How to Get Lawyers Who Hate You to Send You Business | Ep. 190

Some of the best referrals Steve Riley ever received came from the last place most attorneys think to look: opposing counsel. In this solo episode, Steve shares a simple but powerful strategy for turning professional adversaries into long-term referral sources. Through the story of a high-stakes real estate negotiation and an opposing attorney named Richard, Steve reveals how professionalism, emotional intelligence, and intentional relationship-building can create opportunities long after a case is closed. The core lesson: professionalism is profitable. The lawyers who know how to identify worthwhile adversaries, build trust during difficult matters, and stay connected afterward often unlock a referral pipeline that most attorneys never even see. ___________ In this episode, you will hear: Why opposing counsel may be one of the most overlooked referral sources in your practice The "Worthwhile Adversary Test" and how to identify relationships worth investing in What it means to be a "class act" while still being a strong advocate for your client How emotional intelligence helps resolve matters faster and strengthens professional relationships Why the end of a case is often the beginning of a future referral relationship ___________ Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [email protected]. ___________ Supporting Resources: Steve Riley, Attorney, Shareholder, & Practice Advisor https://atticusadvantage.com/team/steve-riley/  Law Firm Coaching https://atticusadvantage.com/coaching Rivals into Referrals 1-Page Cheat Sheet  Email: [email protected] Atticus Newsletter https://atticusadvantage.com/newsletter-signup The Path to a Great Practice & Great Life Virtual Workshop https://atticusadvantage.com/workshops/the-path-to-a-great-practice-great-life/ ($500 off with code: GPGL500) ___________ Curious about growing your own practice without burning out? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. This podcast for lawyers is part of our broader legal podcast library, offering practical insights on how to grow a law firm through stronger law firm leadership, law firm pricing and management, smarter marketing, intentional hiring, efficient operations, healthy law firm culture, and sustainable profitability, all while addressing law firm burnout and the realities of modern practice. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.