustin Ruge discuss:Strategic decision-making in choosing clientsCommunicating value through intentional sales processesAdapting to AI-driven shifts in legal laborRebuilding legal services through integrated ecosystems Key Takeaways:Choosing which cases to decline becomes a powerful profitability strategy. Disciplined selection protects focus, energy, and long-term growth. The strongest outcomes come from working only with motivated, well-aligned clients.Modern legal sales depend on uncovering client needs rather than presenting credentials. Deep qualification shapes tailored solutions that build trust and clarity. Firms that master value communication thrive as outcomes matter more than hours.The billable hour strains against rising expectations for efficiency and transparency. Automation is absorbing routine intake and associate-level work. Firms that embrace value-based pricing gain an advantage in a reshaped landscape.AI is transforming a fragmented industry into cohesive, streamlined platforms. New business structures and investments accelerate disruption and innovation. Lean, automated operations create opportunities in underserved markets. "The first meeting is all about the client, the second meeting is all about you." — Dustin Ruge 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/ 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 Dustin Ruge: Dustin W Ruge is known as one of the most respected and trusted sales, marketing, and business growth coaches in the nation. In addition to his numerous books and publications, Dustin frequently appears and is referenced in major news and trade publications, business shows, and trains and keynotes at conferences across the nation. Dustin’s career includes over 27 years’ experience, ranging from technology startups to Fortune 500 companies, where he has received numerous awards and recognition for his work.Dustin graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Connect with Dustin Ruge: Website: https://dustinruge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinruge/ 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.

Dec 4, 2025 • 29min
Pam Meissner: Creating Law Firms That Thrive Long Term
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Pam Meissner discuss:Aligning strengths with strategyAddressing operational challengesClarifying compensation and career pathsMaximizing long-term firm value Key Takeaways:Successful firm growth depends on matching personal strengths to business goals. Chasing clients or revenue alone does not ensure satisfaction or long-term success. Intentional planning creates a foundation for sustainable growth and fulfillment.Lawyers often face cash flow issues, staff management, and unclear compensation. These operational gaps can lead to stress and sleepless nights if unchecked. Recognizing and addressing challenges early safeguards both firm and personal well-being.Open conversations about pay and partnership tracks motivate legal professionals. Transparency fosters equity and encourages long-term commitment from team members. Clear structures help attorneys understand their role in firm growth and success.Profitability, efficient systems, and reducing single-owner dependency matter most. External guidance, such as fractional CFOs, can help firms overcome growth plateaus. Strategic planning ensures the firm remains valuable for exits or future opportunities. "Everybody wants more money, and they don't realize it comes with problems, and they don't realize that we all get paid for solving problems, but you have to pick the problems you're really good at solving, because if you're solving problems that you're not good at, you're going to be miserable." — Pam Meissner 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Pam Meissner: Pam Meissner is the COO, Director of Client Services & CFO at CathCap. She is a seasoned CPA and financial executive whose career spans public accounting, multinational corporations, and entrepreneurial ventures. She has served as a CPA, CFO, COO, CEO, and even a stay-at-home mom, bringing a rare combination of technical expertise and real-world business insight to every role. Now at CathCap, Pam leverages her decades of experience to guide clients in financial strategy, operational excellence, and coaching, helping businesses achieve sustainable growth and success. Connect with Pam Meissner:Website: https://cathcap.com/ 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.

Dec 1, 2025 • 31min
Adam Williams: Maximizing Tax Strategy For Law Firms
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Adam Williams discuss:Planning taxes proactivelyExploring creative tax strategiesBuilding a professional teamImplementing actionable year-end steps Key Takeaways:Most law firms wait until filing to address taxes, missing savings opportunities. Working with a tax strategist year-round aligns decisions with long-term goals. Proactive planning uncovers ways to reduce liabilities and strengthen financial outcomes.Techniques like the Augusta rule, hiring family members, and royalty setups save money. Advanced structures such as captive insurance can provide additional tax benefits. Knowing these options allows law firms to tailor strategies to their unique situation.Successful tax and business strategies require bookkeepers, advisors, and strategists. Delegating responsibilities reduces personal burden while improving firm performance. A strong team empowers owners to focus on growth and long-term success.Year-end is ideal for accelerating deductions and making tax-advantaged purchases. Prepaying vendors or investing in marketing can reduce taxable income efficiently. Evaluating current practices ensures every opportunity for savings is captured. "If they don’t bring you ideas throughout the year, you don’t have a tax strategist. You have a tax preparer." — Adam Williams 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Adam Williams: Adam started this business out of frustration with accountants who congratulated him for having a large tax bill.As a serial entrepreneur, Adam is inspired by entrepreneurship and small business, direct response marketing, non-traditional and unexpected solutions, mindset & personal development, helping create businesses that serve the owners, and high-performance driving.Adam received his undergraduate degree in Business from Penn State Behrend and his MBA and J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. A Cathedral Prep graduate and active member of the community, Adam has served on the Board of Directors for the Erie County Bar Association, Lakeshore Community Services, the Innovation Collaborative, and the Erie Art Museum. He was named to the 2013 Erie Reader 40 Under 40, and has also been listed as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Connect with Adam Williams: Website: https://www.pennywise.tax/ 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.

Nov 27, 2025 • 29min
Ben Dach: Growing Through Guidance and Experience
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ben Dach discuss:Prioritizing layered mentorshipStrengthening firm culture for developmentMaintaining clear communication in mentoringUsing delegation and varied experience for growth Key Takeaways:Professionals should pursue multiple mentors with complementary strengths to build balanced legal and leadership skills. Proactive outreach broadens perspective and accelerates growth across stages of a career. Treating mentorship as a continuous discipline ensures steady, long-term development.Growth is amplified in environments that value collaboration, approachability, and shared learning. Supportive cultures help young attorneys apply feedback with confidence and consistency. When mentorship is part of a firm’s values, long-term development becomes more sustainable.Clear expectations and honest conversations create stability and direction in mentor relationships. Early resolution of misalignment strengthens trust and accountability for both sides. Consistent feedback loops reinforce progress and keep development moving forward.Delegation offers meaningful opportunities to build judgment and independence through real responsibility. Structured tools provide quality and clarity as workloads expand over time. Diverse experiences and firm environments round out long-term professional capability. "Just do the things and fail. Fail a lot, because you won't know until you do the things, and then you fail, and then you learn." — Ben Dach 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Ben Dach: Benjamin Dach, Ph.D., Esq., is an accomplished patent attorney with extensive experience in intellectual property litigation, prosecution, and counseling. With experience in patent, copyright, and trademark litigation, procurement, and licensing, Ben focuses on development, protection, and monetization of patent, copyright, and trademark portfolios, strategic licensing, commercial agreements, diligence, and enforcement strategies. He has represented clients in numerous actions in U.S. courts, administrative proceedings, and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Connect with Ben Dach: Website: https://pierferd.com/benjamin-i-dachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindach/ 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.

Nov 24, 2025 • 34min
Allison Williams: Strengthening Your Practice Through Structure
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Allison Williams discuss:Developing business skills beyond legal trainingBalancing legal work with true leadership rolesStrengthening sales and client relationships with structureReducing stress through systems, communication, and metrics Key Takeaways:Law school doesn’t teach the core business, sales, and time-management abilities required to run a successful firm. Lawyers must intentionally build these skills to avoid overwhelm and stagnation. Growth begins when practitioners embrace authenticity, process, and systemization.Many lawyer-owners struggle to act as both practitioner and CEO, leading to stress and inefficiency. Strong operational leaders and a capable C-suite can restore focus and improve firm performance. Delegating business responsibilities is essential for long-term sustainability.Sales shouldn’t feel like auditioning for clients; the goal is to understand needs and build genuine rapport. Structured processes help qualify leads, nurture relationships, and improve conversion rates. Starting with reliable referral sources and existing channels leads to better outcomes.Systematized communication—from clear policies to automated updates—prevents client-driven chaos. Tools like workflow systems or SaneBox support better task and email management. Tracking metrics such as conversion rates and lead quality ensures informed, data-driven decisions. “Being authentic is the easiest, fastest, most profitable way for you to get to the outcome that you desire.” — Allison Williams 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Allison Williams: Allison C. Williams is the owner of not one, but two multimillion-dollar companies. She is the Founder of Williams Law Group, a full-service family law firm where she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Family Law. After taking Williams Law Group from a start-up to a multimillion-dollar law business in 3.5 years, she decided to help other law firm owners do the same by starting Law Firm Mentor. Today, Law Firm Mentor helps law firm owners across the country grow their revenues, crush chaos in business, and make significantly more money in less time!Allison is a LawFirm500 award winner, ranking 14th out of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation. She has also been named a Stevie Award Finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2018, voted NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business, and designated as one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.Allison has been featured in The Law Entrepreneur, Above the Law, and Modern Solo, along with other leading legal publications. She is also the host of the Law Firm Mentor podcast, where lawyers go to learn how to crush the chaos in their business. Connect with Allison Williams: Website: https://lawfirmmentor.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams/ 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.

Nov 20, 2025 • 32min
Danielle Hendon: Building Sustainable Profit For Modern Law Firms
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Danielle Hendon discuss:Embracing perseveranceShifting mindsets for sustainabilityTransitioning toward flat fee modelsBalancing finances for growth Key Takeaways:Perseverance shapes long-term success by turning setbacks into momentum rather than defeat. Continuing the work is what separates progress from failure. Stopping, not struggling, is the only real loss.Firms thrive when they prioritize profitability and long-term health, ensuring they can keep serving clients with excellence. This mindset shift strengthens stability. It helps legal teams build a practice that lasts.Moving from billable hours to flat fees boosts efficiency, scale, and client trust when managed with clarity and intention. Careful rollout keeps expectations aligned. The shift can transform the client experience.Monitoring vital metrics like the rule of thirds helps maintain healthy revenue distribution and protects profitability. This supports passion projects and pro bono work. Clients benefit from transparency and lower stress. "You are never a failure until you stop trying. Everything is an opportunity to win and move forward. You haven't failed until you stop persevering. When you've given up, that's failure." — Danielle Hendon 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Danielle Hendon: Danielle Hendon is the Founder and CEO of 4 Corners CFO, where she helps small business owners make smart financial decisions. She has over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting, and once led an audit team through a corporate bankruptcy.Danielle believes that financial statements tell a story, not just numbers—and that entrepreneurs should be empowered to write their own chapters. She started 4 Corners CFO to give business owners clarity and confidence so they can build profitable and sustainable legacies.Before her finance career, she studied music. Today, she draws on that creativity to bring both discipline and vision to her work. At the heart of it all, Danielle is a mom—and her children inspire her daily to do work that matters. Connect with Danielle Hendon: Website: https://4cornerscfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hendon/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.

Nov 17, 2025 • 32min
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 essentialUsing systems and empowering teamsBuilding a culture of growthLearning 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. 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 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-grabensteinLinkedIn: 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-dishmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/Email: Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com 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.

Nov 13, 2025 • 31min
Be That Lawyer Live: Building a Practice That Lasts (Part 1)
In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Tim Semelroth, Casey Grabenstein, and Neil Dishman discuss:Building consistent habitsTracking meaningful metricsRepurposing and leveraging contentCultivating strategic relationships Key Takeaways:Dedicating time, using accountability systems, and leveraging support drives sustained business growth. Consistency and structure keep focus sharp and opportunities within reach.Monitoring key indicators and focusing on high-value relationships ensures well-directed effort. Data-driven strategy prevents waste and maximizes measurable results.Sharing content across channels expands reach and strengthens brand visibility. Strategic reuse multiplies impact without overextending resources.Nurturing peers, colleagues, and referral sources yields lasting dividends. Balancing expertise with connection builds trust and opens new opportunities. "It starts with knowing your numbers. You have to know where your cases are coming from. You have to track very carefully. You know what the average case value is. And once you start doing things like that, then the answers become obvious." — Tim Semelroth 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 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-grabensteinLinkedIn: 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-dishmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildishman/Email: Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.comConnect 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.

Nov 10, 2025 • 33min
Lee Rudin: Turning Purpose Into Profit In Modern Law
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lee Rudin discuss:Aligning business with purposePreparing financially before independenceMarketing actively and creativelyLeveraging systems, technology, and people Key Takeaways:Building a law practice around shared success creates deeper fulfillment and stronger client relationships. Choosing work that serves others transforms daily effort into long-term motivation and genuine impact. Purpose becomes the foundation that sustains growth beyond profit or recognition.Launching a firm requires a clear understanding of cash flow, expenses, and delayed revenue cycles. Planning for at least 120 days without income establishes realistic expectations and stability. Financial awareness and discipline ensure resilience during the early, uncertain stages of growth.Obscurity, not competition, remains the greatest risk in professional services. Consistent visibility through digital campaigns, community engagement, and creative branding drives trust. Distinct messaging turns curiosity into recognition and recognition into opportunity.Efficiency grows when repetitive tasks are automated and skilled support is used effectively. Strategic use of offshore staff and fair compensation creates scalable, sustainable operations. Generosity, structure, and smart tools combine to amplify performance without excess cost. "You’ve got to give people a reason to pick you. If you’re the same as everyone else, you’ll just disappear." — Lee Rudin 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/HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.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 Lee Rudin: Lee Rudin is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Rudin Law, a New Orleans–based personal injury firm recognized for its bold and client-centered approach. A graduate of Tulane University and Tulane Law School, Lee began his career in insurance defense before founding his own firm to better align his work with his values, helping people while running a modern, efficient practice. Known for his innovative use of technology and offshore talent, Lee combines sharp legal skill with entrepreneurial creativity. His signature brand motto, “Stop Being Polite. Get Rude.”, captures his fearless style and commitment to standing up for clients. Connect with Lee Rudin: Website: https://www.getrude.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leerudin/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/rudin-law/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudinlawnola/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrudelaw/ 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.


