Michael B. Rynowecer

I admit it.
I am The Mad Clientist

I have conducted and directed more than 20,000 client feedback interviews and interviewed 5,000 of the best and biggest rainmakers. I use all this to do one thing – help my clients grow their clients. My love of strategy and hitting the sweet spot with clients in revenue generation led to starting BTI more than 30 years ago.

Every week, you can find me sharing legal industry news, actionable and critical insights from BTI’s independent research, powerful client analytics every firm can use, market outlook commentary and much more at my blog—The Mad Clientist.

As President and Founder of BTI, Michael has drawn on in-depth independent research to develop high-impact client feedback programs, brand preference and perception rankings, innovative business development counsel and a wide-range of strategic consulting to organizations who want to improve performance and drive growth. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted advisor to top legal decision makers. His clients include 6 of the Fortune 10 as well as more than 200 professional services firms across the globe.

Michael is also a fixture in the business press, commenting on markets, trends and strategies. He has written extensively about BTI’s world-class client feedback methodology and about the ‘17 Activities’ that BTI’s research has revealed as statistically proven to drive superior client relationships. His most recent book Clientelligence® is a definitive guide of powerful insights for client acquisition, retention, new business and revenue generation. Rated by Kirkus Reviews as a “treasure trove of useful intelligence for business improvement,” the book details research-backed and unique activities for firms to embark upon to drive superior client relationships.

Michael has authored more than 40 publications on all aspects of client relationships, client service, client feedback, business development and strategy.

  • BSBA Syracuse University

  • MBA Babson College

  • 10 Years, Practice Leader, Pwc

  • Founded BTI in 1989

  • Expertise in Client Feedback, Business Development & Client Service for 30+ years

Latest Insight from The Mad Clientist

The Mad Clientist

Clients to Law Firms: The AI Honeymoon is Over

It all started as a torrid love affair. Corporate counsel were captivated. Every promise sounded irresistible: better outcomes, faster answers, lower costs, and smarter legal strategies. Then reality arrived: promises had to be proven. Corporate counsel aren't giving up on better outcomes. They're giving up on the idea AI automatically…
The Mad Clientist

89 Law Firms with the Most Improved Client Service

Inflation will do more to destroy a client relationship than it does to personal purchasing power. Inflation erodes purchasing power gradually. Poor client service destroys relationships immediately. In today's legal market, clients have little patience for firms failing to evolve alongside their business. Improvement matters because clients reward momentum. Firms…
The Mad Clientist

The 113 Law Firms Clients Love Most

Clients prefer to work with firms they like. They will pour their hearts out about their deepest, most vexing problems to firms they love. The loved firms get first access to everything. Especially the plum work with the record-setting rates. Love easily eclipses satisfaction and trust – think client devotion.…
The Mad Clientist

The Law Firms Absolutely Best at Client Service

258 law firms stand out for delivering the best client service. 650 law firms are fighting it out to get new business from clients. More than 350 corporate counsel single out the law firms delivering the best client service on the 17 dimensions they use to assess the client service.…