How to Get Lawyers Who Hate You to Send You Business

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.

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Inside This Episode

  • 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

Supporting Resources

Steve Riley

Steve Riley

Shareholder, Practice Advisor, & Attorney Steve Riley has coached attorneys for more than 20 years. His one-on-one coaching focuses on a limited number of top producing attorneys committed to taking their practices to new levels of excellence, profit, and personal success. He also presents at group coaching workshops around the country for individual law firms, state bar associations, and other legal organizations. READ MY FULL BIO
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