Skip to main content
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

The 32 Firms with the Highest Rates

Even F-15 fighter pilots are envious of law firm rates. These rate increases are one of the few things on the planet able to accelerate faster than the fastest known fighter jet — the F-15. These new orbital rates are stunning even for managing partners. But up they go. Just…
The Mad Clientist

8 Unintended Messages Sabotaging Your Client Relationships

Words say so much — but not always what we intend. These unintended messages leave a bigger imprint than any intended message. And few of those sending the messages ever know it. We uncovered 8 phrases clients are hearing — and it's driving them crazy — or worse. These come…
The Mad Clientist

8 Critical Trends Driving Spending on Outside Counsel in 2025

Click here to download a PDF of today's blog post: 8 Critical Trends Driving Spending on Outside Counsel in 2025. Best in the market ahead – MBR The Mad Clientist Our brand new — just released — report, based on more than 300 surveys of top legal decision makers, is…
The Mad Clientist

Just In: Clients Face the Legal Firestorm Head On: BTI Practice Outlook 2025 Out Now

It’s ugly out there. The fire hose of legal issues facing clients is open at full force. This translates into 3 overarching impacts: Clients face a legal firestorm — they are hell-bent on getting ahead of it They expect law firms to provide the resources to quench this storm on…