Andrew Jaffe has been practicing law since 1977. Nearly 20 years ago, he turned his focus exclusively to e-commerce and internet law. He was one of the first in his practice area, but that quickly changed as the internet gained momentum. Andrew needed a way to showcase his credentials and set himself apart. He set up profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook, but they weren't structured to promote leg[...]

In this day and age, are lawyers even needed? What is our worth to clients? The answer is obvious, clients need us because we provide an invaluable service. We solve legal issues, navigate the judicial system, advocate the client’s position, counsel them, advise them and problem-solve. Despite this, lawyers often get a bad rap. People want to avoid us. We are called sharks, we are the punchline[...]

While practicing law is typically more of an art than a science, the successful marketing of your law practice will involve numbers. If you don't track specific numbers and metrics, you won't know what marketing tactics are working and which ones aren't. It will be challenging to determine your next move and ensure that your law firm is growing. Without looking at your marketing numbers and actin[...]

In the news this week (November 14--18), some of the most prestigious law schools are issuing statements about withdrawing from the U.S. News & World Report’s published law school rankings. Beginning with Yale -- Harvard, Berkeley, and Georgetown had followed suit by midday Friday, November 18. Yale: "It discourages law schools from providing critical support for students seeking public[...]

Our latest study reiterates the importance of an online presence to attract legal consumers We released our latest annual consumer report just last month, where we questioned 600+ legal consumers about what they look for when hiring an attorney. The results highlight important factors in the legal consumer's journey, from hiring an attorney to closing a case. Our primary goal is to help att[...]

Managing a solo or small law firm can sometimes feel like an exercise in futility. As more tasks get stacked onto your plate, your grip on once-simple assignments can begin to slip. No one is impervious to the chaos of juggling too many roles. At first, your hours grow a bit longer, but soon, your days may be filled with tasks ancillary to practicing law. Your schedule and office have become such[...]

The law is often represented as the balanced scale of justice. The image represents the impartiality of the legal institution and the court's obligation to weigh the presented evidence accurately. But how does pro bono work fit into these lofty ideals? American pro bono work has a rich history and an interesting modern evolution. What Is Pro Bono Work? The Latin phrase "pro bono publico" tr[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Robert FontaineMatthew Bourhis of Bourhis Law Group, PCRaymond T. McCormack of R. Thad McCormack PCPatrick Aloysius Casey of Myers, Brier & Kelly, L.L.P.Allen Titt[...]

In a world where society has many tools at its fingertips and things can stop on a dime, it’s easy to anticipate quick marketing results. However, modern conveniences can only go so far, and some efforts take time. SEO results fall into this category.  Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving strategy to get your web pages to rank at the top or toward the top of Google and othe[...]

Most law firms have a team of different attorneys, each with unique strengths, styles, and approaches to legal issues. Even still, the law firm is considered a single brand. The brand itself needs to be consistent and cohesive throughout all of its marketing and advertising efforts, including its blog.  The impression you make on anyone who comes in contact with your law firm in any way t[...]

The weather cools, back-to-school draws near, and you find yourself shopping for your child's last-minute classroom essentials. As you debate the virtues of the Roblox backpack versus a sturdier, water-resistant Superman backpack with your soon-to-be-back-to-school angel, your mind wanders. You wonder whether you might not put your "super" powers of persuasion to better use against a more log[...]

Social media is a proven way for attorneys to get more clients. According to the American Bar Association, 86% of surveyed respondents for their annual Tech Report indicate that their firms have a presence on social media. So how can you leverage your social media accounts? Small to mid-sized firms often don’t have a specialist in social media management, so they rely on staffers whose exper[...]

If there's one thing that lawyers and law firms aren't lacking, it's documents and paperwork. No matter what law you practice, there are always forms and paperwork to complete. The problem becomes, once the paperwork is complete, where does it go? How do you file it and store it? If you don't have good answers to these questions and a working system in place, your paperwork can quickly become a d[...]

We live in a fast-paced society that likes to see near-immediate or immediate results. We value instant gratification, and it's challenging to be patient. However, some things just take time. For instance, getting into better physical shape or learning a new skill won't happen overnight, no matter how hard we try. The same rings true for lawyers to see their ROI for marketing efforts. It takes ti[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Patricia L. Parker of Law Offices of Patricia L. ParkerKenneth L. Royal of Royal Law FirmJohn T. Floyd of John T. Floyd Law FirmTerrel A. Thomas[...]

No matter how small your law firm is, it can’t run without help. Most attorneys are skilled in the courtroom and know the ins and outs of their field of law, but that does not mean they have the skills to handle the administrative aspects of their firm. Having the right team — beyond just attorneys — is essential to running a law firm. And part of that right team includes administrative ass[...]

This multi-part series explores how to run a law firm and the integral roles that make law firms successful. In this article, we look at the role of the paralegal. We explore why paralegals are essential to legal practices, standard educational requirements, key attributes to look for in a candidate, salary ranges, and interview and hiring tips. What Is a Paralegal? A paralegal is a per[...]

Running a law firm is a lot of work. Large law firms understand the need for effective marketing and often hire internal marketing managers to handle this task. They have the resources to hire and benefit from a marketing manager on their staff. Hiring a full-time marketing manager may not make sense for lawyers in solo, small, or mid-sized law firms in the U.S. Third-party marketing servi[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Kevin T. Bright of Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, P.C.Matt Maniatis of Maniatis Law PLLCDaniel S. Rose of The Law Office[...]

Once your law firm reaches a certain number of staff, it’s time to hire a human resources manager. Having someone on your team who specializes in managing staff and handling related administrative work can be invaluable for your practice. Hiring the right HR manager can help your practice grow while freeing you from managing every HR task yourself. Below, you’ll learn what HR managers can[...]

In today's competitive legal market, staying abreast of rising client expectations can be challenging. The environment is constantly changing amidst a sea of competition. The struggle to stay competitive for small law firms can feel like a constant uphill battle. However, investing in legal technology and using automation to boost your processes and increase your firm's efficiency could be the an[...]

From Sherlock Holmes to Ace Ventura, private investigators have captured the imagination of American audiences. But when does a lawyer need a private investigator? Here are the types of cases private eyes commonly take on, 12 reasons lawyers hire private investigators, the types of lawyers that work with PIs, and the benefits of employing them. Types of Cases Private Eyes Commonly Take On P[...]

The legal profession is notorious for its hardcore work culture. The "work hard, play hard" mantra is aptly applied to the industry known for its cutthroat competition. For decades, lawyers have struggled to unplug. As a result, the profession has been plagued with various adverse side effects. Today, some firms are taking action to battle the issue.  Outside of these firms, most attorneys can t[...]

Lawyers and law firms have incredibly complex and unique billing needs. Whether you are a solo practitioner or run a large firm with several locations, you must have a way to track and allocate time to clients, account for retainers, and juggle a variety of billing options and rates. To make matters even more complicated, compliance with strict ethical and legal requirements is a must. Thankfully[...]

Legal services are costly, and clients typically make a huge financial investment when they hire an attorney. As such, they have a right to expect a high level of service for their purchase. And because legal services are not usually enjoyable for the consumer -– like a spa package, an elegant dinner out, or a luxurious vacation — lawyers need to work even harder to demonstrate that they are [...]

UPDATE: The PACT Act strengthens support and services for America’s veterans and their survivors. Fully presented as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the bill expands health coverage, benefits, and services to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and contaminated water supplies. President Joe Biden signed the act into law[...]

A 2021 American Bar Association report found that only 27 percent of law firms and five percent of attorneys maintain a blog. Yet, 46 percent of all bloggers say that clients retained their services because of their blogs. If your law firm hasn’t yet started a blog, now is the time. You are likely missing out on a prime market with an ideal ROI.  The Value of Legal Blogging Blogging [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Lisa Lee Smith of Lisa Lee Smith Law Firm, LLCKelly L. Fritsch of Kelly L. Fritsch, P.C.Joan E. Smith of Hull Barrett, PCWiley Andrew Rari[...]

What Are NFTs? NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a form of cryptocurrency that has become increasingly popular in the past five years. NFTs are licensed to use specific digital assets, usually digital art but also things like music and video. NFTs are different from other forms of cryptocurrency because NFTs are for unique digital assets. Thanks to a newer technology called blockchain, [...]

The new data privacy laws concerning cookies can be confusing to companies reliant on websites. You may be left wondering, "What is the cookie law? Why do I have to accept cookies?" Law firms should understand if they must comply with the relevant cookie banner laws. We discuss the current and upcoming cookies-related regulations and explain how you can protect your company and website from n[...]

If you’re a practicing car accident attorney and want to start handling commercial truck accident cases, this article is for you. What Are Blind Spots? A blind spot is an area outside a vehicle where a driver cannot see. Blind spots are sometimes called no zones, probably for a good reason. Virtually all different types of vehicles have blind spots, but trucks have the largest blind spots[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Charles E. Ridenour of Charles RidenourPaul Bondor of Desmarais LLPThomas A. Shumaker of Employment Law VirginiaMichelle Greenway Sellers of[...]

Few professions provide opportunities to deliver positive change quite like law. Unfortunately, this field also poses its fair share of challenges — including alarming mental health concerns. According to data compiled by the American Bar Association (ABA), 28 percent of working lawyers have depression and 19 percent have severe anxiety. Mental health struggles begin early, long before a[...]

As the Russian war on Ukraine drags on, many Ukrainian refugees seek temporary protected status (TPS) in the United States. Here's a look at the past, present, and future of U.S. refugee and immigration law, focusing on the current conflict in Ukraine and war refugees. A Brief History of U.S. Immigration Laws and Refugee Policies The U.S. has regulated immigration since its infancy. Here's [...]

In a memorandum dated April 25, 2022, the American Bar Association (ABA) announced that they would no longer require an admissions test, although law schools are free to require their test of choice.  This subject has been rumbling since 2018 with the elimination of Standard 503 and its requirement of an admission test, i.e., the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This decision was me[...]

On Friday, June 24th, the US Supreme Court made a decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v. Casey, the landmark cases that provided, among many other things, the right to abortion and health privacy. Because we link those in need of legal help to the appropriate representation, we are expecting an influx of unique visitors to Avvo.com – specifically peop[...]

In 2022, your law firm’s digital marketing strategy is more vital to your bottom line than ever. Specific tools or marketing mediums will be imperative to keeping up with the competition. Without their use, you won’t have a competitive advantage, let alone a seat at the table. Here are three of the best marketing tools for your law firm that you should consider as soon as possible. 1. A We[...]

A message from Martindale-Avvo's SVP & Group General Manager, Suke Jawanda: June is a big month for celebrating civil rights! This weekend marks 157 years since the last group of enslaved African Americans were notified of their freedom in Texas. It is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in our country. And Pride Month has its roots in the June 1969 Stonewall Riot[...]

In the course of their work, many attorneys face difficult decisions under deadline pressure. This stress and the normal challenges of life can lead to problems even for experienced lawyers. When a client makes a complaint or a colleague raises concern about an attorney’s work, they might find themselves facing a disciplinary proceeding. When this happens, some lawyers choose not to retain coun[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: John D. Spina of Spina, McGuire & Okal P.C.Charles Beckley of Beckley & Madden, LLCJohn E. Van Ness of Lilly & Van Ness, LLP[...]

When family and matrimonial lawyers talk about Birdnesting or Nesting, they are not discussing anything related to our flying feathered friends. Rather, the concept of Birdnesting or Nesting in the context of a child custody matter is where the minor children stay in the family home while the parents take turns going in and out of the home on a scheduled rotation. This is not a new concept, but i[...]

Hosted by Katie Phang (a trial lawyer, Anchor, and Host for MSNBC and Peacock), a new 12-part podcast series called “Class Action” tracks a diverse cast of law students engaged in mock trial competitions across the country. The first two episodes drop on June 7th on iHeartRadio. We caught up with co-producers Lisa Gray and Kevin Huffman to get the details. So, why mock trial? It seems pret[...]

In 2021, over 47 million Americans said, "I quit." The numbers left many businesses reeling from a lack of staff. Companies have been forced to reduce their operating hours as they simply can't staff their businesses. Has the Great Resignation's impact on the legal field been significant? Learn how law firms have been affected and how you can reduce attrition rates. What Is the Great Resignati[...]

Inflation and legal practice costs are linked. However, whether they are directly linked is another question. This article explores the effects of inflation on legal practice costs today. How Is Inflation Affecting the Legal Field? Around the world, countries, and businesses are struggling with inflation that is rising at the fastest rate in four decades. In the U.S., inflation hit 8.5% in [...]

The popularity of podcasts has only continued to rise over the years, with about 73% of Americans tuning in to at least one show regularly. With over 2 million podcasts worldwide, these talk shows cover all types of topics, from relationships and lifestyle to the business and legal industries. Given how many legal podcasts are out there, looking for the best of the best can be a daunting task.[...]

While growing a legal practice and receiving more business are usually positive steps for solo practitioners and small law firms, they can lead to an overwhelming amount of work. At some point, you may need to acquire more help either by hiring a new associate or using the services of a freelance lawyer. Both options have pros and cons, making it challenging to decide which one you need. What [...]

The digital revolution increased employment flexibility, and even the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened how critical it is for businesses and individual creators to protect their intellectual property. Not so long ago, no one would have ever suspected an intellectual property component involved with getting a car to take you to the airport. Now rideshare giants such as Uber and Lyft dominate the f[...]

In marketing, there’s a statistic that has made the rounds, and it’s a doozy – people are only reading 10% of the copy on a webpage. And they’re not retaining so much, either. Is it possible they’re only reading 10% of the copy and retaining only 10% of that 10%? Here’s where content strategy can step in and help relieve the headache. Relying on the google analytics of your current[...]

After many months or even years of waiting, your client has finally received their green card. So, what are the next steps and how should you advise them? One of our attorneys, Oleg Gherasimov, has just the right steps to help new immigration attorneys guide their clients. Congratulations, your client is now a U.S. permanent resident! Besides being excited about their status as a permanen[...]

You don’t have to be in the legal industry very long to realize how competitive it is. Standing out in the very crowded marketplace of law firms today requires showcasing more than just your expertise and knowledge of the law or that you’ve been in practice for several years. You must discover and promote your unique value proposition to really stand out.  This unique "value prop" dra[...]

The popular late-night host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, has been in the spotlight recently after claims of a botched surgery led him to file a medical malpractice claim against healthcare professionals at New York’s Hospital for Specialized Surgery. While the comedian has kept the specifics of his November 2020 surgery and resulting injuries secret from the public, even taking time o[...]

Staying on top of the latest marketing strategies while juggling your firm’s current cases during a global pandemic was -- and remains -- a challenge. The marketing world changed quickly and businesses of every type scrambled to adapt to the virtual world. Attorneys have used every tool in their digital toolkit including social media, blogs, and email to find a way to stay in contact with n[...]

In the third part of The Godfather trilogy, Michael Corleone urges his son to finish law school, saying, “With a law degree, you’re taking on insurance. After that, you can do anything you want.” If that advice was ever a truism, it certainly isn’t today. Many lawyers are faced with a deadly combination of monstrously high debt and an inadequate salary with which to pay it off. In fact, f[...]

Legal ethics have always challenged lawyers to consider how their work impacts not only individual clients but also the communities that support their practices. Increasingly, however, legal ethics go beyond the local community and extend to the environment as a whole. Climate change, in particular, is a huge area of concern that promises to impact every practice area imaginable. It deser[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Heidi HarrisLisa Johnson of Lisa L. Johnson, Attorney at LawBradley Dede of Bradley Dede LLCSamuel Davis of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C[...]

As an attorney, you dedicate the majority of your time and attention to a targeted set of issues that plague your clients. Complex cases call for a high level of concentration, of course, but at times, it's important to take a step back and consider the many ways in which your law firm affects your community. For example, no matter your background or your current practice area, climate change[...]

A law school education teaches different aspects of the law and how to think like a lawyer. What it doesn’t teach is how to practice law or the business of being a lawyer. That’s why it’s critical for newly minted lawyers and those in their early years of practice to have mentors from whom they can learn the ins and outs of working as a lawyer. Mentors are valuable not only for subst[...]

Many prospective clients’ first impression of your firm comes from your website and the media you use on it. What do you think outdated, dull headshots tell visitors? They aren’t looking for someone who is simply a paragon of professionalism. They are looking for someone with the expertise, drive, and passion for tackling their legal issue. Carefully planning your headshots and firm photo[...]

More than half of U.S. law students are women, but you might not realize this if you look at who leads most law firms. In a 2021 survey covering nearly 300 firms across the country, women made up only 23 percent of equity partners. Though gender equity efforts throughout the industry have led to significant progress, stubborn barriers remain, especially in the most lucrative positions. Some of th[...]

You may be surprised to learn how people actually search for an attorney, evaluate their options, and finally make a selection. But, wouldn’t it be useful as a practicing attorney to understand this so that you can generate interest and new business? This infographic shows how consumers navigate the online world of selecting an attorney to help with their legal matters. Based on a survey of [...]

Demand for civil legal representation remains high, but many low-income and rural Americans are unable to find a local attorney who can help. This means that millions of people residing in “legal deserts” are unable to enforce their rights. Statistics show that the percentage of attorneys who are hired by individuals, as opposed to businesses, has dropped sharply. However, technology and indu[...]

Many people are familiar with Kim Kardashian. With the hit reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and brands like Skims and KKW Beauty being synonymous with her family’s legacy and empire, her name has become a hard one to ignore. And while her relevance in popular culture may be extreme, it can’t be overlooked that Kim’s ambitious nature has led her to activism and a career in law. [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Deborah L. Brouwer of Nemeth Law, P.C.Michael Scott Davis of Davis Hartman Wright PLLCFrances DeThomas of Tyre & DeThomas, P.C.Josh Wallenst[...]

Until recently, law firms were forced to manage every case by hand. Tracking every detail and deadline had to be done manually because there simply wasn’t another option. Today, though, there’s another option: legal management software. If your firm is still trying to manage every case by hand, you now have the golden opportunity to significantly increase your efficiency by implementing ca[...]

In 2022, most lawyers understand how important it is for their law firm to have a strong presence online. There are many ways law firms and attorneys can go about building their digital persona and win in the search engine rankings. One of the best places to start is with a blog. Though often time-consuming, blogging can be an excellent way for your law firm to remain relevant, build authority[...]

One of the best ways to continue bringing in new clients is by connecting with your ideal client. In law firm marketing, every opportunity you have to communicate with potential customers is a chance for them to learn more about you, your law firm, and what you stand for. This online personality you set up for yourself is commonly referred to as the brand persona. You might be surprised to lea[...]

If you've ever endeavored to learn a thing or two about the practice of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in an effort to help increase your law firm's online visibility, you may have come across several intimidating industry terms. Words like crawlers, robots.txt, no-follow, SERP, alt text, J-SON, pagination and the ever-dreaded canonicalization can be as complicated to oversee in practice as the[...]

It’s been a long hard road; so much has changed since March 2020 when Covid upended our world. Life changed. Our profession changed. We all wonder if things will ever be the same again. While most of us have adapted to a new normal — working remotely (at least some of the time), virtual hearings, still wearing masks — it has not been easy and, in fact, is not getting any easier. As a res[...]

We sat down with Denny Newberry, Vice President of Business Development for Captorra, to discuss how case management software for law firms can help your firm uncover inefficiencies you may not know you have, streamline your processes, and provide better client service. Why does a law firm need case management software? The two biggest reasons are efficiency and accountability. If you're a [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Carole Cross of Law Office of Carole Cross Robert Rafferty of Rafferty & Redlisky, LLP Joseph Kubit Michael E[...]

If you run a legal practice, you’ve probably considered how to make your office accessible to disabled people. But have you thought about making your website more accessible? A recent trend in lawsuits has demonstrated that people are concerned about virtual accessibility just as much as physical accessibility. The question of accessibility isn’t just a polite consideration. Businesses[...]

A great website is vital for your law firm. With the majority of people starting their search for a lawyer online, your site acts as your first impression. It tells potential clients who you are, what services you offer, and how you can help.  Even with a well-designed website, potential clients may still have questions. Whether they’ve recently received divorce papers or were injur[...]

Strong SEO is not just a strategy that is structured around increasing your website's rankings but rather a comprehensive strategy that gets your business placed on sites that a potential client may look for an attorney. The more comprehensive your strategy is the more likely you can attract a potential client from the search results even if it doesn't come from a direct click from your website. T[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Congratulations to: Lynn Gorelick of Gorelick Law OfficesKate Sharkey of McDonough of McDonough Law, LLCGrant Rogers of Hoover Rogers Law, LLP[...]

Some degree of risk has always been inherent in the legal profession. These days, however, your law firm must tread carefully, and not just for fear of courtroom missteps. After all, law firm online security concerns threaten to derail the most trusted practices—even those that have implemented strict security measures. Unfortunately, attacks are increasingly common among law firms of a[...]

Digital marketing is an umbrella term used to describe an evolving process where law firms use digital marketing strategies to attract clients, build their brand, and market their law firms. Trying to perform well in all digital marketing areas can be overwhelming and impractical. Numerous options are available, including online legal profiles, digital legal advertising, professional listi[...]

According to eMarker, online advertising spending surpassed traditional advertising spending in 2019 and is on track to expand even further in the coming years. By 2023, it's estimated as much as two-thirds of all advertising dollars will be spent in digital venues. Digital advertising offers the following advantages over its traditional counterpart: Digital advertising is essential for 21st-c[...]

The legal industry is more competitive now than ever. To have a constant pool of clients, your law firm needs to have a solid marketing plan. Pay per lead (PPL) and pay per click (PPC) are two marketing tactics you can adopt to generate leads for your law firm.  Both options, when done right, are effective ways to increase your law firm’s online visibility, drive traffic to your web[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Christopher Baratta of Baratta Baratta, P.C.Kerri Donica of Law Offices of Kerri Anderson DonicaRobert Eric Hoffman of Law Office of R. Eri[...]

To attract and retain long-term clients, you need to understand how people think, act, and feel when looking for and working with an attorney. One key source for this information is your online client reviews. As tempting as it can be to ignore your client reviews, do not get complacent about them. Whether they are on Google, Avvo, lawyers.com, or another platform, your reviews will hel[...]

A website is essential for modern law practitioners. Building a law firm site creates your online presence. It lets you put information about your practice online, gives you a place to send potential leads, and enables you to access search engine traffic. However, only 59% of solo practitioners and 60% of small practices have a website. Without a website, you are cut off from these benefits. [...]

When utilized correctly, social media platforms can be an excellent way for solo lawyers and law firms to gain exposure and engage with their target audience. Unfortunately, social media marketing efforts will go to waste if you don’t have anyone following or connecting with your profiles and posts. Building a sizable following online isn’t going to be easy, but if your efforts pay off, it co[...]

You know that you need to invest a good chunk of change in your marketing budget, but you may not know where to place that investment. Spending in the right areas of the infamous marketing funnel can profoundly impact your potential clients and their decision to choose your law firm to represent them. The marketing funnel can be just as relevant to small law firms and solo attorneys as it is to n[...]

As most family lawyers will attest, the pandemic continued, and in fact, somewhat increased, the need for family law services. After all, there is nothing like being quarantined with a spouse to test the limits of a marital relationship, and for some couples, they came to the unfortunate realization that their marriage could not survive.  In addition to the spike in divorces, the pandemic result[...]

This is the third post of a three-article series related to working in the legal field of mass torts. In our first article, we addressed how to build a mass tort practice. In our second article, we addressed the pitfalls of working in mass torts. Be sure to check out all the articles for helpful guidance on mass torts, legal intake and marketing in this important field. So, you’ve decide[...]

This is the second of a three-article series related to working in the legal field of mass torts. In our first article, we addressed how to build a mass tort practice, and in our final article we provide best practices for attorneys interested in mass tort marketing. Mass torts constitute a growing area of practice for many attorneys. The opportunity to help injured people discover the source [...]

Google Screened Now Easier for Attorneys: Background Checks No Longer Required Google’s recent changes to the background check requirements for its Local Services Ads (LSAs) make it easier for law firms and attorneys to achieve the Google Screened badge. Google made clear that because attorneys and firms already go through extensive screening in order to practice law, they will no longer [...]

This is the first article of a three-article series related to working in the legal field of mass torts. In our second article, we address the pitfalls of working in mass torts and in our final article we provide best practices for attorneys interested in mass tort marketing. Mass torts claims can prove to be very financially rewarding for your practice. Before diving in, however, it’s i[...]

As a solo lawyer, you’re used to handling everything on your own. After all, who else is going to run your law practice if you’re not at the helm? Many solo attorneys find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unable to continue meeting their own business standards. This leads to the inevitable conclusion that you simply can’t grow if you don’t outsource. Thankfully, delegating to your first[...]

Lawyers often don’t think in terms of leads—warm or cold. But if you have calls coming in and then wonder why your client roster isn’t growing, you may be giving up too easily on your leads. That tendency to give up on following up has led legal intake expert Denny Newberry, Vice President of Business Development at Captorra and Intake Conversion Experts, to reject what many lawyers woul[...]

It’s easy to find someone to answer your phone. What’s less easy is cloning yourself or your most informed, well-trained staff members to keep up with the calls, emails and web forms that need a reply. That’s where legal answering services come in. Whether you simply need someone to pick up the phone after hours or want help qualifying prospective clients (Does their matter fall into you[...]

When someone faces a legal challenge, whether it be a divorce, landlord-tenant dispute, business formation, or a criminal charge, what they need most is a good attorney. Unfortunately, Hispanic lawyer marketing has not kept pace with the numerous legal marketing campaigns targeted at other population segments. As a result, Spanish-speaking people often find it difficult to locate a lawyer who[...]

Everyone gets them: poorly worded emails that purport to be from trusted brand names like PayPal or the Home Depot and then implore you to fix an account problem, claim a prize, or answer a survey. You may spot them right away...or maybe you’ve been fooled into giving up sensitive account information or downloading a virus via an attachment. It’s happened to the best of us. Like medical of[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Thomas Gallivan of Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC Karen Jackson of Karen Jackson Francine Love of Love Law Firm, PLLC Robert Cosgrove o[...]

For most people, the law is a mystery. It provides the framework for society to function peacefully but doesn’t really cross their minds until they have a legal matter. When a person has an accident, runs afoul of the law or proactively needs help forming a business or creating a will, however, the law suddenly becomes quite real. At this juncture, consumers have numerous questions. They ar[...]

As an attorney, you’re always looking for ways to better serve your clients. When you notice that there is a lack of representation in a certain practice area, are changing the direction of your law firm, or simply branching out into a new practice area, it’s important that you take the time to consider how you’ll brand this new career move.  Lawyers rely heavily on marketing s[...]

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ have been in existence for over 140 years. They provide a way for attorneys to be rated by their peers on their legal and ethical ability. Our peer review ratings are the gold standard in attorney ratings. Attorneys looking to refer a client, as well as individuals researching lawyers for their own legal needs, use these ratings to identify, evaluate and[...]

Because family law cases usually have a limited duration, there is a need to have a constant flow of new business to maintain a successful family law practice. After all, there is little repeat business in this practice area. Since family law clients are usually individuals, most of whom have never dealt with a lawyer before, it is difficult to target a specific group for marketing purposes. Whil[...]

Branding is a key pillar of every marketing program. Attorneys may hold the perception that as long as they are good and win cases, the clients will come. Indeed, this used to be the case.  Today, however, a brand is critical to establishing your reputation and online presence. Consumers base what they think and believe about a firm on what they see. Identifying Your Brand A “[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Nelson E. Baez of Smith, Ball & Baez Injury LawyersPatricia D. Cleary of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.Gerald Wilkerson of Law Office of Gerald[...]

While being a jack-of-all-trades lawyer might sound appealing at first, it comes with many drawbacks. There is a common saying, “The riches are in the niches,” but for the small law firm or solo lawyer who wants to help their local community, the ability to serve also lies in specialization. Once you are ready to hone in and focus on a niche practice area, you can narrow your choice down t[...]

Finding clients for your bankruptcy firm means generating leads in the right places and developing your brand and your vision in the right way. Then once you have the leads, you need to convert them into clients who will stay with you and refer other clients to you.  Finding the Niche Within the Niche Many practitioners go into bankruptcy law thinking they will be able to take care[...]

Law firms have had to reassess their marketing plans as the pandemic has continued. COVID-19 threw all of us into a world unknown. The “New Normal” hasn't become normal, yet all of us, businesses included, must adapt to this strange lifestyle. ‌ More than that, our concerns have shifted. Good marketing thinks of the customer and what they want. Law firms have had to start branch[...]

Email marketing is one of the most effective digital marketing strategies available. It’s inexpensive and when done correctly, it’s more personal and noninvasive than any other marketing tactic.  Newsletters are one of the best email marketing strategies. They allow you to update your past, present, and potential clients about what’s happening within your firm. The problem, however,[...]

Twitter has more than 353 million active monthly users worldwide, making it one of the world's most popular social media sites. Combined with the platform’s text-based nature, its user base also makes Twitter one of the most useful types of social media for attorneys. Twitter can be an incredible tool to help attorneys reach new potential clients with less effort. However, you need to use th[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Sean Colston of Sean Colston Lawsikia Hodges of Lawsikia Hodges Geraldine Hartin of Geraldine Hartin Joshua Higgins of Joshua Higgins Rodney Ge[...]

Are you a budding attorney interested in building a successful legal career? Are you an established lawyer trying to determine how to share your hard-earned knowledge with your colleagues? If so, an attorney mentorship could be a good option for you. The legal industry is competitive. And the vast majority of lawyers get their business from referrals. That means you are not likely to find succ[...]

During the initial client meeting, the lawyer gathers pertinent information for the case.  How this is done will vary.  Some lawyers provide the client a questionnaire to complete in advance.  Others will have administrative personnel meet with the client to acquire the information.  While these methods are efficient and do not infringe on the lawyer’s time, there is good re[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Dana Carron of Law Offices Of Dana B. Carron, P.C.Michael Montesi of Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PlcMichael Whitt of Hahn Loeser &am[...]

According to the American Bar Association's annual Profile of the Legal Profession, the legal field has experienced consistent and sustained growth through the years, with over 1.3 million active lawyers in the United States as of 2020. ‌ With more attorneys than ever competing for business, it’s essential that you set yourself apart from the competition. In today's competitive legal [...]

Whether it’s the cases involving JUUL E-Cigarettes, Monsanto’s Roundup or Zantac, you’ve likely heard about Mass Torts and their large payouts to the many victims who were injured by their products, as well as the considerable fees the law firms that handle them receive. The question is: Is it something your law firm should take on? More importantly, how can you position your firm to be suc[...]

Relationships are essential to small law firms and lawyers. Investing in client testimonials is an excellent way to promote yourself and build upon old relationships by creating new ones. An easy way for small law firms to stand out in a crowded marketplace is through client testimonials. Not only do testimonials build credibility and trust, but they also offer “social proof” of your servi[...]

Leads are the lifeblood of your law firm, so legal marketing is an essential investment. If, however, you've dedicated significant effort to digital marketing and have yet to see a desirable return on investment, it's possible that your approach isn't targeted enough.  What if, instead of throwing time and money at a variety of platforms and solutions you don't understand, you paid direct[...]

As we look ahead to a summer with a well-vaccinated population, it almost feels like things could be returning to normal. But even though the second half of 2021 will, hopefully, put more of the pandemic behind us, many of the structural and behavioral changes that resulted from it are likely to stick—including consumer expectations for flexibility. For your law practice, that means prospective[...]

Every legal niche calls for its own unique marketing approach. Nowhere is this more evident than in disability attorney marketing.  Strategies that pay dividends for criminal defense or personal injury attorneys often fall short in disability law, which calls for targeted, empathetic service, as well as a streamlined system for handling a high volume of cases.  If you're strugglin[...]

No matter who your clients are, they’re probably on Google. It handles more than 87% of all search engine traffic in the United States, and 28% of this traffic comes from Google Ads alone. Google Ads is a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform. You tell Google how much you’ll pay for your ad to run when someone searches for a particular keyword and then Google chooses which ads run based[...]

It is no secret that launching a new law practice takes time, money, and effort. However, after the sign is hung on the door, small law firm lawyers understand the value of investing in digital marketing but are not entirely sure where to begin. They are not alone. As the digital world of dizzying content and mediums grace our televisions, smartphones, and other devices, capturing the attentio[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Bartz of Aaron A. BartzAbby P. Rosmarin of Berkman Bottger Newman &Schein LLPAdam Trippiedi of Law Office of Michael F. Bohn, Esq.Alan[...]

One thing we have all learned during this past year is that nothing is for certain, and work as we know it has probably changed forever. Let’s face it, few of us had even heard of Zoom, and now it and other platforms like it, have become the norm for meetings, court hearings and even networking events.  While marketing through the use of the internet and social media was developing in popu[...]

Building a new website for your business is a great step towards acquiring new clients, but it's not enough to stop there if you want potential clients AND to have Google find you on the internet.  Yes Google!  If Google can’t find your website, how will consumers be able to find it? It takes time for Google to find and rank a brand-new website in its search results, so if you r[...]

It's impossible to deny the impact of the pandemic on the legal industry. While lawyers have long persevered through difficult circumstances, COVID-19 delivers a whole new bundle of concerns. The initial lockdown put in-person consultations on hold while bringing additional confusion to already complex legal processes. After the economy opened up, clients were less willing to take on legal pur[...]

LSAs (Local Service Ads) is a Google pay-per-lead (PPL) product that has been quickly increasing its ads on the SERP across different businesses and services areas over the past year.  If you have been thinking about adding this as part of your marketing program for your law firm, there are certain things to consider. Is My Firm a Good Fit for LSAs? If you have an understanding of the [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam Muslusky of Muslusky LawAdam Pines of Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro LLPAdam Stolte of Stolte Law, LLCAlison de Villiers of B[...]

Every day, countless people search for criminal defense lawyers. While that sounds great on paper, competition for clients can be vicious. If your legal practice doesn’t appear near the top of the first page of search results online, you’re not very likely to be noticed. So, how do you ensure that you’re reaching potential new clients? You need a solid marketing strategy to acquire clien[...]

Google has made it clear that they will give preference in their search results to businesses that demonstrate prominence. They define this as "how well known a business is" and indicate that this is measured based on information Google has about a business from across the web.  Their goal is to provide the best results to searchers.  With proper planning and regular action, you c[...]

Congratulations, you’re a brand new lawyer about to open the doors to your very own practice. You’ve been through the training and received all of your qualifications. Your business is all set up and ready to go. Now comes an equally important part of the process: generating interest that will earn you work. Clients are essential. After all, you can’t build or run a company without them.[...]

As a divorce attorney, you know your clients are different. They’re not typically in the same urgent situation as someone who needs a criminal defense or personal injury lawyer. They’re not fighting against a large, faceless insurance company. Instead, your clients are generally in more delicate, highly emotional situations. As such, marketing to these individuals requires a different touch.&[...]

When a legal issue arises, no one wants to wait for answers. A prospective client reaches out to a lawyer seeking an immediate response. While a quick answer may not resolve the problem, it does provide a sense of comfort and relief and gives the client faith that the lawyer is going to give the needed assistance. That is why it is imperative for us, as lawyers, no matter how busy we may be, to r[...]

With the growth we’ve seen this year in Google’s newer advertising program, Local Service Ads, it is likely that at least one online marketing company has approached your firm about running local service ads.  For lawyers willing to pay for top placements on Google to get in front of potential clients, this program is definitely something to consider. What are LSAs? LSA stands for [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alan R. Kabat of Bernabei &Kabat, PLLCAmir Hassan Sadaghiani of Ostrer & Associates, P.C.Brian Mincher of Burress Law, PLLCCharles Hicks[...]

In today’s digital world, more and more businesses, including law firms, are building websites to attract potential clients. But with about two billion websites online, simply getting on the web won’t cut it. As more law firms establish their digital presence, you need to do more to stand out from the competition. Search engine optimization, better known as SEO, is one way to do just that.[...]

As a lawyer, you depend on attracting leads and transforming them into clients. After all, no clients means no work. To attract new clients, you need to establish reliable lead generation processes. Lead generation for law firms encourages potential clients to engage with you through your website, online directory listing, social media, or other places where you have visibility. . You can then[...]

When you run a business, marketing is critical for gaining new clients. But the marketing game has changed drastically over the years. Outbound tactics like commercials, print and radio ads, and billboards are becoming less effective. As people turn to the internet to find what they need, inbound strategies are growing in popularity. Marketing is just as important for law firms as it is for an[...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an immense financial burden on law firm owners all over the United States. For many, foot traffic and referrals from personal networking have dried up completely. Touchpoints with customers and clients are harder and harder to come by.  Small firms live and die by their connections with their communities. Before the pandemic, in-person consultations that i[...]

As a DUI attorney, you have a challenging job. Defending DUI clients takes effort and skill, and finding new clients is even trickier. Marketing your services to the people who need them while maintaining your professionalism involves walking a fine line. Even when you get a lead, you don’t always get a client. Why? Because they found a different lawyer elsewhere, they were price shopping,[...]

Following a turbulent year, search engine marketing looks little like it did just a few months ago. Perhaps most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed every aspect of user behavior. Additionally, top search engines released new tools emphasizing search intent, automation, and machine learning.  These and other shifts suggest that the already rapid pace of SEM development will continu[...]

When people search for attorneys, they pay attention to what other clients have to say about their experiences. According to our research, 80% of legal consumers find reviews important or very important when choosing an attorney.  Reminding people to leave reviews of your practice is an important part of your marketing strategy, but so is how to respond to reviews. Consider these statistics: [...]

Having a social media presence is more important than ever, especially for those of us working from home who want to maintain a sense of interaction with the outside world.  Social media allows us to have a broad reach across our connections, both business and personal, making it possible to use it for entertainment and business. With some compromise, and by following the tips below, social [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alan Anchell of Law Offices of Alan Anchell, P.A.Anabella Rojas of Vecchio, Carrier, Feldman & Johannessen, P.A.Angelo P. Politakis of Polit[...]

Solo law firm marketing can be challenging. As an attorney working on your own, you’re asked to wear a number of hats when it comes to managing and growing your practice.  Of course, there are plenty of benefits to being a solo practitioner. Having a flexible lifestyle, being your own boss, and creating a lasting legacy are just a few. But one of the negatives of running your own firm i[...]

Every legal practice area holds its fair share of marketing challenges, but criminal defense attorneys find it uniquely difficult to attract and retain clients. From building brand awareness to producing conversions, every element of criminal defense attorney marketing sees complications above and beyond those associated with other niches. Despite all this, it’s possible to connect with pros[...]

As one of the most eventful years in human history is now behind us, it’s never been a better time to take stock of what’s working for your law firm in the marketing department. Seeing as the economic impact of 2020 is likely to stay for some time, it’s crucial to evaluate your current marketing strategies to see if there are a few areas where you could switch things up a bit.  Revi[...]

These days, it is nearly impossible to avoid social media. According to a 2019 study by Pew Research, 69% of U.S. adults use Facebook and 74% of those users visit the site at least once per day. A robust social media presence provides businesses the opportunity to reach potential customers while they scroll at their own leisure. Customers are able to learn about services offered by your business [...]

Marketing a small business can be a full-time job on its own. This is especially true for law firms. From deciding on marketing strategies to creating content to monitoring customer responses, marketing effectively can feel overwhelming.  Luckily, there are plenty of both paid and free marketing tools designed to make this task a little easier. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every[...]

Few people — and even fewer businesses — haven’t been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some states have included law firm employees on their lists of essential workers, many firms have had to adjust to a different set of working conditions. Finding new ways to market your firm during COVID-19 is not only a good idea, it’s vital if you want to emerge from this situation intact a[...]

There are a variety of law firm marketing methods available to acquire new clients. One of the most popular strategies is using PPC (pay-per-click) ads.  This form of advertising can be an effective temporary or supplemental source of leads for law firms. But, with the wrong approach, it can drain your marketing budget quickly. This is why many law firms investigate using PPC management s[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alexander Marriott Fear of Alexander M. Fear, PC Alexandra Jones of Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, P.A. Allen West o[...]

Simple Habits for Increasing Publication and Speaking Opportunities  Professional development is important, but you don’t need to devote several hours every week to it. In fact, many tasks can be completed in one or two, 20-minute power sessions. By scheduling out the tasks you use to connect with colleagues a little each day, you can steadily propel your career forward.  Connec[...]

Working from home does not mean that you need to refrain from networking. In fact, these days when we are not seeing colleagues, adversaries, and clients as regularly, it can feel as if the old adage, “out of sight, out of mind” actually applies. And while we may no longer be able to schedule lunch dates or attend cocktail parties or sporting events to market and develop business, there are s[...]

A sophisticated marketing plan has many tactics. Attracting and retaining the attention of legal consumers is time consuming to manage.  Marketing automation is one of the best ways lawyers can ensure consistent communication with prospective clients while continuing to provide top-quality service to existing clients. Here’s what you need to know about marketing automation for law firms[...]

There was a time when effective legal advertising consisted of having the largest possible ad in the phone book and some strategically placed local billboards. But technology has shifted the way consumers research, find, and connect with legal services. That means law firms need to shift their approach, too.  When deciding to hire an attorney, which factors matter most to legal consumers [...]

From attorney profiles to law firm websites, and even social media, it's easy to feel stretched thin by the digital marketing demands of today's legal industry. In an effort to streamline marketing campaigns, some attorneys prefer to focus primarily on specific aspects of their online presence—often to the detriment of others.  Some attorneys may opt to use their legal profile as a subs[...]

If you’ve implemented a successful review strategy, you’ll notice more clients willing to leave you feedback — good and bad. The number one rule of getting reviews is that you respond. Let the reviewer know you monitor your reviews and appreciate their input. Check out our/the do’s and don'ts of engaging with reviewers. .mobile-how {display: none;}.tablet-how {display: none;} @media sc[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Belzer of Burnham Law Adam Bantner of Adam L. Bantner P.A. Anna R. Yum of Law Offices of Anna R. Yum Benjamin A. Nicolosi of Marsha[...]

Small law firm marketing made easy As a small firm owner, an entire marketing department is likely not a viable option for you. Luckily, with a wide variety of free and paid marketing apps available, you can monitor and adjust your law firm’s marketing strategies and campaigns easily from your phone.   Check out some of our recommended apps that will save you time and minimize s[...]

Search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing go hand-in-hand. Blog posts and other custom content can generate up to three times as many leads as other forms of marketing, and content costs 62 percent less. For content to drive traffic, though, it has to rank highly in search results and target your audience. Search engine algorithms prioritize content that is authoritative, helpful,[...]

The language of digital marketing can be confusing. Email marketing, in particular, comes with a variety of complicated terms and metrics.  A thorough understanding of common email marketing terms is key to the success of any online marketing campaign. To that end, we’ve highlighted several important email marketing terms to know: Above the Fold Above the fold is a term that origi[...]

The cliché about spending money to make money rings true in legal marketing, where digital outreach plays a crucial role in acquiring and converting leads. Paid digital advertising benefits law firms of all shapes and sizes, but it's particularly helpful for solo or small boutique firms with limited budgets. Smaller firms lack the resources to fund traditional advertising tactics and should rely[...]

You know how critical reviews are to your firm. They signal to prospects what it’s like to work with you. And they allow you to strengthen your relationships with past clients, which could turn into repeat business or referrals. Martindale-Avvo recently published the Client Reviews Guide for Lawyers, where we outlined how to make your review strategy a success. One way to stand out is to drum up[...]

The majority of legal consumers start their search for an attorney online. According to a recent study, 37 percent of legal consumers responded that search engines were their first step, followed by online review/directory sites. While referrals are important, the future of law firms everywhere is digital.  Your website is the first impression your firm makes on potential clients. If they[...]

Back in March and April, when much of the country was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a common prediction held that many attorneys would be busier than ever once the shutdown ended. Indeed, with courts across the country closed, clients found their legal matters put on hold. Whether your practice is busier than ever before or is trending with the nation’s economic slowdown, now may b[...]

As an attorney, your most fundamental tool — the one you use to advocate, persuade, and inform — is language. In a system where most civil cases settle before trial, your ability to write effectively is one of your most important legal tools. The results you get for your clients can often depend on the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.  How to Write More Effectively  [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alexander Lycoyannis of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. Andrea Morisi of Farrell & Croft, PC Barbara Buxton of Barbara Buxton, P.A. Barba[...]

You’ve reached out to clients asking them to post reviews of your firm online. You’ve taken feedback from clients who commented on areas where you could improve and used it to make your practice even better. You’re doing the work, and you have the reviews, so now what? During our August 5 webinar, led by product manager at Martindale Hubbell, Brian Veeder, we discussed how to use these revi[...]

After sheltering at home now for most of the year, some of us are ready to return to our offices as workplaces begin to reopen. While we once wondered how we would ever get accustomed to working at home, now the question is how to re-adapt to working away from home. The COVID-19 virus is not eradicated and safety protocols are still essential, so our workplaces will likely look different from wha[...]

Virtually every business that exists today has some form of online presence, and that likely includes reviews. Restaurants, clothing stores, even law firms like yours depend on reviews. So what happens if you get a negative one? Or multiple negative ones? In our September 26 webinar, we talked with a panel of experts about how these negative reviews can help your business. Here are some of the ke[...]

How was your last video call meeting? Many of my clients have been asking me to help them improve their effectiveness on video-calls.  They describe situations where it’s hard to manage the conversation flow, build rapport, and focus on content. They thought it was a speaking issue. It’s actually a listening problem; people aren’t really listening on these calls. While there are many t[...]

Effective legal marketing in today’s digital world goes far beyond having accurate contact information on your website, an engaging blog, or a Facebook profile. Law firms have shifted their focus from merely being present on social media to actively generating business from it.  According to the latest ABA Legal Technology Survey Report, 80% of lawyers report that their firm maintains a[...]

At some point this spring or summer when half the world was in quarantine, your law practice changed. More of your staff may have started working remotely or were furloughed while you met with clients via phone calls and video conferences. For law practices, many of these changes will likely be temporary. There will likely be post-pandemic, clients who want to meet their attorneys in person. C[...]

Marketing your small law firm seems like it should be easier than ever, but understanding your SEO settings and how to optimize them can be daunting. To get your law firm on Google’s front page, you will want to have a general understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the tools available to you.   1. Focus on Search Engine Optimization  Search engine optimizatio[...]

We spoke with a panel of attorneys and legal marketing experts during our October webinar and discussed 40 tips and tricks on how to grow your bankruptcy law practice. The panel consisted of  Ann Shaw, founder of The Law Firm of Shaw & Crowson, PA; Adam Casinelli, Legal Marketing Specialist at Martindale-Hubbell; Chelsey Langan, Vice President of Sales and Operations at Martindale-Nolo; [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Hicks of Hicks Law Firm Adam I. Gafni of Gafni & Levin LLP Adam Lindenbaum of Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. Alexander Zesch of Tr[...]

Email marketing is an important part of building relationships with clients. It’s the most popular marketing channel across all firm sizes, according to the American Bar Association. Approximately 40% of all attorneys engaged in marketing are using email. Because email has a median ROI of 122%, it makes for a stronger investment than social media and paid search. That said, it’s not enough[...]

There’s still time to review your law firm’s achievements, figure out what is working, and eliminate or pare down what is not. While BigLaw firms have massive marketing departments who take care of all these tasks, owners of solo and small law firms are often responsible for them. As you gear up for the end of the year, make sure you can check off each of these items on your list to ensure yo[...]

For attorneys, engaging in effective listening can help them gather crucial information and data about their clients or cases. And for clients or prospective clients, feeling heard and understood creates a positive relationship between them and their attorney. We spoke with Sandra Bodin-Lerner, VP International Listening Association and a communication professor and public speaking and listen[...]

How do legal consumers find you, the attorney they want to hire? What tools do they use to research lawyers? How quickly do they make their hiring decisions? Our report, "Understanding the Legal Consumer,” delves into the state of legal hiring by consumers in 2020. The research, comprising responses from more than 3000 consumers, reveals the nearly 20 hiring decision criteria consumers have [...]

Working from home was once considered a luxury.  It was something that most lawyers did not do with any regularity. With the advent of COVID 19 and stay-at-home orders, virtual trials and zoom meetings, it is now a privilege for most of us to go to the office, or even the courthouse, for that matter. Working from home is the new norm for skilled workers and business professionals. There a[...]

As a law firm in an ever-changing tech landscape, it can be challenging to figure out how to merge the legal world with the technology sector. In our June 24 panel, we discussed law and tech intersection and how your law firm can implement certain changes to keep up. Our panel of guests included Dan Lear, owner of Right Brain Law, Liam Moriarty, co-founder and CEO of Lawgood, Erin Levine, founder[...]

On May 5, 2020 - a day after Google rolled out the May 2020 Core Algorithm Update, Google  introduced a new initiative aimed at providing guidance to help website owners deliver a great user experience, called Web Vitals. While Web Vitals is made up of many site-quality signals, Google specified that 3 metrics will apply to all web pages and should be focused on by all website owners: Core W[...]

Part of achieving law firm success is growing your business. To do this, you need to be selling your services online. Digital marketing terms, similar to legal terminology, can be intimidating for the uninitiated. That’s why we’ve created a list of some of the most commonly used digital marketing terms and their definitions that you can use as a quick reference tool.  301 Redirect: Th[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam JTW White of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Alan Clemmons of Clemmons Law Firm, LLC Ann H. Larkin of Midgett Preti Olansen PC April [...]

When it comes to attracting more (local) visitors to become clients, nothing is more valuable than a properly completed Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. Someone searching for a “divorce lawyer in Westport, CT”, or “bankruptcy attorney in Douglasville, GA”, will likely see the top 3 listings under the map in Google and choose one of these firms to contact. If your listing is among[...]

What makes a client choose your law firm over any of the other firms out there? How can you tailor your marketing efforts in order to meet the needs of clients? In our on August 21 webinar, we discussed the results of the 2019 Hiring an Attorney Report with Erin Gerstenzang from EHG Law Firm and Patrick Palace from Palace Law. Here are some key takeaways: Diversify Your Advertising Reviews,[...]

Consumer expectations increase every year as more and more options become available. This is no different for the legal industry and is often compounded by very urgent needs, serious issues and fears. Prospective clients make up their minds quickly - most in less than 3 days - taking steps to put their legal issues behind them. How do you continue to grow your practice when buyers move at a break[...]

BigLaw environments are an excellent place to build up a large body of experience in a short time, learn the ins and outs of the legal industry, and develop your network. But if you want to leave your mark on the legal industry, striking out on your own as a solo attorney could be the way to go. Those interested in going solo often wonder if they truly have what it takes to stand out in a sea [...]

Your profile photo is one of the most impactful elements of your bio. After prospective clients narrow down their search by legal issue and other relevant aspects of their case, they want to feel a connection. A well-chosen photo can evoke a quick and powerful emotional response in a way that written words can’t. .mobile-how {display: none;}.tablet-how {display: none;} @media screen and (max[...]

Social media plays a critical role in modern law firm marketing, as evidenced by data from the 2019 American Bar Association Legal Technology Survey Report. According to this influential study, 80 percent of law firms currently maintain a presence on platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Today's attorneys regard these sites as crucial for attracting and retaining business. While most law fi[...]

Finding the right search engine optimization (SEO) service provider for your law firm is no simple task. Pick the right one and you’ll see more traffic and visibility, but pick the wrong one and your business can suffer major consequences. The Benefits of Hiring an SEO Company for Your Law Firm  Some law firms try to handle SEO in-house or look for cheap providers. These aren’t usu[...]

When it comes to getting more leads online, few things are more important than increasing the exposure to your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. Here are 7 steps that will help you lift your GBP listing to the top of the pack and drive more leads to your firm. 1. Completely Fill Out Your Google Business Profile The first step in getting more clicks to your website is to completely f[...]

As a law firm, being able to adapt to change is crucial. Never has this statement been more true than during these uncertain times. Our June 2nd panel, presented by Atlanta-based trial attorney Erin Gerstenzang, discussed some tips and tricks on how to prepare your firm and help it to survive through future disruptions. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what the future holds, Gerstenzang[...]

Legal consumers seeking to hire an attorney want a speedy response to their inquiry.  In fact, a majority indicate that slow response time is their number one red flag when considering who to hire.  To speed up their return communication to prospects, savvy attorneys have turned to online scheduling tools. Giving prospective clients the option to schedule an appointment with you on t[...]

As a law firm, having a steady flow of new clients allows you to continue doing the work you spent years preparing for. However, the process of turning a potential client into a new client can often prove difficult, and timing is always of the essence. In our October webinar, we discussed the top five lead follow-up mistakes and provided advice on how to avoid them. 1. Not Following up on a Le[...]

Speed plays a critical role when it comes to your law firm’s website. Why?  Loading speed affects the user experience. People searching for an attorney will get frustrated if they have to wait for your content to load. Website speed plays a role in Google’s search algorithm, so you can expect a faster-loading site to rank higher in SERPs and get more visitors.  Although t[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Seable of Hamilton, Michaelson & Hilty, LLP Alan Daneshrad of Daneshrad Law, PC Alejandro G. Casas of Casas Law, P.A. Amity “[...]

The word “data” conjures science labs and complex algorithms—hard math that not all lawyers feel comfortable discussing, let alone using. Yet the data that matters to a law practice is usually pretty straightforward—the number of criminal cases a firm took to trial in a particular county or how long it took a family law practice to complete divorces below a certain asset threshold.  [...]

The process of turning a lead into a client can be difficult. In our March 25th webinar, we spoke with founder and owner of Disparti Law Group, Larry Disparti, the vice president of business development at Captorra, Denny Newberry, and the president of Ngage Live Chat, Mark Shepard about the top ten secrets that increase your chances of turning a lead into a client.  Secret #1: Ask for Review[...]

Try these advanced strategies for attorney lead generation and management  In today’s digital world, online networking tools are becoming increasingly vital to all professionals - including lawyers. Attorneys can particularly benefit from using online networks to build client bases, generate leads, and develop a contact database.  LinkedIn is one of the largest professional soci[...]

To establish an effective marketing plan, your firm needs to have a professional profile set up in a legal directory. Many law firms make the mistake of overlooking or undervaluing attorney profiles on legal directories as a tool to reach potential clients. Other firms aren’t selective with legal directories and waste valuable time and money creating profiles for no return.  Don’t mak[...]

Law firms aiming to boost brand awareness, attract new clients, and effectively drive traffic to their websites know to invest in content marketing.  However, it’s also true that all digital content diminishes in value over time. Even the most well-researched, high-quality articles have a shelf life. This is why it’s so important to update your content regularly.  Plus, keepin[...]

Quality legal support is more important than ever. As protests persist across the country, individuals have been subjected to unlawful detention, use of excessive force, and physical harm. Many protestors are unaware of their rights and avenues of recourse, such as the right to pro bono legal services, if they are mistreated during a protest.  Avvo is seeking to provide legal consumers wi[...]

The Benefits and Drawbacks Being an attorney often means working long hours on legal research and writing and reviewing documents for clients. Grueling demands from partners and clients mean a lawyer is often juggling expectations. For a small law firm or solo practitioner, adding in the management of the firm and day-to-day clerical tasks can prove overwhelming and unmanageable. You’re n[...]

Being an effective marketer in the 21st century is all about using the right technology solutions. The internet, social media, and other emerging technologies are central to the way brands connect with consumers.  With the right tools and technologies at your disposal, you can automate, simplify, and enhance your marketing efforts. However, the influx of new technology has made the market[...]

Though privacy concerns have always been paramount within the legal profession, new concerns have arisen as more attorneys than ever are meeting virtually with clients over online video conferencing systems. Whether you’re new to this technology or have been using it for years, it is critical to address concerns about confidentiality and cybersecurity. The American Bar Association states tha[...]

Most clients have the desire to participate in the critical decision making necessary to resolve their case, and they should do so. To accomplish this, they need to understand what is happening. As their attorney, you have an obligation to communicate with your clients.  Often unintentionally, once hired, some attorneys do not always prioritize client communication.  This often resul[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aimee M. Todd of Todd Disability Law Allyson Kitchel of May Lightfoot, PLLC Andrea M. Gherini of Law Office of Andrea M. Gherini Andrew C[...]

Which Marketing Data Points Law Firms Should Be Watching During the COVID-19 Crisis COVID-19 has taken over our country. Small law firms, as well as small businesses, are among the parties suffering during this pandemic. Although teleconferencing technology has helped make an abrupt pivot to new ways of working, marketing strategies and insights will continue to change during this time.  [...]

As the world continues to adjust to life during the COVID-19 crisis, so do consumers in the way they seek legal representation online. During our webinar hosted on April 29th, we talked with Nolo’s Managing Editor Micah Schwartzbach, Internet Brand’s Principal Analyst Adam Silver and Rebecca Young, Senior Manager of Data and Analytics. Together these panelists discussed trends in how consumer[...]

Forecasters and economists expected unemployment rates to continue to rise in May. Surprisingly to many, however, unemployment fell and employers added 2.5 million jobs. Across the country, claims are still heavily backlogged across most states, but some are starting to make progress towards helping all constituents whose jobs were impacted by COVID-19. As unemployment falls and jobless indivi[...]

Avvo Lawyernomics, a principal legal technology conference, and forum sought to provide attorneys with the latest solutions to help them grow their business. The forum created a community where attorneys and legal technologists could learn from each other. We’re pleased to announce that Martindale-Avvo is relaunching Lawyernomics and taking it completely digital. Lawyernomics® Online will s[...]

This article focuses on the consumer data referenced in our research report: 7 Best Practices for Attorneys Adapting to COVID-19. How are clients and those looking to hire an attorney behaving since the COVID-19 pandemic?  In late April and early May, we surveyed approximately 2,400 visitors to several Nolo network sites, including  AllLaw.com, CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, DrivingL[...]

As the COVID-19 health crisis continues to affect virtually every country across the globe, it’s raised a lot of questions about what to do and how to adapt to living and running a business during a pandemic. During our March 31st webinar, we held a live Q&A with Dr. John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD and Katherine Wich-Sugden, in house counsel for Internet Brands and Henry Schein, [...]

Martindale-Avvo surveyed attorneys to gain insight into how they are managing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As states begin reopening, attorneys are adapting to the new reality, complete with safety protocols, shifting practice areas, and declining revenues. These are the main takeaways.  Revenues Are Down for Most  In the survey, we asked 210 of you about your practices, what you[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Abby Adams of Kohut & Adams, P.A. Adam Lambert of Acker Lambert Hinton P.A. Allison Lovelady of Shullman Fugate PLLC Andres Almanzan [...]

Social distancing implemented to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus has caused significant economic consequences. Local shutdowns have led to unprecedented unemployment and have caused many businesses to close permanently. These impacts are becoming visible as consumers change their browsing behavior across Nolo.com and other Martindale-Avvo sites. Real Estate Legal consumers spen[...]

In an increasingly paperless world, it’s important for law firms to consider all options when it comes to document signing. While some believe that electronic signatures don’t hold the same weight as paper and pen signatures, our May 12 webinar aimed to address this misconception.  How and When to Use E-Signature During the webinar, the president of business development and one of [...]

Whether your law practice is a social media success story or your firm doesn’t even have its own Facebook page, now is the time to up your social media game. Keeping in touch with clients and maintaining a strong online presence can help your practice survive during a crisis and tee it up for future success. Experts agree that even during economic downturns and pandemics, marketing is still [...]

Whether you’re working with an agency, or consider yourself an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you’ve likely heard of local business profiles. But you might not know why local business profiles on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Apple Maps lists are so important for your practice. Here’s why they matter and why you should claim your profiles today.  Think about every time you searc[...]

When you think about effective legal marketing strategies, your first consideration may be what each strategy does for you. Service-driven legal marketing for law firms flips the script, asking instead what you can do for others. Engaging in community service and pro bono work can strengthen your law firm while building up the people you serve and securing the connections you have worked so hard [...]

Most law firm websites have room for SEO improvement. Just updating your site with simple changes using basic tools can improve your Google rankings, which is how many (if not most) clients discover your practice.  If your casework has slowed over the last few weeks, consider using the downtime to retool your website. One worthy update: improving the keywords on your site.  But th[...]

If things are a little slow at the moment, updating your law firm’s social media profiles can be a great way to stay productive and attract new clients. You can make simple profile optimizations for an easy project to scratch off your list quickly. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make it a deep-dive project to really amp up your social media presence.  Let’s start with easy.[...]

If you read our previous post, Reasons to Blog as a Lawyer, you understand how blogging can benefit your practice. In this blog, let’s dive into some helpful blogging tips for lawyers.  Optimize Your Posts for Search Engines  Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential part of writing blog posts. Roughly 43% of potential clients used Google’s search engines to research at[...]

Have you ever wondered how Martindale-Nolo’s Pay Per Lead program works? In this post, we talk to Martindale-Nolo’s Director of Sales, Faith Nessen, and take some of the mystery - and misconception - out of Martindale-Nolo’s Pay Per Lead Program.  How does the pay per lead program work?  We acquire leads from over 25 million consumers visiting websites in our network. Over 1[...]

To understand how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the legal system, we surveyed attorneys and laypeople looking for legal help. Here’s what we found, and what we think lawyers should do for commercial success in a new era.  1. Embrace Virtual Communication2. Secure Your Workspaces3. Streamline Your Practice4. Pivot Your Practice5. Establish a Strong Online Presence6. Focus Your Ma[...]

Working from home has become the new normal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more of us are using social media even more frequently than before. Social media continues to allow us to connect with friends and family, keep up to date with current events, and market our businesses. In an earlier post, I discussed a social media roadmap for attorneys, which outlined the basics of getting involv[...]

As parts of the country start to emerge from lockdown, it is important to consider the impact of stay at home orders on relationships and marriages. Following the COVID-19 epidemic’s peak in China, some cities had a surge in divorce filings. The city of Miluo in the Hunan province reported that the staff “has no time to drink water” between proceedings, while other regions reported record h[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam P. Palmer of Hendrickson & Palmer, P.C. Alexandra Varner of Varner Family Law Andrew Levetown of Ivey and Levetown, LLP Arthur B[...]

Whether you have some newfound free time during quarantine or are simply feeling the anxiety of what the future holds for your practice, now is no time to stop networking. Even working remotely, you can still expand your professional network and keep up with colleagues. Traditionally, networking has meant attending conferences, taking CLE courses, and, perhaps, supporting local causes and poli[...]

COVID-19 is changing how, when, and what legal consumers are searching. You may have seen some of the impact of this already on your traffic or conversion rates. During a recent webinar, a team of SEO specialists answered questions submitted by attorneys on what you should be doing right now to leverage these recent changes in behavior and use them to your advantage. The content ranged from COVID[...]

Searches related to ‘coronavirus’ or ‘COVID-19’ are currently the highest trending search terms on Google. In the end, these terms might become the largest-ever searched terms in Google history. With this known, many clients have asked if they can utilize ‘coronavirus’ or ‘COVID-19’ in their Google Ads. This might sound like a good idea, especially if you are utilizing the term[...]

Law firms and businesses alike are finding new ways to do business while keeping their employees safe. This means working from home, taking phone consultations, video conferencing and even closing offices altogether. With everyone doing their part to keep business “running as usual,” updating your search marketing campaign can help your business thrive during this time of uncertainty. Let [...]

With courts closed and people staying at home to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, criminal activity has fallen far below normal levels. In most cities, people are not committing crimes, and are therefore not researching or contacting lawyers. Across criminal defense, traffic on Nolo consumer legal resources has fallen significantly. Criminal defense, however, is a wide practice area with several sub[...]

Social media has transformed every aspect of the modern legal landscape. Previously reliant on word of mouth, clients now follow lawyers on Facebook, seek background information on LinkedIn, and watch law firm videos on YouTube. An increasing share of today's lawyers dedicate significant effort to top social media platforms where they can build brand awareness while keeping connected to qualified[...]

Are you looking for new ways to develop your expertise and attract more clients? If so, you should consider adding a blog to your law firm’s website. Blogs are a great way to improve your E-A-T (expertise, authoritativeness, or trustworthiness). EAT is an important ranking factor for Google. Showcasing your expertise and answering frequently asked questions in your industry lets Google know you [...]

In today's review-oriented world, social proof plays a key role in virtually every purchase we make or service we seek. Results from one notable study by BrightLocal suggested that the average customer needs to read at least 10 reviews before they trust a business. Many refuse to even consider patronizing businesses that lack reviews, revealing a preference for occasional negative feedback ove[...]

COVID related practice areas remain elevated, but interest is subsiding. Unemployment Demand for unemployment legal resources correlated closely with lockdowns caused by COVID-19, so unemployment has become a primary traffic driver across Nolo.com. Traffic levels at the beginning of March were already elevated, but pageviews shot up 2000% as the pandemic lockdowns reached their peak. Traffi[...]

With COVID-19, there is a lot of uncertainty. People are focused on the health and safety of their family, friends and themselves. When you add to that the rocky financial markets and job outlook, it is easy to understand why your phone is not ringing off the hook. But, there are also new legal trends taking shape. If you want to be part of the next upswing, it is imperative that you offer reassu[...]

The internet can provide fast and easy answers to searches ranging from mundane to complicated. Whether you’re looking for your bank’s routing number or you want to know the business hours of a store you’re planning to visit – you can find it online. But sometimes consumers want to talk to a real person.  Prospective legal clients are no different. A live chat platform with ski[...]

We tend to assume that everyone has a mobile phone these days, and that’s not far from the truth. Studies show that: 96% of Americans have a mobile phone and 81% have a smartphoneWe send or receive an average of 94 text messages per day90% of text messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt With such easy and immediate access to most people, more and more businesses are using text messa[...]

COVID-19 has upended daily life across the U.S. While this tumult has created uncertainty and fear, it also opens up new opportunities. Unemployment has become a focal point of the legal industry in this pandemic, but the unique conditions have created needs in other areas, including estate planning and tenant laws. Increasing Opportunities in Estate Planning Consumer demand for estate[...]

Adam Silver is the principal analyst on the Avvo advanced analytics team. He works on all things data related but is currently focusing on predictive analytics. Across the Martindale-Avvo network, we are seeing unprecedented increases in visitors browsing our legal resources, asking legal questions and reaching out for legal assistance. We are sharing this data for the first time to help atto[...]

*This is a follow-up post to Boost Your SEO With These 5 Fixes, which featured advice from the director of SEO at Nolo, Kyle Vanderneut. In this post, we look at what you can do to rank in local searches for lawyers in your areas of practice. If you haven’t considered SEO on your site yet, start with the five fixes, then come back to this post to improve your local rankings. Why Local Matter[...]

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country, a combination of individuals facing layoffs and small businesses closing is reducing demand for legal services, a phenomenon you may be experiencing first hand.  One way to protect your firm during the COVID-19 shutdown is to shift resources to grow an existing area of practice—or even start a new one. Focusing on where client dema[...]

Branding for law firms is more than choosing a memorable name, putting up a user-friendly website, and waiting for client reviews to start building your reputation. Using a mix of a handful of marketing strategies gives you the chance to establish your firm’s brand and reputation within your community. Try these research-backed methods to make sure that people are talking about your law firm—[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alexander Lebedinski of Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. Amy Millan DeMartino of Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford P.A. Andrew [...]

As attorneys’ careers progress, they can find themselves stuck in their old ways. Processes, tools, and rules of thumb that have served them well mask inefficiencies and lost opportunities.  These attorneys may swear by strategies that are outdated and refuse to consider new approaches. It can be difficult adjusting to new technologies, or trying untested tactics, especially when curren[...]

Use Your Google Business Profile to Keep Your Customers Updated COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it.  Many people are now working from home, or not working at all, and that means many businesses are closed.  Potential clients search Google looking to find out if your law firm is open. Because your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see; it is very importan[...]

Even if you’re already using software to handle case management.  There's a lot to love about case management software. These systems streamline a variety of client interactions while also making it easier to maintain efficient workflows. Unfortunately, it's not suited for all law firm functions. Effective legal intake calls for specialized programs that are designed to produce promp[...]

If you are like most Americans, you knew the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 was coming, but you had no idea the widespread and sudden impact that it would have on people and law firms alike. This rapidly growing pandemic is changing every aspect of life, and adjustments to the way you conduct business as a law firm are necessary.  You are likely already having to change the way you practic[...]

SEO vs SEM: What is the difference? SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a process used to prepare websites to rank high in search results and gain more organic traffic, while SEM (Search Engine Marketing) comprises tactics that allow you to promote your website online. SEM includes SEO, but goes beyond that; it involves other methods that can get you online traffic like PPC advertising. Both SEO a[...]

Search engine optimization can be as heady and complicated as the term suggests, but most SEO can be boiled down to a few basics. What can make it complicated are the many variables that affect whether your firm’s website comes up in a Google search. According to Kyle Vanderneut, director of SEO at Nolo.com, you can implement SEO best practices by following some basic principles that don’t re[...]

You likely know that a pay per lead program can be an effective way for attorneys to connect with consumers at the moment they’re looking for legal help. But there are several variables to consider before you commit. How soon can I expect new leads? How will the leads be delivered? What information is included in each lead? And can I adjust my subscription or am I locked into a long term contra[...]

Referral marketing allows law firms to produce a steady stream of new clients at a minimal cost. Scoring occasional referrals from close professional connections or satisfied clients is one thing, but actively seeking them out is different. Attorneys unfamiliar with this approach sometimes worry about the ethical implications, particularly for referral protocol that involves financial transaction[...]

Clients want talented, experienced lawyers who attain the best results possible, right? But as human beings, our experiences affect how we judge a service and its provider—regardless of the end result. Even if a cavity gets filled, you still may give your dentist a bad review if you had to sit in her waiting room for two hours. Before going solo, Erin Gerstenzang, a criminal defense attorney in[...]

Location. Location. Location.  Getting your name in front of the right people is key to ongoing growth for your law firm. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising might not be on your radar at the moment but it is an effective marketing tool that can yield results quickly for a law firm of any size or target audience. Use these tips for more effective ads, keyword targeting, and geo-targeting for [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alex R. Figares of Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A.Allison Celeste HeimAmanda Brookhyser of The Jimmerson Law Firm, P.C.Amarilis L. Denni[...]

After all of your marketing efforts have materialized and business is thriving, there comes a time when you may consider hiring a staff member to assist you. This is not an easy decision and is often accompanied by some trepidation. Learning to delegate can be difficult at first. But the key to growing and expanding your practice might be additional staff. Hiring staff allows you to manage your w[...]

Referrals can serve as a wonderful source of qualified leads for your law firm.  In an age of digital marketing, many attorneys ace social media, yet struggle to build the strong and lasting connections needed to create a steady stream of referrals. Far too many regard referrals as "just happening," rather than as the end result of a concerted effort to build rapport throughout the local and[...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMFnUf1cOno We get it: intake is difficult. Opportunities for mistakes abound, even among today's most successful law firms. Unfortunately, seemingly small errors can prove damaging down the road, leading to fewer conversions and general dissatisfaction, even among those who ultimately choose to work with your law firm. Your current intake process may be in[...]

Casework may form the bulk of your law firm's revenue, but it's by no means your only opportunity for producing a profit. In addition to earning via billable hours and contingency fees, you can capture additional revenue by taking advantage of an existing, and sometimes underutilized resource: referrals. If you've yet to make a dedicated effort to send and receive legal referrals, it's high ti[...]

Every client interaction counts, but few encounters hold more sway than the first call. This is your opportunity to show prospective clients that your law firm offers the high-quality service they need, and that you are capable of delivering a desirable case outcome. Not only that, but failure to sign clients promptly could mean not signing them at all But how can you make sure to sign legal c[...]

Many lawyers, especially solo practitioners and those in small firms, try to do everything themselves. That mentality can lead to costly inefficiencies. As we head into the 2020s, what are the tech solutions that lawyers should consider? We asked a handful of tech leaders who know the problems law practices are trying to solve with their scarce marketing and practice management resources. No [...]

Seeing negative reviews about your firm on social media or a professional site can be stressful and demoralizing. But if you start looking for an opportunity in them, you may find more benefit than their critical contents would have you believe. Balance and Authenticity Brian Veeder, Martindale-Hubbell Product Manager–Attorney Experience, has heard from many lawyers who are reluctant to s[...]

Legal intake forms the starting point for every client-attorney relationship. Phone calls can set the tone for a strong connection—or drive away the most promising leads. Hence, the importance of vetting intake specialists thoroughly not only during the hiring process, but also long after they've joined your legal team. Top Benefits of Intake Call Quality Control Today's busy attorneys of[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Abe Gutting of Buxton & CollieAllison Elizabeth Kased of Kased Law GroupCassidy Stalley of Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun, P.C.Christina[...]

The intake process forms a core component of your legal marketing efforts. Unfortunately, it's also a source of lost opportunity for lawyers, many of whom lack a fundamental awareness of key intake processes. Ready to level up your law firm's approach to intake? Begin by mastering these critical terms. Case Management Software Not to be confused with intake software, case management soft[...]

Social media, emails, and search engine optimization may play a vital role in modern law firm marketing efforts, but referrals remain as powerful a tool as ever.  Whether they come from clients or fellow attorneys, referrals can prove a valuable source of business for both new and established law firms. On the client end, they provide significant peace of mind; those concerned about the p[...]

Leads comprise the lifeblood of your law firm. Your team’s efforts to secure them through strategic legal marketing is a crucial part of the process, but what you do once you've acquired qualified leads could prove even more important. Without a structured, streamlined approach, you risk losing the prospects you've worked so hard to obtain. The need for an effective lead management system is[...]

Social media has been a game-changer for many industries, and law firms across the country have definitely used it to their advantage. Social media is a valuable way to start conversations on topics relevant to your firm, get in touch with new leads, strengthen your reputation, and find opportunities for growth. As you develop your law firm’s marketing plan for 2020, try these social media tech[...]

The legal industry has seen huge advances in recent years, with everything from global markets to remote counsel transforming the way that attorneys interact with clients. Unfortunately, however, many otherwise impressive law firms remain woefully in the past in terms of legal marketing and intake. Piles of paperwork are far too common, as are slow intake responses and other hassles that annoy[...]

Scams abound in today's digital environment, but phishing remains one of the most devastating. The 2019 State of the Phish Report revealed that 83 percent of organizations suffered phishing attacks in 2018. This represents a notable increase from the 76 percent of respondents who endured such attacks the previous year. These attacks took several forms, with many prompting significant losses.&n[...]

In the recent report, Hiring an Attorney 2019, Martindale-Avvo examined a number of factors about how legal consumers behave when it comes time to hire a lawyer. One of those factors includes what resources clients use to conduct research. While many start with referrals from friends and family to find an attorney, an equal number also use online resources to search for information and reviews[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Albert B. McQueen of Wilson & McQueen, PLLCAlex Terry Wood of Starnes Davis Florie LLPAlexander J. Limontes of Law Office of William W. Hurs[...]

Working as a lawyer takes a lot of time and dedication.  Yet, so many of us, despite our heavy workload, understand the importance of becoming involved in our community, charitable organizations, professional organizations, etc.  This involvement provides many benefits such as social connections, networking opportunities, and professional development.  Nonetheless, there are only s[...]

Every law firm needs new clients to survive and grow, and yours is no different. While there are plenty of online marketing methods available, none of them come close to the power of organic search.  Ranking high in Google's search rankings is vital to the growth and development of any modern law firm, and effective SEO is the only tool that can make that happen. In this article, we�[...]

When prospective clients contact you, you probably don’t think much about how they decided to hire you. Even if their path to your practice seemed like a straight line — perhaps the result of a client referral — their consumer journey likely took a few detours before reaching your door. In a recent Martindale-Avvo study, 75 percent of the 4,913 consumers who hired an attorney said they c[...]

Attorneys' Top Five Lead Follow Up Mistakes Your firm’s growth starts with turning consumers into active clients. Check yourself to see if you’re tripping up on any of these five common mistakes and correct them to increase your new client flow. Not following up immediately [...]

Each day, more people are searching the internet for legal services using their voices, rather than tapping out searches on a keyboard. Voice search optimization is something your law firm needs to take seriously. Voice search is the use of devices that allow a user to search the web with voice commands. This could be Google Home, Amazon Echo, or mobile assistants such as Cortana or Siri. Here[...]

For years, the running joke with regard to automation was that robots would take over the world. And as you consider adding chat to your website, you might be thinking: do I go “bot” or do I use a live chat operator? Or would a blend of the two be the best for my website visitors? So, how do you decipher the different types of chat and make the optimal decision for your prospects and your [...]

Google threw the online world into a panic in 2015 when it announced that mobile-friendliness would be a major ranking signal. Since then, the need for strong mobile marketing techniques has grown across industries, including the legal business. Making your website easy to use on a smartphone or tablet isn’t just about providing a good user experience—mobile marketing can also boost your b[...]

As the practice of law continues to evolve to incorporate advances in technology, ABA rules must respond to help lawyers understand their rights and obligations. Attorneys and law firms are now facing ethical and legal challenges involving privacy concerns and the oversharing of information on social media websites. This has prompted the ABA to update its social media rules for lawyers. Social[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Kling of Kling Law PAAaron L. Moore of Bekman, Marder & Adkins, LLCAmanda J. Hill of Khosroabadi & Hill, APCAmy Connolly of Connol[...]

To a promising new client, a strong first impression is everything. How potential clients see you and your law firm at first glance determines whether they make an effort to get in touch—or whether they lose interest and take their search somewhere else. Your attorney profile page serves as your digital first impression, giving prospective clients a better feel for who you are, how you opera[...]

It may be tempting to underestimate how important your fees are to legal consumers shopping for a lawyer, especially if your firm has been successful and has a solid local reputation in its area of practice. But raising fees based on past success assumes your law practice is the only game in town and that legal consumers aren’t especially sensitive to prices. A recent Martindale-Avvo report,[...]

So you’ve decided you need live chat on your website and are weighing whether to host the live chat yourself outsource the activity. Your initial response might be, “I can do this myself.” And this sounds great…until the phone is ringing, the web forms are coming in, emails are hitting your inbox and visitors are demanding your attention via the live chat widget you installed on your w[...]

How are members of your profession using online tools to market their firms? Do your clients prefer texting to a phone call? Are your online reviews reflecting the best you? Are you following up quickly when a client does reach out?  Our report, “The State of Online Legal Marketing 2019,” delves into the assumptions and realities surrounding marketing legal practices in a digital age.[...]

Online presence plays an ever-expanding role in the success of modern law firms—according to the National Law Review, 74 percent of people who visit law firm websites are looking to take legal action. This means that your website plays a key role in helping potential clients decide whether or not to use your services. To stand the best chance of converting your site’s visitors into client[...]

First impressions are crucial and today it’s your website that gives the first glimpse of your practice to potential clients. If it’s been a while since you took a good look at your site, it’s time to look again. In this article, we’ll be going over 10 reasons why you should update your law firm’s website.  Design Attorneys are typically more inclined to focus on content and [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam Michael Carroll of Wolcott Rivers, P.C.A. Walker Barnes of Holcombe Bomar, P.A.Alison Hickman of Grady H. Williams, Jr., LL.M. Attorneys at[...]

For any law practice, client referrals are important. They are the foundation on which your reputation. But it would be a critical mistake to assume that referrals are all you need to build a reputation that keeps clients calling and your practice growing. Consider the data, including research that Martindale-Avvo published in its report, Hiring an Attorney 2019. In surveys of 6,300 individual[...]

As a business owner, you know that repeat business is good business, and customers that come to you from a referral or word-of-mouth are more than willing to pay your rates because they already trust you. Whether you’ve been practicing law for years or you’re the new kid on the block, you should have a robust list of contacts. That list should include past clients, people you met while networ[...]

The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) partnered with Avvo to analyze 2,232 reviews from registered Avvo consumers to determine what clients want from their attorneys. The resulting 32-page report, Think Like a Client published today, gives attorneys a thorough understanding of what clients want and expect from them. The report, rich in verbatim from clients, is o[...]

This article has been reposted with permission from Meranda M. Vieyra of Denver Legal Marketing LLC. The article was originally published in the National Law Review on September 16, 2019. As long as attorneys have been advocating for clients, word-of-mouth has been the best way to build a strong returning clientele. Great attorneys who treat their people well have always gathered a positive [...]

I am passionate about this topic as I really believe that this is an area a lot of firms can improve to sign up more cases without spending any additional dollars.  I am going to be throwing a lot of statistics out and you might get tired of looking at graphs and numbers, but as it relates to lead follow up I think these numbers are important because most people I talk to do not have a good [...]

Attorneys can no longer rely purely on word of mouth or traditional marketing methods and almost all agree that having an online presence is critical for reaching prospects and developing rapport. Not just any online effort will do, however. It’s essential to take a targeted approach. Your goal should not just be to boost your website traffic. It's important to identify and build interes[...]

Word-of-mouth marketing matters – today more than ever. People entrust you with their legal needs. They ask their friends, colleagues, and others they trust before they call you, before they even try to find your SEO-optimized web page or even after they find the ad you sponsored on Facebook.  In this age of digital marketing, social media, and PPC advertising, word-of-mouth marketi[...]

When marketing your law firm, it is essential to consider the decision-making process people engage in when it comes to hiring an attorney. People typically demonstrate four main buying habits when making a purchase or hiring a professional service provider. By identifying those patterns and tailoring your marketing efforts toward them, you can make sure you are not alienating a segment of the ma[...]

When examining the decision-making process of individuals who are looking to make a purchase, it is clear that most individuals fall into one of four categories. These buying habits are strong signifiers of the way people make decisions, from which car they purchase to which attorney they hire to handle their case. The four buying habits are: competitive, spontaneous, methodical, and humanistic.�[...]

When making a purchase or seeking professional services, individuals can be reliably categorized into one of four groups that describe their “buying habits.” These buying habits dictate the way in which the person makes decisions (logically or emotionally) and the speed at which they commit to a major purchase that will impact their lives. The four buying habits are: competitive, spontaneous,[...]

Current studies of the buying habits of individuals, whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online, reveal that most individuals fall into one of four main categories: competitive, spontaneous, methodical, and humanistic. Upon closer inspection of the four buying habits, you will identify certain characteristics that will allow you to increase client contacts and drive calls, live chats, or form s[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: A. (Beau) Howell of Coleman Talley LLPAhmad Yakzan of American Dream Law Office PLLCAlexander Sweis of McKenna StorerAndrew J. Reinhardt of Rein[...]

Most case management software offers similar solutions. They can make your law firm paperless, they can help with efficiency, and they can establish workflows for you and your employees that will allow you to do more with less. However, those systems mainly focus on working on a case once you’ve acquired the case and does not think much about how to actually acquire new clients so that you can [...]

Consumer expectations have changed. Before the internet and smart phones, law offices were simpler places where a receptionist answered calls from prospective clients and lawyers and assistants called them back. But with technology accelerating the pace of just about everything, consumers want immediate satisfaction in the form of responses to their inquiries. So how long do you have to respo[...]

Most of us are so busy developing our legal practices that we don’t even have time to rest, much less think about succession planning.  When starting out, it is essential to focus on business development and growth while doing excellent legal work to build our reputation.  However, time goes by quickly, and before we know it, we go from building our book of business to thinking about [...]

Want to keep your website at the top of Google’s search results? It’s all about mobile-first indexing. How Google Uses Mobile-First Indexing Put simply, mobile-first indexing refers to the way the mobile version of a website is prioritized over the desktop version in Google search results. Kyle Vanderneut, SEO and Content Manager at Internet Brands, says Google implemented this chan[...]

In our age of rapidly developing technology, it’s difficult to find a single profession that hasn’t been drastically affected. The legal field is certainly not exempt from such change, especially with regard to the evolving expectation of clients to stay in more frequent communication than in the past while also wishing to feel more involved in the process. For that reason, it is essential to[...]

Lawyers are more visible today than ever before. You can no longer rely solely on your reputation for winning cases to bring in new business. Your client’s experience matters just as much -- if not more than -- the results you provide them. Client experience is the journey your clients take from the beginning of your relationship to the end. If they feel lost or left behind, they will choose[...]

Years ago, content marketing strategies could be a lot simpler. All you had to do to drive traffic to your law firm’s site was to post content laden with the right keywords. Then Panda happened. In 2011, Google updated its search algorithms through its Panda update. Panda changed our lives – or at least how we approached content marketing.  Content Marketing in a Post-Panda World [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Amy Snyder of Clawson & Staubes, LLCBaskin Lowber Jones of Jones Law Firm P.A.Brooke Milstead Nixon of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophe[...]

What do prospective clients value in an attorney? Are they more interested in your online reviews or your fee schedule?  How quickly do they make the decision to hire an attorney and how much do they expect to pay for the resolution of their legal matter? Our report, “Hiring an Attorney 2019,” delves into the state of legal hiring by consumers in 2019.  The research, comprising r[...]

Translating your website is a great way to reach clients with limited English proficiency. The US Census Bureau estimates that 4.4% of households in the United States speak only limited English. Almost 25% of those households speak an Asian or Pacific Island language, and close to 22% speak Spanish.    As an attorney, you have the responsibility to provide the same quality of service[...]

Your bounce rate is a critical metric for your website.  Simply put, it is the percentage of visits to your site that are single-page sessions, with the participant leaving without viewing another page. In Google Analytics, these one-page visits are each considered a “bounce.”  To calculate your bounce rate, just divide the number of one-page visits to your website by the total number of[...]

For a market that didn’t exist a generation ago, online advertising has grown nearly as ubiquitous and varied as the internet technologies that support it. At the end of the day, though, advertising is advertising and the age-old goal remains the same: grow brand awareness and grow sales.  But, amidst all the distractions and noise that the internet has, how do you get your message acro[...]

Think about how your clients come to you. What percentage of your clients find you through your blog? Your website? Your TV or radio ads? However many clients those channels generate, it's probably not nearly as many as referrals from other people who have worked with you. According to attorney service organization Above the Law, 62 percent of potential law clients found their attorneys by[...]

Achieving work/life balance is a popular topic discussed in numerous articles and blog posts.  In reality, however, it seems to be an unattainable goal especially in the legal profession where it has become an expectation (like in our world as a whole), that lawyers are available 24/7 to handle whatever issues may arise. In fact, a recent Martindale-Avvo survey on attorney compensation confi[...]

We all know that positive reviews are some of our best referrals. They can be great for the firm, as they provide real feedback from clients and help drive business. It follows that if your firm wants return customers and referrals, you need to respond to your reviews, both positive and negative. Why Should We Respond to Online Reviews? Responding to reviews is important to your firm becaus[...]

Online reviews have become increasingly important for law firms. Today's clients find everything on the internet, so it's crucial for law firms to make sure they stand out in Google, Yelp, Avvo.com, Lawyers.com and other searches and have compelling reviews posted on the most trusted sites.  The first step to getting more reviews is to ask. By creating a protocol for reviews, you can make[...]

For lawyers, the most important step in securing new business is the client intake. This is your moment to set yourself apart from other law offices, demonstrate your concern and provide an empathic ear. During client intake, you’ll also want to be sure to get all the facts and necessary information about your potential client and their case. The right client intake questions will not only h[...]

In an upcoming 2019 Martindale-Avvo research report, consumers ranked nearly a dozen reasons why they bypassed one attorney for another.  Response speed topped the list of hiring red flags. Research by Captorra, the industry leader in case-intake software for consumer-focused firms, reinforces this fact: If you contact a prospect within the first five minutes of their inquiry, you stand a 78[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Albin Moser of Law Offices of Albin Moser, P.C.Alyse Reiser Comiter of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.Amanda J. McDermott of Rywant, Alvare[...]

As the internet has increasingly become the place where people turn to find information relating to problems they are experiencing, online advertising has become a necessity for lawyers looking to raise awareness of their practice and get new clients through their door. PPC advertising, also known as “pay-per-click,” is a strong online marketing strategy for lawyers. In terms of search res[...]

A steady stream of leads is crucial for gaining momentum as a lawyer. But competition is fierce, and sometimes the pipeline dries up. If you can’t seem to drum up enough good clients, a strategic online advertising effort can put you back on top. Why online advertising? The ABA Journal reports 38% of people to turn to the internet to find a lawyer, and you’re missing out on lucrative leads[...]

Originally Published December 11th, 2018 You’ve taken the step to build a next-generation practice – investing in a digital marketing strategy of a quality website and digital advertising to grow your business. And you have employed live chat, allowing your potential clients a low-pressure way to make contact while sharing some information about themselves. While live chat is a good [...]

Once the province of retail customers who would rather type a request rather than wait on hold for 15 minutes, live chat is now a ubiquitous online tool across industries that is quickly becoming a preferred means of communication by consumers. According to a recent Forbes article, “Emerging Trends in Customer Communication Preferences,” the numbers of online consumers who use live chat i[...]

If you're serious about increasing your revenue, then forming a thoughtful growth strategy and dedicating a portion of the marketing budget to digital advertising and web development may maximize your efforts. Once you get traffic to your site, having a good communication strategy can help your prospects decide if you are the company that they want to hire. Potential clients have come to your sit[...]

Social media is not simply a way to connect with friends and family.  For lawyers, it can also be a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool that has the capacity to reach many.  Knowing where to begin with using social media can, however, be daunting.  The following five tips provide a roadmap for successful marketing through the use of social media. Determine Your Goal Li[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Albert Li of Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional AssociationAlex Andre Serrano of Ligori & Sanders Attorneys at LawAlison D. Ramsey [...]

Testimonials are important. A 2018 ReviewTrackers survey found that over 60% of potential clients check online reviews as a first step of interacting with a business. Even with the proliferation of online reviews, asking for a testimonial can be surprisingly difficult. Besides setting yourself up for potential rejection, there’s also the dilemma of determining which questions to ask.  S[...]

Work-life balance is critical to both personal health and happiness, and yet, for many Americans, it feels out of reach. Lawyers, in particular, lead jam-packed professional lives. In addition to client meetings, they dedicate dozens of hours each week to administrative tasks and business development. Martindale-Avvo's 2019 Attorney Compensation Survey Report reveals that, although most attorney[...]

The second annual Martindale-Avvo Attorney Compensation Survey Report is now available. The 2019 Report includes information from 7,800 attorneys in solo practice and at small firms across the country. They were recruited from an online survey and responded throughout the first quarter of the year.  As we did in 2018, we've chosen to focus on data from the 6,891 full-time attorneys who r[...]

When selecting an attorney, clients search not only for niche experience, but also for empathy. They want to know that their attorney cares and is willing to fight for their best interests. Attorneys can best meet these needs through active listening, which can set clients at ease during the intake process. While it may initially seem simple, active listening is, in reality, an ongoing process[...]

Finally, after months of planning, writing and responding to your web designer’s hundredth request, you have a website — and it works. You see that visitors are getting to your site and clicking on your pages, but you would also like to see an uptick in the number of people who ultimately contact your firm. One tool that can help your practice double its conversion rate (the number of sit[...]

Working day-to-day through the week, it is easy to get lost in the list of tasks that come your way. Return that call. Make that appointment. Pick up the dry cleaning. Schedule that meeting. What is harder is to stay on top of the big-picture items like defining and following your business strategy and setting goals for the future development of your firm.  Meeting your responsibilities and [...]

The best lawyers are not always the best marketers. Still, you need to attract new clients just like any other business. To be successful in marketing as a law firm, you have to play the long game. You have to build connections. And to do this, it helps to understand the different stages in the marketing funnel, not to mention what works best at each stage  The 3 Steps of the Marketing Fu[...]

With 2.38 billion active monthly users,  Facebook offers a valuable platform to market your law practice and interact with potential clients. Just as the sheer amount of user data that Facebook collects gives businesses — law practices included — the ability to effectively pinpoint a target market, it also helps consumers to quickly locate local law practices that match their search term[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam Goldman of The Concept Law Group, P.A.Adrianos Matthew Facchetti of Law Office of Adrianos FacchettiAfi Johnson-Parris of Afi Johnson-Parri[...]

Adding a practice area to your law practice is exciting and a positive move toward building a larger client base. But how do you spread the word to let attorneys, clients and other professionals know that you have added a specialty? And how do you do that without sinking money into a part of your practice that has yet to produce revenue? Start with traditional word of mouth, check your online pre[...]

You may hear a lot of jargon thrown around about website analytics and wonder if they are 1) worth your time, and 2) tools you can use — without having to go back to school for another advanced degree. The answer to both is yes. Website analytics provide the most effective way of evaluating your online marketing efforts and are easy enough to employ without expert help. To get started, add [...]

You finally got your website up and are excited for the client calls and emails to start rolling in. But when they didn’t, you checked your Google ranking and your firm wasn’t in the search results. What’s going on? Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to getting your site in front of prospective clients.  SEO is an internet marketing process leveraged by law firms to improv[...]

The lawyer-client relationship typically develops out of a need.  The client has a problem, and the lawyer is tasked with solving it.  When starting this relationship, there is a certain amount of unease and perhaps even a lack of trust like any endeavor into the unknown.  The client may be concerned, for example, that the lawyer will not get them the result they desire, or may cos[...]

Diversifying into additional practice areas is one way to expand and, hopefully, bring in new income streams. But how do you know what area of the law to get into? And how do lawyers get into a new practice without the requisite experience? One approach is to consider areas that are either underserved or in high demand. Across many service industries, the Baby Boomer generation is driving dema[...]

Good customer service in legal is just as critical to success as good customer service in any other field. For every one of you, there are dozens of other lawyers who can do the same job – maybe they don’t do it as well, but potential clients will never know that if you don’t convey the message. Consumers have big expectations – if you want to win someone over, take the time to understand [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam Warren of Moulton Bellingham PCAlan J. Romero of Romero Law, APCAlan Joseph DePeters of Trevett Cristo P.C.Andrew A. Carlson of Goldber[...]

How do clients find you? While someone’s search for a lawyer may begin with friends and family, inevitably just about everyone searches online. Google search results highlight businesses in a display they call the local pack. Here’s an example of what this looks like: Appearing in the local pack can be crucial to a local business because this appears above the regular search results. Getting [...]

New and seasoned attorneys alike have time and again pondered the age-old question: what will really bring clients to my door? In other words, what are those certain “X” factors that clients are after when selecting legal counsel? Turns out, it may actually be a combination of components that ultimately convert a casual Google search to a full-fledged attorney-client relationship. While many a[...]

There is no shortage of posts and articles about business development for lawyers. However, what is not frequently discussed is what happens after a marketing initiative becomes successful. Potential clients start to call and email looking for representation. At this point, the lawyer cannot simply sit back and assume these new leads will magically result in new matters, but this is exactly what [...]

For most modern consumers, research is an important part of the buying process. They venture online to find the information they can use to compare services or products, narrow their choices and – ultimately — find the best option in their financial range. This is as relevant for clients seeking a lawyer as it is for consumers seeking to purchase products. It also means lawyers who want to att[...]

Lawyers have the notorious reputation of being expensive. So, when legal consumers search online for a lawyer, they have money on their mind. Nearly one-half of those scouring the web say free consultation is important to them when selecting an attorney. With that said, lawyers must ask themselves 1) Why is a free consultation so important? and 2) what do prospective clients expect from it? Avvo c[...]

If your firm is already managing your online reputation by cultivating positive reviews on multiple platforms and responding (nicely) to negative ones, your firm is probably not among the more than a third of small business owners who don’t think they matter. But if you have been avoiding reviews or afraid of receiving negative ones, the survey results should be your wake up call. The reality i[...]

Before social media and search engines dominated so much of daily life, the reputation of lawyers depended on what clients and peers told one another about their work and character. Back then, word of mouth was just that: one person talking to another. But now the search is at least partly, if not entirely, conducted online. And just as people browse reviews of body shops after a fender bender, th[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adrienne Fischer of Basecamp Legal Alfredo Lozano of The Lozano Law Firm PLLC Aloysius Grant Lingg of Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. Anna Marie Livings[...]

When looking for an attorney, prospective clients draw from a number of different resources and criteria as they perform their due diligence, both online and in person. They use high-level criteria to filter a search down to a manageable number of possible attorneys, then take a deeper analysis with this now-shorter list – an analysis that consists of an entirely different set of criteria that w[...]

Your website is up, and it includes all the right search terms and accurate descriptions of your practice areas and expertise in them. But once prospective clients find your website, do they contact your office? In a recent study on how legal consumers find and hire lawyers, how prospective clients view the firm’s or lawyer’s “soft skills” mattered. So they may judge a firm’s soft sk[...]

Whether your firm has an established website or you are just beginning to build one, how you present your firm online will determine whether prospective clients find you. Generic website and social media content puts your firm’s name on the internet, but that presence doesn’t guarantee that anyone will see it. Your goal is to match your firm to prospective clients who need legal services in yo[...]

When you see a lawyer advertising online, what's your reaction? Do you wonder what their practice areas are and how much business they're getting? Or do you wonder whether they know that lawyers shouldn't advertise? If you fall into the second category, you have plenty of company.  A range of attorneys all over the country believe that advertising their professional services is gauche at best an[...]

Referrals still drive growth for law firms across the country, but there's an element to the process that might not be on your radar – online marketing. Online Reviews Matter Across almost all industries, 86 percent of customers read online reviews before they patronize a business. And it can get personal – nearly half of adults in the US have Googled a person before doing business with them. [...]

Referrals provide a steady stream of business for many law firms, with attorneys appreciating the word of former clients and fellow legal professionals. But while the traditional referral still holds plenty of value in the legal industry, it alone should not form the basis of your business. A lack of digital marketing and lead management efforts could leave you dependent on a small handful of clie[...]

Digital marketing is evolving quickly; approaches that paid dividends just a few years ago are no longer as effective. If you're looking to build a loyal client base in 2019, you'll need to craft a sophisticated and seamless strategy that keeps prospects at the center. Integrate the following legal marketing trends to gain an edge in today's competitive digital environment: Omnichannel Marketing T[...]

How do you connect with new clients? Traditionally, lawyers have relied on referrals. This makes sense; personal recommendations may reduce your need to vet leads. They could also minimize the headaches that accompany "bad" clients. Referrals hold considerable value, but they shouldn't form the entirety of your marketing strategy. If you neglect to build an online presence, you could miss out on [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron T. Blase of Davis, Blase & Holder PLLC Adam F. Peoples of Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Alejandro Sola of Alejandro Sola, P.A Angela Tit[...]

In a rapidly changing market, how do law firms connect with potential clients? This is a huge area of concern for smaller firms and solo practitioners, both of whom struggle not only to get the word out about their services but also to keep leads invested in their brand. Attorneys desire not only to attract a high volume of leads, but to attract the right leads. However, in an effort to accommod[...]

February is the month of love, and lawyers should always show love and appreciation for their clients. See my earlier blog post on this subject. After all, without them, and without the attorney-client relationship, or clients in general, there would be no work. Lawyers would be idle. Like all close relationships, however, there are times when things can become a bit rocky. It is important to han[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Andrea La'Verne Edney of Butler Snow LLP Benjamin J. Pliskie of Red Oak Law LLC Carl N. Lauer of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, L.L.P. Cash E[...]

Most businesses consider customer satisfaction to be a top priority. Impressing legal consumers, however, is uniquely challenging. People consider hiring an attorney when things could go wrong, are about to go wrong, or have already gone wrong. This means legal consumers often form their opinions while they are under stress. How can you use this information to improve your practice? Can understan[...]

There is no denying that significant changes are occurring on the legal landscape. From online review sites and forums to on-demand Q&A and instant chat, the digital revolution has taken legal by storm. Attorneys that haven't figured out how to adapt to the changing demands of consumers are being left in the dust. Once online, what is this person looking for? What do they value? This whi[...]

Numbering 75.4 million, millennials are the largest generational cohort in the U.S., representing about $1.3 trillion in annual buying power. Over 85% own smartphones; 39% of them interact with their phones more than they do actual people. They do almost everything online, including searching for an attorney. How do millennials interact with legal issues? How can attorneys better connect with the[...]

What do we actually know about how people choose and, ultimately, hire an attorney? This was the fundamental question we asked ourselves when we set forth to make a journey map of the consumer’s experience. In this exclusive 8-page guide, learn how you, the attorney or legal marketer, can use this information to grow your practice and make legal easier for your own clients. A journey map visu[...]

Most law practices focus on delivering great service to their clients. The challenge with this approach is that it focuses on just one aspect of a broader concept: the client experience. Great service is a must, but the client experience extends broadly to each and every interaction that not only clients but also prospects have with your business. And it all starts with intake. Active, engaged in[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron Johnson of Collins Brown Barkett, Chartered Aaron McCurdy of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.     Alexander H. Xanttop[...]

You invested in a strong digital marketing platform. You built an eye-catching website, write compelling blog posts and employed live chat. As a result, your site visits and lead volumes are skyrocketing. Congratulations! Having an influx of opportunities is an encouraging indication that your marketing efforts are working. Yet, in spite of this success, you’re not seeing an increase in new cli[...]

You’ve taken the step to build a next-generation practice – investing in a digital marketing strategy of a quality website and digital advertising to grow your business. And you have employed live chat, allowing your potential clients a low-pressure way to make contact while sharing some information about themselves. While live chat is a good way to turn your website visitors into leads, it do[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: A. Mark Bahakel of Smith & Bahakel, P.C. Adam G. Kirk of HunterMaclean     Adam Shaw of Brown Law Firm, P.C.  [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Abbas Sabur of Shapray Cramer Fitterman Lamer LLP Adam J. Wax of Wax Law     Alan R. Kabat of Bernabei & Kabat &nb[...]

Just as no two attorneys are the same, neither are any two clients. Each person is going to have their own unique needs they will want to have satisfied when looking for legal counsel. To appeal to these prospects, it is essential for a lawyer to have a website that appeals to all sorts of different buyers. We have determined that there are four types of buyers that a good legal site needs to app[...]

Your Avvo profile is key to attracting new clients. In a 2017 survey of over 500 visitors to Avvo, people weighed in on which information factors into their decision to hire. Out of 12 options, these are the four that mattered most. What DO legal consumers look for when viewing your Avvo profile? Find out here. Whether you've recently claimed your profile or would simply like to improve it, th[...]

If lawyers can gain their client's trust, they can win their business. Luckily, thanks to technology and a swath of online tools, earning trust and providing a better overall client experience is as simple as ever. All it takes is a little effort, and for lawyers to think of clients like any other consumer. Avvo Corporate Counsel Esther Sirotnik’s full presentation is available here: https://y[...]

Making Sure Lead Generation, Follow-up, and Sign-ups Are Done Right *This article is the third in a three-part series in which we will examine lead tracking systems, best practices for following up with leads, and how to make sure that your intake team is handling leads correctly and professionally.   Few interactions are as critical to the client sign-up process as the initial conversation[...]

Positive online reviews are good for business, so it’s only natural attorneys try to avoid negative ones. But what if negative reviews weren’t always so bad? What if their presence could bring an air of authenticity to your online reputation and ultimately drive more clients to your practice? As it turns out, they can. The curiously positive impact of negative reviews The purpose of attorney r[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Austin T. Hamilton David Solomon Schnitzer of Healthy Family Mediation Center, LLC     Hyacinth Leus of Vakili & Leus, [...]

*This article is the second in a three-part series in which we will examine lead tracking systems, best practices for following up with leads, and how to make sure that your intake team is handling leads correctly and professionally.   Whether you are a small law firm or a solo practitioner, following up on leads that you receive is the most important task you can do to gain clients and att[...]

Many blog articles address how to market for the purpose of attracting new legal clients. When these strategies work, and clients start calling, lawyers feel confident that their businesses are growing. While it is true that the first phone call may be the start of a new client relationship, there is no certainty until the engagement letter is signed—and the initial consultation is often the de[...]

While most attorneys understand that the first conversation with a potential client is one of the most critical steps to a successful sign-up, many approach these conversations with apprehension, nervousness, or even dread. The skills that you’ve developed in law school don’t always include sales and business development, and many lawyers would prefer to be working on their caseload than initi[...]

For a company operating in today’s landscape, content is king. But when every business is writing blogs, and producing podcasts, and adding to the 300 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, lawyers need a compelling content strategy to realize a return on the investment. Nicole Abboud, a former lawyer turned influential podcaster who now owns Abboud Media, and Alycia Kinchloe, the own[...]

As a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, Erin Gerstenzang knows that lawyers don’t always have control over the facts of the case, or even the results. But what every lawyer can control is the experience every client has with their firm. By shifting the focus to the client experience and embracing technology to streamline day-to-day office functions, lawyers can still deliver for their [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron B. Thomas of Watkins & Eager Andrew S. Katzenberg of Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, P.C.     Brian Brenner[...]

When contacted by potential clients, a timely response is critical. In fact, 67% of legal consumers say responding to calls and emails “right away” is the most important factor when choosing a lawyer, according to 2017 research from Clio1. Martindale Leads Manager helps turn those prospects into clients by enabling you to respond quickly from anywhere. It delivers real-time leads directly to [...]

The way Duane Forrester sees it, digital voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home are just the beginning. The voice recognition technology and UI will continue to improve—and to infiltrate every area of our lives, including how we search for businesses large and small online. Unlike paid search, though, there’s currently no paid shortcut into the voice search landscape, meaning co[...]

In recent years, data has infiltrated everything we do. To adapt to current consumer trends, lawyers must improve their firm’s internal processes. Jack Newton, Clio CEO and Co-Founder, and Patrick Palace, owner of Palace Law, are here to usher lawyers into the age of data-driven law and to help answer questions around how lawyers can be more data focused in their law practices. Watch the full p[...]

*This article is the first in a three-part series in which we will examine lead tracking systems, best practices for lawyers to follow up with leads, and how to make sure that your intake team is handling leads correctly and professionally. Check back over the next couple of weeks for parts 2 and 3 in the series! It is no secret that lawyers are paying more attention to their marketing practices [...]

As an attorney, you need to spend your valuable time helping clients and on billable activities.  Most law practices have more legal cases to process than they can handle.  Most firms are not able to meet the deadlines and as a result, the cases get delayed. To compensate for the lack of resources, it is in the best interest of your law firm to outsource work. By hiring an outside resour[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Allison Cherry Lafferty of Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson Andrew Burton Pickett of Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC   [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alison Zinn of Lathrop Gage LLP Bonita Ann Herrmann-Navin of Kelley/Uustal     Christina Irene Echeverri of Kluger, Kaplan,[...]

Potential clients have one thing in common;  they are not aware of the quality of your legal work.  They do not have the background to judge the strengths of your oral arguments or the written briefs or the way your attorneys present themselves in court.    All they know about your law firm and your legal team is how you treat them. It is your responsibility to make them f[...]

There are four significant ways to drive traffic to your website:  Quality content, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media, and web analytics. Create Quality Content Just creating content isn’t enough. Your site must have top quality content to drive more traffic to your website. If your content is clean, organized, and easy to read, your website will rank higher in search result[...]

If you are actively marketing your website through highly-focused and targeted paid ads and SEO campaigns, you are likely looking to make the most of your efforts and investment. Paid search campaigns are not cheap, and proper SEO takes a lot of time and effort, so you need to maximize the value of every visitor and capture every possible lead on your site. That’s where live chat becomes an esse[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Andrew D. Manko of The Mills Firm Andrew J. Gerling of Doucet & Associates Co., L.P.A.     Brent Aldrich Hart of Hart J[...]

Avvo’s 2018 legal marketing conference has come and gone, but you can still download the Lawyernomics presentations! We hope you’re already taking advantage of the tactics presented at the event, and these handy PDFs should provide a valuable reference for taking further action. Many of our presenters have made their slide decks publicly available, each of which is linked below. [...]

If you have ever spent any time trying to make sure that your law firm is found in Google’s search engine, you are likely familiar with the term “keywords”. Keywords are the words that people enter into Google that are essential for returning relevant results for their search. There are two main types of keywords that the experienced web-marketer should be familiar with: short-tail and long-[...]

Despite all the education and experience we attain and apply to generating new business for our practice, there’s an aspect of business development that we frequently overlook – client responsiveness. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your practice. In fact, Clio’s 2017 Legal Trends Report found that “responding quickly to phone calls and emails is arguably the most i[...]

One common mistake some firms and lawyers make is overestimating how unique or specialized their team and services are compared to the rest of the landscape. The legal space is crowded, and with dozens of firms competing for a client's business, ignoring essential marketing efforts and the value of establishing and tracking a sales cycle can cause real consequences on your bottom line. And with ro[...]

Here are some quick tips to keep your Google Business Profile (GBP) active and engaging. You’ll want to do this for a few reasons: Engage your potential clients Provide potential or returning clients easier ways to communicate with you Provide easier ways to get pertinent information about your business Provide answers to frequently asked questions By doing so, you also will rec[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Elliott R. McDonald of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson, P.C. Esther Zelmanovitz of Esther Schwartz Zelmanovitz, PLLC  Hector Ramon Buigas[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Anthony 'Tony" Ciccone of Kiester Ciccone Bollier, LLP Benjamin Allen 'Ben' Geslison of Baker Botts L.L.P.     Blake Cole o[...]

We will start by being up front: when it comes to creating compelling content for your website, that will both resonate with the user and also conform to Google’s quality guidelines, there is no magic formula to determine how long it should be. At a minimum, you need at least two or three paragraphs of topic-relevant content along with related titles and section headings. According to Google, [...]

While most lawyers recognize the importance of managing their cases, not every firm has a grasp on how to efficiently manage and track their leads. In recent years, case management software like Clio, Rocket Matter, and MyCase have become essential tools for task management and case organization. You track client matters, follow schedules, record time, and most attorneys know the benefits of these[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Andrew L. Bryant of The Law Office of Andrew Bryant Douglas R. Halstrom of L'Abbate, Balkan, Colavita & Contini, L.L.P.   &nbs[...]

Make Certain Your Law Firm Gets The Most Visibility On Google The majority of consumer searches for an attorney include local intent. Consumers want legal counsel close by, so they search for things like: “attorney near me”, “Chicago bankruptcy law firm”, or “best divorce lawyer in NYC.” To be found in those searches, attorneys must claim and optimize their Google Business Profile (GBP[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Alexandra Garrett of Silver, Voit & Thompson, Attorneys at Law, P.C. Amy Marie Stewart of Stewart | Bradbury PLLC     A[...]

The intake process for any law practice or organization serves as the critical point of entry for new clients. The first meeting or consultation with a prospective client is where you get to make that all-important first impression on them. The intake process, however, usually begins at or before the first client meeting and may involve a few additional steps afterward. Despite the hugely importa[...]

There is a wealth of information about all products and services one would consider purchasing no more than a click away, and most people do routinely research these products and services before making a final purchase. We use our favorite search engine to inform and influence our decision-making from the most minor decisions, such as what restaurant we will visit to our most major decisions, such[...]

Potential clients shop around. They review a number of attorneys, even when they’ve been referred by a friend.  Does your online profile have what it takes to convince a prospect to contact you? Anatomy of a robust online biography In order to convert viewers into clients, you need to make clear not only that you stand ahead of the pack in terms of credibility and effectiveness but also t[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Aaron M. Hines of Pearson Bitman LLP Christopher P. Meier of The Meier Firm, PL Collin K. Hirschfeld of McKercher LLP Craig E. Frischman of [...]

One of the biggest social media platforms utilized by businesses and entrepreneurs across the world is Instagram. With over 25 million business profiles operating today, organizations are tapping into the huge marketing potential of the platform and growing their reach like never before. Although social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Twitter remain popular, Instagram has a[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Adam R. Rosenthal of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP Alexandra P. Smits of Harrington Brewster & Clein P.C.   &nbs[...]

To convert leads into paying clients, attorneys should evaluate the strength of their intake process. Whether you are a sole practitioner, boutique firm, or if you are a large firm with many locations, you probably are spending money on marketing.  If you are paying for billboards, ads, or are investing in digital marketing, it is critical that you have an efficient process for responding to [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Allan K. Townsend of Maine Employee Rights Group Andrew J. Baranowski of Sutin, Thayer & Browne     Andy Ivan Niranjan [...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Benjamin Meredith of Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan, P.C. Brian T. Mohs of Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC     Charle[...]

Constructing a quality city landing page is easier than most people imagine. Because many firms who optimize their website do not use local pages, implementing one could immediately give you an advantage over the competition. To begin, try implementing the following features into your page. Title: The quality of your headline will be the first thing the search engine’s crawlers or “bots” [...]

Whether or not your firm appears when someone searches in your area for “lawyers in Emerald City” or “Smallville attorneys” can make a huge difference in traffic to your website and potential client-conversions. Online search results are one of the most popular methods for individuals who are looking for a lawyer, so it is crucial to take advantage of every tool available in order to enha[...]

The legal industry is a constantly-evolving industry and is one that is often affected profoundly by advancements in technology and shifts in corporate behavior. We have identified four trends that began a sea change in our industry this past year, and we have identified how they may affect sole practitioners in 2018. These trends, including automation, the resurrection of the in-house legal depar[...]

Lawyers have always faced a host of challenges related to acquiring new business, maximizing their public presence, and establishing themselves as credible professionals. These are marketing concerns are nothing new to law firms across the US. However, the excess of technology and advertising options present new wrinkles to an otherwise timeless issue.We have identified four key challenges current[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Andrew Chan of Ericksen Arbuthnot Andy Bardos of GrayRobinson, P.A. Benjamin Wishart of Wishart Law Bethany Lynn Payton-O'Brien of Tully Rin[...]

Whether you are launching a new practice or are looking to maximize efficiency at an established firm, having the right number of well-trained staff on hand to properly handle intake should be near the top of your list of priorities. While most attorneys understand how vital the intake process is to screen potential clients and establishing the attorney-client relationship, many firms fail to trai[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Brian Charles Corrigan of Law Office of Brian Corrigan Catherine C. Dugan of Peterson White, LLLP Clark Daniel Tew of Homesley & Wingo Law[...]

.mobile-how {display: none;}.tablet-how {display: none;} @media screen and (max-width: 1500px) and (min-width: 640px) {.desktop-how {display: none;} .mobile-how {display: none;} .tablet-how {display: block;}} @media screen and (max-width: 639px) {.desktop-how {display: none;} .mobile-how {display: block;} .tablet-how {display: none;}} Offering your website visitors the ability to engage in[...]

There are so many complicated aspects to SEO we often forget about the smaller, foundational elements that can have an impact. These kinds of things are often overlooked, easy to change and (unlike a lot of other elements of SEO), under complete control of the website owner. Lawyers should double-check their site to make sure they have these simple on-site factors optimized for search. Unique titl[...]

Customer service, clerical work, social media management, and office maintenance are all tasks that are typically handled by a lawyer’s office staff, but many attorneys often find themselves saddled with these assignments for one reason or another. Solo law practices can rarely afford to hire a full-time receptionist. Budgetary constraints can also impact smaller law firms. Even when lawyers can[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Scott Anthony 'Scott' Brutocao of Cornell Smith Mierl & Brutocao, LLP Carrie Blackburn Riley of Carrie Riley Kenneth David Freundlich of F[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to:     Robert Frank Rider of Robert F. Rider PLC Jay C. Zeleskey of Zeleskey Mediations C. Brenton Kugler of Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. Rob[...]

.mobile-them {display: none;} @media screen and (max-width: 1070px) {.desktop-them {display: none;} .mobile-them {display: block;}} In an age when online reviews increasingly influence consumer behavior, ignoring them or responding critically can have a negative impact on your business. When done right, responding to online reviews is an effective way to build goodwill with clients and prospect[...]

Martindale-Hubbell is proud to announce that the following attorneys have achieved a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. Congratulations to: Allen A. Drexel of Drexel LLC Angela Elsperger Lord of Vogel Law Firm Ashley D. Cleek of Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, P.L.C. Christo[...]

We are excited to announce today the launch of our new Client Champion awards, an exclusive recognition that demonstrates an attorney’s commitment to client service based on the quantity and quality of their scores on Martindale-Hubbell client reviews. Fewer than 1% of all attorneys have qualified to receive the award. We recognize these attorneys because they epitomize the best in client servi[...]

Have you ever wondered how many leads it takes to close a new client? Ask no more! Martindale-Nolo surveyed 1,557 new clients to determine the average number of days and leads it took before they closed their first client. Also, be on the lookout for our new lead nurturing guide, Guide to Nurturing Law Firm Leads into a Thriving Client Base. Click on image below to view/download a PDF version. [...]

While some attorneys still swear by television, billboard, and snail-mail advertising, it is impossible to deny that the internet and social media are extremely effective vehicles for advertising your legal services. The immediate access to an attentive audience online is too valuable to ignore, but it is important to consider the ethical pitfalls that can easily arise while marketing your firm on[...]

Have you seriously considered your availability and ability to receive incoming phone calls – especially those from potential clients? Have you ever considered a lead generation service, but just can’t imagine being able to answer even more calls? Has the thought of hiring someone seemed too expensive? Fortunately, using a virtual receptionist service can be the perfect answer for all of thes[...]

Pro bono work is on the mind of most lawyers—even if they don’t always have time to follow through with their good intentions. And while pro bono work isn't required by the ethical rules governing attorneys, it is encouraged. The ABA Model Rules say lawyers should aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono publico "for the public good" legal services every year. While many large firms hav[...]

Amazingly, 81% of Americans text regularly, and over 560 billion text messages are sent every month![1] This is not a fad. These texts represent an ever-growing form of communication for a quick and hassle-free communication. So how does texting help attorneys?  Let’s break it down. An article published by Ring Central found that 32% of texters have closed a business deal via text.[2] Why?[...]

Two young law students graduate from law school and go to work for legal aid. They get excited about the possibility of serving the low-bono market, those who are above the poverty line and not eligible for legal services but are below the level of affluence which the regular users at the legal profession enjoy. The lawyers design new forms for the firm, leverage technology, and heavily use paral[...]

Online marketing would be much less complicated if companies like Google told businesses exactly how their algorithm determines the order of their search results. Until that very unlikely event takes place, law firms need to look to industry experts to determine how best to take advantage of Google to help their practice succeed. One of the more well-known resources for SEO is a company called MOZ[...]

Lawyers specialize in information and arguments. If you are a lawyer, people seek your services because they lack the legal information and rhetorical expertise they need in order to advocate for themselves. In short, you know something they need to know, and you know how to use it. It is this arrangement that makes online Q&A platforms, such as Quora, a powerful tool for lawyers. People flock[...]

As our law practices grow and develop, we all learn the importance of utilizing support staff to increase efficiency and appropriately leverage our billing. It does not make financial sense for all work to be billed at the lawyer’s rate, especially for the more ministerial tasks. Clients are happy to pay less for a paralegal to do some of the work, and the lawyer is thus able to concentrate on t[...]

When making a purchase or seeking a professional service, individuals can be reliably categorized into one of four groups that describe their “buying habits.” These buying habits dictate the way in which the person makes decisions (logically or emotionally) and the speed at which they commit to a major purchase that will impact their lives. The four buying habits are: competitive, spontaneous,[...]

Current studies of the buying habits of individuals, whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online, reveal that most individuals fall into one of four main categories: competitive, spontaneous, methodical, and humanistic. Upon closer inspection of the four buying habits, you will identify certain characteristics that will allow you to increase client contacts and drive calls, live chats, or form su[...]

With the rise of social media platforms and the ease with which we can post and share information, the more professionals, and more specifically lawyers, must be cautious about the kind of information they are sharing. Here are some practical do's and don’ts for lawyers to adhere to so as to get the most out of social media without putting their firm at risk: [...]

From our last article, 4 Sure-Fire Tips for Effective Lead Follow-Up, we learned that it’s critical to follow-up quickly and to nurture your leads. But how do you do this most effectively and efficiently? Having a lead management process in place enables you to systematically track and nurture your leads from when they first come in through sign-on. This will not only make sure you don’t miss [...]

The process of obtaining clients can be a source of stress for many lawyers, especially for small firms or firms that are just starting out. While it pains many lawyers to turn away business, it is important to properly pre-screen clients to avoid the headaches that come with clients who are not a good fit for your firm. Seasoned lawyers will tell you that you should not accept certain clients, no[...]

Local SEO should be a focus for attorneys because most of the time people don’t look for legal services outside of their geographic location. Unfortunately, this often results in many firms fighting for visibility within a limited amount of online real estate. You can be sure that your competition is constantly working to outrank you in search, so here are 4 essential tactics you can use to hel[...]

The advent of ridesharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and the countless others that have sprung up in the wake of the app-to-service model, has been hailed as ultra-convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional transportation like taxis and buses, but have also been criticized for their aggressive business tactics and competitiveness in their attempts to gain a larger market share. While[...]

As an attorney running your own firm, you know that getting new clients can be challenging. With 1.3 million attorneys in the U.S., competition is fierce, and it’s important you find a way to stand out. A Martindale-Hubbell study found 76% of consumers search for attorneys online. And if a potential client clicks through to your website and calls or submits a request to be contacted, you have t[...]

This interview with Michael Barasch of the New York law firm of Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson, is the second in a continuing series of interviews with attorneys who have successfully grown their legal practice into a business empire. Despite a résumé that includes tireless advocacy for the legal rights of 9/11 victims and first responders, attorney Michael Barasch of New York-based perso[...]

In law school, we are taught all the fundamentals. Most importantly, law school instills in us techniques for thinking like a lawyer. What we do not learn in law school is the business side of the law. No one talks about obtaining and retaining clients. Yet, when we start practicing law, we quickly realize that bringing in business translates into a partnership or a successful solo practice. Undou[...]

Last week I attended ALM’s Legal Week, which used to be called Legal Tech New York. While the program remains heavily e-discovery focused the folks at American Lawyer Media have taken a big step toward making the conference more applicable to all of legal. The keynotes in particular had broad appeal. While I sadly missed the Tuesday morning keynote featuring MIT Professor Andrew McAfee, I d[...]

We’ve all started to settle into 2017. Many people reading this probably don’t write as many checks as they used to, but if I did, I’d like to think that we’re far enough in that I wouldn’t have to write a 7 over a hastily scribbled 6. It’s still a new year, however, and it’s a good time to think about how lawyers and law firms can improve their online presence. Research shows that [...]

In a previous article, we covered the importance and overall process of Nurturing Prospects into a Thriving Client Base. We learned that 90%+ of your initial leads may not be ready to retain you immediately – even after you are able to connect with them. This is where email marketing can help you get in touch, stay in touch, build credibility and educate prospects – all the while bringing them[...]

Table of Contents You Have a Spammy Business NameYou Have a Virtual OfficeYou're Listed as Being Open 24/7You Don't Have Your Website Listed or it's IncorrectYour Phone Number is IncorrectYou're Not Adding Photos to Your ListingYour GBP Category is Wrong, Missing or You've Added Too Many CategoriesYou're Not Getting ReviewsYou Haven't Added in Your Location Attributes Use These Tips to Gain[...]

Like most people, lawyers make New Year’s resolutions every year. But if you’re someone who makes resolutions without any plans or tools to accomplish them, your commitment to self-improvement is just an empty promise to yourself. Recently, we showed you how to develop a formal business plan for your law practice, so that’s one great way to step into the New Year on the right foot. But if yo[...]

A common question we receive from attorneys who are just getting started with their blogging efforts is whether they should host the blog on the firm’s domain or on a separate domain. For example, imagine there’s a Cincinnati-based law firm called Thomas & Jones Law, and the firm’s website URL is www.thomasjonescincy.com. The attorneys may wonder if they should host their blog at www.th[...]

Table of Contents How to Find Your CompetitorsWhat to Look ForContent, Discover, Page Ranking, & Website AspectsSocial Media Check Out These Free Tools to See What Your Competition Is Doing Whether you’re just starting out, or have been in the game for a while, completing a competitive analysis is crucial to finding out what’s happening in your niche, which is paramount to your s[...]

Visitors to your website tend to use very specific patterns when reading your content. Moving in what’s known as an “F-pattern,” they pay most attention to the top-left corner of a page, along with headings, subheadings and introductory paragraphs. We would like to focus now on headings, where website visitors often look when scanning for key information. Headings and subheadings essentiall[...]

In this first of a two-part series on small law firms addressing cybersecurity and planning to prevent it, we address the critical reasons why solo and small law firm owners must confront this business risk. By now, you recognize that data breaches are an unavoidable fact of life for most businesses. You’ve seen nearly regular news stories about Biglaw firms experiencing them, and law firm data [...]

Lead Response Management (LRM), in partnership with InsideSales.com, has developed a lead response management study that looks at the best days and times to contact and qualify leads, while highlighting the importance of following up with leads quickly. The study has some key takeaways for attorneys, who can use its findings to determine the best times to reach out to prospects. Researchers with [...]

In today's hyper-competitive legal environment where legal consumers retain control and expect you to adapt your legal services to their needs, your law firm needs to distinguish itself from its competitors to become more profitable. Today’s clients also expect you’ll know who they are personally and have a full understanding of their legal needs before they’ll allow you to work with them on[...]

In another post we discussed why attorneys need to respond to online reviews that they receive and how to do it. Because more than 80% of people check lawyer reviews as the first step to finding an attorney, we’re taking a step back and looking at strategies for getting good reviews in the first place. The first step to getting more reviews from clients is asking for them. You may have heard th[...]

In our series covering the ways in which new attorneys can generate leads online, in a recent post discussed how you can make sure you’re making the right investments in digital marketing. In this post, personal injury attorney Reza Torkzadeh of The Torkzadeh Law Firm shares his insights on the importance of a strong web presence, search engine optimization (SEO), and lead generation.  Like m[...]

As a general practice litigator, you’re on the hunt for new clients daily. Do you want to attract people who are browsing businesses for any type of need or those who are ready to retain you for their specific need? As you hunt for the ideal client, you want clients who seek answers to questions that are transactional (where is the closest divorce attorney?) rather than informative (what does a [...]

(Part 3 of a series for New Attorneys) Over the past few weeks, we have been covering an important topic for new attorneys: how you can market yourself online in an increasingly competitive digital world. In our most recent post, we detailed two important strategies in the form of search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). While these two strategies are important to [...]

(Part 1 of a series for New Attorneys) The following is an excerpt from a webinar, titled Top 3 Online Marketing Strategies for New Lawyers aired on 5/24/2016. For an attorney new to the field, there are a number of challenges you must overcome as you begin your career, especially if you plan on starting a firm of your own. One of the most pressing issues is how to market your services to potenti[...]

This interview with Anthony Licatesi of the New York law firm of Rubin & Licatesi, P.C., is the first in a continuing series of interviews with attorneys who have successfully grown their legal practice into a business empire. Getting a foot in the door Attorney Anthony Licatesi has always had a mind for business, starting in high school in the late 70s when he became one of the first nightclu[...]

Table of Contents What Is Local Search and the 3-Pack? Why Don’t I Show Up in the Google 3-Pack? Methodology: What Did We Do for the Local Search Testing? What Did the Results Tell Us? How Much Do Location, Distance and Density Matter? Does Your Device or Search Phrase Matter? How Does Google Decide? What Really Matters for Local Rankings? What does this all mean? You have a [...]

What is a client persona? When it comes to marketing, attorneys need to decide what it is they hope to accomplish before they try to do it. Part of creating a plan is deciding whom to target. How can law firms identify and target the ideal market? By creating client personas. What is a client persona? It's a fictitious character who has the characteristics of your target audience. Client pers[...]

You’ve gone to that big industry conference. Now what? What do you do with all the networking contacts you made and all the information you gathered? If your answer is to put the business cards you collected on your desk, then you have a lot more to do to benefit from your marketing investment. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of conference attendance: 1) Debrief: Debrief immediately f[...]

You may have read a lot over the past couple of years about how Google recommends having a “responsive” website so that your site works on all platforms, from desktops to smartphones. If so, you probably also know that Google loves responsive sites. With any luck, you've already spent the time and effort on getting a mobile-friendly website, and you're thinking, "Ok, what's next?” Well, in [...]

You’re going to the big industry conference. Now what? Have you done anything to strategically prepare to get the most out of your attendance and networking? Or are you just going to wing it and pray that you’ll get something out of it? I regret to say that the latter is the norm. Here are 10 pre-conference planning tips for productivity and profitability: 1. Make a plan. Know why you are at[...]

Last week I made the case for why an attorney should have a blog at all. Hopefully something resonated, and you’ve taken steps toward establishing one. Now you may be wondering how to pick subjects and write content that will be interesting to potential clients. Unless your blog is focused on astrophysics, writing a good blog posts is not rocket science. Think about how you like information pre[...]

Table of Contents Your Website is From 2005You Haven’t Verified Your Google Business ProfileYou Are Not Getting ReviewsYou Are Not Utilizing the Power of Social MediaYou Have No Idea What “Ask A Lawyer” Is Here’s the problem: You’re an attorney, which means you’re busy. Between your time in court, the endless amounts of paperwork, and your client meetings, you barely have time t[...]

We all know that good online reviews are good for business. It’s only natural, then, that attorneys fear negative reviews. But what if negative reviews weren’t always so bad? What if their presence actually brought an air of authenticity to your online reputation and ultimately drove more clients to your practice? As it turns out, they can. The assumption most of us make is that a 5-star revi[...]

When was the last time you committed to a major purchase without seeking out feedback from a friend, a relative, or reviews on the internet? In today’s world, where everyone is connected and nearly anything you could ever want is a few mouse clicks or finger presses (and one day Amazon Prime shipping) away, we are surrounded by heart, star, thumbs up, and number ratings on nearly everything. Eve[...]

Many attorneys rely on referrals as a major source of new business. In fact, nearly 58% of firms rely on referrals as their primary source of new clients. Because referrals often come from sources attorneys don’t track, like phone calls and walk ins, it can be difficult to determine what exactly made a consumer decide to reach out. But given the high percentage of referrals that turn into new cl[...]

In our previous post we talked about Domain Authority and Domain Rating, two measurements that allow lawyers to track their progress in search. Here, we lay out strategies for increasing those metrics and methods for measuring progress in search. Get a baseline As a first step, log into either Ahrefs or Moz Open Site Explorer and make note of your site’s Domain Authority or Domain Rating. Keep t[...]

Success Story: Ross Albers, Attorney, The Law Offices of Ross W. Albers The following is an excerpt from a webinar, titled Online Marketing for the Savvy Attorney, aired on 10/15/2015. “I'm a solo practitioner, specializing in DUI. I used to be a prosecutor in Baltimore city. Two weeks before I got married, I told my wife I was quitting my job and starting my own law firm. She still marri[...]

The New Year brings fresh opportunity to make life-improving changes. That’s why people resolve to do something different or persevere on a project, whether that means promising to lose weight, quit smoking, or exercise more—the list goes on and on. The idea of making a change for the better should not be limited to our personal lives; it should extend to our professional lives as well. As la[...]

Recent Updates To Google+ Affects The Review Process Google has changed everything, yet again. It’s like that old saying The only thing constant is change. That seems to be their motto, since they just made a major update a few months ago to their search engine results, and now they’ve rolled out another update, without any warning. That first update dealt with removing all aspects of Google+[...]

Whether you’re hoping to grow your practice or not, most lawyers are perpetually faced with the challenge of getting getting new clients. And to a large extent, this is arguably a zero-sum game. There isn’t an endless supply of legal consumers out there, so if you win a client, then someone else probably lost one. That’s why marketing and advertising is so important. It’s a competitive wo[...]

I’ve heard people with legal issues say that unless you have to go to court, most legal work is not that hard. With so many online resources and software packages, the argument goes, why hire a lawyer to write your will, draft your lease, write your divorce agreement, or incorporate your business when you can do it yourself? Just plug your information into a form and . . . poof! Besides, as the[...]

Online marketing is essential, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Trying to figure it all out on your own can take up valuable time that you could be using to help your clients. Martindale-Hubbell and Martindale-Nolo can take care of everything for you, no matter the size of your firm, your marketing experience, the strength of your brand name or your marketing budget. We help firms develop, m[...]

Starting a law firm requires a lot of work and attention to detail. With such a large focus on making clients happy and handling the minutia of running a business, some important things can fall through the cracks, particularly if you’re starting your firm on your own or with a very small staff. Marketing can often be overlooked, but it’s important to make it a priority if you want your firm t[...]

There is a road-map for becoming a lawyer: you attend college, graduate from law school, and pass the bar exam. Building a successful law practice, on the other hand, is not as straightforward. No one teaches you how to acquire clients or how to manage them once you have them. There is no manual on building a brand or choosing a marketing strategy that works for you. No one but you can create the [...]

Understanding how your next client will find you is critical to earning their business. Two years ago, Moses & Rooth provided us with some guidance. Recently, they again partnered with Mike Blumenthal to ask survey participants, who had hired attorney within the last year, how they found the lawyer they hired. I encourage you to check out some of their conclusions and insights. One of the mo[...]

Comedian Aziz Ansari, best known for his role as Tom Haverford in the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” recently teamed up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to write the book Modern Romance, which includes an examination of texts and emails written between people who are dating – or trying to. A recent “This American Life” episode captures exchanges between Ansari and audience members at a [...]

I have a calendar item in Outlook to remind me to Google my headshot every six months. Unfortunately, I don’t always like what I discover. During the last two years, I have found impersonators using my headshot on various websites and social media platforms. I suggest you follow the same practice in an effort to protect your personal profile which is getting harder and harder to do online. How t[...]

The secret to SEO success for law firms on a budget is specialization. When we ask attorneys at small law firms about their budget for SEO, $1,500 per month is a common answer. Most of the time, these attorneys want to promote several different practice areas. This chart illustrates the fundamental problem with this: So, if your monthly SEO budget is $1,500, and you want to target six practice[...]

With regard to trial publicity, it is important for lawyers to comply with the rules of ethics and to give their best efforts to ensure that all witnesses within their control comply with the rules. The American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct serve as models for the ethics rules for 48 states in the U.S. For purposes of this post, I am addressing on Rule 3.6. Rule 3.6 states[...]

Many lawyers may view online reviews with hostility and, I will admit, I tend to be one of them. I think that may be because we are all thinking like lawyers. Fundamentally, lawyers seek to be understood and have the last word. Online reviews may not seem to provide either opportunity, however, an understanding of online reviews may prove that is not necessarily always the case. Instead of greetin[...]

Let’s face it — keeping up with daily responsibilities is hard work, especially for attorneys. Everyone wants to be busy and get as much done as possible, but sometimes too much is too much. Without proper time-management methods set in place, it can be quite easy to experience burnout. Burning out is not only undesirable, but it can actually have dramatically negative effects on your career. [...]

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking about building your brand and growing your network at the Avvo Lawyernomics 2014 conference in Las Vegas. What amazed me most about the event was the tremendous turnout of lawyers from around the country who took three days out of their hectic schedules to learn more about marketing. These lawyers know the importance of business development. Unfortunately[...]

Matt Cutts, the head of Google’s Webspam team, announced last Monday, “If you’re using guest blogging as a way to gain links in 2014, you should probably stop.” Many savvy lawyers understand that guest posting is a useful item in a legal marketer’s toolbox, and Matt Cutt’s declaration changes nothing for lawyers going about it the right way. What Is Guest Posting? Kevin O’Keefe sai[...]

Do you ever get a good feeling about something, but you can’t put your finger on exactly why? You have a good feeling about someone you just met -- that they are a trustworthy person. You have a good feeling that something good is about to happen to you. You have a good feeling about a situation--that it's going to turn out okay. You have a good feeling that someone is going to get through a tou[...]

While a lot of attorneys and their SEO people seem to be hyper-focused on better search rankings, not as much attention is being paid to how they're appearing in search results--which presents a great opportunity. Adding Schema markup to your pages is a great way to steal click-share from your competition. What Is Schema? In the context of search engines, "Schema" refers to Schema.org, a collabora[...]

In my last blog post "Be a Bespoke Attorney: Why Targeted Is Best" I talked about how it is best to abandon the old school and expensive top-of-mind marketing and move into the more efficient world of fewer leads but higher conversion. Chances are if you are old school, then you are not reading this blog anyway. I realize those who are set in their ways are going to continue doing top-of-mind mar[...]

I wrote a blog post back in September of 2008 about using a link building method called "cherry picking," and almost five years later it's still a method that we use on a fairly regular basis. Cherry picking is a link-building method where you identify a few websites that are ranking well for a search term that you would like to rank for, and you then use a tool like Majestic SEO, Open Site Explor[...]

Above the Law asked a simple question of their readers in 2013:  “Are you still happy you went to law school?” The post immediately received dozens of replies, some of which are laugh-out-loud funny (as are many things on ATL); but most were impressively negative. It got me thinking, “Am I happy I went to law school?” And the answer, after a bit of pondering, was an unqualified “yes.�[...]

Understanding how people find and hire attorneys might just be the most important question related to growing your law practice. Even better: understand how the clients you want find and hire attorneys like you. Different people find different types of lawyers in a multitude of ways. Here are some ideas to help you get started. In a recent Google survey conducted by Moses & Rooth, survey part[...]

Before moving into my current role as Chief Commercial Officer for PR Newswire, I worked for seven years as an M&A associate at two multinational law firms and then spent six years dealing with law firms (small and large) in my role as General Counsel for a large media group.   I have a unique perspective, having been in all three positions: Marketing to clients, Being marketed [...]

How can you possibly differentiate yourself as a new lawyer from the thousands of other lawyers in your market? I faced the same question nearly 20 years ago when I became a new lawyer. How could I separate myself from all the other lawyers practicing in the same area of work? How could I bring in business? So I thought it might be helpful if I were to share my own early experiences. I hope it ma[...]

Internet scams that are perpetrated against lawyers are on the rise--and have been for some time. The efficiency of search engines ensures that an attorney’s contact information can be found with ease. This pretty much guarantees that every attorney has been or will soon be contacted by a con artist. It is not only the frequency of fraudulent attorney contacts that is alarming to members of the[...]

Scott Greenfield recently took issue with the notion of “risk aversion” being seen as a negative for lawyers.  And as Scott notes, there are all sorts of reasons for criminal defense lawyers to be risk averse - most of which start and end with the fact that stakes involve the liberty (and sometimes, the life) of your client.  The stakes don’t get higher.  The choices are stark.  It’s n[...]

Just this week, my agency’s legal marketing blog received three comments – all of which we consider SPAM – on behalf of a Chicago Bankruptcy attorney (whom I will not name here). This attorney’s website has been developed by a Seattle “SEO firm” which is using what I consider to be Black Hat techniques to create content rich links from legitimate websites to their client’s website (i[...]

An important part of how my law firm separates ourselves from our competition is how we say thank you to our referral attorneys. We are taught as children to say thank you to people. Then we start practicing law, and we tend to focus on our latest crisis. Saying “thank you” is important, but it isn’t urgent, and it drops down on our “to do” lists. Sometimes, we forget entirely. But say[...]

Social media is supposed to be all about engagement: putting out ideas then waiting for the internet to respond. I have learned that in the world of legal content creation, the author could be waiting a very long time. Post a blog comparing the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy III? You will be instantly flamed by dozens of Apple and Android fanboys. Upload a video to YouTube dishing on the latest Real Ho[...]

I routinely receive questions posed about lawsuits, such as: How much is my claim worth? Why do I have to deal with an insurance company? How long until I receive my settlement check? All good questions, and ones which deserve to be answered in detail. But these are questions posed not by my clients, but by clients of other attorneys. Why would these people ask a stranger important legal q[...]

These days, it is imperative that you get yourself and your firm listed in the most popular legal directories. This is particularly true for sites like Avvo where the amount of interaction between attorneys and potential clients is quite high. Now, Avvo probably isn't going to publicly brag about its traffic and online presence on its own blog; but that doesn't mean that I can't. A quick review of[...]

Last week, Google announced that Google+ (aka, “Google Plus” or “G+”) has reached 170 million users.  By any measure, that is a truckload of users; but it is staggering when you consider that G+ is less than a year old.  That makes the infant G+ roughly the size of LinkedIn (150mm registered users).  And, while G+ is still only 20% of the size of Facebook, it has clearly arrived, requi[...]

The practice of law is a profession in which advertising one's services has only been permissible since the late '70s. While one might tend to think that thirty plus years is enough time for lawyers to "get the hang" of professionally marketing and advertising their services, you don't have to look very hard to find some pretty bad legal schlock. And so, even the most caveat-emptor-minded among [...]

A new year brings new resolutions. Despite the time of year, however, we practitioners are always resolving to "keep better track of our time" or "improve our collections." The importance of effectively performing these two tasks cannot be understated, particularly for solos or smaller firms. But it is hard to keep track of every minute of every day. And it is often even harder to "justify" the am[...]

I’m turning thirty years old this month.  When I started my law practice straight out of law school, I was 25.  Even now, I look extremely young for my age.  Imagine how young I looked at 25 and very green behind the ears. Back when I first started, I used to get many clients asking me “How old are you?” or simply stating to me, “You look young.” When it’s posed as a statement, I s[...]