Articles

The real reason that clients refer their law firms is because they are satisfied with the service they receive. Good client service is responsible for about 46+% of all referrals.


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Managing Partners are few and far between

Bob Denney says "… “70% of the managing partners [or CEOs] do not have a job description and most partners do not know what their MP does. In addition, in firms of more than 100 lawyers, only 10% have full-time managing partners.”

No wonder that in 1995, the USPO concurred with me that "The Business of Law" was a unique phrase and granted my request for a registered mark. Major law firms still, as Denny confirms, require that "managing partners" maintain a full client load of billable time. There may be some concessions, but by and large, they are evaluated on their client production rather than their effectiveness in keeping the firm together and moving forward.

I think of the analogy with Lee Iococca. Though he was given credit for designing and producing the Mustang, he could no longer perform the design or product management functions in his position as CEO and later Chairman of Chrysler. How is it that law firms believe the managing partner (CEO) of a multi-million dollar professional service organization can do more than an industry giant?


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Succession is uppermost in the minds of majority of lawyers

More than 23% of the Washington State Bar Association, a mandatory bar, are 60 years or older. Several years ago, the American Bar Association, a voluntary bar, estimated that 400,000 lawyers would retire in the next 10 years.  For the ABA, that’s equal to its entire membership. And that’s equal to about 40% of all lawyers and a majority of private practitioners.

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Client expectations – Road to Revenue National Tour

The Oregon State Bar (OSB) Association was at its most hospitable best. The standing room only group of lawyers shared their experiences as I talked about how to create stronger bonds of loyalty between client and lawyer.  When I asked why we should care about this issue, two very poignant answers were shouted out:  i)  We’d like to get paid and an unhappy client won’t pay their bill; and ii) when we deal with disappointed clients, disappointed in us, not the other party to the transaction or result of the matter, our own stress goes through the roof!

Increased revenue and decreased stress, two outstanding reasons why we should care … I think the members of this audience hit it on the nail!

Next stop is Seattle … come join us if you’re in the area..


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Traveling from Ashland to Salem Oregon

After leaving Ashland, we made an overnight stop at 7 Feathers RV Resort in Canyonville. This Indian owned facility is one of the best of it’s kind. After we set up, Ed grabbed his bike and off for a ride…..then the sky turned dark and it poured most of the rest of the afternoon and evening….

The scenery in Central Oregon along the I-5 corridor is simply green and beautiful……Interesting big rigs hauling everything and anything….We made a stop in Salem, OR to have dinner with a dear friend at DaVincis…..and we caught a glimpse of the State Capitol and the Justice Building after dinner….it is light longer here.

Check out our other pictures and events on the LawBiz® Tour Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/LawBizTour

 


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Managing Client Expectations

Ed discusses the three key areas to address in managing client expectations.
1. When do you find out what clients want?
2. How do you find out what clients want?
3. How do you find out whether you are meeting clients’ expectations?


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Shakespeare lives on … in Ashland

William Shakespeare (middle 1500s)  and Harper Lee (middle 1900s): What did they have in common? Julius Caesar, the play, was about the relationship of individuals to their government; in this example, a small group of people changed history by murdering the leader of Rome. And Harper Lee, in To Kill a Mockingbird, writes about another society’s deep division and the fate of one man determined by a few, the few on the jury, though influenced by the environment’s social mores. Murder is the end result for the individuals and a major shift in the general society in each period.

I saw both plays on the same day. The similarities in concept were remarkable. The uniqueness of the theatrics of each were thrilling. The impact on the audiences was remarkable.

This was a marvelous festival … and the atmosphere surrounding Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival was enthralling. Just walking the streets of Ashland in balmy, sunny weather was a thrill. Now is the time to move on and travel the country with our sponsors, including Fujitsu’s ScanSnap.


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Technology Will Change the Way We Communicate

Our first stop on our Road to Revenue National Road Show is Ashland, OR for the Shakespeare Festival. We’ll see 4 plays in 3 days, a daunting task. But, I love this part of the country. And this oldest of Shakespeare Festivals (since 1935) is done so well amid such great surroundings, how could you not want to be here? My sadness is that we won’t be here longer … So, let me start with our experience today, seeing The Language Archive, written by Julia Cho

One of the best plays I’ve ever seen. Here is what the director says about the play in words that are hard for me to surpass:

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Outsource — or Not?

Outsourcing jobs typically pay better than temp work — and certainly better than no work at all. This is the message of a recent article. The legal profession is developing its own caste system. We all understand some of the differences, or castes:

  • Big Law vs. Small Law
  • Sole practitioner vs. Large firm lawyer
  • Specialist vs. Generalist
  • Boutique vs. Full product line
  • Domestic vs. Outsource (overseas as in India and Philippines)

And I’m sure there are other distinctions that I’ve overlooked. But, now there is another phenomenon appearing. ….

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