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Mellisa Grisel: Unbundled Legal Services Provide a Bright Future for Law | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Few attorneys build their law firm against the billable hour. Mellisa Grisel is one of those. Atlas Legal Services, LLC, was made to offer flat fee “unbundled” legal services and provide affordable assistance to the under-represented. A set-up that not only helps the average citizen navigate through legal processes but, she argues, will be a huge component in the future of law.

Key moments:

  • “Unbundled” legal services explained and why they work (04:16)
  • How new service concepts play out in a real-life firm (16:26)
  • Technology’s role in the “unbundled” service setup (21:57)
  • What Mellisa Grisel wants to see changed in the legal profession (30:32)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“I didn’t really have other business models to work off of [when setting up my firm] so I had to do a lot of trial and error. But then you’ll see bigger firms who have the funds to do faster trial and error. They are moving some of their practice to flat fee services and they’re really starting to follow the money.”

“[Lawyers] don’t have to just be the hammer in the courtroom. They can the facilitator…. besides moving towards flat fees, I think it’s awesome moving towards collaborative law.”

“The entire frame of legal services, the provision of legal services, needs to change to provide access to justice.”

“I’ve had judges personally thank me for taking on clients on a limited scope basis because the judges couldn’t tell the litigants ‘hey, you need to bring me all your evidence tomorrow, get your bank statements in line.’ They can’t give that person advice.”

Mellisa Grisel

CONNECT WITH MELLISA GRISEL

Mellisa Grisel began her firm, Atlas Legal Services, LLC., right out of law school because she wanted an innovative way to provide legal services to people who may not have gotten legal assistance otherwise. Atlas is able to provide à la carte (otherwise known as “Unbundled”) legal services to people who may only need or may only be able to afford certain steps in their legal case.

This way of providing service is ideal for people with family law cases like divorce, child custody, adoption, litigation regarding unpaid bills, services that were never performed, personal property, and also landlord-tenant law. Atlas is quite literally designed to help small landlords who need help with a tenant – be it collecting unpaid rent, drawing up a lease that complies with local laws, or if it comes to it, eviction.

Atlas Legal Services: www.atlaslegalservices.com

Call Mellisa: 312-291-4643

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your hosts Ron Bockstahler and Kirsten Mayfield run Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week they’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. They’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Kendra Spearman: Dismantling Systemic Inequity, As a Lawyer and Citizen Alike | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Kendra never envisioned herself becoming a lawyer, per se. Like becoming a minister, earning her J.D. and opening her law firm became a way to drive positive change within minority communities – improving access to justice as an agent inside the system. Recently, Kendra also launched The Justice Renewal Initiative, a faith-based non-profit also supporting her singular goal through alternative methods.

Key moments:

  • Conception and struggles for a firm built to bridge the Justice Gap (1:00)
  • The Justice Renewal Initiative’s three focuses for change (10:45)
  • Case Study: A man stuck in the broken criminal justice system (14:18)
  • What Kendra Spearman wants to see changed in law (35:43)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“The bar exam poses a major impediment [to more minorities becoming attorneys]…everything that it asks is stuff that you can kind of look up, it’s not a test about intelligence, but some people just don’t do well with tests.”

“What I hope to do through the Justice Renewal Initiative is bring all backgrounds together. All private citizens: I want judges, police officers – and that’s a group that tends to be excluded because of the mistrust – private citizens of the church…. People tend to ignore an issue if it does not affect them. So, I wanted to create this space where everybody could feel like they’re involved.”

“The other uncomfortable thing for me in that setting is that black women tend to have this stereotype that we’re angry… And I’m pretty confident that had I not lost my temper, that my client would have been taken into custody, and from what I was hearing from the different numbers that they were throwing out, we’re talking about years.”

“One of the main things I tell people is to talk about it. People look at racism and systemic racism and these issues as, you know, the awkward conversation to have.”

CONNECT WITH KENDRA SPEARMAN

CONNECT WITH KENDRA SPEARMAN

Kendra is a civil rights attorney and minister. She is the owner and founder of Spearman Law LLC, a civil rights law firm, and founder of The Justice Renewal Initiative, Inc., a faith-based, non-profit that is dedicated to criminal justice reform. She works diligently to fight injustice on the behalf of disadvantaged populations, in particular, those impacted by mass incarceration and racial disparities.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preacherlawyer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendraspearman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spearmanlaw/

Spearman Law: www.spearmanlaw.com

Justice Renewal Initiative: www.thejri.org

ADDITIONAL READING

Kendra, and The Justice Renewal Initiative, was featured in Chicago Lawyer! Read the full article: https://ablog.amatacorp.com/blog/posts/rearranged-as-covid-19-drags-on-law-firms-assess-their-largely-empty-offices/

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your hosts Ron Bockstahler and Kirsten Mayfield run Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week they’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. They’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Richard Gurak: Building a Powerful Law Firm (Paper-Free) and Out-of-the-Box Thinking | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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How do you build a powerful law firm? Take Advitam IP as an example – a firm that started with a blank page, then thought so divergently they decided to just throw paper away entirely. Now, eight years running, embracing the pivot and always keeping cost in mind has made their firm thrive.

Key moments:

  • Why you should begin with a blank page (5:07)
  • How firms can meet client billing rate expectations (13:14)
  • Choosing a branded name versus a last name for your firm (24:35)
  • The importance of change in a successful firm (28:20)
  • What Richard Gurak wants to see changed in law (32:53)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Frankly, from the AM Law 100 firm that we were leaving, we gave up nothing. In fact, I’ve joked with Michele that I actually think that our tech capabilities are better.”

“It never fades, the happiness I feel when I get referrals, because I always tell myself okay you must be doing something right.”

“It takes time to change. It takes money, sometimes, to change. But in order to stay on top of your game – not only in the legal business but in any business – you have to adapt.”

While Lavish Law Office Space is Nice, Talent Tops List of Client Priorities

CONNECT WITH RICHARD GURAK

Richard Gurak is a Founding Partner of Intellectual Property firm Advitam IP, LLC (2012) where he represents individuals and companies of all sizes across five continents. Mr. Gurak has authored articles on legal issues relating to trademark and domain name, appearing in numerous publications, and lectures regularly on intellectual property matters.

An active networker and philanthropist, he participates in and/or is a member of the International Trademark Association, The Union League Club Chicago, and a Lifetime Member of the Natural Register of Who’s Who.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardgurak/

Advitam IP: https://advitamip.com/

KEEP EXPLORING

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your hosts Ron Bockstahler and Kirsten Mayfield run Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week they’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. They’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Judge Erika Orr: Women in Law, Parenthood, and Asking for What You Want | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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It’s our first episode and the Honorable Erika Orr helped us launch with a bang. Determining what you want and then asking for it is a key driver of personal success and greater social change. Erika’s insights as woman on a journey to becoming a judge – owning her own law firm, working in corporate, and tackling motherhood – prove this over and over.

Key moments:

  • Hanging up her own shingle after the 2008 recession (8:40)
  • Conflicts for women developing career and family in America (10:13)
  • Asking for what you want (15:05)
  • What Erika Orr wants to see changed in law (19:06)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Part of [bridging the pay gap] is making sure women know they can make the ask, don’t be afraid to make the ask…. Even as a child I was empowered to speak my piece.”

“At some point [we’re going to have to] assess what our value system is around the working family…. There’s a cost factor to it but cost really is associated with whatever your value system is. It’s not an expensive proposition if certain things are important to you. We as a country are going to have to make a determination about what it is we want.”

“We need more people to dive deep and not be afraid to ask the questions of themselves.”

ERIKA ORR

CONNECT WITH ERIKA ORR

Erika Orr is currently a full circuit Cook County judge where she is seated in the Domestic Violence Division.  Prior to that, Erika was a solo practitioner and owner of the Orr Law Group, Ltd. in Chicago, where she specialized in domestic relations law.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.orr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-orr-4a55971a/

Cook County Court, Judges Pages: http://www.cookcountycourt.org/Judges-Pages/Orr-Erika

FURTHER READING

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your hosts Ron Bockstahler and Kirsten Mayfield run Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week they’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. They’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Announcing our New Webinar Series “The 90-Day Sprint”

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90 Day Sprint

Ironically created and curated by a man who runs long-distance, Ron Bockstahler (CEO & Founder of Amata Law Office Suites).

A lot of people are giving advice right now. We’re overwhelmed by their invites to webinars, emails about new blog posts and articles, and we’re betting you’re overwhelmed too! This webinar series will cut through the noise.

We’ve invited all the professionals and experts who are giving attorneys advice to speak in one place: our weekly webinar series “The 90-Day Sprint.” By focusing on one concept each week, you can prepare your firm for success without feeling overwhelmed, or like you’re missing any information.

Over the next 90 days we will cover a handful of topics including:

  • Cyber-security and ABA Rule 1.6
  • Insurance practices for attorneys
  • Marketing on the micro level and creating strategies on the macro
  • Developing your client base
  • Practice management software
  • Time management and delegation
  • Maximizing the use of paralegals
  • Growing your brand

Come out of the next 90-days a better firm, and move ahead of the competition. Register for the Series.

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

COVID-19: Chicago Updates & Amata Operations Information

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COVID-19: Chicago Updates & Amata Operations Information

As the situation on the coronavirus pandemic grows in both Illinois and throughout the world, we will maintain this page with our status and updates.

As of Friday, March 20th: Amata Law Office Suites is still open and operating. However, we are encouraging clients work remotely.

Recent Update: Thursday, April 9th

225 W Washington Street (Chicago): Positive testing for COVID-19 in building

Amata Law Office Suites has been notified by the building management of 225 W Washington that an on-site employee has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

For previous updates please see below.

Wednesday, April 1st

Amata Law Office Suites free services extended through extended “Shelter-In-Place” end date

Governor Pritzker has extended the “Shelter-in-Place” order an additional 30 days, through April 30th (Executive Order No. 18). Our free services (mail scanning and document preparation) have also been extended to match this new end date.

For a list of all Illinois executive orders, click here.

Friday, March 20th

Amata Law Office Suites open during the Shelter-in-Place

The operations of Amata Law Office Suites fall under Section 1(12) item m. in the executive order as put forth by the state; stating that “businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed to work from home” fall under the “Essential Businesses and Operations” category. Therefore, we are remaining open during this order.

For the complete executive order click here. 

Thursday, March 19th

161 N Clark Street (Chicago): Positive testing for COVID-19 in building

Amata Law Office Suites has been notified by the building management of 161 N Clark that an on-site employee has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). CBRE will be following the guidance of the CDC while responding to the incident. The tenant in question is addressing the issue in their space.

180 N LaSalle Street now operating from 8 AM-5 PM.

Effective today, the Amata Law Office Suites location at 180 N LaSalle will be closing an hour earlier than usual. We will be operating from 8 AM-5 PM during this pandemic. Once the current situation is improved, we will return to the extended hours previously observed at this location (8 AM-6 PM).

Tuesday, March 17th

77 W Wacker Drive (Chicago): Positive testing for COVID-19 in building

Amata Law Office Suites has been notified by the building management of 77 W Wacker that an on-site employee has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Ownership and Transwestern are in close communication with the tenant and the Chicago Department of Public Health in responding to this matter.

Sunday, March 15th

Governor J.B. Pritzker has closed all bars and restaurants in Illinois, starting Tuesday, March 17th.

In order to combat COVID-19, Governor J.B. Pritzker has closed all Illinois bars and restaurants for on-site consumption. This will go into effect Monday evening, March 16th, starting at 9 p.m. and extending through March 30.

During this time, customers may order food for delivery or takeout.

Amata is open but encouraging work from home and social distancing.

If you are a client who has not yet established remote working procedures and options for your firm, please contact your center manager, or call us at 312-757-7840. We will assist you in setting up your firm for telework through our virtual office services.

Why we need to practice social distancing.

Friday, March 13th

Cook County Courts closed starting Tuesday, March 17th.

Starting Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, the Circuit Court of Cook County will not be in session at the courthouses. This will extend through April 15th, 2020, with normal operations commencing on April 16th, 2020. Please note, this date may be modified by subsequent order of the Chief Judge.

The Circuit Court of Cook County will make exceptions for emergencies in civil cases or certain categories of criminal cases. There will be two assigned emergency judges (per day) in the Domestic Relations Division presiding in the Daley Center courtrooms 1903 and 1905. These judges will be only addressing emergencies.

Read the official notice.

Amata Law Office Suites is still open.

Amata Law Office Suites plans to remain open to provide services to attorneys during this time, and our locations are still open pending any changes to the COVID-19 situation in downtown Chicago. We will work diligently to keep our client’s firms running as smoothly as possible, and maintain our virtual services for all Amata clients who have chosen to telework due to the outbreak. We’ve also extended our free of charge legal admin and paralegal services to match the court’s date of April the 15th.

If you are an Amata Law Office Suites client who is interested in working remotely and have not yet received mobile phone training for you and your staff, or if you need more information regarding our free of charge admin & paralegal services now put in place through April 15th, please reach out to us at 312-757-7840.

If you are not a client but would like information on how Amata Law Office Suites can assist your firm, please call us at 312-815-1884.

March 12th Update

Amata Law Office Suites is open for the foreseeable future and preparing clients to work remotely.

Our teams have been working around-the-clock with Amata clients training them to use their mobile business phone technology so they can continue to serve their clients during this challenging time. We’ve also removed select administrative & paralegal service fees so they can operate as usual, without incurring additional costs due to this outbreak.

It’s important to us that our clients are able to work from anywhere and can implement the policies they believe are best for their firm’s health and safety. To assist your firm we are offering the following services at no charge:

  • Court filings and court runs in downtown Chicago (filing fees will still be incurred)
  • Document preparation
  • Mail scanning to you and your employees

If you have not yet received training for you and/or your staff, please reach out to us at 312-757-7840.

Discover our offices for lawyers in Chicago.

How to Get Affordable Health Insurance for Your Small Law Firm

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How to Get Affordable Health Insurance for Your Small Law Firm

 

If you’re a partner at a law firm, then being an attorney is not your only focus: running the firm takes up a large portion of your time and energy. It’s probably why you’re reading our blog. You are interested in shared law office space (like we provide at Amata Law Office Suites) because of its cost-savings and extensive, built-in, support staff for your firm.

At Amata, we want to ensure that we help support your business knowledge so you can run your firm well, and focus on practicing law. Today, we’re tackling one of the most fraught areas of running a law firm: selecting health insurance.

The truth behind small business health insurance…

After reading The Price We Pay by Marty Makary, M.D., our CEO & Founder, Ron Bockstahler, dove deep into the world of health insurance and uncovered some interesting information: small businesses have more comprehensive and affordable health insurance options than they are often led to believe. For instance, many small firm attorneys would be surprised to learn that as a one-person business, they have access to group-health insurance.

If you have individual health insurance, you may have learned the hard way that the individual market lacks stability: the plans are often shifting & changing, and prices are prone to jumping (many see this happen yearly!). The group market, on the other hand, is lower cost and provides more stable insurance options. The plans do not change often, either in design or in price. They also renew each year, and are less susceptible to drastic federal and state legislative changes.

How is it possible that a one-person business can have access to something labeled “group”?

Technically, it is referenced as a small group, and there are restrictions. Since many of us infer group as including a large number of individuals, we don’t look into whether group insurance is an option for us as small businesses and default to the individual insurance options. For many small business owners group insurance is not only a viable option, but the best option. The benefits of group health are so large that business owners shouldn’t assume they won’t have access without talking to an experienced insurance professional first.

What are the benefits of going with group insurance?

Aside from the lower costs and increased stability, providing good health insurance both for yourself and your employees can create a better work atmosphere. Health insurance is one of the most contentious topics in America right now, but everyone can agree that they want good insurance. Being the firm who can provide great benefits will help bolster your employee satisfaction, and can boost not only staff retention but overall happiness – both of which will bolster your firm’s effectiveness.

Does your firm qualify for group insurance?

Answering this question is worth the time investment. You can either contact your existing insurance people, or if you’re an Amata Law Office Suite client, you can attend our special education event “Insurance Education: What they don’t tell you” hosted by Alexandra Eidenberg of The Insurance People and Richie Marrero of 360 Benefits. This event takes place at 77 W Wacker on Thursday, February 20th, and is open to all Amata Law Office Suites clientele. You can RSVP with us at [email protected]. If you missed the event and want more information, send us an email!

In only an hour Alexandra and Richie will give a crash course on the insurance options you don’t know about, and you can pick their brains to see if any of these options are good for your firm. If you want your questions answered, please RSVP. For anyone looking to network, cocktails and appetizers will also be available post-event.

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Dick’s Last Resort & 18th District Police Partner to Deliver Santa’s Gifts!

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Dick's Last Resort & 18th District Police Partner to Deliver Santa's Gifts!

For the 29th year Santa has had help delivering gifts to local Chicago area children, thanks to the efforts of Dick’s Last Resort and the 18th District Community Policing Office.

Santa and his elves hosted a gift giving extravaganza at the local restaurant on December 11th; Dick’s closed their doors for the event and accommodated approximately 50 children who were bused in from area schools and churches. Festive face painters made the children laugh with delight as their faces were decorated with Christmas designs. Carolers from VanderCook College of music serenaded the crowd. Also attending were members of the 18th District police force and local politicians.

Toys, school supplies & books galore!

A Community that Cares…

Each child received multiple gifts from Santa, and while they received amazing toys, their gift piles also included more practical items, like school supplies and books. In the 29 years of this event, Dick’s Last Resort has spent more than $100,000 on gifts for Chicago area children.

“These are children who probably would not be getting much for Christmas,” said David Swann, regional manager of Dick’s Last Resort, “and in these challenging economic times, we wanted to provide an extraordinary afternoon.”

Ron Bockstahler, CEO of Amata Law Office Suites, added, “It’s a blessing and a privilege to assist the police and Dick’s Last Resort in providing gifts to these children. Dick’s has been helping the community for many years and with all the turmoil in our world, it’s heartwarming to know Chicago has corporate citizens that care about our children.”

And an Event Children Look Forward Too

The adults aren’t the only ones who appreciate being able to participate in this yearly tradition. This holiday event is an staple in the community and children are excited when they learn they are attending. Professor Robert Sinclair, Ph.D. Director of Choral Activities at VanderCook College of music said, “Having our students participate in this event is very meaningful for them. They so enjoy getting the children up, singing, dancing and laughing. We look forward to participating every year.”

The children were chosen by community volunteers and school officials in conjunction with the 18th District Community Policing Office, which is led by Sgt. Chris Schenk.

Taking Time to Educate

Local politicians and the police department use this event to educate children as well. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who has attended the party for the last 17 years, spoke to the children this year about the importance of staying in school and not getting involved with gangs.

Also in attendance were 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and 18th District Police Commander Daniel O’Shea. Officer Ramona Stovall assisted with the party. The event is organized every year by Chicago civic leader Kathy Posner, a member of the 18th District Community Policing District Advisory Council (DAC.)

Each year Amata Law Office suites staff head down to Dick’s Law resort to help wrap gifts. Thank you to our Amata admin Kara Fuss and receptionists Mirel Robles and Erica Morgan for your time and generous spirit this holiday season.

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Lead Generation for Attorneys

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Lead Generation for Attorneys

Lead generation can be a very scary prospect for someone who has never done marketing before. You’re probably a terrific lawyer, but that doesn’t make you an expert at sales. Nevertheless, finding new clients is a critical part of running a firm.

So what are the best ways to generate new clients if you’re a marketing beginner?

Network in your community

You probably plan to garner new clients in your local community. So you have to start networking locally! Go to local events, volunteer for causes that are important to you (and relevant to your practice) and let your face be seen. This will help you establish credibility as someone who works with and within the community.

The American Bar Association puts it best in their article about successful networking:

Ask any successful lawyer how he or she built a practice, and you’ll hear, “It’s all about relationships.” The success of a law firm depends on maintaining and expanding relationships with existing clients and attracting new ones. You can’t do that unless you’re engaging with people and genuinely committed to helping others.

Join social media sites

Of course, networking hasn’t been the same since the advent of the Internet. Social media has changed everything, but that doesn’t mean you should sign up for every site that exists. Choose the right social media sites for you and your practice, ones that reach your target clientelle. The most common and useful for professionals are LinkedIn and Twitter, but 40% of attorneys also use Facebook.

Tips for…

Create a marketing letter to collect new interest from old clients

Client referrals are a great way to build a practice, but clients may not realize you want to be referred much less depend on it to grow your business! By crafting a marketing letter and reaching out to previous clients through snail mail, you put a personable touch in a digital world. No one needs yet another email, but we all love receiving letters and postcards from people we know.

Learn the basics of creating a marketing letter with this handy guide. And don’t forget to mention the obvious: you appreciate referrals!

Do you have any lead generation tips and tricks that have worked for you?

Copyright ©

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

How to Network When You Work Remotely

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How to Network When You Work Remotely

While being a telecommuter takes you out of the everyday hubbub you find in a traditional office space, it doesn’t restrict you from taking advantage of networking opportunities that can give you that face-to-face interaction you need, and also give you a leg up in growing your business.

Network Virtually Through Groups on LinkedIn

LinkedIn groups offer a unique outlet for networking with others in your industry, those that share your business interests and even those within your own city.

Participate in group discussions. Answers questions where your legal insight is valuable. And when you meet a person who you’d like to connect with, go to their profile page and do so! LinkedIn groups provide a way to easily network with like-minded individuals without ever having to leave your virtual office. And when you do want to leave? Your groups are the perfect place to key you in on networking events nearby that you may be interested in.

Use Coworking Spaces to Find a Community

The most talked about disadvantage of working remotely or telecommuting is the lack of face-to-face interaction. Buffer’s “State of Remote Working” found 21% of people regarded loneliness as their largest struggle as a remote worker. An easy solution? Networking.

For instance, both our Virtual Members and traditional office members enjoy complimentary access to events we put on across our locations – everything from strategic networking events for attorneys, to book launch parties for members who have recently published. Because we are tailored for attorneys, we offer a supportive community to network within that fits their specific needs. Not all coworking spaces are alike, so find the community that is best for you when pursuing this option.

Join and Network Through Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Through your local chamber of commerce, you can attend networking events and programs designed around increasing your points-of-contact as well as providing unique training and education. Chambers also offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities you may not find elsewhere, and this can often include additional promotion for your business.

While your business may have an online presence, face-to-face interaction will sell and build growth for your company better than any other. Through the chamber, you’ll build relationships that become friends, associates and advocates for your business who can help you do just that.

No matter how your remote working lifestyle looks, maintaining a virtual office won’t limit you from tremendous networking opportunities. Interested in gaining more visibility through networking while enjoying the perks of working from home? Check out Amata’s remote office & phone packages today!

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.