Columns

one of a kind with apples Bullied
The Expertise Effect: How Getting Narrow Can Grow Your Practice

There are countless ways lawyers can and do compete with one another for work. We have price — what work costs; process — how work is performed; personality — the lawyer’s and her firm’s; place — one’s geographic location; principles — ...

Jay Harrington - July 30, 2014
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How to Welcome a Lateral Attorney

Question: A partner from a local firm is joining our practice in a few weeks. It's been several years since we hired a senior lateral attorney, and, honestly, it didn't go so well the last time we did. Can you give some good tips on integrating ...

The Editors - July 29, 2014
Trending: Client Service

What’s the biggest predictor of a law firm’s success? Hint: It’s not the firm’s bottom line.  1. Clients are canaries. Research into seven failed professional services firms, four of which were law firms, indicates declining client satisfaction ...

The Editors - July 25, 2014
rainmaker lawyer
Rainmaking Steps: Skirting the Social Dilemma

As we enter the heart of summer, pleasant weather ramps up the frequency of cookouts and other casual events. We find ourselves spending less time with business contacts and more with family, neighbors and friends. Often that includes people ...

Mike O'Horo - July 18, 2014
Nothing But the Ruth
Want to Be More Efficient? Unplug!

Let me tell you a secret — the biggest distraction in my life is me. No, I’m not wasting time playing Angry Birds or watching Netflix. My challenge? I’m so well-trained to react the moment my laptop or phone lights up, chimes or rings that it’s ...

Ruth Carter - July 14, 2014
Friday Five
Heads Up: All Headshots Are Not Created Equal

An earlier post talked about the importance of getting a professional headshot as a smart way to introduce yourself online and establish your brand. But do you know what potential clients are looking for in a photo? Leigh McMillan does. As ...

Mary Ellen Sullivan - July 11, 2014
Use New School Legal Technology

I recently read an article, Why old school attitudes to technology are hitting ...

Vivian Manning - July 1, 2014
Performance Evaluation
Best Way to Handle Staff Performance Problems?

Question: What’s the best way to deal with staff performance problems? It seems like attempting to work them out during performance evaluation discussions between the assistant and the lawyer she works for is just going to ...

The Editors - June 30, 2014
one of a kind with apples Bullied
From One of Many to One of a Kind

There is no single path to a successful law practice. Over time, paths become blocked and new ones emerge. What worked 10 years ago may not work today. What works for some will not work for others. It's said business development is a ...

Jay Harrington - June 23, 2014
Friday Five
Trends in Legal Pricing and Project Management

Practice innovation — at least in terms of pricing, project management and process improvement (the three "P's") — is the focus of the Legal Marketing Association’s P3 Conference, which just wrapped its second year. We asked Steve Nelson to ...

Steve Nelson - June 20, 2014
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