LegalMatch Marketing for Attorneys

Is My Fax Machine Obsolete?

Fifteen years ago, fax machines were quintessential in sending copies of printed materials over the telephone system. It was quick, easy, and secure. Technology has advanced tremendously since the invention of the fax machine in 1846. The same documents can be sent over the Internet. So why would anyone still keep a bulky fax machine?

The benefit of using a fax machine is that their data transmissions are secure and free from foul play. The sender does not need to worry about confidential data being intercepted by third parties who are hacking into their systems. However, email can provide almost the same level of security. Confidential data can even be encrypted before it is sent.

Another reason is that some people or federal agencies require certain documents to be faxed. But that does not mean a fax machine is necessary. On the market, there are a lot of email-to-fax services (such as hellofax.com). For a low monthly subscription, you can fax documents by sending an email and receive all of your faxes in your email inbox. And if you seldom use fax, there are free options available (such as faxzero.com). They are simple to use and are even cheaper than a fax machine.

Depending on how technologically advanced you are and the amount of data security you need, a fax machine may still be appropriate. If your recipients are able to use encryption software, then sending documents over email is very secure. If you are not too worried about potential data breaches, the security features from email-to-fax services may be enough.

Low Cost Research Tools

While LexisNexis and Westlaw offer a wide array of primary and secondary resources, they can be costly for small firms and solo practitioners. The good news is there are several low cost and free alternatives available. 

• § Google Scholar: Google Scholar offers free access to federal and state case law. You can also search for scholarly articles, although not all of these are available for free. Google Scholar also has a patent search and allows users with a Google account to save cases and articles.  
• § Casemaker: Casemaker provides subscribers with federal case law, state case law and statutes information. Extra tools such as tracking time by client, folders to save research, and the ability to save notes are provided. Casemaker also has a service that indicates if a law is legitimate. Additionally, some state and local bar associations offer free or discounted access to their members. 
• § Fastcase: Fastcase offers a database similar to LexisNexis and Westlaw that includes primary law at the state and federal level, including PACER. It also offers the flexibility of a monthly or yearly plan. This database also features citation analysis and visual search tools. 
• § LoislawConnect by Wolters Kluwer: LoislawConnect offers several flexible subscription plans that can be customized to provide information on federal and state primary law. LoislawConnect also offers add-ons such as forms and treatises. Additionally, GlobalCite allows you to search materials that cite the law you are looking at. The ability to save searches and track time also enhance the search.
• § Practical Law Company: Practical Law Company offers secondary materials such as documents, checklists, and overviews of law categories to guide attorneys. Practical Law also offers international resources.

In addition to the alternatives above, consider obtaining a law library membership, which may include database access. Also check with your state and local bar associations for discounted or free membership to research databases.  

Work on Word-of-Mouth

Every lawyer’s goal is to own or work for a law practice that self-sustains through word of mouth referrals. Word of mouth means no yellow page ads, no marketing budget, and automatic positive reviews.  

Typically, word of mouth clients seek your services because someone they trust has recommended your services to them. This means that trust has already been established by a mutual acquaintance. A pre-established trust means an easier, happier client, and an easier client means a contented attorney.

So how can you kick-start word of mouth referrals?

Start off by expanding your referral network. Make friends with lawyers who practice in non-competing areas of law, and set up a referral exchange with them. It may sound trivial, but once put into practice, it really works.

Take the additional measure of instructing happy clients to send their friends your way. Even if you don’t practice in the area of law they need help with, you can refer them to an attorney in your referral exchange network. And you know what? That attorney will be more likely to refer someone back to you.

Networking is one of the most viable marketing methods out there—so the sooner you put in that order of business cards, the better.

Keep Your Clients in the Loop

For most people, dealing with legal issues can be an overwhelming and stressful ordeal. As such, it is your job to make the process easier. Keep them updated, be patient, be pleasant, and let them feel that they have some measure of control over their legal situation. Your client is paying you to handle their legal matter, and she is entitled to regular updates about her case.

Give your client a call every week to keep them aware of any new case details. Even if nothing has changed, call them and remind them that you are there, you are still working hard on their case, and you have not forgotten about them. Don’t have the time? Have your secretary or paralegal do it.

Still too much of a hassle? If you don’t have time to make phone calls, a personal e-mail or letter is still better than nothing.

Act kindly, keep in touch, and we assure you-- your clients will appreciate your professionalism.

 

Cloud Computing Is the New Era for Law Firms

Cloud computing is becoming more popular everyday due to its low cost, flexibility, and mobility. The only issue with cloud data storage is the distrust in its security measures.

For solos and small firms, the price of running a server system may be extremely expensive. You have to make sure your files are backed up properly and you must fix any technical issue that may arise. With cloud computing, a minimal monthly fee is charged to store your data in a remote area. You are not responsible for the servers and will not need to pay maintenance fees if the server fails.

One of the major benefits of cloud computing is the ease of accessing and transferring data files. The files can be accessed wherever there is Internet connection. Files are both stored on your computer hard drive as well as the cloud. Moreover, no additional computer programs are needed to sync all of your devices. 

Although cloud security seems faulty, the ABA has given approval to allow attorneys to use the cloud. As long as the attorney understands how the cloud service operates, then she is not in violation of any ethical duties. Cloud computing is rising in the legal world, and is a reliable tool to keep track of records.  

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The Psychology of Office Décor

Office décor can be the starting point to the type of relationship you will establish with your clients. The décor can affect the psychological mindsets of your clients. It can make clients feel welcomed and comfortable, therefore more willing to hire you as their attorney. This is part of the reason why individuals and businesses spend thousands of dollars on interior decorators. But with a few tips, you can be your own interior decorator and create the perfect environment to optimize client attorney relations. 

For a welcoming environment, neutral colors, warm lighting and plants will do the trick. Neutral colors are professional, which will make your clients respect you and your practice even more so. Warm lighting makes your office feel like a welcoming place, where people can come and have open-dialogue with you. Also, neutral walls and hung mirrors will make your office appear bigger. Green plants in the office will bring good fengshui, and green colors tend to have a calming effect on people.

To have a hospitable and warming environment, a small drink and snack table will make your clients feel more comfortable. Having an organized desk will also make the client feel at ease. By offering drinks and snacks to your client, your client will feel that you two are on the same level. Additionally, when you organize desk chairs such that your chair and your clients are on the same height, it reduces the intimidation factor.

As for wall decorations, framed diplomas and paintings are a good choice. It shows that you are educated from a respectful institution and that you do have interests outside of work. It makes you a more relatable person, in which your client may bond with you on non-work related matters.

For some clients, stepping into an attorney’s office can be intimidating. Any non-legal and neutral decorations may help your clients feel welcomed. After all, a potential client who feels comfortable with you is more likely to retain you as their attorney.

 

Learn to Say “NO” to Potential Clients

Attorneys go to law school for different reasons. One common reason is to help people take control of their lives. Assisting those clients who need it most is what makes your job feel good and rewarding.  

Being a humanitarian and wanting to save the world is great! …if you’re Mother Theresa. But you’re not. You are running a law practice. And a law practice is a BUSINESS.

Have you ever noticed a little sign in the entryway of restaurants, bars, and retail stores? It says “We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to Anyone.” It means, “Some Customers Are NOT Worth The Trouble.”

Even if you want to, you can’t help everyone who comes to you for help. Learn to say “NO,” and protect your sanity, plus your business. You don’t need the headache that comes from trying to please everyone.

That being said--use your best judgment.

There will always be some people that really do need help, deserve help, and will end up being excellent clients. Learn to pinpoint and assist good clients. And learn to tactfully reject bad ones.   

Reeling in Your Phone Lines

Do you have trouble getting people off the phone and into your office for initial consultations?

Every lawyer knows that once they get a client into the office, the chance that their services will be retained increases dramatically. A personal connection between attorney and clientele is the first and most vital step in retaining their service. But what can an attorney do to encourage the transition from phone to office?

When speaking to the client for the first time, try letting the client know you run a very personal practice. Tell her or him that you make a point to meet every client face to face during your initial consultation. Suggest that it’s important to you to make sure that you will be a good fit for them and their case: both professionally and personally. Explain your background and what law you specialize in. And mention that the best way to do that is to meet one on one at your offices. (This works particularly well with family law clients).

The client will feel more at ease and will be more willing to come into your practice and make a face to face connection. This interaction will get them comfortable enough to decide that they want a lawyer who cares about their case as much as they do.

How LegalMatch Can Help Your Communication with Clients

LegalMatch marketing services help to facilitate successful initial contacts with new clients. As a member attorney with LegalMatch, you receive access to client case-postings that are specific to your location and your practice areas. When you make an initial contact with a potential client, you already know quite a lot about the client's situation. This maximizes your ability to determine quickly which leads you want to take on as clients.

For a detailed example of how LegalMatch can help you communicate with clients, check out this recent LegalMatch review by longtime member attorney Charles Damian.