The tidal wave has not yet struck! That means there is still time to save ourselves.
The California State Bar Board of Governors voted today on the proposal to require disclosure to prospective clients that they do not have malpractice insurance (if they don’t). Other lawyers who are either exempt under the rule or who do have E & O coverage do not have to discuss malpractice insurance or disclose anything about the subject in their engagement agreement.
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There is an interesting ABA article and ethics opinion that discusses when a lawyer, with a J.D. (Juris Doctor) can call him/herself a Dr. under Rule 7.1. State jurisdictions differ. If a Ph.D. can be called doctor, why can’t a lawyer. After all, wasn’t that one of the reasons behind the movement for J.D.s?
This is an interesting, though not earth-shattering, topic.
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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…)
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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…)
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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.
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Another way to produce more profits is to follow Jay Sheperd’s advice, a labor lawyer with a sense of humor.
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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!
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According to NALP, 14% of law school graduates earn $135,000 (now $160,000) starting compensation. 42% earn $55,000 or less.
This is consistent with statistics that show experienced lawyers earning less than the public believes lawyers earn: 50% at less than $100,000 and 25% at less than $50,000!
Thus, lawyers are "between a rock and a hard place!" The public believes that figures reported in the Wall Street Journal of August 22nd to the effect that lawyers are now charging $1,000 per hour is the norm or standard. Yet, only a few lawyers are commanding that fee level, and then only in the "bet the company" kind of cases. Commoditized work cannot command that rate. Even in extraordinary matters, that rate approaches what one New York law firm partner said is clients’ "vomit point."
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National Speakers Association, Los Angeles chapter, is offering a great week-end of learning and fun. Learn how to use the speaking platform to enhance your revenue, to take your practice to the next level of success and to be more effective with your clients.
What’s in it for you? There are many reasons, but here are three:
- Enhance you uniqueness in business strategy and leadership to enhance your bottom line.
- Learn the 6-step formula for proven goal setting and high achievement, plus how to have more fun and take your practice to the next level.
- Discover five simple questions you can ask informally that can teach you so much about other people and make them feel important.
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