A new client should be a planned event, not an accident. And the most productive way to get a continuing stream of planned events is to follow an established process for generating referrals. Referrals are the highest producing form of marketing. In fact studies have shown that as many as seven out of 10 referrals turn into new clients. By contrast, cold calls for … [Read more...] about How and when to ask a client for a referral
Increasing profits
To-Dos: Your May office checklist
It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist
Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Why you need this Model Notice to Client: Clients should be notified in writing of any fee increases 30 days in advance. This protects both the firm and the client. Informing your client of what to expect and when to expect it will help your client prepare for the extra expense. How this Model Notice to Client helps you: The Notice needs to be clear, brief, and readable. … [Read more...] about Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
Getting paid or not getting paid to a great extent depends on the firm’s billing and collection guidelines—and whether they are enforced. Without guidelines, the firm is asking for money loss. Billing is haphazard, collection work isn’t done regularly, personal clients aren’t always satisfied with their bills, and corporate clients may hold up payment or contest the … [Read more...] about Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
9 tips for getting your lawyers onto the speaking circuit
One effective way to showcase your firm's expertise, build brand recognition, and enhance professional development is by encouraging your lawyers to participate in conferences and web events as speakers. By leveraging these platforms, your attorneys can make a significant impact, both individually and collectively. Consider these benefits that arise from encouraging your … [Read more...] about 9 tips for getting your lawyers onto the speaking circuit
To-Dos: Your March office checklist
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March office checklist
16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Legal marketing should emphasize professionalism, credibility, and reliability. Your strategies should build trust with potential clients who are seeking legal assistance. Here are 16 marketing ideas: Specialized website: Create a professional website that highlights your practice areas, attorney profiles, testimonials, and contact information. Ensure the design is clean, … [Read more...] about 16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Keep your firm’s goals current
We traditionally set our firm's goals for the beginning of the year, but setting targets on a quarterly or on-going basis keeps these goals current and relevant. Goals provide crucial support in guiding year decisions through this year and the years ahead. Goals mean that instead of reacting to whatever happens, you’re proactively driving your firm to where you want to … [Read more...] about Keep your firm’s goals current
8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
An operational analysis is an in-depth analysis of the firms's operations, or, put simply, getting somebody from outside to take a look at the inside. Most firms do that when they are facing problems, particularly financial problems, but it is better to do it before problems occur. Here is what the job entails, starting with the signs that it's time to get the review … [Read more...] about 8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow
By Brenda Barnes It’s probably not a big surprise that if your firm does not have sound billing and collection practices, your cash flow will suffer. It also probably goes without saying that when cash flow suffers so does partner compensation. How can you tighten this up? First and foremost, you need to have solid billing policies that are agreed upon and followed! … [Read more...] about 5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow