Tim Semelroth: Turning Connections and Specialization Into a Thriving Law Practice

By Steve Fretzin on January 20, 2025

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Tim Semelroth discuss:

Scaling a law firm effectively while maintaining quality and culture
The importance of consistent client engagement to foster trust and loyalty
Leveraging specialization to establish authority and attract niche cases
Using systems and processes to improve law firm management and branding

Key Takeaways:

Building and maintaining a professional network early in one’s career avoids missed opportunities for referrals and growth.
Specializing in a niche like truck accident cases and gaining certifications boosts credibility and competitive edge.
Consistent outreach, like birthday cards, newsletters, and holiday greetings, keeps clients and referral sources engaged.
Incentivizing handwritten thank-you notes fosters appreciation, strengthening relationships and driving loyalty and referrals.

“The reality is that most people are getting fewer than five birthday cards now, and so if you can be one of those people, they’re never going to forget you, no matter how big the billboard is that the 800-pound gorilla buys.” — Tim Semelroth

Got a challenge growing your law practice? Email me at steve@fretzin.com with your toughest question, and I’ll answer it live on the show—anonymously, just using your first name!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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Rainmakers Roundtable: https://www.fretzin.com/lawyer-coaching-and-training/peer-advisory-groups/

Episode References:

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0312430000

About Tim Semelroth: Tim Semelroth, a personal injury attorney with 25+ years of experience, has helped hundreds of Iowans affected by injury or death due to negligence. He is Iowa’s first board-certified trucking accident attorney by the NBTA and among the first 50 in the U.S. to earn this title. A former president of the Iowa chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Iowa Association for Justice, Tim also serves on the Iowa State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a faculty at the Trial Lawyers College and a Board of Regents member for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Connect with Tim Semelroth:

Website: https://fightingforfairness.com/

Email: tsemelroth@fightingforfairness.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsemelroth/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsh-legal/

Twitter: https://x.com/rshlegal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSHLegal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rshlegal/

Connect with Steve Fretzin:

LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin

Twitter: @stevefretzin

Instagram: @fretzinsteve

Facebook: Fretzin, Inc.