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June 12, 2025

Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur: A Conversation About Building Your Practice

Allison C. Johs and Stephen E. Seckler
Relationship-building is at the heart of every successful legal career.

Relationship-building is at the heart of every successful legal career.

This program is part of the free Career Development Series, a monthly webinar series featuring practical tips from legal career experts. Live webinars are free and open to the public. The recorded program and materials are exclusively for ABA members.

During a lively and thought-provoking conversation, Stephen Seckler—attorney coach, author, and podcast host—and Allison Johs, a seasoned coach, legal consultant, and ABA author, explored key insights from Steve’s recently published book, Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur.

While Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur is written as a guide for lawyers who are skeptical about marketing, this conversation goes beyond business development. Steve and Allison explore how relationship-building is at the heart of every successful legal career—whether you're trying to bring in new work, lead a team, or navigate your next professional chapter. Using themes from the book, they discuss how lawyers can overcome their aversion to risk and self-promotion.  They also delve into how to cultivate authentic professional relationships and take small, consistent steps toward greater career satisfaction and success.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why behavior change—not mindset—is often the key to professional growth
  • How common lawyer traits can both help and hinder your career
  • Actionable ways to market yourself without feeling like a salesperson
  • The role of authenticity in building a niche and a sustainable practice
  • How to reframe relationship-building as a virtuous, value-driven activity

Audience

This program is appropriate for attorneys at all stages of their careers—whether you’re building a book of business, exploring a new path, or simply looking to deepen your professional connections in a more natural and sustainable way.

Resources

Stephen’s book, Think Like a Lawyer, Act Like an Entrepreneur is available now. Save 25% with code: TLLALE25.  This special offer is valid until 8/31/2025.

Note: The content of this program does not meet requirements for continuing legal education (CLE) accreditation. You will not receive CLE credit for participating.

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