Tony Buzbee is a powerhouse trial lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known for his relentless pursuit of justice and his strategic approach to business and philanthropy. Raised on a farm in Atlanta, Texas, Buzbee learned the value of discipline, resilience, and community at an early age—principles that have shaped his career and success. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University, where he served as Battalion Commander of the NROTC Midshipman Battalion, he pursued his Juris Doctor at the University of Houston Law Center.
As the founder of The Buzbee Law Firm, he has built an empire worth upwards of $700 million, taking on high-profile cases, representing underdogs, and challenging powerful entities in the courtroom. Beyond law, Buzbee is a strategic investor in real estate and business ventures, always looking for opportunities to create meaningful impact. His commitment to philanthropy runs deep—whether raising millions for Houston Children’s Charity, donating his exotic car collection to the Jesse Tree, or supporting organizations fighting homelessness.
In this interview, Buzbee shares his perspective on productivity, leadership, and the relentless mindset required to succeed.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
There is no such thing as a “typical” day for me. Some days I’m deep in trial preparation, dissecting evidence, and refining arguments. Other days I’m meeting with clients, mentoring my legal team, or analyzing investment opportunities. The key to productivity is intentionality—every moment has to serve a purpose. I structure my day around the most pressing issues, and I don’t waste time on things that don’t move the needle. I also believe in the power of momentum; once you get moving with purpose, success follows.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I execute immediately. Too many people sit on great ideas because they overthink or seek unnecessary validation. If I see an opportunity—whether it’s a legal strategy, a business move, or a philanthropic effort—I act fast. The faster you move, the less time doubt or competition has to creep in. I surround myself with people who can help refine ideas, but I never let perfection be the enemy of progress.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing intersection of technology and law. The way artificial intelligence and big data are transforming the legal landscape is something I’m paying close attention to. Efficiency in case management, predictive analytics for jury decisions, and even AI-driven legal research are game-changers. Those who embrace this shift will be ahead of the game; those who ignore it will be left behind.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I don’t let distractions control my schedule. My phone is always buzzing with calls, texts, and emails, but I decide when I engage. Every day, I set specific blocks of time for deep work where I don’t check emails or take unnecessary meetings. The ability to focus without interruption is one of the most underrated skills in business.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your gut and take bigger risks earlier. I’ve always been bold, but if I could go back, I’d tell myself to think even bigger and act even faster. Your instincts are usually right, and hesitation is what kills great opportunities.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Being “nice” in business doesn’t always get results. Too often, people mistake politeness for effectiveness. I believe in being fair and respectful, but I also believe in being relentless. If you’re too concerned with being liked, you’ll get outmaneuvered by those who are focused on winning.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Stay physically and mentally sharp. Whether it’s working out, practicing mental discipline, or constantly learning, you have to treat yourself like a high-performance machine. If you neglect your body or your mind, you will not perform at the highest level.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take action. Paralysis is the enemy of success. If I feel overwhelmed, I pick one small thing to accomplish immediately—that sense of progress resets my mindset. I also remind myself why I started. When you reconnect with your purpose, focus follows.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Winning. It sounds simple, but results build reputation. Every case I take, every deal I make, my focus is on delivering undeniable success. People notice winners, and when you prove you can get results, opportunities come to you.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated an opponent in court. I went in confident but didn’t anticipate some of their moves, and it cost me. That loss was a wake-up call. From then on, I over-prepared for every case, no matter how strong my position seemed. You never assume anything—you prepare for everything.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A nationwide legal consultancy for small businesses. Most small business owners don’t have access to top-tier legal strategy until they’re already in trouble. A subscription-based model providing legal guidance proactively would fill a major gap in the market.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on case management software to streamline workflow and ensure my team is operating efficiently. It allows me to track every detail of a case in real-time and keep everything moving forward. If you’re not leveraging technology in your industry, you’re falling behind.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. It’s not just about war—it’s about strategy, psychology, and discipline. Every entrepreneur, lawyer, or leader should study it. The principles apply to every competitive arena.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
“Yellowstone.” It’s about leadership, loyalty, and fighting to protect what’s yours. It reminds me a lot of what it takes to succeed in law and business—you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Key learnings
- Take decisive action. Whether in law, business, or life, overthinking leads to missed opportunities. If you see an opening, move fast.
- Success requires relentless preparation. In the courtroom or business world, the most prepared person wins. Never assume anything—prepare for everything.
- Wealth is a tool for impact. Building a $700 million empire isn’t just about personal success; it’s about using that success to create meaningful change.