Beastly Beauty Contest for Preferred Providers
November 29, 2005
In this compelling snapshot of a growing trend, Eriq Gardner describes the newly expensive vetting procedures now faced by outside firms choosing to pursue business with a highly demanding large client. Gardner also touches on law business practices (<i>eg</i>, long-term fixed-fee contracting for an entire class of a client firms' litigation needs) that may bode ill for the quality of justice produced by the overall legal system
Improving Associate Retention Through Confidential Interviewing
November 29, 2005
Partners in law firms of all sizes and specialties now realise it is one thing to attract high quality associates, but an even more difficult challenge to retain them. Competition for top quality associates continues to intensify, so effective associate retention is more important than ever.
Competitive Intelligence: A Must Have
November 14, 2005
In today's evolving technological legal market, it is not enough for a law firm to perform tactically, using best practices. Competitive marketing for same client market share necessitates strategic planning. And strategic planning, in turn, mandates Competitive Intelligence (CI) initiatives tag teamed with information analysis.
Coaching For Coaches: One-On-One Attention Combats Training Program Decay Rate
November 02, 2005
Most practicing attorneys are realizing that the "if-you-build-it, they-will-come" approach to business development is not enough in today's competitive marketplace. For those who must learn by experience, this reality is often punctuated by a delay in making partner due to the lack of a "book of business" or mid-career partnership pressure on rainmaking. <br>Despite this reality, attorneys continue to struggle with bridging the gap between the skills and behaviors learned in law school and applied in practice, and those skills and behaviors needed to develop new business. This is where the law firm marketers come in.
Asking For Referrals: The Easiest Way To Generate More Business
November 02, 2005
In an interesting contradiction, the number one technique to generate more new business is also the concept that makes attorneys the most uncomfortable. Throughout the years, numerous studies have shown that the most effective way for attorneys to develop more business is through referrals, specifically referrals from other attorneys. Typically, referrals come from three sources: 1) other attorneys; 2) strategic partners; and 3) current clients.
Playing Hard To Get
November 02, 2005
Fifteen years after merger mania started, and despite the invasion of out-of-towners now crowding the Bay Area, these and other firms remain independent ' sometimes fiercely so.
Keeping Partners Engaged In Associate Development
November 02, 2005
Firms have good reasons for offering formal associate development programs such as law firm universities and mentoring programs. Clients expect trained associates and associates expect training. Formal programs, often with full-time staff support, can effectively deliver training to groups of associates.
The Grass Is Always Greener: Life As In-House Counsel
November 02, 2005
As a private practitioner, sitting at a paper-smothered desk getting rapid-fire e-mails and phone calls from multiple clients, each of whom needs something yesterday, filling out time sheets and reviewing mountains of billing, it is easy for those in private practice to envision life as an in-house attorney as the better ' or at least less stressful ' choice of career paths. This article reacts to that vision, highlights some of the different issues facing those in-house, and discusses the manner in which some of the same issues faced by all attorneys translate in an in-house environment.
What In The World Is Going On With Lawyer Retirement Planning?
November 02, 2005
Retirement is a distant and unnoticed object of concern for young lawyers. After the toil of law school, the terror of the bar exam and the career-defining decisions of job searching, a young lawyer cannot be blamed for feeling immortal. With a seemingly endless stream of years ahead to ply his or her skills in the world of the law, slay a few dragons and make his or her fortune, retirement planning is not on the "to do" list. <br>This article reflects the results of a survey of law firms around the nation that reveals a variety of approaches to retirement planning and funding. Interviews focused on the structure and the funding of retirement plans. While the results of this survey are anecdotal, certain conclusions and recommendations emerged from the effort.
