Oprah & Lance Armstrong
If we think we have problems, listen to and read the book by Lance Armstrong!
Legal Technology Predictions for 2005
One of the most interesting predictions for the future of the legal profession is written by Dennis Kennedy.
Spyware Becomes Public Enemy #1
A recent survey revealed surprising results. While everyone knows that spyware has been growing by leaps and bounds, apparently very few realized how dramatic this threat has become.
Continue Reading...Profits
Many law firms are experiencing increased revenues and profits.
Profits-per-partner, which has become a benchmark of firm performance in recent years, could eclipse $1 million in 2004 at six firms either headquartered or originally started in Los Angeles. In 2000, not one L.A. firm reached that level.
Continue Reading...How do you bill for contract attorneys
When you have a contract attorney work for you, how do you bill your client? How do you write his/her time on your bill?
This issue has been litigated. The conclusion is that the contract attorney is not an out-of-pocket cost for billing purposes. You are not required to bill the client at the cost to you for his/her time. You may bill the client for the contract attorney at an "attorney's rate" or any reasonable rate you establish in your engagement agreement acceptable to the client.
Is that all there is? Is making partner the end?
The late Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun once said, "A wedding is an event; a marriage is an achievement." Much the same could be said about the attainment of ownership in your professional practice. Your ascension is an event; partnership is an achievement. And so the analogy goes that a law firm partnership is much like a marriage and a breakup much like a divorce. Life repeats itself in business.
James Cotterman lists 12 tasks or steps that the new partner must consider
Networking is not net-resting
See MayItPleasetheCourt. Craig Williams, in his web log, talks about diving not being the same as floating. While he didn't intend to take the metaphor further, he reminds me that networking is not the same thing as netresting.
In order to be effective in networking, one must work ... work the room, work the rolodex, work the telephone, etc. in order to meet people and let them know what you do. Only when they know what you do can they make a choice to have you work for them.
Building a field doesn't mean, despite the film, that baseball players will come to play. Unless you let folks know what you do, they won't know they may benefit from having you represent them. Give them a chance to know you ... Give them a chance to include you in their list of options. They just may choose you to be their lawyer!
Don't get phished
Internet
Bankers abhor surprises!
See The Best Surprise by Kevin Salwen on Travel who said that those of a certain age will certainly remember the Holiday Inn ad campaign "The best surprise is no surprise." But lately, I've been surprised many a time in my hotel stays -- and almost always to the upside.
-- In New York, at the Dream Hotel (a New Age-style place with Deepak Chopra themes -- I'm not kidding), the Gideon's Bible has been replaced by The Teaching of Buddha. For the first time in years, I actually started reading.
-- In Santa Monica, at the Loew's Hotel, there's a remarkable computer-screen jukebox in the lobby with 3,000 songs that allows guests to "program music for the entire hotel." I tossed on a Sheryl Crow tune.
-- In San Francisco, at the Adagio, a great basket of Aveda products adorned the bathroom. Mint and rosemary shampoo, anyone?
Hotels are scrambling to be more distinctive -- and I should quickly note that these are mostly mid-priced places. Some openly tout 300-thread-count sheets, others in-room high-speed wireless, still others plasma TVs. Is there another industry that is working as hard to out-unique the other guy?
I agree with Kevin. And certainly the airline industry is one example of negative surprises. My travels continue to emphasize for me the airline industry's total disregard for their customers ... It is not surprising to me that there is only one airline that has made money in the last 30 years! Southwest continues to focus on its core mission and treats its employees as members of the family in a way that encourages them to treat their customers likewise. Read the book, Nuts!
One industry that abhors surprises is the banking industry. When a customer borrows money, the bank expects to be repaid! Funny about that. Tip: When you know in advance that you will have a problem making the loan payment, go to your lending officer and explain the circumstances. Bankers are people, they want to help and will do so if approached in advance of a problem. Suggest alternative ways in which you can handle the challenge and ask for their input and advice.
The worst thing you can do in such situations is ignore the problem and fail to let them know in advance.
Press Release -- February 1, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Society for Advancement of Consulting info@consultingsociety.com 800/825-6153
Board Approval Awarded to Edward Poll, Principal, LawBiz Management Co., 800-837-5880.
Society for Advancement of Consulting
Announces Board Approval Designation
Edward Poll Cited for Excellence
SAC is an international association of solo practitioners who must provide validated proof of their high performance in consulting; successfully completed client engagements; testimonials from client executives; achieve a high level of professional income over a prolonged period; have worked with a minimum of 25 clients; and who adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. The members interact as an international community to better the profession and their own techniques.
Board Approvals in specialties require at least a year as a full professional member of SAC. Fewer than two per month are currently granted.
Edward Poll, J.D., M.B.A., CMC, is a coach, consultant, author and speaker. Helping lawyers develop loyal clients, Ed coaches lawyers to be more effective, efficient and profitable. Also known as "Your Practical Guide to Profit," Ed guides lawyers to expand client market share and increase repeat business with less stress.
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