Build a Practice

Compliance with Version 2.0 AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, published by the World Wide Web Consortium, requires addressing issues that impact how a website is perceived, operable, understandable and robust.

A review of LexBlog, Inc., a company that will take all of the guesswork out of preparing and creating your legal blog.

The author shares easy ways to grow your practice.

As lawyers trying to provide value to our firms by generating new business, there are special limits placed on us by the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly by Rule 7. Young lawyers should study this entire Rule in detail, but here are some key takeaways.

Freshen up your photo, add skills, and take other steps to optimize your presence on LinkedIn.

A look at the most important steps and decisions you’ll face when it comes to getting a new Web site for your law practice.

Is your e-mail address conveying the image you want to convey?

If your firm does not already have a dedicated Facebook page, you need one--immediately

The author provides useful guidance to help you establish or improve your firm’s Internet presence.

Some ideas for getting your name out there.

You can find clients on Facebook and LinkedIn. Or, more to the point, they can find you. But be sure to go about it the right way or you'll lose business and run afoul of ethics rules.

Regardless of what percentage of your revenue you spend on marketing, there are several tactics to help small and growing law firms get the attention they need and deserve in a competitive climate. 

Use these tips to improve your Internet presence and ensure your business comes up on the first page of a Google or Yahoo search.

On October 20, 2009, Paula Hudson Holderman and Delilah B. Flaum, of Winston & Strawn coached more than 100 women lawyers on how to get over the “anti-networking” mindset and formulate a plan that will lead them to a more fulfilling career.

You didn’t go to law school to be a salesperson, but you still have to sell yourself to prospective clients. Here’s how.

Should you build a Web site? Buy a listing in an online directory? Here's an introduction to Web-based marketing.

As a rule, the more lawyers you have in your firm, the less able you are to focus your Web site's attention on any one lawyer's knowledge and experience. An easy solution is for each lawyer to have his own education-based Web site.

The author has identified 18 myths... do you believe any of them?

When hiring a lawyer, prospects want to make the right decision. Yet to thoroughly check out a lawyer, a prospect needs to conduct a fair amount of time-consuming research.

A look at a few best practices to ensure that you are protected and stand to make money on your personal injury referrals.

Will the court enforce your referral fee agreement? A recent case ups the ante by requiring strict, not merely "substantial," compliance with ethics rules.

It's permissible to refer cases to other lawyers and share in the fee, as long as you meet the requirements.

Is practicing downstate really any different from practicing in Cook or collar counties? Well, yes and no.

Making clients happy isn't just about good legal outcomes - it's also about good customer service.

Lawyers and practice advisers explain the importance of strategic planning to long-term success.

Choosing the right clients and managing their expectations may be the two most important jobs for any family law practitioner.

Law firms that fail to address leadership issues may find themselves unprepared for the future and unable to acquire new clients and retain existing clients.

Potential clients and the public at large are online and are likely searching for you. Put your best foot forward by introducing yourself in a variety of online forums that are free, relatively easy to use, and exceptionally effective at increasing the value of your personal brand.

A few things you should be doing to “market” to your current clients so they don’t wander.

One of the most intimidating and daunting thoughts for any lawyer who decides to embark on a solo or small practice is wondering where the clients will come from.

Don't underestimate the importance of your agreement as both a legal and marketing document. Because if prospects aren't comfortable with your agreement, they may not sign it--and all your prior legal marketing efforts have been for naught

If you're like most lawyers, you know the value of speaking with a prospective client over the telephone before your first meeting.

It is natural at this time of year to set goals for the upcoming year. So, what kind of results do you want to create for your personal practice this year?

Gone are the days when attorneys simply practiced law. Today, they face increased competition, shrinking demand for services and increasing supply of professional talent, availability of service substitutes, and marketing of professional services.

Sites like Avvo that rate lawyers and encourage consumer reviews are evoking reaction positive and negative in the legal community – and posing interesting ethical challenges.

A look at the special ethical challenges that arise when lawyers use Facebook, Twitter and the like and how to address them.