Can lawyers find jobs in today’s market? The Wall Street Journal (page 1, Sept. 24, 2007) suggests that it’s not so easy today. That’s consistent with my earlier blog post that lawyers are “between a rock and a hard place.”
It is also consistent with my assertion that law is a business, or framed in the context of my registered trademark, The Business of Law® is governed by the principles of economics. Yes, law is a profession, but as Tower Snow, once managing partner of the former Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison law firm in San Francisco said, “Law is subject to the same laws of economics as any other business…” (more…)
Recently I was honored by my selection for induction into the Million-Dollar Consultant™ Hall of Fame. I prepared some remarks on the top ten lessons I’ve learned in starting my consulting career; but it struck me that these apply equally to a lawyer starting a new practice. Since nearly 90% of the 1.1 million U.S. lawyers are solos or in small firms, the odds are high that many lawyers will be in a practice startup situation at some point in their careers. These ideas from building both my own law practice and later my coaching practice may provide some pointers for your success. (more…)
Scott Greenfield takes me to task about my comment that a busy lawyer can have a ghostwriter help out in blog posts. He apparently believes that only the lawyer should write the post … and perhaps he further believes (though I don’t want to put words into his writing) that lawyers should not market their expertise … or that blogging is not a marketing tool.
I appreciate the opportunity he gives me to expand my thoughts on this subject further. What follows is my response to Scott:
I truly enjoyed reading your comments on what I did not say; quite amusing. I think, however, that you miss the true value of blawging (blogging). It is to convey value, to convey information and to convey help to the reader. Oh, yes, it can be to vent and it can be to journal, but that was not the context in which I made my comment. Lawyers use the blawging process to communicate their existence to the world – to express their expertise so as to make prospective clients aware of them … and, hopefully, to become clients. If this is true, and I believe it to be and can point to many examples, then it is a marketing tool. Just as large firms have marketing and business development departments, producing quality material that may or may not be written by attorneys (but for which the attorneys/law firm are responsible), so to can blogging be performed under the direction of an attorney though not written by him/her.
Attorneys do not do everything done in a law firm. That doesn’t make the information or the service a “scam.” There are trial briefs written by paralegals — is this a scam? There are deposition summaries written by paralegals — is this a scam? There are many things done for lawyers under the lawyers direction/responsibility that provide benefit for clients .. and enable lawyers to more effectively market their services to new prospects.
Take this out of the context of the law office, there are many books written for famous people that appropriately convey the intent and meaning of the “author.” Are these scams? Does the public not get value in better understanding the character and message of the famous person? Lee Iacoca is one that comes to mind quickly. We learned a lot about him, his life and his message … though he didn’t write the book himself.
Blogging is not the last, great American novel … it is a business tool. As such, one can take a business-like approach to its application. Google certainly does, so I’m not sure why you don’t.
Again, thanks for writing about my belief system and allowing me the opportunity to expand on it a bit more … though I certainly didn’t say all the things you said I said. <g> (more…)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ed Poll
LawBiz Management
(800) 827-5415
edpoll@lawbiz.com
LAWBIZ® EXPERT RENEWED AS PROVIDER FOR LEGAL EDUCATION
Ed Poll Was Renewed as an Approved Provider of Education for California Lawyers
Venice, Calif. September 13, 2007 – California-based law practice management expert and lawyer Edward Poll was once again approved as a provider of education for lawyers licensed by the State of California for the term of September 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010.
News just hit that the iPhone has been hacked and unlocked! You weren’t supposed to be able to do this — guess what? A 17 year old kid did!
Terry L. Brock tells us the story of George Hotz of New Jersey and then extrapolates some principles from George’s persistence in breaking the iPhone code.
What will this mean for users? Ability to get to other phone companies, not just AT & T? Will this affect the privacy and confidentiality issues uppermost in conversation of lawyers? Will there still be an expectation of privacy when lawyers use the iPhone?
While the legal issues may be argued in court, the market place will make many decisions for users as well as Apple, the manufacturer.
Many years ago, a good friend of mine said that the problem with aging is that we’re mired in history rather than focusing our perspective on today.
Thus, today’s article in The American Lawyer by David Brown may shock those of us who are over the age of 30!
He talks about the “paycheck report,” a survey of “mid-level” associate compensation. Associates’ paychecks exceed $200,000 per year and, in some instances, reach $350,000! (more…)
In this interview, Ed speaks with Debbie Epstein about diversity in the law firm with specific focus on gender issues. Debbie is the founder and principal of Flex-Time Lawyers LLC, who helps law firms address gender issues — specifically, how to retain women in their ranks. Women, in many of the top ranked law schools, comprise more than 50% of the graduating classes, and have for quite a few years. Yet, this percentage is not reflected as law firm partners, management or committee members. What is the reason for this and why is it important?
Celebrate with your staff and those in your office who make it possible for you to focus your attention on the practice of law and the meaningful connection with your clients.
