Do you ever talk on the phone while you drive? In today’s clip, Ed warns law firms that they could be exposed to legal liability if one of their attorneys causes an accident while using his or her phone behind the wheel.
Toby Brown, a good friend and previous speaker here at LawBiz® Podcast, is a former director of the Utah State Bar and currently the Director of Strategic Pricing & Analytics for Akin Gump, a top 50 AmLaw law firm.
Toby is at the forefront of developing alternative fees — helping his firm set prices — so that the client and law firm are mutually benefited and act as “partners.” Toby has a great combination of executive level skills in the areas of technology, law and economics.
If you have not listened to it already, make sure you listen to our first interview with Toby Brown on “Pricing Practices for Attorneys” from 9/24/13 about pricing and costing required by lawyers in today’s competitive environment..
Also, check out Toby’s new book, “Law Firm Pricing: Strategies, Roles, and Responsibilities. The publisher will provide all listeners of our podcasts a $50 discount by mentioning the following code: LFP-TBPC1. Also check out the pricing discussion in my new book, Attorney & Law Firm Guide to The Business of Law, 3rd ed., released by the American Bar Association in March 2014 on www.lawbizstore.com.
25 minutes, 18 seconds
7.2MB
Communication is the single most important issue to consider when keeping your clients happy. From the initial conversation with your receptionist until the case is closed, Ed explains what you need to do in order to ensure that the client is satisfied with your communications with them.
Should attorneys take legal action against clients who haven’t paid? This week, Ed weighs in on the pros and cons of suing clients.
This week, Ed discusses how written engagement agreements are a necessary part of an attorney-client relationship. Just weeks after the New York Times wrote about the hot issue of lawyer fees, Ed describes various ways that lawyers can collect fees.
What can law firms do to interact with their clients more effectively? In today’s clip, Ed will share a few ideas, such as developing a checklist of questions and creating surveys that will address this issue.
Ed explains the best methods to ensure client payment.
Ed continues his conversation regarding the changes facing today’s law firms to remain competitive.
Corporate clients have the ability to explore other markets in search of better rates from attorneys who will provide good quality work. Ed share a few suggestions to help you in your practice of Business of Law®
THE WORKFLOW PROCESS
Law firms must acknowledge the changes and adopt the better changes to the workflow process to remain competitive.
* Be more sensitive to client costs
* Be more aware and have a better understanding of your client’s business
CONTROLLING OVERHEAD
Reducing small expenditures will add up to a significant savings
Keep overhead to a minimum while maintaining efficiency.
Be prepared for the eventual increase in business after the economic rebound.
HIRING AND RETAINING TALENT
Advancement will be based on merit instead of seniority
It is critical to provide CLE to top talent to retain them.
Compensation will always be a part of retaining top talent. Plan ahead for this necessity.
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2011 LawBiz® Management. All rights reserved.
In response to my recent question, one of our readers responded by saying “… Listen to them (clients), acknowledge what they have said (“active listening”), make sure you understand their concern/pain, and address it (their concern) effectively (competent representation per the rules of professional conduct)…” Sounds like a formula for success.
I’m pleased to note that California’s AB 1371, known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, becomes law in 2014. California is the 23rd state to establish a minimum buffer zone around bicycles that ride on public roads. It’s about time! Motorists passing a bike must allow at least three feet of space between the car and the bike, or slow to a safe and reasonable speed. As a cyclist myself,
I know how dangerous the roads can be; in 2011, I was hit by a car making a left turn, failing to yield the right of way to me. The driver just didn’t “see” me. This literally changed my life and I still feel the impact of that accident. Drivers passing too close is one more problem behavior on the roads, especially with new hybrids that make little or no sound of warning as they approach.
Be careful out there on the roads this holiday season, and always. Selfishly, I want you back as a reader and commentator. Happy holiday.