Why is it that SOME law practices are thriving despite the current economic climate, while OTHERS are dissolving?

 

Fact #1: We're in an uncertain economy.  The legal market is down.  Revered law firms are dissolving.  Lawyers — good lawyers — are getting laid off, and those who remain are often worried they'll be next.  Budgets are getting tighter, and there's no end in sight.  Some experts estimate that the economy won't even begin to recover until late 2009. 

Fact #2: Some attorneys are growing their practices by bringing in new business and clients and, in some cases, expanding practice areas despite this economic climate.  These lawyers find more satisfaction because they're working with clients they enjoy.  They have more professional options and security because they know how to satisfy clients, generate referrals, and keep a steady stream of new work. 

Fact #3: Rainmakers are the last lawyers to be cut and the first to be solicited for new employment.  Client development and retention are the key skills in today's economy.  No matter how times may change, if you can generate new work and new clients on a consistent basis, your practice will thrive. 

Question: Are you a rainmaker?

If not, you may find yourself

• Frustrated because your business development tactics aren't paying off

• Challenged to squeeze in rainmaking activity due to your busy schedule

• Worried that you'll be next in your firm's layoffs

• Wondering why you aren't getting as many referrals as you'd like

• Dreading asking for the business

• Wishing you could finally figure out how to start marketing

If so, you're not alone. 

It's a painful spot to be in: wishing for more clients, trying all of the "right" ideas but not getting the right results, and feeling more and more frustrated because you know you could help the clients if only you could get the business.  No matter how strong your technical legal skills are, those skills alone won't attract the clients you need.

There is a solution.  You'll find the first steps right here. 

Sign up to receive Chapter One of Julie's 2009 book The Reluctant Rainmaker: A Guide for Lawyers Who Hate Selling.  This complimentary resource offers a foundation for your rainmaking efforts.  Sign up in the box at the upper right-hand corner of this page or at the bottom of this page. 

You will also receive a special white paper titled Seven Secrets Every Lawyer Must Know to Survive and Thrive, Even in a Recession.  This paper was the basis of an American Bar Association Presidential Showcase Program Julie delivered to a standing-room only crowd on August 1, 2009.  And finally, you'll receive a complimentary subscription to the weekly email newsletter Leadership Matters for Lawyers.

Have specific questions or know you'd like to work with Julie?  Please email Julie at or call her at 800-758-6214.

Discover what you must know to lay a solid foundation for your business development activity. Enter your primary email below to get immediate access to Chapter 1 of The Reluctant Rainmaker. You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the weekly email newsletter Leadership Matter for Lawyers, which delivers crucial information and strategies you need to build a successful, satisfying, and sustainable practice.   I hate spam at least as much as you do, and you have my word that I will never sell, rent, trade, or otherwise provide your email address to anyone else for any reason. For Email Marketing you can trust