BE THAT LAWYER

Ben Dach: Growing Through Guidance and Experience

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ben Dach discuss: * Prioritizing layered mentorship * Strengthening firm culture for development * Maintaining clear communication in mentoring * Using delegation and varied experience for growth   Key Takeaways: * Professionals should pursue multiple mentors with complementary strengths to build balanced legal and leadership skills. Proactive outreach broadens perspective and accelerates growth across stages of a career. Treating mentorship as a continuous discipline ensures steady, long-term development. * Growth is amplified in environments that value collaboration, approachability, and shared learning. Supportive cultures help young attorneys apply feedback with confidence and consistency. When mentorship is part of a firm’s values, long-term development becomes more sustainable. * Clear expectations and honest conversations create stability and direction in mentor relationships. Early resolution of misalignment strengthens trust and accountability for both sides. Consistent feedback loops reinforce progress and keep development moving forward. * Delegation offers meaningful opportunities to build judgment and independence through real responsibility. Structured tools provide quality and clarity as workloads expand over time. Diverse experiences and firm environments round out long-term professional capability.   "Just do the things and fail. Fail a lot, because you won't know until you do the things, and then you fail, and then you learn." —  Ben Dach   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 [https://www.pimcon.org/]/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ [https://rankings.io/] HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.com/ [https://hireparalegals.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/ [https://fretzin.com/]   About Ben Dach: Benjamin Dach, Ph.D., Esq., is an accomplished patent attorney with extensive experience in intellectual property litigation, prosecution, and counseling. With experience in patent, copyright, and trademark litigation, procurement, and licensing, Ben focuses on development, protection, and monetization of patent, copyright, and trademark portfolios, strategic licensing, commercial agreements, diligence, and enforcement strategies. He has represented clients in numerous actions in U.S. courts, administrative proceedings, and before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.   Connect with Ben Dach:  Website: https://pierferd.com/benjamin-i-dach [https://pierferd.com/benjamin-i-dach] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindach/]   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/] Twitter: @stevefretzin [https://twitter.com/stevefretzin] Instagram: @fretzinsteve [https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/] Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/fretzinsteve] Website: Fretzin.com [https://fretzin.com/] Email: Steve@Fretzin.com [Steve@Fretzin.com] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science [https://www.fretzin.com/about/books/] and more! [https://fretzin.com/about/books/] YouTube: Steve Fretzin [https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc] Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://www.turnkeypodcast.com/] You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Allison Williams: Strengthening Your Practice Through Structure

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Allison Williams discuss: * Developing business skills beyond legal training * Balancing legal work with true leadership roles * Strengthening sales and client relationships with structure * Reducing stress through systems, communication, and metrics   Key Takeaways: * Law school doesn’t teach the core business, sales, and time-management abilities required to run a successful firm. Lawyers must intentionally build these skills to avoid overwhelm and stagnation. Growth begins when practitioners embrace authenticity, process, and systemization. * Many lawyer-owners struggle to act as both practitioner and CEO, leading to stress and inefficiency. Strong operational leaders and a capable C-suite can restore focus and improve firm performance. Delegating business responsibilities is essential for long-term sustainability. * Sales shouldn’t feel like auditioning for clients; the goal is to understand needs and build genuine rapport. Structured processes help qualify leads, nurture relationships, and improve conversion rates. Starting with reliable referral sources and existing channels leads to better outcomes. * Systematized communication—from clear policies to automated updates—prevents client-driven chaos. Tools like workflow systems or SaneBox support better task and email management. Tracking metrics such as conversion rates and lead quality ensures informed, data-driven decisions.   “Being authentic is the easiest, fastest, most profitable way for you to get to the outcome that you desire.” —  Allison Williams   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 [https://www.pimcon.org/]/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ [https://rankings.io/] HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.com/ [https://hireparalegals.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/ [https://fretzin.com/]   About Allison Williams: Allison C. Williams is the owner of not one, but two multimillion-dollar companies. She is the Founder of Williams Law Group, a full-service family law firm where she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Family Law. After taking Williams Law Group from a start-up to a multimillion-dollar law business in 3.5 years, she decided to help other law firm owners do the same by starting Law Firm Mentor. Today, Law Firm Mentor helps law firm owners across the country grow their revenues, crush chaos in business, and make significantly more money in less time! Allison is a LawFirm500 award winner, ranking 14th out of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation. She has also been named a Stevie Award Finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2018, voted NJBIZ’s Top 50 Women in Business, and designated as one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. Allison has been featured in The Law Entrepreneur, Above the Law, and Modern Solo, along with other leading legal publications. She is also the host of the Law Firm Mentor podcast, where lawyers go to learn how to crush the chaos in their business.   Connect with Allison Williams:  Website: https://lawfirmmentor.net/ [https://lawfirmmentor.net/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoncwilliams/]     Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/] Twitter: @stevefretzin [https://twitter.com/stevefretzin] Instagram: @fretzinsteve [https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/] Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/fretzinsteve] Website: Fretzin.com [https://fretzin.com/] Email: Steve@Fretzin.com [Steve@Fretzin.com] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science [https://www.fretzin.com/about/books/] and more! [https://fretzin.com/about/books/] YouTube: Steve Fretzin [https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc] Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://www.turnkeypodcast.com/] You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Danielle Hendon: Building Sustainable Profit For Modern Law Firms

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Danielle Hendon discuss: * Embracing perseverance * Shifting mindsets for sustainability * Transitioning toward flat fee models * Balancing finances for growth   Key Takeaways: * Perseverance shapes long-term success by turning setbacks into momentum rather than defeat. Continuing the work is what separates progress from failure. Stopping, not struggling, is the only real loss. * Firms thrive when they prioritize profitability and long-term health, ensuring they can keep serving clients with excellence. This mindset shift strengthens stability. It helps legal teams build a practice that lasts. * Moving from billable hours to flat fees boosts efficiency, scale, and client trust when managed with clarity and intention. Careful rollout keeps expectations aligned. The shift can transform the client experience. * Monitoring vital metrics like the rule of thirds helps maintain healthy revenue distribution and protects profitability. This supports passion projects and pro bono work. Clients benefit from transparency and lower stress.   "You are never a failure until you stop trying. Everything is an opportunity to win and move forward. You haven't failed until you stop persevering. When you've given up, that's failure." —  Danielle Hendon   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 [https://www.pimcon.org/]/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ [https://rankings.io/] HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.com/ [https://hireparalegals.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/ [https://fretzin.com/]   About Danielle Hendon: Danielle Hendon is the Founder and CEO of 4 Corners CFO, where she helps small business owners make smart financial decisions. She has over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting, and once led an audit team through a corporate bankruptcy. Danielle believes that financial statements tell a story, not just numbers—and that entrepreneurs should be empowered to write their own chapters. She started 4 Corners CFO to give business owners clarity and confidence so they can build profitable and sustainable legacies. Before her finance career, she studied music. Today, she draws on that creativity to bring both discipline and vision to her work. At the heart of it all, Danielle is a mom—and her children inspire her daily to do work that matters.   Connect with Danielle Hendon:  Website: https://4cornerscfo.com/ [https://4cornerscfo.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hendon/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hendon/] Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/] Twitter: @stevefretzin [https://twitter.com/stevefretzin] Instagram: @fretzinsteve [https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/] Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/fretzinsteve] Website: Fretzin.com [https://fretzin.com/] Email: Steve@Fretzin.com [Steve@Fretzin.com] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science [https://www.fretzin.com/about/books/] and more! [https://fretzin.com/about/books/] YouTube: Steve Fretzin [https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc] Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://www.turnkeypodcast.com/] You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Be That Lawyer Live: Building a Practice That Lasts (Part 2)

In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Tim Semelroth, Casey Grabenstein, and Neil Dishman discuss: * Treating business development as essential * Using systems and empowering teams * Building a culture of growth * Learning through resilience and honesty   Key Takeaways: * Integrating business development into daily routines and tracking it like billable work ensures steady growth. Making it non-negotiable builds consistency and prevents unpredictable cycles. * Leveraging CRM tools, spreadsheets, and point systems keeps outreach organized and accountable. Involving junior lawyers in relationships and strategy builds future rainmakers. * Firms that reward, support, and normalize business development create sustainable success. Encouragement at every level strengthens engagement and results. * Focusing on process over outcome turns setbacks into lessons and maintains momentum. Honest communication and reflection foster better relationships and continuous improvement.   "For me, making myself feel satisfied that I’ve put in enough in that week to get good results, and then not worrying about whether the results come in… Try to stop worrying about the results and focus on the process is the best that I can do." —  Casey Grabenstein   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 [https://www.pimcon.org/]/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ [https://rankings.io/] HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.com/ [https://hireparalegals.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/ [https://fretzin.com/]   About Tim Semelroth: Tim Semelroth is Iowa’s only board-certified truck accident attorney and a partner at RSH Legal. With over 25 years of experience, he provides trusted expertise in trucking litigation and collaborates with attorneys statewide and beyond. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to fairness, Tim offers consultation to help chart the best course for complex truck accident cases.   Connect with Tim Semelroth:  Website: https://www.timsemelroth.com/ [https://www.timsemelroth.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/]   About Casey Grabenstein: Casey Grabenstein is a litigation partner at Saul Ewing LLP, handling complex commercial disputes and class actions involving securities, consumer fraud, and ERISA. He also advises clients in the cannabis and litigation funding industries, serving as both due diligence and primary counsel. A frequent writer and speaker, Casey brings deep insight into emerging issues in litigation finance and commercial law.   Connect with Casey Grabenstein:  Website: https://www.saul.com/professionals/casey-grabenstein [https://www.saul.com/professionals/casey-grabenstein] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-grabenstein-a375094/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-grabenstein-a375094/]   About Neil H. Dishman: Neil H. Dishman is a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. in Chicago, where he helps employers prevent and resolve workplace disputes. His practice spans discrimination, retaliation, and wage-hour compliance, with extensive experience across multiple industries. A sought-after speaker and published author, Neil is known for his practical guidance on employment law and risk management.   Connect with Neil H. Dishman:  Website: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/neil-h-dishman [https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/neil-h-dishman] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/] Email: Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com [Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com]   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/] Twitter: @stevefretzin [https://twitter.com/stevefretzin] Instagram: @fretzinsteve [https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/] Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/salesresults/] Website: Fretzin.com [https://fretzin.com/] Email: Steve@Fretzin.com [Steve@Fretzin.com] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science [https://www.fretzin.com/about/books/] and more! [https://fretzin.com/about/books/] YouTube: Steve Fretzin [https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc] Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://www.turnkeypodcast.com/] You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Be That Lawyer Live: Building a Practice That Lasts (Part 1)

In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Tim Semelroth, Casey Grabenstein, and Neil Dishman discuss: * Building consistent habits * Tracking meaningful metrics * Repurposing and leveraging content * Cultivating strategic relationships   Key Takeaways: * Dedicating time, using accountability systems, and leveraging support drives sustained business growth. Consistency and structure keep focus sharp and opportunities within reach. * Monitoring key indicators and focusing on high-value relationships ensures well-directed effort. Data-driven strategy prevents waste and maximizes measurable results. * Sharing content across channels expands reach and strengthens brand visibility. Strategic reuse multiplies impact without overextending resources. * Nurturing peers, colleagues, and referral sources yields lasting dividends. Balancing expertise with connection builds trust and opens new opportunities.   "It starts with knowing your numbers. You have to know where your cases are coming from. You have to track very carefully. You know what the average case value is. And once you start doing things like that, then the answers become obvious." —  Tim Semelroth   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 [https://www.pimcon.org/]/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ [https://rankings.io/] HireParalegals: https://hireparalegals.com/ [https://hireparalegals.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/ [https://fretzin.com/]   About Tim Semelroth: Tim Semelroth is Iowa’s only board-certified truck accident attorney and a partner at RSH Legal. With over 25 years of experience, he provides trusted expertise in trucking litigation and collaborates with attorneys statewide and beyond. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to fairness, Tim offers consultation to help chart the best course for complex truck accident cases.   Connect with Tim Semelroth:  Website: https://www.timsemelroth.com/ [https://www.timsemelroth.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/]   About Casey Grabenstein: Casey Grabenstein is a litigation partner at Saul Ewing LLP, handling complex commercial disputes and class actions involving securities, consumer fraud, and ERISA. He also advises clients in the cannabis and litigation funding industries, serving as both due diligence and primary counsel. A frequent writer and speaker, Casey brings deep insight into emerging issues in litigation finance and commercial law.   Connect with Casey Grabenstein:  Website: https://www.saul.com/professionals/casey-grabenstein [https://www.saul.com/professionals/casey-grabenstein] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-grabenstein-a375094/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-grabenstein-a375094/]   About Neil H. Dishman: Neil H. Dishman is a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C. in Chicago, where he helps employers prevent and resolve workplace disputes. His practice spans discrimination, retaliation, and wage-hour compliance, with extensive experience across multiple industries. A sought-after speaker and published author, Neil is known for his practical guidance on employment law and risk management.   Connect with Neil H. Dishman:  Website: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/neil-h-dishman [https://www.jacksonlewis.com/people/neil-h-dishman] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildishman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildishman/] Email: Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com [Neil.Dishman@jacksonlewis.com] Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/] Twitter: @stevefretzin [https://twitter.com/stevefretzin] Instagram: @fretzinsteve [https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/] Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. [https://www.facebook.com/fretzinsteve] Website: Fretzin.com [https://fretzin.com/] Email: Steve@Fretzin.com [Steve@Fretzin.com] Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science [https://www.fretzin.com/about/books/] and more! [https://fretzin.com/about/books/] YouTube: Steve Fretzin [https://www.youtube.com/user/SalesResultsInc] Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://www.turnkeypodcast.com/] You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.