Lawyer Rankings: The Good, The Bad and the Waste of Money

June 18, 2025July 31, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Lawyer rankings are big business these days.

An article earlier this month in the Wall Street Journal documented emails that have been stacking up in many lawyers’ inboxes over the last few years, all proclaiming the recipient as Top, Super, Best, Leading and many other superlatives.

It’s tough to burst my clients’ bubble when they forward me another breathless email declaring that they are among an elite group of attorneys being named to this latest list.

But most of these awards are just scams, cleverly disguised as ego stroking.

The fine print will explain that while you have been named to this list solely because of your supreme mastery of your area of law, unfortunately no one will know about this great news unless you buy a plaque, pay for an expanded profile or write a check to be included in an upcoming ad.

To be fair, there are legitimate lawyer and law firm rankings out there. American Lawyer Media, Acritas and Chambers are a few that have real methodologies backing up their lists. And perhaps they are right that general counsel look to these lists when determining where to send their bet-the-company work.

Perhaps.

Nonetheless, here is an easy way to navigate these awards.

If an awards entity wants to say nice things about you, let them. Put it on your website news section. Post it to LinkedIn. Maybe even add it to your bio – but no badges, please.

Just don’t give them any money.

Instead, use that money to trademark a new superlative adjective, and start your own business model capitalizing on the egos of, say, accountants. Those guys will totally fall for it.

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Jocelyn Brumbaugh is the founder ofThe Brumbaugh Group, which provides marketing and lateral integration strategy for law firms and other professional services firms. She also runs Legal & Professional Services Council, a Chicago-based nonprofit trade group for in-house law firm marketers.

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5 DIY Website Improvements to Increase Revenue

June 18, 2025July 26, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Do It Yourself

The landscape of technology is constantly changing. To keep your brand top-of-mind, your website might be changing too! Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to hire a developer to totally overhaul your existing site. These simple DIY website improvements will keep your website looking sharp, fresh, and effective.

Hyperlinks

Use distinct hyperlinks. Utilize visual cues to help readers know where to click and what they’re going to get on the new page. Underline your hyperlink and change the color. This will draw the reader’s attention and encourage them to spend more time on your site. The more detailed the link titles, the more informed the reader will be.

Page Speed

Improve your page speed. No one likes waiting for a website page to load. Today, people want immediate satisfaction, especially online. They expect it! With internet access literally in the palm of users’ hands, potential clients can visit your website wherever and whenever. Don’t lose business due to a slow web page! Thanks to Google’s free tool, you can get information on your page speed and take the right steps to improve it.

Get Them Moving

Include calls to action. It might sound simple, but label calls to action with action words. For example, instead of “sign up for our newsletter,” you could say, “Sign up now!” Here are some other action oriented words and phrases you can incorporate; get started, share it, see more features.

Bullet Points Are Better

Bullet points make things better. In the spirit of providing immediate satisfaction, bullet points help your readers get the information they need as efficiently as possible. Not to mention, it’s aesthetically pleasing. Feel free to think outside of the box. You don’t have to stick to the traditional circle bullet point. Find an icon that matches your unique brand!

Go Mobile

Go mobile or go home. As mentioned, technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Part of that growth includes websites being mobile friendly. Is your homepage layout just as visually pleasing on mobile as it is on a desktop? Do your hyperlinks work on the mobile site? These are all worth investigating and checking. Unsure about the mobility of your website? This site can help.

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Samurai Business Group: From Trusted Advisor to Trusted Asset

June 18, 2025May 12, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

The founding partner of Samurai Business Group, Bob Lambert, gives an insight on how to transform a well-trusted advisor into a well- trusted asset.

What is a trusted advisor?

A trusted advisor is someone whom you trust that gives you valuable insight on a subject. The important word here is “trust” which poses two key components: character and competence.

How do you earn trust?

Trust is an important factor in a successful relationship. It is important to understand how your buyer evaluates whom they work with. Here are four basic criteria a buyer may use:

Does your product/service overcome the pain of change?
Do they believe your solution meets their compelling reasons to buy?
Is your solution viable for them to implement?
Does the buyer trust you and your company to deliver on your commitments and promises?

What is the role of a trusted asset?

Below, Samurai Business Group provides the key differences between a trusted advisor and trusted asset. In order to develop skills of a trusted asset, understand what your buyer values. However, more importantly, always put your client first while going beyond your professional opinion. The way one sees a trusted asset is the equivalent to a trusted friend.

Trusted Advisor vs. Trusted Asset

Source: Samurai Business Group

Apply the standard components of a trusted asset into your business practice today!

To learn more join us next week as Bob Lambert will be the guest speaker at Amata’s lunch & learn: Beyond Trusted Advisor – Becoming a Trusted Asset

Click to download Samurai’s Business Group Full Article

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The Power of Persuasion

June 18, 2025May 4, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Amata recently hosted speaker Anne Smith, founder of Neuro Focused, at our Michigan Avenue location for the insightful lunch and learn event The Power of Persuasion. Anne explained how our brains are social and actually crave social connections, a fact that we can use to persuade others, particularly in our business communications. The trick is learning how people think when they are in social settings.

Key Tactics for Persuading People in a Group Setting

Mitigate People’s Bias

It is hard to recognize conformational biases within ourselves, but working in groups and communicating makes it easier to recognize these in others and mitigate. Once you know someone’s biases, you can use the tips below to work around them. Below you will find the most common biases people have and how you can mitigate them to create influence:

Similarity: People who feel as if they resemble another person and are better than others. A solution would be to find commonality between yourself and that person.
Expedience: A person feels and believes that if a certain belief or idea is right then it must be true. To overcome this, try to paint a complete picture to open up their thinking.
Experience: People who relate to your experience. Try presenting new perspectives through narration or visualization.
Distance: People tend to defer to those who are near them, rather than further away. To overcome this bias, try leading with a simple suggestion or invitation. You can also incorporate the solution for a similarity bias because finding a common ground will encourage them to overcome the distance.

Learn How People Visualize

People are more likely to update their belief when information is presented in graphic form. The brain is able to easily recognize pictures and interpret images before interpreting the text. Any time you can add graphics to your argument, do so to boost your persuasive power.

Make It Short

The human working memory is limited- so carefully explain important details you want others to retain and keep it short. Our brain can only focus on one concept at a time. Therefore, we best digest information in brief chunks- such as seven to eleven words in a sentence.

Now you know the three most important applications to use in a business communication, simply follow these three applications above to persuade your audience in the direction you choose.

Who Is Neuro Focused?

Anne Smith, is a certified professional coach who specializes in brain-based approaches to create a new way of thinking. This approach is a three-step process that includes reflection, insight, and action while learning about the brain. If you want to enhance your thinking and improve your communication with clients and key stakeholders, learn more about Neuro Focused.

Watch the full video of guest speaker Anne Smith: The Power of Persuasion.

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Improve Your Professional Social Media Presence

June 18, 2025May 1, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Having a great social media presence can help your business flourish while protecting your wallet. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest have become highly active networks to help businesses gain recognition. Hubspot found that “92% of marketers in 2014 claimed that social media marketing was important for their business, with 80% indicating their efforts increased traffic to their websites.” This shows that a well thought-out strategy could improve your social media presence and grow your business.

Here’s how to improve your professional social media presence:

Identify Goals and Objectives

It is important to identify your goals and objectives before you start growing your social media presence. Take into account who your audience is while understanding their needs and how it can tie into your business. Your news feed should portray valuable and relevant content for your audience. Knowing what interests them can shape your objectives and goals- while driving traffic to your website.

Use Hashtags Frequently

Hashtags are a crucial part of social media. They help label content to be discovered and even help you find relevant people or businesses. Using hashtags in your post can create awareness by simply connecting and engaging users on social media, which could potentially lead to an increase in followers and shares.

Don’t go overboard on hashtags! Keep in mind to effectively use hashtags you must keep it relevant and trendy. Before using a hashtag, always conduct a search to see if it is popular and used for the right reasons- sometimes it may be misinterpreted or considered spammy.

Eye-Catching Images/Video

Today, capturing images is incredibly popular. People can easily take a photo or a video with their phones and upload it to social media within seconds. Images are considered “attention grabbing content” since it can quickly portray an experience that the audience can understand and relate to, as opposed to text. It was found that 53% of photos on Facebook generate more likes than a text-based post.

An image is a great way to share your business’ story or message to attract your audience. Remember to make your content original, interesting, and focused. Here are some images you should include in your feed:

Your Product: Don’t just talk about what you offer- but show the audience your business and brand. Amata, in particular, uses Instagram to capture the brand, services, amenities, and community to give our prospective clients a glimpse of who we are.
Engagement In Events: Capture an action shot image of your clients or team members at a conference, training seminar, or lunch & learn event. This can be seen at Amata’s events where a photographer is taking photos of our members and then posting it on social media. This helps enrich our online community appearance.
Fan Shout-Out: Shine the spotlight on your followers! Ask your followers to use a promotional hashtag or tag your page after taking an engaging photo that portrays your business product or service. Amata, for instance, uses images captured at events and tags the appropriate business that was sponsored. This can help generate engagements and drive impressions back to your website.

A video can provide your audience with a unique storyline of your business. Similar to posting images a video can enhance your content strategy. Here are a few ways you can use a video:

Live-Feed: Keep your followers up-to-date with your daily business activity. Use features such as Facebook live or Instagram story to capture events that your business host or sponsors. Amata, for example, shares a live video feed of every lunch and learn event on Facebook and uploads them to YouTube for future reference.
Testimonials: Your existing customers are the most influential to prospects. They can help advocate your business story, so shine the spotlight on customers who want to speak on behalf of your business. This can be seen on Amata’s testimonial webpage and its Youtube channel where it has it showcases testimonials in a playlist. We love to hear what our customers have to say about us! It gives us a chance to learn what areas need to be improved and what we’re currently doing well.

It’s time to take the tactics above and implement them into your business’ social media strategy. Studies have shown nearly one-third of the world uses social media networks regularly. Get onboard today to maximize your potential reach to grow your business.

For more information on Online Reputation Management and Campaigns, contact Connections Marketing, a valued Amata member and trusted vendor.

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How To Grow Your Law Practice in 7 steps

June 18, 2025April 19, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Guest speaker, Steve Fretzin, advises Amata members on a multi-step approach to grow your law practice. It is important to implement a set goal as workload or day-to-day distractions arise. Keep in mind that a plan should push you towards your goal. Follow these simple tips below to keep your firm’s growth on track.

Create a Marketing Plan
First, think of the overarching goal you are trying to accomplish. Reference back to last year, were you able to follow through with your goals? If not, your objectives need to have a stronger strategy.
Develop Strategies
Focus on 2-4 strategies to grow your business that work best for your particular practice. Examples of strategies include networking, sending emails, development of strategic partnerships, and cross marketing.
Develop Tactics
For each strategy, develop 5-7 tactics to achieve those strategies. Tactics are methods to achieve your strategy and answer how to be effective, how to follow up, and how to execute. A tactic should answer who, what, where, when, and how.
Create and Prioritize a Database
Your contacts should be reflected in your database. Think of everyone you know. Now prioritize them based on their ability to help grow your practice. Can they be a potential client, or do they have an avenue of introducing you to potential clients? Group them by A, B, or C- those who are directly useful, those who might be a useful connection (these two lists will be used to execute your tactics), and those who will be of no use to grow your practice.
Attend and Utilize Events
Networking is your chance to grow from the bottom of the pyramid to the top. Be sure to research events before attending and not just attend the ones you hear about. Events that you should attend need to have your two targets: referral sources and actual clients. Don’t spin your wheels to attend events to keep active- that approach wastes time and money. Ask yourself where should I be and what types of events are good for my practice?
Control Networking Meetings
Attending an event is the initial approach, but how you work and follow through an event is crucial. To see if a person is a target you want to ask a few thought-out questions to understand if this is someone you can help or vice versa. If not, its time to excuse yourself and move on. You don’t want to waste your time or theirs.
Improve Client Experience
How do you plan to retain clients? All clients are not created equal and bring different values to your business. Simply break up your clients into categories for different approaches on how to retain them. Each approach may vary and be as simple as sending a newsletter, meeting once a quarter or calling to check-in. Keep in mind you are a lawyer but also a friend, so maintain a good relationship with each client. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask your clients if they can help you by referring your business. Using the above steps to create strong relationships with your clients will help you feel more comfortable asking them for this favor.

These simple tips will help grow your law practice. Don’t forget in the midst of getting tied up with the little things it is important that your plan has a focus and clear direction. Don’t put off creating your plan. Start today to grow your business.

Steve Fretzin will be presenting What They Didn’t Teach You At Law School on March 21st at 180 N LaSalle, Suite 3700.

Watch the full video on How To Grow Your Law Practice In 7 Steps:

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Take Control of Your Reputation Online

June 18, 2025March 21, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

For most businesses, reputation is everything. Luckily with internet marketing, you have the ability to control how your business is portrayed online. Online Reputation Management is a commonly overlooked marketing strategy that requires some pro-activeness, time, and patience. But once set-up correctly, you see how valuable and cost-effective this type of marketing strategy can be for your business.

Below you will find a few tips on how you can control your online presence:

Claim Your Identity
Start by prioritizing which online directory platforms can be best optimized in your industry. Focus on a few platforms then work your way down a list as your business grows. Google, Yelp, and Bing are one of the most used directory sites and should be at the top of your list.Some believe that their business may be too small to attract anyone; however, as business starts grow, many visitors will want to validate a business’s reputation from major 3rd party (unbiased) sites. If you do not claim or optimize major directory listings, you could lose out on lead opportunities due to low reviews or a very common reason, lack of correct contact information. Do not miss out on this! Optimizing listings will take time and effort to set up at first, but once it’s set, you just let it sit and do its work!
Monitor Your Reviews
A common question we get most often is what to do about negative reviews. It is important that you address any negative reviews that have been left on directory platforms immediately. Your reply should ideally resolve the issue in a non-defensive manner.It may be hard to recover from a negative review but you can confide in your loyal customers. Don’t be afraid to ask a customer who has verbally expressed positive feedback to post a positive review online- this can range from their expectations, satisfaction, atmosphere, customer service, and more. If the customer/client was genuinely satisfied, s/he will be more than happy to post a positive review for you and your business. Have your directory links conveniently saved at all times so you can share the link with your customer/client. As you continuously generate reviews, prospective customers will overlook the negative reviews in a glowing bundle of positive ones.
Maintain Your Reputation
Today, anything we say or do can end up online- even if it was meant to be private. It is crucial that you focus on how you want to be portrayed on the web by living up to your reputation in-person and address when customers or clients did not get what they expected. Amata provides a directory service for attorneys to help local clients find them online. If you are an attorney and interested in listing your law practice on the aLawCenters.com directory, please be sure to contact us!

For more information on Online Reputation Management and Campaigns, contact Connections Marketing.

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How To Create A Morning Routine

June 18, 2025March 2, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Creating the perfect morning routine can help set the tone for the rest of your day. By developing a good morning habit, you can experience increased focus, workplace productivity, happiness, and more!

Below are 5 tips recommended by Jim Lenger, Amata Member and Founder of Guitar Chicago, on how to create your morning routine.

Find your accountability partner
It’s easy to get side tracked off your morning routine. That is why it is important that you have a friend, spouse, roommate, or co-worker check in on your progress. This can be an easy way for you to go over which parts of your routine are working and which area needs to be improved.
Make goals
Whether you are starting the day early with a new healthy lifestyle routine or easing your way into the day before heading to work, it doesn’t happen overnight; instead, build towards it. Start with simple goals you can accomplish every morning such as squats while brushing you teeth, 15 minute run around the block, or cook a nutritious meal before you walk out the door. The simple goal can lead you to your overarching goal.
Begin with a reasonable schedule
Don’t wake up extremely early out of your normal everyday schedule. Start getting up early a few days a week and gradually work your way up!
Get Your Sleep
Start your morning with 8 hours of sleep the night before. If you have to, be sure to set a few alarms prior to the time you need to be up- it’s ok, we all need the extra push at times.
Keep it simple
Don’t try to accomplish everything at once, instead, take it one step at a time. If you find yourself struggling, take a load off, whether it’s the early hours you keep or the amount of activity you try to accomplish in the morning.

Try these tips and see if you notice a difference in focus and productivity.

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What You Need to Know Before Leasing Commercial Real Estate

June 18, 2025February 21, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

When leasing commercial real estate, one of the biggest mistakes people make is committing to a lease without understanding the terms.

The most common types of lease agreements and terms include:

Unlike residential real estate, commercial leases do not follow standard terms. Tenants are responsible for negotiating the terms of their lease agreements.

Tips to consider when negotiating a lease:

Protect your interests by hiring professionals. A commercial real estate broker can help negotiate your lease terms, including the addition of certain clauses like early-termination terms, sublease rules and assignability (transferring your lease to someone else). Have a real estate attorney review your lease before you sign it.
Understand costs and fees up front. Most leasing costs are calculated per square foot. However, depending on the type of lease you have, additional costs—like property taxes, insurance, utilities, trash collection and CAM costs for shared areas like courtyards and entryways—might be included.
Find out what amenities are included. Amenities can make a big difference in what location you choose to lease. Ask about basic amenities (like wiring for high-speed Internet, shared versus private bathrooms and central air) or unique bonuses (like fitness rooms, special partner discounts and security systems).
Negotiate the length of your lease. Landlords typically favor longer lease agreements, but shorter, 1- to 2-year leases with options to renew give tenants the flexibility to reevaluate how things are going financially after their leases are over. Consider your company’s future growth, and find out your options for expanding in that location.
Discuss signage rules. Ask what rules and options are in place for your business signage.
Know that you’ll likely have to sign a personal guarantee. Most landlords will do a personal finance check and require tenants to sign a personal guarantee, saying they are liable if the business isn’t able to pay the rent.

Amata Realty Group can help!

If you’re searching for a new space, expanding or renegotiating a contract, contact Amata Realty Group. Amata Realty Group uses its market expertise to match tenants with office spaces and services that meet their needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you need help!

Sources

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Cybersecurity for Attorneys

June 18, 2025February 17, 2017 by Amata Law Offices

Today, cybersecurity is a large problem for small to midsize businesses- particularly law firms. Securing IT speaker, David Myers, presented to Amata members Cybersecurity for Law Practice. Although, it may be easy to over look cybersecurity threats, it is important to know the 5 Myths, Threats, and Things you can do for your law practice.

5 Myths

I’m Not a Target: No matter what size your business is never doubt that your business is immune because your data may be valuable.
I’ve Got Antivirus: I’m Good: An Antivirus alone is not enough- you need a layered defense form which includes an antivirus, antimalware, spam filtering, gateway antivirus, backup solution, and etc.
External Hackers are my Primary Hackers: Incorrect, your hackers can be anywhere including the office you work in.
Cybersecurity is an IT Issue: Incorrect, this is a business issue that can not be pushed off to the IT person.
I’m a Lawyer: You have to think of yourself as a business owner serving your clients. You possess valuable information and hold information making you likely to be a target.

5 Threats

Ransomware: A piece of malware that locks your data until you pay a ransom. Then your data will be unlocked; however, it is not guaranteed you will get your data back.
Phishing: A fraudulent practice to obtain personal information. Internet of Things Threats: The “other” technology that may seem small but a group of malicious hackers can use that to attack you without knowing.
Your Users: Be sure your users understand the risk when storing information or accessing information.
Regulatory Pains: As the government regulates cybersecurity, more policy and fine increase compliance will increase as well.

5 Things you can do

Know you Data/ Regulatory User: Understand the data that you are holding and what regulations apply to you.
Encrypt your Data: This is easy and FREE on modern operating systems. This essentially “scrambles” your data so others who get ahold of your information may not understand the encryption.
Cyber Liability Insurance: A new type of insurance policy, so be sure to do research and not by the first one you see!
Prepare and Practice your Incidence Response Plan: Using your data to practice a drill if incident 1, 2, 3… happened what plan of execution would be in place.

Now that you have learned the 5 myths, threats, and things you can do, you are now prepared to run your law practice with confidence. If you missed the presentation by David Myers be sure to watch the recording below.

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