Technology Challenges In Law Firm Mergers
November 02, 2005
When law firms merge with one another, one of the more significant front-line issues is "Which firm's technology will survive?" When there is a merger (buy-out) by a large firm of a much smaller law firm, the answer seems obvious. But, when there is a merger of equals, or of larger firms (even if not equal in size), the answer is not so clear. And where there is a merger of small firms, things get murkier still. <br>What may be worse is that frequently, the question is not even considered before it is too late to make a smooth transition.
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.
<b>Media & Communications Corner:</b> Becoming the TV Star You Always Wanted to Be
November 02, 2005
The glamour and cache of being interviewed on CNN or CNBC as a national legal source is quite appealing to many attorneys. Broadcast journalism reaches a broad audience and for many, is seen as more exciting than print. And when other attorneys (deemed not as accomplished as themselves) appear on TV, they often wonder: How can I get there too? The answer is: preparation and some honest reflection.
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.
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.
Court Watch
November 01, 2005
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
