BE THAT LAWYER

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Eric Ritter discuss:Shifts in digital marketing strategies for law firmsThe growing role of AI and answer engine optimization in client acquisitionCommon mistakes lawyers make in online marketingPractical tools for improving websites, reviews, and advertising effectiveness Key Takeaways:Law firms should invest early in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) by writing FAQ-style content and using schema markup to rank in AI-driven search results.Building topic clusters around specific practice areas (e.g., motorcycle accidents instead of broad personal injury) increases authority and visibility while avoiding wasted traffic.The most effective time to request reviews is immediately after a successful case or client outcome, making it a standard part of the closing process.Local Service Ads and remarketing are cost-effective ways for law firms to attract qualified leads, with remarketing offering quick wins by re-engaging prior website visitors. "SEO gets you seen, but that answer engine optimization gets you quoted." —  Eric Ritter 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!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: Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0399144463About Eric Ritter: Eric Ritter is the CEO of Digital Neighbor and a trusted partner in building smarter, stronger marketing strategies for law firms. Known as “The SEO Sommelier,” he specializes in simplifying SEO, AI-powered client acquisition, and digital transformation for attorneys, helping firms not only achieve top rankings but also build sustainable, scalable marketing systems that deliver results.He founded Digital Neighbor to fill a critical gap in the market by offering transparent, data-driven SEO solutions tailored specifically for the legal industry. From enhancing Google visibility to optimizing for ChatGPT search rankings, Eric ensures that law firms remain competitive, compliant, and top-of-mind.He is also the host of The Search Bar Podcast and the founder of Sip & Search, a unique networking experience that blends professional growth with wine tasting for attorneys.Connect with Eric Ritter:  Website: https://digitalneighbor.com/ & https://helloericritter.com/Show: The Search Bar: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-search-bar-law-firm-growth-wine-optional/id1696121990LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helloericritter/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 Steve Haddadin discuss:The importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in professional growthBuilding and maintaining strong client relationships through communication and transparencyManaging and mitigating risk while pursuing opportunitiesLeveraging marketing tools and personal branding for visibility and credibility Key Takeaways:Being proactive is essential because waiting for the “perfect time” to act often delays progress and causes missed opportunities, while those who start early gain momentum and reach their goals faster.Creating and maintaining accessible online profiles across LinkedIn and legal directories allows professionals to be easily found, build credibility, and attract clients who would otherwise never discover them.Providing excellent client care requires consistently clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and educating clients so that they not only feel informed during the process but also appreciate the value of your work.Instead of trying to eliminate risk, professionals should identify potential risks, apply mitigation strategies, and continuously monitor and refine their approach so they can confidently move forward rather than remain stuck. "[Entrepreneurship is] about creating your own opportunities. It’s about finding out what you can do in the marketplace that’s different than others." —  Steve Haddadin 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!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 Steve Haddadin: Steve Haddadin is a Real Estate Attorney, Broker, and Entrepreneur with over a decade of Real Estate experience, and is the Founder and President/Broker of King Real Estate Group in Brea, CA. He entered the industry at 18 and built a diverse background in Commercial and Residential sales, property management, lending, and development in Orange and Riverside Counties. In 2025, he passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt, was sworn in on May 9th, and was admitted to the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court | Central Court of California. Haddadin has also developed electric car charging stations, created National Wagyu Day, and completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, American Whiskey Trail, and the B-Line tour while traveling to all 50 states. He is a graduate of Capital University Law School and CSUF College of Business & Economics with numerous designations, including CCIM®, CPM®, CIPS®, and SFR®, and currently serves as an active board member of the CSUF Center for Real Estate, where he established the Student Travel Endowment to support students attending national conferences.Connect with Steve Haddadin:  Website: https://www.stevehaddadin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehaddadinConnect 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 K'Lee Terrazas discuss:The importance of lead generation for building and sustaining a businessCommon blind spots lawyers face in marketing and business developmentHow intake processes affect client acquisition and law firm growthThe role of coaching, auditing, and systems in scaling effectively Key Takeaways:Many law firms fail because they do not track essential numbers like ROI, cost per acquisition, or client lifetime value, leaving them “flying blind.”A poor intake process—such as calls going unanswered, being handled unprofessionally, or staffed with undertrained employees—can turn high-quality leads into lost opportunities.Investing in skilled coaches and quality marketing services often yields exponential returns, whereas cutting corners in these areas leads to wasted money and lost clients.Scaling requires breaking through discomfort by improving systems and recognizing when existing strategies or staff can no longer take the firm to the next level. "People have to feel like they are heard and that they’re cared about, or they’re going to go somewhere else." —  K'Lee Terrazas 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!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: Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley: https://www.amazon.com/Oversubscribed-How-People-Lining-Business/dp/0857088254Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley: https://www.amazon.com/Key-Person-Influence-Revised-Five-Step/dp/178133109XFireproof by Mike Morse and with John Nachazel: https://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Five-Step-Unpredictable-Wildly-Profitable/dp/1544508530 About K'Lee Terrazas: K’Lee Terrazas is the founder of Legal Lead Sharks and co-founder of Intake EQ, where she helps law firms turn more clicks into signed cases through smarter client acquisition and modern intake systems. With 15+ years in sales and marketing, she and her team specialize in Google Ads while focusing just as much on what happens after the lead—building end-to-end systems that eliminate bottlenecks and convert at a higher rate. Intake EQ uses AI Voice Agents that sound human, work around the clock in multiple languages, and handle overflow without adding intake staff. Alongside her husband Jason, K’Lee also launched PayLynx Global to support firms with backend automation in payroll, HR, and compliance. Connect with K'Lee Terrazas:  Website: https://legalleadsharks.com/ & intake-eq.comLegal Lead Sharks Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalLeadSharksPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/k-lee-terrazas-9366b31b4/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klee.terrazas & https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578128520758Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legalleadsharks/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 Ed Alexander discuss:Challenges and risks in forming and managing law firm partnershipsStrategic considerations and planning for succession and law firm exitsThe importance of communication, expectations, and alignment in business relationshipsDiversifying 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. 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 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.comBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ed-Alexander/author/B0C2QXJG7KShow: Law Deals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/law-deals-succession-planning-partnerships-purchases/id1724776380LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorneyedalexander/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.