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.

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.

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.

Profitability

Launching a Successful Practice

The first essential actions in the process.

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.