Staff identities on your web site?
My response was that it is merely a matter of labeling:
This is merely a matter of labeling. As someone recently said to me, “Words are everything!” If you label a category “attorneys,” everyone in that category must be an attorney. You might create a separate category under the heading of staff … or better yet, separate categories for “paralegals” and “staff.” Most firms do not list their staff, a mistake in my opinion. Proper labeling will solve your dilemma ..
I’m really glad to hear Ed Poll say that not listing staff on law firm websites is a mistake. Clients often have very simple questions that they don’t need a lawyer to answer and they appreciate having a contact who can help them. Also, I’ve noticed that many RFPs are asking for paralegals’ profiles as part of the proposal. They don’t want to rack up partner billable time with simple procedural questions. Similarly, business development staff can often handle day to day contact with high maintenance clients who wouldn’t expect to receive a bill for that service. Having these staff on the website is good for everyone.
For reasons well-stated by Margaret as well as enhancing the morale of the entire firm, it is a good idea to include staff on the web site. It's like giving them a business card that recognizes they exist and are part of your team. Inclusiveness will produce more harmony for all, increase productivity and therefore profitability of the firm. It's not "we" and "they," it's us!http://www.lawbizblog.com/admin/trackback/66832
Amen Ed and Margaret! Please, let us stop worrying about listing others on our websites. If these people are potentially important to the client, then list them! They are, in their own way, just as important as everyone else and should be treated accordingly.
Some worry that putting bios on websites leaves these people open to being recruited. Well, so be it! If they are good, they are going to be found, whether they are listed or not. If you are treating them as human beings, providing great working conditions, respecting them by giving them the client exposure they deserve, then they won't be tempted to leave you.
Yes, get the headings right..."Our Professionals" covers a wide range of people from the client's perspective. Businesspeople call themselves professionals, which has a completely different meaning in the business world than it does in firms where certain individuals are given that distinction because they are "in the profession" and practice law.
Always look at these situations from the client's perspective. By that, I mean BOTH internal and external clients. The more respect you show people, the more they will want to return the favor.
Nancy Myrland
You have to market your paralegals along with your attorneys and include their specialt(ies); short bio with their number of years experience and credentials, and contact information. However, they should be listed separately from the attorneys and properly labeled. Perhaps, an introductory paragraph could indicate that they are not attorneys and their work is done under the supervision of an attorney. Consider including a list of their responsibilities and emphasize that paralegals cannot give advice to clients, sign legal documents, or represent a client at trial. Be sure to say that they are billed at a much lower rate than the attorneys and save clients money. In addition, they are more accessible to the client.