The Law Firm Accelerator Podcast, hosted by Viktoria Altman, delivers in-depth conversations with leading legal professionals, uncovering the strategies that drive success in the competitive world of law firm ownership. In the latest episode, Viktoria welcomes Valerie Fenchel, founder of Fenchel Family Law, PC, a distinguished family law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they explore Valerie’s entrepreneurial journey, client-centered approach, and the marketing strategies that have propelled her firm to success. This insightful discussion is a must-listen for attorneys looking to build a thriving practice while maintaining authenticity and balance. For more resources on legal marketing, visit BSPE Legal Marketing.
Meet Valerie Fenchel
Valerie Fenchel, a respected family law attorney, leads a practice dedicated to empowering clients through challenging transitions, such as divorce and custody disputes. Raised in a family of legal professionals, Valerie initially sought a different career path but ultimately found her passion in family law. Her firm, Fenchel Family Law, PC, is known for its high-caliber legal representation, strategic approach to complex cases, and commitment to client advocacy. As a business owner, Valerie has built a sustainable and values-driven firm by fostering a high-performing team and implementing innovative marketing and management practices.
Episode Insights
During the episode, Valerie shares the key lessons that have shaped her success:
- The Power of Authentic Marketing: Valerie emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique personality and values in marketing. Rather than relying on generic legal advertising, she has found success by sharing personal stories and demonstrating her firm’s mission in an authentic way. Being transparent about her experiences - both as an attorney and a business owner - has attracted clients who resonate with her firm’s approach. She discusses how authenticity not only builds trust but also strengthens referral networks and brand loyalty.
- Building a Referral Network: Valerie highlights the value of organic networking and non-traditional approaches to strengthening referrals. She shares how she previously hosted office gatherings and open houses, inviting professional contacts, clients, and friends to create genuine connections. While she no longer holds these events, she stresses that lawyers should lean into networking methods that feel natural to them - whether that’s attending industry events, maintaining a strong digital presence, or simply fostering personal connections over time.
- Structuring a High-Performing Team: Hiring the right people is essential for law firm growth, and Valerie has developed a structured approach to help ensure her team delivers consistently high-quality service. She explains how she sets clear performance expectations, from client communication timelines to strategic case planning, and documents these processes to hold her team accountable. Regular performance reviews and open communication help maintain a culture of excellence, and by trusting her employees to contribute their own ideas for improvement, she has created an environment where team members feel empowered and engaged.
- Finding Balance as a Business Owner and Mother: Valerie candidly shares her personal challenges balancing law firm ownership with motherhood. She reflects on how societal expectations often place additional pressure on female business owners and discusses how she has shifted her mindset to embrace both roles. Rather than compartmentalizing work and home life, she has adopted an integrated approach - allowing herself to be both a present mother and a dedicated business leader. She also shares practical insights on delegating tasks, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout.
- Marketing That Works: Valerie shares her experiences experimenting with different marketing strategies, from SEO and newsletters to Google Ads. While Google Ads has been effective for some law firms, she found that it generated leads that often weren’t the right fit for her firm. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of diversifying marketing efforts and continuously evaluating which channels yield the best results. Her advice to other law firm owners is to avoid relying on a single marketing method and stay adaptable to changing trends.
- Mission-Driven Growth: Rather than focusing solely on expansion, Valerie is committed to growing a better company, not just a bigger one. She believes that profitability and success naturally follow when a firm prioritizes high-quality service, client satisfaction, and a strong workplace culture. Maintaining a clear mission and values has allowed her to attract both ideal clients and top-tier legal talent who align with her firm’s philosophy. She stresses that growth should be intentional and aligned with the long-term vision of the firm.
Tune In Now
To hear Valerie Fenchel’s full interview and gain valuable insights on law firm marketing, team building, and work-life integration, listen to the episode now on the Law Firm Accelerator Podcast. This episode is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Email: viktoria@bspelegalmarketing.com
Media Contact
Name
BSPE Legal Marketing
Contact name
Viktoria Altman
Contact phone
(312) 820-3772
Contact address
875 N Michigan Ave
City
Chicago
State
Illinois
Zip
60610
Country
United States
Url
https://bsplegalmarketing.com/
