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BE THAT LAWYER

BE THAT LAWYER

Steve Fretzin 600 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

BE THAT LAWYER is a podcast for attorneys seeking more freedom, enjoyment, and control in their careers. Host Steve Fretzin interviews legal professionals and marketing experts on topics like business development, branding, technology, and law firm growth. The show aims to educate and entertain listeners with stories, analogies, and practical advice. Each episode provides actionable insights to help lawyers build better practices and achieve professional fulfillment.

Episodes

Shawn Kerendian: From Busy Litigator to Law Firm Architect with EOS and OKRs
Shawn Kerendian: From Busy Litigator to Law Firm Architect with EOS and OKRs Aug 20, 2026 00:30:26 What happens when a probate litigator stops chasing every matter and starts designing a firm that can grow without them? In this episode, you’ll hear how Shawn Kerendian scaled a niche trust and estate litigation practice by saying no to the wrong work, obsessing over infrastructure, and using EOS, OKRs, and tech to build a truly scalable law firm.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Shawn Kerend
Stewart Hirsch: How Lawyers Win More Clients by Being Human, Not By Being “Salesy”
Stewart Hirsch: How Lawyers Win More Clients by Being Human, Not By Being “Salesy” Aug 17, 2026 00:35:48 What if your biggest business-development advantage wasn’t your legal skill, but how you make people feel? In this episode, you’ll hear how a former big-firm lawyer turned coach built a decades-long career helping attorneys grow their books by leading with listening, caring, and genuine relationships.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stewart Hirsch discuss: Why “how you make people feel” dri
Randi Cohen: Building a Rainmaking Practice Through Authentic Relationships
Randi Cohen: Building a Rainmaking Practice Through Authentic Relationships Aug 13, 2026 00:33:01 Discover how an employment lawyer built a seven-figure practice not by “working the room,” but by being radically authentic, hyper-generous, and unforgettable in her relationships. This episode breaks down how to turn clients, competitors, and even adversaries into your most loyal referral sources.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Randi Cohen discuss: Non-traditional path from prosecutor to
Brett Trembly: Spend to Grow, Not Save to Spend in Your Law Firm
Brett Trembly: Spend to Grow, Not Save to Spend in Your Law Firm Aug 10, 2026 00:35:11 What’s really holding your law firm back isn’t a lack of leads—it’s how you spend your time and handle the ones you already have. In this episode, you’ll learn how smart hiring, offshore staffing, and a professional intake process can free you from $10-an-hour tasks and unlock real, sustainable growth.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brett Trembly discuss: Mindset shift from saving to spend
Elliot Johnson: Addition by Subtraction in Law Firm Marketing
Elliot Johnson: Addition by Subtraction in Law Firm Marketing Aug 6, 2026 00:33:22 When everyone’s chasing the latest shiny marketing tactic, what does it look like to grow a law firm by doing less but better? In this episode, Elliot Johnson shares how “addition by subtraction,” disciplined strategy, and deep content can transform both your firm’s brand and your client experience.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elliot Johnson discuss: Addition by subtraction and prioriti
John Jakovenko: From Cash-Poor to Profitable with Law Firm KPIs and Systems
John Jakovenko: From Cash-Poor to Profitable with Law Firm KPIs and Systems Aug 3, 2026 00:34:39 Discover how small and midsize law firms can stop being “revenue rich but cash poor” by building real systems, leveraging AI, and tracking the right numbers. In this episode, you’ll hear how to plug profit leaks, tame AR, and design a law firm that runs like a business—not a burnout machine.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and John Jakovenko discuss: Career path from HR to fractional law firm C
Jamie Rubin: Why Legal Business Development Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Jamie Rubin: Why Legal Business Development Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint Jul 30, 2026 00:32:30 Discover how a jazz pianist turned niche entertainment work into a powerhouse advertising, privacy, and tech practice—and why treating business development as a marathon, not a sprint, has allowed him to build a loyal, decades‑long client base. In this episode, you’ll hear practical, battle‑tested strategies for specialization, client relationships, and training the next generation of rainmakers.
Niraj Chhabra: Avoiding the Biggest Money Mistakes High-Earning Lawyers Make
Niraj Chhabra: Avoiding the Biggest Money Mistakes High-Earning Lawyers Make Jul 27, 2026 00:34:19 Even high-earning attorneys can feel financially stuck when taxes, lifestyle creep, and poor planning collide. In this episode, you’ll learn how to fix the most common money mistakes lawyers make and build a financial plan that actually supports your life and career.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Niraj Chhabra discuss: Taxes as the biggest financial pitfall for attorneys Lifestyle creep
Cheryl Donaldson: Culture, Mentorship, and Keeping Young Lawyers From Walking Out
Cheryl Donaldson: Culture, Mentorship, and Keeping Young Lawyers From Walking Out Jul 23, 2026 00:33:34 High-performing young lawyers are more willing than ever to walk if a firm won’t invest in them. In this episode, Steve and Cheryl unpack what it really takes to build a culture of connection, mentoring, and resilience that keeps top legal talent thriving instead of burning out.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Cheryl Donaldson discuss: Mark Twain quote, risk-taking, and non-linear careers
Chaka Patterson: How Outside Counsel Can Win (and Keep) In‑House Clients
Chaka Patterson: How Outside Counsel Can Win (and Keep) In‑House Clients Jul 20, 2026 00:35:37 When in-house counsel are “hair on fire” busy and severely resource constrained, why should they choose you as outside counsel? In this episode, you’ll hear a former GC and big‑law partner break down exactly how to become the trusted, go‑to lawyer that general counsel actually want to hire and introduce to their peers.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chaka Patterson discuss: Adaptability an
Jeff Arnold: Automating the Admin Chaos Holding Law Firms Back
Jeff Arnold: Automating the Admin Chaos Holding Law Firms Back Jul 16, 2026 00:32:58 Stop wasting billable hours on admin work. In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify hidden bottlenecks in your firm and turn them into reliable automations that save you hours every week—without tripping over AI ethics or security rules.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jeff Arnold discuss: Process mapping before automation and AI Common admin bottlenecks in law firms and HR Practical
Alex Karasik: From Zero Clients to Rainmaker Through Relentless Preparation
Alex Karasik: From Zero Clients to Rainmaker Through Relentless Preparation Jul 13, 2026 00:37:29 How did a young partner go from “no plan, no book” to doubling his business year over year—without ever feeling like a salesperson? In this episode, you’ll hear how deliberate preparation, mentors, and genuine relationships can transform a legal career into a true rainmaking engine.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Alex Karasik discuss: Family values and early influences on career and charac

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