Does your law firm brand define your "story"? Having worked with lawyers for ten years on branding, I passionately recommend that lawyers develop a distinctive, relevant and consistent law firm brand. Your law firm brand is your reputation and distinguishes you in the minds of your prospective clients and referral sources. A strong law firm brand will communicate your uniqueness, express your value, tell your story and create a memorable presence in your market. Your brand will not be for … [Read more...]

Last weekend I had the privilege of visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with my 19-year-old daughter. I was there to learn about and thoroughly enjoy the history of Rock and Roll, but I became intrigued with the artists who were able to maintain their Rock and Roll legend status 35 years later. How did they do it? How can artists be as popular today as they were 35 years ago? And would it be possible for lawyers to apply this strategy for success to law firm marketing?   Bruce … [Read more...]

The recent economic crisis has had significant impact on the competitive environment for lawyers and law firms. Clients are more discretionary with their financial resources and a larger number of lawyers are competing for a smaller number of clients. To excel in a competitive market, lawyers need to effectively communicate to prospective clients and referral sources the answer to the question, why should I choose you? Successful firms differentiate themselves and leave a memorable … [Read more...]

Five Strategies for an Effective Law Firm Retreat The current economic climate has every law firm and practice group focusing on how to maximize resources, reduce costs and optimize partner performance. A recent article in the Wisconsin Law Journal titled, Firm retreats: Business over Pleasure highlights the changes law firms are making in traditional law firm retreats to focus on efficiency and cut costs. The following are five strategies every law firm, can implement to increase the … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Ferris “He that is everywhere is nowhere.”  Thomas Fuller One of the best ways you can accelerate the growth of your practice is to focus your marketing efforts on the select few who will bring you the maximum return on your time and financial investment. The statement, "you can’t be all things to all people" is important to remember as you build a family law practice that is fulfilling and financially profitable. Applying the 80/20 rule or the “Pareto principle” … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Ferris Why are some practitioners successfully building their family law practice while other practitioners struggle to attract desirable clients and are frequently concerned about, “where the next case will come from?”  I have been consulting with law firms, family lawyers, mediators and collaborative law practitioners across North America and Europe for the past 9 years and have observed the characteristics of highly successful practitioners. The five … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Ferris As I work with law firms, family lawyers and collaborative professionals to grow their practice, I have learned that one of the most significant challenges you face is how to build (market) your practice while serving clients and maintaining a profitable practice. How do you build a desirable practice and manage your cases? Growing a desired practice begins with a conscious awareness of what you want your practice to look like and then creating a plan to achieve … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Ferris One of the most important strategies to grow your practice is to master how you communicate the value of your services to potential clients. Creating a core message is the foundation for all marketing and communication activities and is essential to growing a family law practice. Why have a core message? A core message sets you apart from other professionals and communicates the value of what you do and who your services are directed towards. It is how you attract … [Read more...]