Sales and Service Strategies
January 31, 2007
Lawyers know that business development is a must. Too many of them, however, approach it as random acts of golf and lunch. There's nothing wrong with that in theory. Clients purchase legal services from people they like, and golf and lunch are fine marketing activities, very conducive to relationship building. The problem, though, is with the word 'random.' The top rainmakers do nothing randomly. They have identified those persons they want to know better and, from there, they develop a systematic plan to go about building and enhancing relationships with them. As I emphasize to my clients, the key word is <i>plan</i>.
Op-Ed
January 31, 2007
Over the last few weeks, we have seen a lot of ink relating to a certain merger that didn't happen. Everyone is speculating on why it didn't happen and what the fallout will be for both firms. Some have opined both in print and on blogs that the firm who has lost the most in terms of talent will be weakened and without a clear vision to move forward. From where I am sitting, I can attest to the fact that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for that firm. I know this because I experienced first hand how a firm can recover from 'the worst of times'
Bit Parts
January 31, 2007
Composition Creation/Statute of Frauds<br>Concert Venues/Charitable Immunity Statutes<br>Copyright Infringement/Co-Authorship Bar<br>Copyright Infringement/Co-Authorship Claim <br>Copyright Infringement/No Issue of Material Fact<br>Rescission Claims/Copyright Pre-emption
The Place to Network
January 31, 2007
Has the importance of billing time all but eclipsed the potential gain of going out to lunch with a prospective client? As profits per partner keep skyrocketing, the case needs to be made for the old-fashioned business lunch. Clever 'rainmakers' have a keen eye for business development. They have realized that this forum presents a brilliant opportunity for networking and smoking out new opportunities. New clients aren't lining up outside your office so get smart and get out of that chair!
Victories over Video-Game Laws Yield Fee Awards
January 31, 2007
After obtaining court victories in several states against bans on video games deemed violent or sexually explicit, the video-game industry is running up the score by collecting $1.5 million in attorney fees.
Courthouse Steps
January 31, 2007
Recently filed cases in entertainment law, straight from the steps of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Clause & Effect
January 31, 2007
Net-Profit Rights/Movies Based on TV Shows<br>Insurance/Contract-Breach Exclusion<br>Insurance/Copyright-Infringement Coverage
In the Marketplace
January 31, 2007
Highlights of the latest equipment leasing news from around the country.
