In Episode 303 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Jason Stiehl, Managing Partner of the Chicago office of Crowell & Moring, about a unique perspective on law firm business development: treating networking like theater.

Jason explains why successful rainmakers approach conferences and networking events as a series of interactions over time rather than a quick sales pitch. Preparation, curiosity, and authentic connections are critical to building trust and long-term client relationships.

They also discuss how lawyers can use conferences, presentations, and follow-up conversations to uncover shared interests and create genuine connections that lead to business opportunities.

If you're looking to improve your law firm client development, rainmaking strategy, and professional networking, this episode offers practical insights from a practicing rainmaker.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y5hDNsBYDCU

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. For a free demo, visit this link: https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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Jason Stiehl is the managing partner of Crowell & Moring’s Chicago office, where he is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Brand & Technology Groups. Jason is an experienced trial lawyer with a nationwide practice in federal and state courts focusing on complex litigation, consumer class actions and advertising disputes. He serves clients in the retail, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, advertising and technology sectors defending allegations related to consumer fraud, false labeling and deceptive practices and Lanham Act violations. As a leading consumer class action defense lawyer, Jason also defends clients in matters involving the regulatory “alphabet soup”. His experience includes defense and counseling regarding the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and navigating the myriad varying state consumer protection statutes, including California’s Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

In addition, Jason represents clients in complex litigation matters involving corporate espionage, restrictive covenants, trade secrets and

Links:

https://www.crowell.com/en/professionals/jason-stiehl

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-stiehl-22a82b4/

The Managing Partner Lab

https://surepoint.com/managing-partner-lab/

What is the MPL The Managing Partner Lab (MPL) is a collaborative two‑day, in‑person workshop designed exclusively for managing partners and executive directors. This is a working session built to help senior firm leaders step away from daily demands and focus on the issues that most directly influence firm performance. 

Across two days, participants engage in expert‑led discussions, peer collaboration, and practical workshops that translate industry insight into firm‑specific plans.

Why Attend 

Mid‑sized firms are navigating unprecedented pressure: evolving talent dynamics, tightening margins, rapid technology disruption, and rising client expectations. Leaders need time and space to make sense

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