By Doug Striker Clients are increasingly asking law firms to prove tech competency before signing contracts for work. Why? Because they know that good tech skills translate into more efficient production, which translates into more bang for their buck. Simply put: Clients don’t want to pay high hourly rates if the people producing the work don’t know how to, say, format a … [Read more...] about Prove tech competency at your law firm
Increasing profits
6 realities about client billing and how to address them
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 realities about client billing and how to address them
To-Dos: Your March office checklist
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March office checklist
Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
By Diane L. Camacho bio As I work with small law firms and solo attorneys, I see time and time again, attorneys doing work and not getting paid for it. It isn't marketing or CLE sessions that I'm talking about. It is work that you can't bill for and someone else can do for you—someone who is an expert in their field. For example, let's say your firm has decided they need … [Read more...] about Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
When a North Carolina office realized its referrals from clients were dwindling, it responded by setting up a plan to ensure maximum personal contact with the clients. Within the first year the plan was in place, the personal injury firm doubled its referrals. The focus was placed on communications, fast response to calls, maintaining contact throughout the year and keeping … [Read more...] about Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
Fostering a business development mindset: Empowering lawyers in your office
Business development is not typically the first thing that comes to mind for many lawyers, whose primary focus is often on legal expertise and client representation. However, in today's competitive legal landscape, developing a business mindset is essential for both individual career growth and the success of a law office. As a law office administrator, you can play a pivotal … [Read more...] about Fostering a business development mindset: Empowering lawyers in your office
16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Legal marketing should emphasize professionalism, credibility, and reliability. Your strategies should build trust with potential clients who are seeking legal assistance. Here are 16 marketing ideas: Specialized website: Create a professional website that highlights your practice areas, attorney profiles, testimonials, and contact information. Ensure the design is clean, … [Read more...] about 16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Keep your firm’s goals current
We traditionally set our firm's goals for the beginning of the year, but setting targets on a quarterly or on-going basis keeps these goals current and relevant. Goals provide crucial support in guiding year decisions through this year and the years ahead. Goals mean that instead of reacting to whatever happens, you’re proactively driving your firm to where you want to … [Read more...] about Keep your firm’s goals current
Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?
Unpaid invoices and overdue accounts can lead to cash flow issues, hinder business growth, and strain client relationships. Consider these strategies to help you keep receivables low and improve the overall financial stability of your firm. Clear and Detailed Fee Agreements The foundation of any successful receivables management strategy begins with transparent and … [Read more...] about Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?
8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
An operational analysis is an in-depth analysis of the firms's operations, or, put simply, getting somebody from outside to take a look at the inside. Most firms do that when they are facing problems, particularly financial problems, but it is better to do it before problems occur. Here is what the job entails, starting with the signs that it's time to get the review … [Read more...] about 8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis