FEATURESBy Allan ColemanIn a down economy, law firms may be tempted to hunker down and not aggressively pursue business development activities and investments. Doing so is a big mistake. Smart firms know that this is precisely the time to re-energize basic business development practices and pursue growth with all you've got. By Amy Galie and Amanda SteinbachEnough excuses – a business plan is not just a good idea, but absolutely essential for a lawyer looking to grow his or her practice. Developing a business plan is not rocket science, but it does take some thought – and time. Here are practical tips for how to start. By Nancy GimbolCan you succeed in building a marketing culture at a mid-sized firm? Yes, according to this veteran of big and mid-sized firms. The keys to making it work are solid support from the top; as much personal, one-on-one contact with attorneys by the marketing director as possible; and constant sharing of progress and successes. By Greg StephensIf clients know, like and trust you, and if you stay connected, you will get and keep their business. Learn how to build and leverage relationships, offer to help others while expecting nothing in return, and be persistent but pleasant – and you will be rewarded. By Steve HenningWeb analytics tools offer law firms a wealth of data for making informed decisions about where to invest online business development efforts. A detailed analysis of the behavior of your online visitors can have a major impact on the success of your firm's website – and your budget planning. By David FreemanLearn rainmaking techniques compiled from 28 top law firm business development experts, including tips for developing niches, building networks and staying top-of-mind, getting meetings and maximizing effectiveness during meetings, delivering exceptional levels of client service, and best practices in making business development sustainable. 
MARKETINGBy Ed PollSocial media tools like Facebook and LinkedIn are powerful marketing and business development tools for lawyers. But the ease of use and widespread availability of information broadcast through social media has raised some serious concerns by bar association ethics officials. This article looks at some of the current areas of concern with social media. CAREER PATHS!Interviewed by Wendy L. WernerChristy B. Mason is the deputy director of a nonprofit organization in Portland, Oregon with previous experience working in a law firm, and in the state attorney general's office. MEET THE WOMEN RAINMAKERS!Interviewed by Mavis GraggMilan Pham, founding member of the North Carolina firm NicholsonPham, sits down with Mavis Gragg of BuckleySander LLP. 
|  LAW PRACTICE TODAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Micah U Buchdahl, HTMLawyers, Inc ISSUE EDITOR Barbara H. Brown, Meagher & Geer PLLP ASSOCIATE EDITOR Andrea Malone, White and Williams LLP BOARD OF EDITORS John D. Bowers, Fox Rothschild LLP Barbara H. Brown, Meagher & Geer PLLP Margaret M. DiBianca, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP Rodney Dowell, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Inc., Nicholas Gaffney, Infinite Public Relations, LLC Nancy L Gimbol, Eastburn & Gray Richard W Goldstein, Goldstein Patent Law Katy M. Goshtasbi, Puris Image Elizabeth Henslee William D Henslee, Florida A&M Univ College of Law George E. Leloudis, Woods Rogers PLC Allison C. Shields, Legal Ease Consulting, Inc. Gregory H. Siskind, Siskind Susser, P.C. Ben Stevens, The Stevens Firm, P.A. Family Law Center Send us your feedback here. |
