Tom Ciesielka: Building a Strong Legal Reputation Through Public Relations

Is your legal reputation working for you—or against you?

“Your first obligation is to your client, not to publicizing your firm. That’s just the reality of it.” — Tom Ciesielka

In this episode of BE THAT LAWYER, Tom Ciesielka joins me to share how lawyers can use PR, media visibility, and thought leadership to strengthen their reputation and grow their practice.

Here are three key insights from our conversation:

Why Being Recognized Matters More Than Just Winning Cases

Media outlets prioritize availability and recognition over legal expertise—lawyers who are well-known and responsive get more opportunities.

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The PESO Model for a Balanced PR Strategy

Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned media should all work together to create a well-rounded and effective public presence.

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Managing Reputation and Thought Leadership Long-Term

PR isn’t instant—lawyers should expect at least six months of consistent effort before seeing real business growth from media exposure.

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Want to take control of your legal reputation and grow your influence? Listen to the full conversation

Author

  • Steve Fretzin is a top coach, skills trainer, and keynote speaker specializing in business development for attorneys. For over 17 years, he has dedicated his career to helping lawyers master business development and build successful practices. Steve is the author of four books on legal marketing, hosts the popular podcast BE THAT LAWYER, and writes monthly columns for Above the Law and other legal publications.

    View all posts Website: https://www.fretzin.com/ Greater Chicago Area, Illinois, United States

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AUTHORS: Steve Fretzin

CATEGORIES: Business Management

TOPICS: Marketing & Sales

PUBLISHED: June 17, 2025

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