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Due to several recent inquiries regarding the use of Martindale-Hubbell’s logo on a law firm’s website  - or attorney bio page – I am providing this quick explanation on the topic. Non-Subscriber Firm: If your firm is a non-subscriber of the MH directory (meaning your marketing budget grew significantly because you cancelled your listing), you do still have options for using MH’s rating logos.  There is, however,  a $159 fee to purchase the right to

Chris Pothering, author of this article and a partner with the Seattle-based law firm of Short Cressman & Burgess, is a JMI client who has a unique practice emphasis in issues relating to social media and blogging. This article originally appeared in the April issue of the King County Bar Bulletin. Can you imagine signing into Facebook or Twitter and being notified that you had been served with a lawsuit? That idea may not be

A marketing plan is an evolving instrument.  It’s meant to be adjusted and re-worked as the market, your practice, the firm and your career changes.  There are many factors that influence the direction of your marketing efforts. Your marketing plan should be adjusted accordingly. Eight key points to keep in mind when implementing your plan: 1. Always play to your strengths. You will be far more successful implementing activities and programs that you enjoy.  Identify

Chris Pothering, a partner with the Seattle-based law firm of Short Cressman & Burgess, is a JMI client whose practice focuses on the unique world of social media and blogging. This article originally appeared in the December issue of the King County Bar Bulletin. Do you ask your clients if they know what happens to their digital assets once they die? Do you know what happens to your own digital assets when you die? Digital

I’m often asked what the difference is between Marketing and Business Development.  Marketing and business development are distinct concepts although they are deeply intertwined. While law firm marketing professionals and lawyers have various opinions on what this difference is, my view is as follows: Marketing has the single greatest impact on a law firm’s performance. This has been demonstrated in numerous studies in many different sectors. Marketing is both a culture and set of behaviors.

Chris Pothering, a partner with the Seattle-based law firm of Short Cressman & Burgess, is a JMI client whose practice focuses on the unique world of social media and blogging. In this article, Chris addresses the legal risks businesses need to keep in mind when making use of social media communication tools. Given the global use of social media, by companies of all sizes and in all industries, there are many important legal issues to

A number of studies show that potential clients almost always visit a law firm’s website before deciding to retain its services.  These reports are full of data showing how crucial websites really are to the growth of a law firm’s business.  For example: 65% of corporate counsel have gone online to locate outside legal counsel; in-house counsel say they turn to websites twice as often as printed marketing materials; when selecting outside law firms, general

It’s never too early, or too late, to start building your individual client contact list and establishing a personal system for managing your network of contacts. You may eventually develop and maintain multiple lists including a master list with all clients and contacts, a list of just your referral sources, a list of prospective clients and perhaps unique industry or practice area related lists. This list may initially include law school classmates – who will

American Lawyer reported today that things are looking brighter among The Am Law 100 law firms. Eighty-three firms reported revenue gains (increase of 25 from the previous year).  All 100 firms rose by single digits last year in gross revenue, revenue per lawyer, and profits per partner. Additionally, that ongoing storm of layoffs has eased considerably and in fact, many firms have reversed course and are once again hiring at all levels.

Despite years of trying to stay away from social media, individual lawyers and law firms are beginning to deploy social networking tools to build practice and firm awareness.  Swarms of law firms are joining the ranks and reaching out to this once uncomfortable platform; the level of comfort and understanding of this online world of communicating has definitely evolved. As law firms wake up and recognize the potential of social media networking, law firm leaders