BE THAT LAWYER

By 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 ... more

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How many episodes does BE THAT LAWYER have?

The podcast currently has 644 episodes available.

Best of BE THAT LAWYER

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Pete Leibman: High-Performance Habits Lawyers Can Actually Sustain
Most lawyers think more hours equal more success—but what if that belief is quietly destroying their performance? In this episode, you’ll learn how to borrow habits from elite athletes to protect your energy, sharpen your focus, and build high-performance routines that actually last. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Pete Leibman discuss:The myth of “work longer, perform better” in high-pressure careersSleep, exercise, and nutrition as foundations of cognitive performanceAdopting athlete-style pregame routines for legal work and business developmentManaging attention residue, distractions, and constant notificationsBuilding sustainable, one-habit-at-a-time improvements and positive habit “dominoes” Key Takeaways:Working beyond 50–60 hours a week often lowers the quality of your thinking and decision-making, especially when it replaces sleep, exercise, and recovery.Sleep, nutrition, and movement are non-negotiable foundations for anyone whose value comes from judgment, critical thinking, and focus.Elite performance is rarely an accident; it’s driven by intentional pregame routines and preparation that sharpen both body and mind before the “game” begins.Unmanaged task-switching and constant notifications create attention residue that scatters focus, increases errors, and raises stress levels.Sustainable change comes from choosing one specific habit at a time, reinforcing it until it becomes automatic, and then stacking the next positive behavior on top. "In a career like the legal industry where you're paid for your judgment and critical thinking and decision-making, it's really hard to think clearly when you're tired." — Pete Leibman 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. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. 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! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.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 Pete Leibman: Pete Leibman is a speaker and author who helps consultants, lawyers, and advisors build the energy, focus, and resilience to sustain high performance. He delivers keynotes, workshops, and webinars for leading consulting firms, law firms, and financial services firms. Pete has written three books and more than 300 articles on high performance. His latest book is Stronger Advisor: High-Performance Habits for Consultants, Lawyers, and Advisors. Pete previously worked at Heidrick & Struggles (H&S), one of the world’s premier human capital consulting firms. While at H&S, Pete helped professional services firms identify, recruit, and develop exceptional leaders and build high-performing organizations. Connect with Pete Leibman: Website: https://www.strongertalent.com/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] 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.
September 17, 202631min
Number 2: Alejo Pijuan: Turning AI Hype into Real ROI for Law Firms
In this episode, fractional AI officer Alejo Pijuan breaks down how lawyers can use AI to close more qualified leads, slash unbillable busywork, and finally see real ROI from their tech investments. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Alejo Pijuan discuss:Shiny penny syndrome and narrowing business focusAI as support, not replacement, for legal workLead response speed and intake breakdownsTracking data to improve lead quality and conversionsUsing AI tools and voice agents to reduce unbillable time Key Takeaways:AI is most powerful in law firms when it reduces unbillable work and supports business-building activities, rather than trying to replace core legal judgment.The biggest leak in most firms’ marketing funnel is response time—if leads aren’t contacted quickly, they simply move on to the next lawyer.Without solid data tracking from ad creative to phone call, it’s impossible to know which marketing efforts are bringing in qualified matters and which are wasting time.Clear, specific messaging about who you serve and what problems you solve dramatically improves the quality of leads and referrals.Continuously feeding one primary AI workspace with your thoughts, content, and processes allows it to “learn” you over time and produce far more tailored, strategic outputs. "A single, clear message that will resonate with the right people is so, so important." — Alejo Pijuan 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. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. 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! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.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 Alejo Pijuan: Alejo Pijuan is a former Nike data scientist turned tech entrepreneur and Fractional AI Officer at Realization Partners, a profitability consultancy for law firms. With an academic background in mathematics and computer science, Alejo specializes in bridging complex artificial intelligence—such as Voice AI agents and custom automation systems—with practical business operations to eliminate non-billable administrative friction, accelerate client intake responsiveness, and drive revenue growth for legal practices. Connect with Alejo Pijuan: Website: https://realizationpartners.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejopijuan/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] 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.
September 07, 202635min
Number 3: Stuart TenHoor: How Partners, Books of Business, and Counteroffers Shape Today’s Legal Market
When law firms are waging bidding wars for top partners, and AI is reshaping billable work, how do lawyers actually take control of their careers? In this episode, you’ll hear how lateral moves, books of business, and smart networking can dramatically change your leverage—whether you stay in BigLaw or go out on your own. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stuart TenHoor discuss: Current demand for lateral partners and food and drug law specialists Counteroffers, LPQs, and smarter lateral partner integration Business development, books of business, and compensation gaps AI’s impact on associates, efficiency, and the future firm model Going solo, distributed firms, and strategic career planning with recruiters Key Takeaways: The lateral market for quality partners is extremely active, and firms that invest in thoughtful integration are winning the best talent. Counteroffers can derail months of work; smart firms and candidates address the possibility upfront rather than reacting at the last minute. A strong book of business dramatically increases leverage, compensation, and options, while pure “service partners” face more limits. AI is changing how junior work is done and how value is delivered, but experienced lawyers who learn to manage it become even more efficient and competitive. Moving to a solo or distributed model can be lucrative and flexible, but it requires a clear plan, a niche, and a strong network—not a reaction to a bad day. "Helping people by giving value is sales-free selling." — Stuart TenHoor 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. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. 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! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.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 Stuart TenHoor: Stuart TenHoor is a veteran legal recruiter and founder of Stuart TenHoor Legal Search, specializing in the placement of FDA, life sciences, and regulatory attorneys. After earning his B.A. from Alma College and J.D. from William & Mary Law School, he gained valuable legal and legislative experience—including work on the U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and in private practice—before entering executive recruiting in 1988. Recipient of the 2026 "Service to FDLI" Award from the Food and Drug Law Institute, Stuart is a widely published author and speaker on life sciences hiring trends, as well as an active mental health advocate serving on the NAMI Maryland Board of Directors. Connect with Stuart TenHoor: Website: https://www.stuarttenhoor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenhoor/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] 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.
September 03, 202635min
Number 4: Colleen Hurley: Working with a Synergistic Coach to Grow Your Book
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Colleen Hurley discuss:Colleen’s decision to hire a coach, and hiring a male coach, to grow her own book of business and business development skills.Finding a synergistic coaching relationship.Skills learned by working with Steve as her coach.What it takes to be successful in growing your book of business. Key Takeaways:Gender should not be a consideration in who you work with - it has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with the person and who you connect with for things to work well.By taking the pressure off, you’re more likely to work with someone as it doesn’t feel forced and you can build a genuine connection.Focus on your work product - you need to consistently provide quality representation for your book of business.If you care enough about something, you will make the time and prioritize it. Working with a coach can assist you in finding that time management while growing your book and strengthening you in your career. "The thing that is most helpful is doing great work for someone - because then they’re going to want to refer you, they’re going to want to give your name to a friend who needs that same level of work." — Colleen Hurley Connect with Colleen Hurley: Website: LavelleLaw.com Phone: 312-888-4112 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Colleen Hurley Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
May 25, 202024min
Number 5: Christina Martini: Standing Out and Being More than Excellent
In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Christina Martini discuss:Christina’s journey from engineering to law school and how she got into her current role as a partner in the non-patent aspects of IP law at McDermott Will & Emery in Chicago.Developing a book of business for those who aren’t necessarily in front of clients every day.Learning new languages and plans, working with coaches, and growing as a lawyer in business development.Staying connected and finding normalcy during COVID-19. Key Takeaways:The foundation of building your book of business is being excellent at what you do, developing your street cred, and enjoying being with clients, both figuratively and literally.It is important to put aside what your normal personality profile predilections are, get out there and make a name for yourself.Plans, processes, and languages are there to be learned and studied so that it becomes more normal and comfortable.Be as transparent as possible in the engagement process. "Being excellent at what you do is just the beginning." — Christina Martini Connect with Christina Martini: Twitter: @TinaMartini10 Show: Paradigm Shift Podcast & Legal Face-Off Website: MWE.com & www.paradigmshiftshow.com LinkedIn: Christina Martini Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: [email protected] Book: The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Show notes by Podcastologist Chelsea Taylor-Sturkie Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
May 18, 202033min