Though it comes in number 5 on this list of law firm questions, client relations tops the blog charts for this week. Allison Shields’ Legalease offers a great round up. Of course, one of the best essays I’ve ever seen on how to get to know your client is this one (though I
January 2006
Finding a Niche
This month’s buzz word must be “niche marketing,” (see here for my earlier posts on interesting niches). Last Thursday, I listened in on the Nader Anise teleconference that I posted about here last week. The mystery guest was The Pet Lawyer, Molly Gaussa and the focus of the call was Niche Marketing (Nader is…
Taking It With You When You Leave the Firm
With so many lawyers turning solo, it’s surprising how little has been written about the issues that departing attorneys face, such as when you can solicit clients or sharing fees. But this article, Associate Says Ex-Firm Misused His Name on His Web Site, The Connecticut Law Tribune (January 11, 2006) reports on another issue: …
What Would Your Slides Show?
This past weekend, my husband and I attended the thirty fifth anniversary bash of the firm where I worked over a dozen years ago, the one that sent me packing and in so doing, pushed me on to my present path. I’ve stayed in touch with all the partners (never burn bridges if you can…
Is A Civil Suit Preferable to Bar Regulation?
This article from AP, Lawyers Can Be Sued for False Advertising (1/11/06)
reports on a recent ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, holding that the state’s consumer protection act applies to lawyers. Thus, plaintiffs can bring civil actions against attorneys for false or deceptive advertising.
Frankly, I don’t have a problem with this ruling. In…
My 15 Seconds on Legal Talk Network
I do plan on joining the podcast world before the first quarter of the year is out. But for now, I’ll have to content myself with my 15 seconds on Legal Talk Network‘s Coast to Coast, hosted by fellow bloggers Bob Ambrogi and Craig Williams.
Lawyers Realize That They Must Impress Clients
Are lawyers rocket scientists or what? According to these survey results, just released by Robert Half (1/11/06), attorneys identify client service as key to long term career success.
Most of us solo and small firm lawyers have always known that client service counts, because that’s what allows us to compete with large firms. Even now…
Business As Usual When It Comes to Pro Bono
Last Saturday, the Washington Post published this op-ed piece, Pro Bono: A Better Alternative by Joel Sheptow, a Stanford Law student who’s participating in a student project that provides pro bono service. Based on his experience, Sheptow proposes that rather than refer pro bono matters to already over-worked large firm associates, the bar should encourage…
Free Sample Pleadings Online
At his Illinois Trial Practice blog, Evan Schaeffer links to the Miller and Zois Attorney Help Center. The Help Center makes available, online, sample pleadings, motions and discovery materials for personal injury cases in Maryland, though many might potentially serve as a model for other states as well (though don’t forget to check applicable…
My Article: Treating Family Like Business
An article I wrote several months ago, Treating Family Like Business, just appeared in Law.com’s new Career Center. Primarily, my article reacts to pieces like this which advise attorneys seeking a home-work balance (mostly women) to pussy-foot around and beg for accomodation instead of taking the bull by the horns and advocating, strategizing…