{"id":117022,"date":"2025-04-29T15:39:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T23:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/04\/29\/be-that-lawyer-how-to-drive-success-in-uncertain-times\/"},"modified":"2025-04-29T15:39:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T23:39:04","slug":"be-that-lawyer-how-to-drive-success-in-uncertain-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/04\/29\/be-that-lawyer-how-to-drive-success-in-uncertain-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Be That Lawyer: How To Drive Success In Uncertain Times"},"content":{"rendered":"
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To say today\u2019s economic climate is \u201ca bit challenging\u201d might be putting it mildly. Between global tariffs impacting billions, U.S. law firms facing heightened government scrutiny, and federal agencies being stripped to the bone, it\u2019s no wonder lawyers are feeling uneasy. So, what\u2019s a savvy attorney supposed to do in uncertain times like these?<\/p>\n

As a business development coach for lawyers around the globe, I\u2019d like to offer a few practical strategies to help you move forward \u2014 even when it feels like hiding under your desk might be the safer bet.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 1: Cross-market Practice Areas That Remain Strong<\/strong>
When the economy gets shaky, certain practice areas slow down as clients clutch their pearls, tighten their budgets, and wait for the dust to settle. But not every area of law goes quiet \u2014 some may even see increased demand. Take a moment to assess what additional services you can offer your clients or introduce them to within your firm. This can benefit your colleagues, deepen client loyalty, and boost your own origination credit.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re part of a boutique or solo practice, think strategically about collaborators you can bring in to broaden your offerings. Providing meaningful support during tough times is one of the fastest ways to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 2: Step Up And Add Value<\/strong>
When the market took a dip recently, one of the first calls I received was from my financial planner. He wasn\u2019t selling anything \u2014 he was just checking in, offering guidance, and reassuring me. That call mattered.<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s your turn. Reach out to your clients and strategic partners \u2014 not to pitch, but to connect. Ask how they\u2019re doing. Find out what\u2019s keeping them up at night. Maybe they need help collecting receivables or handling staff reductions. Your presence, concern, and willingness to help can make a world of difference \u2014 and won\u2019t be forgotten.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 3: Don\u2019t Cut Back On Marketing And Business Development<\/strong>
I recently heard a lawyer say their firm planned to \u201ctighten the belt\u201d due to economic concerns. I get it \u2014 that\u2019s a natural reaction. But the truth is, this is actually the time to lean into<\/em> your marketing efforts.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a huge ad budget. Instead, invest your time: write articles, engage on social media, speak at events, and build your personal brand. When everyone else is slowing down, doubling down can give you the edge. While others retreat, you\u2019ll be top of mind \u2014 and first in line for new business when the market rebounds<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest: I\u2019m not reinventing the wheel here. These are simple but powerful strategies that can help you weather any storm. Want more guidance on building your brand and growing your book of business? Visit www.fretzin.com<\/a> and check out the BE THAT LAWYER<\/em> podcast \u2014 available on all major platforms.<\/p>\n

\n

Steve Fretzin is a bestselling author, host of the BE THAT LAWYER Podcast, and business development coach exclusively for attorneys. Steve has committed his career to helping lawyers learn key growth skills not currently taught in law school. His clients soon become top rainmakers and credit Steve\u2019s program and coaching for their success. He can be reached directly by email at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>steve@fretzin.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. Or you can easily find him on his website at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>www.fretzin.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or LinkedIn at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stevefretzin\/<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The post Be That Lawyer: How To Drive Success In Uncertain Times<\/a> appeared first on Above the Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To say today\u2019s economic climate is \u201ca bit challenging\u201d might be putting it mildly. Between global tariffs impacting billions, U.S. law firms facing heightened government scrutiny, and federal agencies being stripped to the bone, it\u2019s no wonder lawyers are feeling uneasy. So, what\u2019s a savvy attorney supposed to do in uncertain times like these?<\/p>\n

As a business development coach for lawyers around the globe, I\u2019d like to offer a few practical strategies to help you move forward \u2014 even when it feels like hiding under your desk might be the safer bet.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 1: Cross-market Practice Areas That Remain Strong<\/strong>
When the economy gets shaky, certain practice areas slow down as clients clutch their pearls, tighten their budgets, and wait for the dust to settle. But not every area of law goes quiet \u2014 some may even see increased demand. Take a moment to assess what additional services you can offer your clients or introduce them to within your firm. This can benefit your colleagues, deepen client loyalty, and boost your own origination credit.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re part of a boutique or solo practice, think strategically about collaborators you can bring in to broaden your offerings. Providing meaningful support during tough times is one of the fastest ways to build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 2: Step Up And Add Value<\/strong>
When the market took a dip recently, one of the first calls I received was from my financial planner. He wasn\u2019t selling anything \u2014 he was just checking in, offering guidance, and reassuring me. That call mattered.<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s your turn. Reach out to your clients and strategic partners \u2014 not to pitch, but to connect. Ask how they\u2019re doing. Find out what\u2019s keeping them up at night. Maybe they need help collecting receivables or handling staff reductions. Your presence, concern, and willingness to help can make a world of difference \u2014 and won\u2019t be forgotten.<\/p>\n

Tip No. 3: Don\u2019t Cut Back On Marketing And Business Development<\/strong>
I recently heard a lawyer say their firm planned to \u201ctighten the belt\u201d due to economic concerns. I get it \u2014 that\u2019s a natural reaction. But the truth is, this is actually the time to lean into<\/em> your marketing efforts.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a huge ad budget. Instead, invest your time: write articles, engage on social media, speak at events, and build your personal brand. When everyone else is slowing down, doubling down can give you the edge. While others retreat, you\u2019ll be top of mind \u2014 and first in line for new business when the market rebounds<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest: I\u2019m not reinventing the wheel here. These are simple but powerful strategies that can help you weather any storm. Want more guidance on building your brand and growing your book of business? Visit www.fretzin.com<\/a> and check out the BE THAT LAWYER<\/em> podcast \u2014 available on all major platforms.<\/p>\n

\n

Steve Fretzin is a bestselling author, host of the BE THAT LAWYER Podcast, and business development coach exclusively for attorneys. Steve has committed his career to helping lawyers learn key growth skills not currently taught in law school. His clients soon become top rainmakers and credit Steve\u2019s program and coaching for their success. He can be reached directly by email at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>[email\u00a0protected]<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. Or you can easily find him on his website at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>www.fretzin.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or LinkedIn at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stevefretzin\/<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To say today\u2019s economic climate is \u201ca bit challenging\u201d might be putting it mildly. Between global tariffs impacting billions, U.S. law firms facing heightened government scrutiny, and federal agencies being stripped to the bone, it\u2019s no wonder lawyers are feeling uneasy. So, what\u2019s a savvy attorney supposed to do in uncertain times like these? As […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":117023,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-117022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-above_the_law"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/xira.com\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-1227633099-scaled-C4amCw.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117022"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117022\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}