An elder law practice deals with non-legal issues other firms rarely encounter, says the founder of a seven attorney elder law firm in North Carolina. Often a client is accompanied by an adult child and confidentiality becomes a concern. Often both spouses are clients and one is incapacitated, opening the door to the question of whether the spouse has the mental capacity to … [Read more...] about Law firm focuses on elder client needs
Client relations
Unique client communication approach gives small firm a huge marketing advantage
Like many small firms, one Michigan office operates in a precarious environment. With only two attorneys and four staff, it faces heavy competition from larger firms as well as from firms opening satellite offices. And because the city itself is small, the client prospect pool is limited, says the administrator of the office. So the firm devised a … [Read more...] about Unique client communication approach gives small firm a huge marketing advantage
Simple ways to kill every tried and true legal marketing effort
The most sophisticated marketing can fall flat from the simplest attorney mistakes. Here are five of them. They are outlined by Deb Scaringi, a Boston marketing and business development consultant to professional service firms. 1. When the follow-up becomes stalking The first mistake is too much zeal, or killing a prospect with too much follow-up. Follow-up is essential. … [Read more...] about Simple ways to kill every tried and true legal marketing effort
4 ways to avoid the accidental attorney-client relationship
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio What is the accidental attorney-client relationship? This is a relationship that is formed most often after the potential client has consulted with an attorney and the potential client leaves the office mistakenly believing that the attorney has "taken their case." The key to this accidental relationship is that the attorney-client relationship has … [Read more...] about 4 ways to avoid the accidental attorney-client relationship
How to make sure your intake consultation covers all the services your firm provides
In a law firm, service counts. In fact, it's often the service more than the legal abilities that brings in repeat business, says practice management and marketing consultant Allison C. Shields of Legal Ease Consulting in New York City. For that reason, the service needs to be covered in the initial consultation so the client knows what to expect and the attorney knows what … [Read more...] about How to make sure your intake consultation covers all the services your firm provides
7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
The financial face of the legal business has changed over the years and most firms have learned to become aggressive about collecting outstanding accounts. However, if your firm is still allowing clients to delay payment, recognize that it's costing you money, sometimes a lot of money. "An unpaid bill is an interest-free loan," says business and financial management … [Read more...] about 7 ways to improve your billings and collections processes
The engagement letter: safety comes from clarity
Six things that client needs to know An engagement letter is protection – for both firm and client. It prevents argument on what the firm is expected to do for the client and what the client is expected to do for the firm. Thus, it needs to be clear, brief, and readable. Don't give the client "a scholarly work or something that reads like an insurance policy," says … [Read more...] about The engagement letter: safety comes from clarity
What does it mean to be a competent lawyer?
By Doug Striker bio Let's say you're looking for a lawyer to handle a rather complicated family matter. A friend recommends a lawyer whom he says is a legal genius, who works hard for his clients, knows the law inside and out, has a knack for finding legal loopholes, never loses a case, digs hard to get all the facts and looks under every rock. You're very excited to … [Read more...] about What does it mean to be a competent lawyer?
17 quick tips for law firm leaders
By Robert Denney bio Here are some quick pointers to keep in mind, whether you've been a firm leader for decades or are new to the position. Have a vision. If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there. Develop a strategic plan and follow it. Hell is paved with good intentions and business plans that were never implemented. … [Read more...] about 17 quick tips for law firm leaders
Donʼt get into a merger without smoothing out these rough spots
A merger can bring in more clients, give the firm a presence in a new geographic area, and add depth to an existing practice area. It can also be the downfall for the merging parties, says Allan Hodgart, a strategic development advisor and managing director in the London office of Huron, an international management consulting organization. To be successful, both parties need … [Read more...] about Donʼt get into a merger without smoothing out these rough spots