Differentiate! The Law Firm Marketing Strategies Issue
Table of Contents | Features | Frontlines | Technology | Business
Table of Contents VOL 35 NO 6 - September/October 2009
FEATURES
Differentiate! Who’s Doing It Right?
Firms that manage to differentiate themselves from the competition have a big advantage, especially during a downturn. Here’s a look at the strategies used by Marger Johnson & McCollom; Crowell & Moring; Boies, Schiller & Flexner; and Ford & Harrison to cement client relationships while better positioning themselves.
How Lawyers Lose Big Clients
A litigator turned in-house counsel gives fair warning about the lame behavior that will get you fired—and advice on how to keep the work.
Business Development Strategies for Smaller Firms: Tactics and Tools for Competing on Any Budget
For smaller firms especially, it can be tough to stick to a marketing game plan when time and money are short. Adopt these ideas for aggressively promoting your services, though, and you could wind up with a wicked competitive advantage.
Top Firm Marketers Reveal Their Plans: Survey Says . . .
If you’ve been fretting over the state of law firm marketing, you have cause to rejoice. A recent survey of the AmLaw 200 found that there’s a planned uptick in some marketing activities on the horizon.
Niche to Meet You: Tips for New-Breed Opportunity Makers
Want to distinguish yourself in the downturn? Social media tools give you plenty of ways to offer your colleagues and clients small, yet genuine, opportunities for creative collaboration. Consider these smart ways to use the tools.
A View from the Legal Press Box: An Interview With David Lat
When David Lat founded the online tabloid Above the Law, he envisioned a kind of virtual watercooler for the legal profession. The site has vastly exceeded that expectation, both in its popularity and the influence it has in the profession. What, we wondered, is his take on the state of the profession now.
It’s Time to Ditch the Broken Model, Folks
Who would be shocked if a number of today’s megafirms were out of business within five years? The bubble has burst. Here’s a sales expert’s advice on what firms must do to get serious for the long haul.
TECHNOLOGY
Product Watch
Artistically challenged? Here’s software for creating legal graphics, crime scene diagrams, charts and more. Plus news on other tech releases.
Hot Buttons
Hit the Road, Jack: Secure Mobile Computing
From the corner coffee spot to more exotic retreats, it’s easier than ever for mobile lawyers to connect to the Internet. Here’s a wrap-up of the latest options.
Legal Web 2.0
Saving and Retrieving Fleeting Reference Information
Learn how to say good-bye forever to that dusty reading pile on the corner of your desk.
BUSINESS
Feature
Mergers for Midsize Firms: Applying the Culture and Strategy Tests
Merger methodology for small to midsize firms differs from that for much larger firms. A managing partner shares the lessons revealed in his firm’s journey.
Marketing
Following Up on Client Feedback: The Key to the Survey Process
While more lawyers are apt to contact clients to find out how things are going, they’re dropping the ball when it comes to following through.
Managing
Developing Diverse Lawyers: Solutions to Consider
Part two of an interview with Terri Hartwell Easter provides ideas for improving law firm diversity initiatives.
Taking the Lead
New to the Job? Engaging Your People
Pointers on using “presence, message and action” to achieve measurable change.
Law Practice Gets Greener; Increases Online Presence
In an effort to practice what we preach, the ABA Law Practice Management Section is pleased to announce that beginning with this issue of Law Practice magazine, we will shift to a bimonthly print publication schedule, while increasing the content and quality of our monthly Law Practice Today webzine.
For our loyal readership, this means 18 issues per year—six bimonthly issues of the print magazine (in both paper and electronic editions), and 12 monthly issues of the webzine, packed with the best authors and topics focused on our four core areas of law firm expertise: marketing, management, technology and finance. In addition, we’ll begin providing an electronic edition of the print magazine for all subscribers.
This reduction to six print issues allows us to further “going green” by shifting some focus to our paperless online webzine. Of course, as the leaders in the use of technology in the legal profession, LPM would be remiss not to take advantage of the editorial advantages that today’s electronic tools provide.
It is the belief of the LPM Section leadership that this shift in delivery of information will provide greater benefits to our members and subscribers. We look forward to your continued thoughts and input going forward.
– Micah U. Buchdahl, LPM Section Chair
From the Editor
Wrapping up a year of special issues, from Law Practice's Editor-in-Chief Dan Pinnington.
Perspectives
Notes from new LPM Section Chair Micah Buchdahl.
Events Calendar
From St. Maarten to Las Vegas, plan now to attend LPM’s 2009-2010 meetings.
LPM 2009-2010 Leadership Directory
How to get in touch with LPM’s new officers and committee leaders. Plus a complete staff directory.
FRONTLINES
People & Places
ABA Law Firm Marketing Strategies Conference Hot Tips
The inside scoop from the conference chair, Steve Silverberg.
Trends
Can You Spot Which Developments Will Continue?
A look at some of today’s top trends, and how they may fare in the future.
11th Annual Law Practice Magazine Edge Awards
See this year's winners!
Edge International is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008-2009 Edge Awards for the best articles published in Law Practice magazine in the past year.
Web Only Content
Watch for new features and podcasts in LPM's monthly webzine, Law Practice Today. Click here to subscribe for free. We've added product reviews, a column for Mac users, a space where practice management advisors answer questions and more!
