BE THAT LAWYER

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Claire Parsons discuss:Integrating mindfulness into high-pressure professional environmentsNavigating mental health challenges while maintaining demanding careersRethinking traditional views on business development for introvertsBuilding emotional resilience and clarity through intentional daily practices Key Takeaways:Starting with just one minute of daily meditation can create subtle but lasting shifts in emotional regulation, clarity, and resilience under pressure.Mindfulness doesn’t eliminate stress but reshapes how it’s processed, making space for more grounded decisions and healthier coping habits.Emotional regulation skills gained through meditation reduce fear of rejection, making business development feel less risky and more authentic.Practices like breathwork, body scans, and loving-kindness help professionals stay centered during conflict, reconnect with purpose, and act from intention rather than reactivity. "A lot of law practice involves a gut check… and you have to consistently check in with your values to make sure you're representing your client as best you can." —  Claire Parsons Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT 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/ 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 Claire Parsons: Claire E. Parsons is a Cincinnati-based attorney practicing in school law, employment law, and litigation. In addition to her legal work, she teaches mindfulness and compassion to lawyers and professionals and frequently shares her insights on these topics through her blog, Brilliant Legal Mind, and her published books. Claire draws on both personal experience and formal training to make mindfulness practices accessible, practical, and effective for busy professionals. Her work blends deep legal expertise with a commitment to well-being, helping others find clarity and resilience in high-pressure environments. Connect with Claire Parsons:  Website: https://brilliantlegalmind.com/ & https://www.brickergraydon.com/team/claire-parsonsBook: How to Be a Badass Lawyer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Badass-Lawyer-Development-Mindfulness/dp/B0BLQYNBXZLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claireeparsons/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricker-graydon/ 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. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Shireen Hilal discuss:Navigating modern law firm strategy in a rapidly evolving legal marketImproving internal operations and team culture to boost law firm performanceEnhancing client engagement and retention amid budget constraintsLeveraging cross-selling and business development tactics within law firms Key Takeaways:Law firms that prioritize understanding and responding to their clients' future needs instead of mirroring competitors can unlock unique opportunities for differentiation and growth.Clear and value-based billing practices—paired with proactive scope, time, and budget alignment—are essential to reinforcing client trust and maintaining healthy payment cycles.Structured programs like internal expert briefings and strategic client lunches can make cross-selling more natural and effective by focusing on solving client problems rather than pitching services.Communicating pricing changes with context and care rather than through generic finance memos helps strengthen client relationships and reinforces long-term loyalty. "The problem with obsessing about your competition instead of your clients is that, if you do, you are almost, by definition, falling in the middle. So the better way to get ahead, I think, is to be client-obsessed." —  Shireen Hilal Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!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 Shireen Hilal: Shireen is the CEO of Maior, a boutique consultancy that helps law firms with their pain points and plateaus with strategic and operational support, ranging from go-to-market solutions and profitability programs to process improvement and enhancing employee engagement.Before starting Maior, Shireen spent a decade practicing at AmLaw100 firms and then had the privilege of serving in several executive roles: COO of a national law firm (where she increased revenue by 20%, profits per partner by 30%, and achieved "best place to work" accolades), pivoting strategy and operations for enterprise firms (KPMG and BDO), and building out the growth division of a communications consulting firm.Through Maior, she now helps growing firms skyrocket, early-stage firms maintain their "special sauce" as they scale, and mature firms with a fresh perspective.Shireen also serves on the advisory board of a Top 100 accounting and advisory firm and writes a quarterly column for Law360 answering law firm leaders' questions. Connect with Shireen Hilal:  Website: https://www.maiorconsultants.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenhilal/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/maior-consultants/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. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Christopher Anderson discuss:Urgency and intentionality in how professionals approach time and life decisionsOperational and structural challenges faced by small and large law firmsPersonal clarity and value-driven goal setting in legal careersMisalignment between perceived business needs and actual areas for growth Key Takeaways:Many law firms suffer from an inefficient cycle of over-marketing when caseloads are low, followed by frantic hiring when they surge, resulting in chronic instability.The most common and damaging mistake lawyers make is hiring help in areas they enjoy, rather than where they truly lack capability, such as fixing the "butterfly stroke."True work-life alignment comes from clearly defining three things: how much income you need, how much time you're willing to trade for it, and what you're trying to accomplish personally and professionally.Holding on to underperforming team members not only hurts your business but also deprives them of the opportunity to thrive elsewhere, and it's often best addressed through a third-party assessment. "Too many people just go after the money, and then they realize, okay, I’m trading time for money. So the more money I want, the more time I trade, and that leads to misery." —  Christopher Anderson Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!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 Christopher Anderson: Christopher T. Anderson is a lifelong entrepreneur and attorney with a deep passion for helping law firm owners build practices that align with their goals, values, and vision. With nearly 30 years of experience, he draws from both wins and lessons learned across his ventures—including New Leaf Family, AndersonDodson, and Sunnyside Services, where he remains actively involved.Known for testing every strategy on his firm before advising others, Christopher combines business acumen, legal insight, and a pilot’s clarity of focus to help law firm owners take control of their time, teams, and trajectory—on their terms. Connect with Christopher Anderson:  Website: http://www.sunnysidelaw.com/Email: christopher@sunnysidelaw.comShow: Un-Billable Hour: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/un-billable-hour-business-management-strategies-for/id335971413LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawfirmbusiness/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunnysidelawTwitter: https://x.com/LawFirmBusinessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLeafFamilyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newleaf.family/ 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. 

Adam Ouellette, a former law firm owner turned transformational consultant, discusses the toll of unmanaged stress in the legal profession. He highlights how chronic stress can lead to burnout and physical ailments. Ouellette emphasizes the importance of integrating systems, like legal tech tools, to reduce workload and encourage efficiency. He advocates for emotional regulation techniques such as heart-focused breathing and structured breaks, which can significantly enhance lawyer well-being and productivity.

Viki Johnston is an entrepreneur and training consultant specializing in leadership and communication. In this discussion, she emphasizes the vital shift from individual contributor to effective leader, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and mindset. Viki shares techniques for fostering trust through active listening and paraphrasing, while also revealing how role-playing can enhance communication skills without real-world repercussions. Additionally, she discusses the pitfalls of undervaluing services and the critical need for legal professionals to recognize their worth.

In this enlightening discussion, Ben Chiriboga, Chief Growth Officer of Nexl and host of This Legal Life, emphasizes the importance of reinvention for lawyers beyond traditional roles. He highlights the necessity of cultivating strong relationships for career success. Ben discusses how fear can hinder progress and the need to embrace authenticity to align work with personal strengths. He also delves into overcoming common pitfalls like perfectionism to foster a more fulfilling and meaningful legal career.

Nick Augustine, a former lawyer turned digital marketing expert, runs Lone Star Content Marketing. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in legal branding, encouraging lawyers to share personal stories on social media to build trust with clients. Nick discusses the pitfalls of outsourcing marketing without infusing personal narrative and highlights the need for grassroots relationship-building over reliance on digital ads. He believes a strong brand is shaped by genuine interactions and client feedback, revealing what truly distinguishes an attorney.

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Howard Ankin discuss:The strategic use of media and marketing in legal servicesThe evolving role of lawyers in both legal practice and business developmentBuilding personal and firm-wide brand equity in competitive industriesAdapting to modern client behaviors and expectations Key Takeaways:Focus on ethical, long-term brand visibility rather than chasing the latest marketing gimmicks. Consistency and integrity build lasting trust.Use traditional and digital media together to reinforce brand recognition, especially by being present where your audience already is.Develop deep professional relationships by aligning your identity and messaging with authenticity, so clients know exactly who you are and what to expect.Stay current on technology and regulations impacting outreach, but avoid tactics that risk client privacy or cross ethical lines. "There’s no question that the success of any lawyer, anywhere and anytime, comes from having and associating with great people." —  Howard Ankin Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!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/ Episode References: Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 About Howard Ankin: Howard Ankin is the principal owner of Ankin Law, a leading Chicago-based firm he co-founded with his father in 1997. A third-generation attorney, Howard has deep roots in the legal community and longstanding relationships with many clients. Ankin Law has grown to become one of Illinois' largest filers of injury and workers’ compensation cases, supported by over 90 attorneys and staff. Howard is also a recognized legal leader and active community member, serving on multiple legal boards and earning numerous professional honors. Connect with Howard Ankin:  Website: https://ankinlaw.com/Phone: 3126000000LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-ankin-9671743/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/ankin-law/Twitter: https://x.com/ankinlawFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnkinLawOffice/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankinlaw/ 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. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Cecilia Poullain discuss:The intersection of personal transformation and professional identityNavigating and overcoming fear through self-expressionThe power of storytelling in reclaiming one’s voiceShifting from traditional career paths to more authentic, purpose-driven lives Key Takeaways:To overcome fear of public speaking or visibility, engage in practices like vocal training or performance-based activities that reconnect you with your physical voice and sense of self-expression.Before pursuing a major career opportunity, reflect deeply on whether the role aligns with your true values and identity, rather than simply accepting it based on prestige or external validation.Avoid falling into perfectionism by giving yourself permission to make mistakes, take small experimental steps, and speak up even when your contribution feels imperfect or incomplete.Create intentional professional communities where you can actively contribute, connect with aligned individuals, and develop visibility, rather than waiting passively for recognition or advancement. " A real destroyer of confidence is perfectionism." —  Cecilia Poullain Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!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/ Episode References: Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed: https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Ideas-Power-Diverse-Thinking/dp/1473613949 About Cecilia Poullain: Cecilia Poullain is a certified executive coach and former finance lawyer who helps women in law make partner and lead with confidence. Qualified in Australia, the UK, and France, she brings decades of legal experience to her work coaching female lawyers on the path to partnership.Cecilia supports women in building confidence, navigating firm politics, and developing a strong client base to succeed at the highest levels. Through her 1:1 coaching, Pathway to Partnership program, and Firm Women breakfasts in Paris, she empowers women lawyers to rise, lead, and drive change in the legal profession. Connect with Cecilia Poullain:  Website: https://www.ceciliapoullain.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliapoullain 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. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Mark Murphy discuss:The challenges and nuances of hiring the right talent for law firmsThe critical distinction between attitude and skills in recruitmentHow leadership traits can hinder effective hiring decisionsPractical strategies for improving the legal hiring and interview process Key Takeaways:Eighty-nine percent of new hires fail due to attitude issues like entitlement or resistance to feedback, not because of technical skill gaps, showing why firms must prioritize attitude in hiring.Top-performing teams rely on five key roles—director, trailblazer, harmonizer, achiever, and stabilizer—each providing distinct behavioral strengths that drive success.Interviewers can quickly spot problem solvers by asking about a past mistake and seeing if the candidate naturally explains how they resolved it without prompting.High performers use first-person and past-tense language when describing real experiences, while weaker candidates rely on vague, hypothetical answers using second-person phrasing. "I always tell leaders this: ironically, the better the leader you are, often the worse hirer you are, because you have to dial down your natural optimism and desire to see everybody be great." —  Mark Murphy Unlock the secrets of the industry's top rainmakers with Be That Lawyer: 101 Top Rainmakers’ Secrets to Growing a Successful Law Practice. Grab your ultimate guide to building a thriving law firm now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F78HXJHT Thank you to our Sponsors!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/ Episode References: Think Again by Adam Grant: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878107 About Mark Murphy: Mark Murphy is a New York Times bestselling author whose groundbreaking book Hiring for Attitude has transformed the way companies hire and build high-performing teams. His pioneering research revealed that nearly half of new hires fail within 18 months — and a staggering 89% of those failures result from attitude, not a lack of skills. His insights have reshaped hiring strategies for Fortune 500 companies, fast-growing startups, and government agencies worldwide. Connect with Mark Murphy:  Website: https://www.leadershipiq.com/Book: Hiring for Attitude: https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Attitude-Revolutionary-Recruiting-Tremendous/dp/1259860906LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-iq/ 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.