BE THAT LAWYER

BE THAT LAWYER, hosted by Steve Fretzin.

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Latest Episodes

Charles Gallaer: Simplifying the Practice to Amplify the Impact

Charles Gallaer: Simplifying the Practice to Amplify the Impact

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Charles Gallaer discuss:

  • Simplifying communication for clarity
  • Building systems for an organization
  • Investing in professional growth
  • Learning 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-gallaer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgallaer/


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Stacey Brown Randall: You Deserve Referrals, But You Do Not Owe Them

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 professionals
  • Building genuine, relationship-driven client experiences that foster loyalty
  • Balancing efficiency, personalization, and automation in client communication
  • Mindset 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/id1405302350

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall/
 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Addison Watson: Building Freedom, Confidence, and Clients in Modern Law

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 development
  • The challenges of transitioning from large firm life to independent or entrepreneurial practice
  • The influence of mindset, discipline, and mentorship on legal career growth
  • The 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/1612680194

Tees 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 Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Raquel Gomes: From Burnout to Boundaries and Balance in Business

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 balance
  • Overcoming perfectionism and developing trust through delegation and leadership
  • Building sustainable business systems that support both growth and personal well-being
  • The 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/GetStafi


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Elise Buie: Numbers Plus Narrative in Building a Healthier Law Firm

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 firm
  • Redefining work-life integration and employee well-being within professional culture
  • Building brand identity and marketing strategies rooted in authenticity and measurable ROI
  • Leadership 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/elisebuiefamilylaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisebuiefamilylawgroup/


Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 2: How Lawyers Turn Networking and Visibility into Rainmaking Success

BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 2: How Lawyers Turn Networking and Visibility into Rainmaking Success

What if the final piece of the puzzle for your growth was right here?

This is the second and last part of a powerful two-part conversation on Be That Lawyer Live, where Steve Fretzin sits down again with Daniel Scola, Eido Walny, and Karl Seelbach. Together, they dive deep into rainmaking, relationships, and leadership in ways most lawyers never discuss publicly. You’ll hear candid stories, real mistakes, and strategies that connect directly to your own journey. Don’t miss this closing segment — it’s your chance to take the full picture and turn it into action.
 

In this episode, Steve, Daniel, Eido, and Karl discuss:

  • Authentic business development through personal passions
  • Building and sustaining client relationships
  • Gaining visibility with thought leadership
  • Lessons from mistakes and missed opportunities

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Aligning personal passions like music, car restoration, or cufflink-making with client connections creates natural and sustainable business opportunities.
  • Avoiding the “too busy” perception is critical, since clients and prospects may hold back opportunities if they think you’re overwhelmed.
  • Speaking engagements, timely PR responses, and consistent online presence remain the most effective ways to stay top of mind and be recognized as a leader.
  • Complacency, failure to delegate, and clinging to unproductive organizations can stall growth, while being proactive ensures long-term success.
     

"It’s not like you have to go 100% all the time, but you should go at a nice speed. You shouldn’t rest on your laurels." —  Daniel Scola

"You gotta love it, or else you’re not going to be good at it." —  Eido Walny

"No matter how busy you may be, if you want to bring in more work… don’t talk about how busy you are." —  Karl Seelbach
 

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.
 

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 our Guests:

  • Daniel Scola is the Managing Partner of Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, focusing on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and global IP protection [LinkedIn | Website].
  • Eido Walny is the founder of Walny Legal Group, a nationally recognized estate planning and asset protection practice [LinkedIn | Website].
  • Karl Seelbach is the Managing Partner of Doyle & Seelbach, specializing in personal injury defense and legal technology innovation [LinkedIn | Website].
     

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 1: Turning Mistakes and Passions into Lasting Success in Legal Business Development

BE THAT LAWYER LIVE Part 1: Turning Mistakes and Passions into Lasting Success in Legal Business Development

What if you could finally understand what it really takes to grow as a lawyer beyond just practicing law?
 

In this first part of a special two-part Be That Lawyer Live, Steve Fretzin brings together Daniel Scola, Eido Walny, and Karl Seelbach for a candid conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll be pulled into their stories, their struggles, and the strategies that shaped their careers in ways most attorneys never talk about openly. As you listen, you’ll discover how much of this applies directly to you, wherever you are in your own journey. This episode isn’t just about hearing from successful lawyers — it’s about helping you see what’s possible for yourself.
 

In this episode, Steve, Daniel, Eido, and Karl discuss:

  • Challenges lawyers face in business development and rainmaking
  • Importance of consistent habits and time management in client growth
  • Role of personal passions, networking, and authentic connections in practice-building
  • Lessons learned from mistakes that shape long-term legal careers

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Many lawyers struggle with rainmaking because they aren’t taught marketing skills, and mentorship or coaching is often the turning point in learning business development.
  • Time-blocking, using a CRM, and accountability partners are crucial for keeping business development efforts consistent and measurable.
  • Combining personal passions (like car restoration or music) with client relationships creates authentic connections that naturally lead to new business opportunities.
  • Asking directly for business and following through on promises builds trust, while overpromising or relying on others’ client relationships can backfire.
     

"Not overpromising is a really important one for me… you’ve got to deliver what you say." —  Daniel Scola
 

"There are two things that this firm can never and no one can ever take away from you. That’s your knowledge base and your contact base." —  Eido Walny
 

"Clients aren’t going to remember every case you handle, but they’re never going to forget how you make them feel." —  Karl Seelbach
 

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.


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 our Guests:

  • Daniel Scola is the Managing Partner of Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, focusing on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and global IP protection [LinkedIn | Website].
  • Eido Walny is the founder of Walny Legal Group, a nationally recognized estate planning and asset protection practice [LinkedIn | Website].
  • Karl Seelbach is the Managing Partner of Doyle & Seelbach, specializing in personal injury defense and legal technology innovation [LinkedIn | Website].
     

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Nancy Fox: Networking Business Development and the Future of Rainmaking in Law

Nancy Fox: Networking Business Development and the Future of Rainmaking in Law

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nancy Fox discuss:

  • The importance of mindset shifts in professional growth
  • Strategic approaches to networking and business development
  • Navigating uncertainty and change in the legal industry
  • The role of consistency, agility, and technology in building relationships

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawyers often fail at networking because they choose events or groups without a strategy; instead, they should target where actual decision-makers gather, even if it requires greater investment.
  • Relying solely on referrals is risky; building a balanced portfolio of referral sources and direct decision-maker relationships creates stability and growth.
  • Practicing “daily consistent activity” in 15-minute chunks—such as emailing contacts or engaging on LinkedIn—can meaningfully grow a practice without overwhelming time demands.
  • Shifting focus away from oneself and toward listening to others during networking conversations reduces fear, builds confidence, and creates deeper connections.


"Agility is not necessarily what lawyers are trained in, but being agile and being flexible is something that I think all of us really need to look at." —  Nancy Fox
 

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 Nancy Fox: Nancy Fox is the founder and President of The Business Fox, a consulting and training company that helps law, accounting, and service firms grow through smarter networking, business development, and niche marketing strategies. A former corporate executive with over two decades of marketing experience at Warnaco and VF Corporation, she launched her coaching and training business in 1999 and has since worked with firms such as Sheppard Mullin, Latham & Watkins, and Citrin Cooperman. She is the author of Make Rain Without the Pain and Network Like a Fox™, and is currently writing Make Rain Like a Fox, blending mindset with tactical strategies for rainmaking in the digital era. Known for her “Daily Consistent Activity” approach, Nancy is also a keynote speaker, community builder, and trusted advisor to professionals seeking to build stronger business relationships and sustainable practices.
 

Connect with Nancy Fox:  

Website: https://www.wyzerainmakers.com/ | https://thebusinessfox.com/

Book: Network Like a Fox: https://www.amazon.com/Network-Like-Fox-Successful-Relationships/dp/1928782442

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyfoxwyze/
 

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Matt Darner: Getting Paid What You Deserve While Running a Law Practice

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 payments
  • Building strong systems, processes, and roles to keep law firms efficient
  • Psychology and communication dynamics that shape how clients pay their bills
  • Lessons 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 Darner


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 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 Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.

Website: Fretzin.com

Email: Steve@Fretzin.com

Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!

YouTube: Steve Fretzin

Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Bio of BE THAT LAWYER

BE THAT LAWYER, hosted by Steve Fretzin, is a podcast specifically tailored to attorneys who aspire to have greater freedom, enjoyment, and control in their legal careers. With a focus on business development, marketing, branding, technology, and law firm growth, this podcast aims to educate, entertain, and provide valuable insights to help listeners thrive in their legal profession.

The podcast features interviews with a diverse range of guests, including attorneys and legal marketing professionals, who share their stories, analogies, and personal experiences. Through these engaging discussions, listeners will gain practical knowledge, discover best practices, and uncover strategies to enhance their professional journey.

BE THAT LAWYER offers valuable content and actionable advice. Each episode is designed to keep listeners entertained and coming back for more week after week.

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