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2017 Spirit of Courage Benefit

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Spirit of Courage Benefit

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is celebrating 40 years as an international Jewish human rights organization that defends the safety of Jews worldwide, confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. It is involved in a multitude of community programs, events and social action including lectures and discussions with renowned speakers.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is also hosting the 2017 Spirit of Courage Benefit this Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 with keynote speaker, General David H. Petraeus. During the event, they will be honoring Leo Melamed with the International Leadership Award.

Leo Melamed

Having found long-awaited shelter in the U.S. during World War II, Leo survived the holocaust as a child after escaping Poland with his parents in a feat that took two years and spanned three continents. He grew to become globally recognized as the founder of financial futures.

Leo Melamed currently serves as Chairman Emeritus at CME Group (the Chicago Mercantile Exchange) and has received numerous awards including:

  • The 2005 CME Melamed-Arditti Innovation Award
  • The 2016 State of Illinois Order of Lincoln Award (the highest award conferred by the State of Illinois)
  • The Order of the Rising Sun, bestowed in 2017 by the Emperor of Japan for achievements in advancing world markets

As Chairman and CEO of Melamed & Associates, Inc., a global consulting enterprise, Leo Melamed has revolutionized futures trading and financial markets and was previously named by the former editor of The Chicago Tribune “among the ten most important Chicagoans in business of the 20th Century”.

Also being recognized during this event is Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, recipients of the Guardian of the Future Award, and Kinue Tokudome, who is being honored as a Medal of Valor recipient.

To learn more about the Simon Wiesenthal Center or how you can help support their cause, visit their website at www.wiesenthal.org.

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Why Attorneys Choose to Stay in Coworking Spaces

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coworking space for attorneys

Professional office space in Chicago that offers the unique environment attorneys need to run a successful firm can be hard to come by – especially at an affordable rate. What they often don’t teach in law school is how to run a business. This may be why many law firms take on more space than they need with the anticipation of growing into the space. Paying for this extra space is the same as burning your money. Before incurring expenses an attorney should build a proforma to estimate income to expenses and the key metric to use should be cost per billable hour. If an attorney anticipates they will bill 1500 hours next year and they are collecting $250/hour, they may want to keep their total costs at $50/hour or $6,250/month. These costs should include their office space, reception service, software programs, computers (amortized over their useful life), support staff, marketing expenses, and continuing education costs. This same metric should be used when adding attorneys to your staff to set expectations and manage expenses. Coworking or shared offices lends itself to controlling expenses based on estimated billable hours.

Receptionist Services at No Extra Cost

When it comes to coworking space for attorneys that truly provides a quality service for less cost, the first place you look is the reception. We have found that including front desk reception for our clients at no additional charge is a no-brainer. A successful attorney, billing 1500 hours a year, does not have time to waste answering phones and making sure clients are greeted properly. But these things are very important to building a loyal clientele. Staffing the receptionist position is a key part of the value offered at a shared office environment. It should not be a revolving door for temps and part-time employees who care little for their work.

Community

The opportunity to work among your peers, sharing referrals, consulting on changes in the law and building comradery among attorneys may be the most important aspect of working in a shared office environment for attorneys. Whether your case load has you in court all day or you are building your book of business, the best place to find fulfillment in your work is among other attorneys. Relationships blossom around the water cooler and popping into a neighbor’s office down the hall. When you require additional resources your shared office provider should offer an online community of attorneys with something in common as a resource for you to take advantage of.

Top-Notch Staff

Time and time again, our attorney clients are singing the praises of Amata Law Office Suites’ expert staff. Our professional reception, our on-hand paralegals, legal assistants, and our office managers go above and beyond to set the tone for our office services at Amata Law Office Suites. We take great pride in carefully selecting our team members, creating an enjoyable working environment, and compensating them well to reduce turnover and disruption for our members. Our efforts to create a superb team at each of our law office suites shows by the high remarks we consistently receive from our clients and visiting patrons at our locations.

Atmosphere Unlike Any Other

Amata Law Office Suites set out to create coworking space in Chicago that rivals that of a large law firm, offering all the perks of having the collaborative legal environment at a fraction of the cost. Our office suites are designed for the quiet, focused atmosphere that is required for any practicing attorney while also including shared spaces perfect for networking and taking advantage of co-counsel opportunities or the chance to pick another lawyer’s brain rather than spending countless hours researching to find what you need.

In today’s competitive environment it is important to not only get business in the door, but to get the right business. Having the luxury to choose the deals you accept and passing on those that either don’t fit into what you want to do or don’t pay enough is an important aspect to enjoying the practice of law. At Amata Law Office Suites, we understand this and have created a culture and community to help attorneys reach their goals.

Amata Law Office Suites is more than office space, it’s a community of attorneys with a thriving culture and the services required make the practice of law profitable and enjoyable.

With multiple locations, you can easily find the professional office space in Chicago that you need.

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A Celebration to Support the Immigration Project

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support immigration project

We’re hosting a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate and support the services provided to immigrant communities throughout downstate Illinois by the dedicated attorneys and staff of the Immigration Project. Amata Law Offices and Delgado Rompf Bruen LLC have come together in donating the space for this event!

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017
Time: 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Location: Delgado Rompf Bruen LLC, 180 North LaSalle Street, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL

Donations will be accepted at the event via credit card, check, and cash. If you are unable to attend, please considering supporting the work of the Immigration Project through an online donation. Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois has generously agreed to match new donations over $250 up to $10,000 for this event.

Thank you for your support!

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Social Event Educating Attorneys

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Tips for your business

Amata Law Office Suites teamed up with Advitam IP, LLC on October 26th for one of their monthly attorney networking events. Top attorneys convened in Chicago at The Metropolitan Club on the 67th floor of the Willis Tower for the event.

Guest speakers, Chrissie Martell from the Justice Entrepreneurs Project and Dave Moss with the Haymarket Opera Company, spoke on Turning Conversations into Clients while Pianist, Liza Micell, serenaded the crowd with her expert playing.

Amata gave away an executive photo shoot by ExecPix Photography that was won by Michael Fakaros, and The Metropolitan Club gave away two, $200 gift cards that were won by Stephanie Sexhauer and Randy Rapp.

The evening was enjoyable, and great conversations were had with many connections made!

If you’re looking for affordable coworking space in Chicago where you can partake in attorney networking events focused on building your firm, look at Amata.

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Meet the Candidates for Judge

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Amata Attorney River Cruise

Amata is honored to have two of our attorney members running for Judge in the upcoming elections. To show our support and appreciation for their commitment to serving our country, we are hosting a Meet the Candidates night where you’ll be able to learn more about each candidate. Please make plans to join us!

Meet the Candidates

Erika Orr, Candidate for Cook County 1st Sub-Circuit Court Judge

Erika Orr is the solo practitioner of Orr Law Group and specializes in domestic relations law. She has extensive experience in matters regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities as well as contracts related to surrogacy, real estate sales transactions, and more.

To learn more about Erika and support her campaign, head here.

Jamie Shapiro, Candidate for Cook County 8th Sub-Circuit Court Judge

James “Jamie” Shapiro has served as a judge for both criminal and civil cases. With over 32 years of experience in the legal field, his knowledge ranges from his time as judge to teaching law school and even serving as an Assistant United States Attorney.

To learn more about Jamie and support his campaign, head here.

Join Us

When: Thursday, November 9th, 2017, 5-7pm
Where: 161 N Clark St, 16th floor

Beverages and light appetizers will be served. No RSVP required.

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Leaders Making Business Happen

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Amata Attorney River Cruise

Leading attorneys came together last Thursday evening to build their relationships, enjoy a sense of camaraderie, and share referrals and resources. Check out this video and you will see, this is what being part of the Amata network is all about. With only 60 tickets available, the Amata attorney social on the Wendella river cruise was a sold-out event. The exclusive list of attendees ranged from 30 year veterans from large law firms to first year attorneys participating in the Chicago-Kent incubator program that partnered with Amata Law Offices to provide office space and services to the attorneys in the program. Meeting new people, building relationships and sharing referrals and resources is what selecting Amata Law Offices to house your firm is all about. This event was created from a collaboration between Amata and Advitam IP, an intellectual property law firm.

Just about a year ago Richard Gurak, a founding partner of Advitam IP, LLC, decided it would be beneficial if the attorneys at Amata’s 150 S Wacker office got together over a drink once a month to get to know each other. He circulated an invite for drinks and several attorneys took the opportunity to take a break, grab a drink and meet their neighbors. That first social became a monthly event and eventually opened up to legal professionals at other Amata offices where the events have also been hosted. Richard adds that “Amata saw the value in our legal professional’s social group and strongly supported us so we could take it to the next level.”

Richard has spent his career building relationships throughout the world, growing his practice to work with clients in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Pan-Asia. So it should come as no surprise that Richard began building his network soon after selecting Amata Law Offices to house Advitam IP, LLC’s North American offices. For 20 years practicing Intellectual Property law Richard has demonstrated how effective networking and building relationships can be to creating a successful law practice.

Future plans are coming together to continue the attorney socials. On October 26th plans are underway to host an event at The Metropolitan Club on the 67th floor of the Willis Tower. You won’t want to miss this event as Amata shares member benefits of the newly formed partnership with the club and details of the half billion-dollar renovation taking place at Willis Tower will be presented.

The next step: Getting to join the group on the river cruise was just the first step. The next step is to follow up with those you met on the river cruise or would have liked to meet but ran out of time. The attendee list has been distributed so take a few minutes and send a follow up or introduction e-mail introducing yourself. Set up a time for a call or cup of coffee and learn more about each other. Find out how each of you can help the other build your law practices. For all the attorneys I have had the privilege to work with, it is always those that get out and network that enjoy the most success.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that as an Amata member you have access to use services and space at all Amata locations at no additional cost. Today we spotlight the facilities at 150 N Michigan Ave., the white diamond shaped building in the Chicago skyline. Amata Law Offices operates two full floors in this building with views of lake Michigan and Millennium Park that will dazzle your clients. The 8th floor has recently reopened after a million dollar renovation has transformed the common area into a warm and welcoming meeting facility, added huddle rooms, a “live edge” table constructed entirely of one full tree slab from a downed tree in Wisconsin and expanded secretary workstations. Take a break from the routine and book a conference room or just stop in to work for a few hours. The offices have direct access to the Daley Center through Chicago’s underground pedway, so you never have to brave the weather going to court.

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Ron Bockstahler has worked with individual attorneys and law firms for the past 30 years, gaining an in depth understanding of the business of running a law practice. He is the co-founder and CEO of Amata Law Offices and Managing Broker for Amata Realty Group, LLC, a real estate firm dedicated to consulting attorneys on their office space needs. Ron can be reached at [email protected] or 312-924-0204.

 

Joel McFarlin has worked with individual attorneys and law firms for the past five years, leveraging his growing network to act as a connector with other attorneys and businesses throughout Chicago. He is the Vice-President of Sales for Amata Law Offices and Broker for Amata Realty Group, LLC. He enjoys making short videos around Chicago. You can watch his latest video from the Attorney Social River Cruise event here: https://youtu.be/CorfRXxh42Y. Joel can be reached at [email protected] or 312-924-2823.

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Growing Your Law Practice CLE with Steve Fretzin and Dan Lear

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Steve Fretzin and Dan Lear

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to sit in on the CLE hosted by Steve Fretzin, Attorney Coach, contributing writer for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, and Attorney Dan Lear, Director of Industry Relations at Avvo. I am not an attorney, but since my clientele is made up of over 800 attorneys I make it a point to stay up to date on as many legal matters as possible.

The subject matter was of particular interest to me since I have been all-hands-in with my own online marketing efforts lately. To be honest, the presentation and materials were great and about 10 minutes into the class I was sitting at attention and taking notes, no small task for someone who has dealt with a level of ADHD all his life. When Dan starting talking about branding a law firm, he keyed in on three themes: authenticity, knowing your ideal client and consistency. I guess these are all easy concepts to understand, but try practicing them and see how easy they are.

As you would expect from someone with experience working at Avvo, Dan brought up several examples to demonstrate these three points, but two really stood out for me. The first was an east coast law firm that specializes in 2nd amendment compliance & consulting. The firm is named Think Pink Law and uses the tagline “We do law. Differently”. Pink is not the last name of a partner, but it sure stands out and is very memorable. If I ever learn of someone in need of legal advice dealing with the 2nd amendment, I am quite sure I will remember Think Pink Law.

The second example I clearly remember from Dan’s presentation is from an immigration attorney who targets a specific clientele by offering assistance in filing Form I-864 for financial support. The target audience is divorced spouses of green card holders. Now I am sure this is only one part of their immigration law practice, but this one very targeted campaign really hits home with their clientele. After they provide quality service to this group, how many client referrals are they adding to their monthly intake? Target marketing such as this is a great way to grow a law practice.

Dan then went into a Top 10 Intake list for lawyers which was very insightful. You can view Dan’s entire list here. Many parts of this list is inspired by this article by Chicago-based Gyi Tsakalakis Lawyerist.

Then if all this wasn’t worth the price of admission (and the free lunch), Steve launched into understanding the “buyers’” mindset and started asking questions like, “What is your motivation for doing business development?” and “What makes someone successful at business development?” (I guessed at this one, somewhat incorrectly). Just for clarification, I translate “business development” to “keeping your new client intake machine churning even when you are on vacation.” Steve explained how behavior influences attitudes which in turn affects beliefs.

To me, this partially explains how a very knowledgeable attorney with a discomfort of speaking to strangers (think networking in an unfamiliar group) is able to change their attitudes and beliefs by attending more networking events and interacting with others. Steve also discussed how to choose the best networking opportunities and how to make the most of these sometimes-difficult learning experiences. If you are serious about growing a thriving law business while also enjoying the business of life you really need to attend Steve’s classes.

Steve has a great understanding in the field of building successful law businesses. After all, he has consulted hundreds of attorneys, both experienced and new practitioners, written two books on the subject, and speaks to lawyer groups around the country. Steve’s full presentation can be found here. You can also visit his web site and learn more about his newest program for attorneys, Origination Station, at www.fretzin.com.

As I mentioned earlier, Steve Fretzin is a contributing writer for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, and his June article, which can be found here, analyzes if the Differences Between Sales and Legal Business Development are just Semantics? and is a great read, offering some great tips to get away from the traditional “pitch” to clients and how to hold back to better understand what will motivate the client to hire you.

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Ron Bockstahler has has worked with individual attorneys and law firms for the past 30 years, gaining an in depth understanding of the business of running a law practice. He is the co-founder and CEO of Amata Law Offices and Managing Broker for Amata Realty Group, LLC, a real estate firm dedicated to consulting attorneys on their office space needs. Ron can be reached at [email protected] or (312) 924-0204.

Steve Fretzin is an Author and Attorney Coach and can be reached at [email protected] or at 312-981-0119.

Dan Lear is the Director of Industry Relations for Avvo and can be reached at [email protected] or 206-508-3012.

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The July Attorney Social: Attorney Marketing Tips

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Thank you to Advitam IP, LLC for hosting yet another wonderful attorney social for the Amata attorneys Wednesday night. Plenty of new faces were seen from diverse areas of practice and at one point contact cards were being dealt like a game of poker was about to begin.

Before the event attorneys were asked to submit their best marketing tips. All submissions were printed and hung on the walls and attendees voted for their favorite throughout the night. While specific tips benefitted certain practices more than others, everyone in attendance could agree that the key for success is always the simple matter of being personable and ending the job with work well done.

That being said, a clear winner pulled ahead at the end of the night with a great tip applicable to any type of practice. Congratulations to Michele Katz of Advitam IP, LLC for her winning marketing tip on creating email templates for client follow-ups!

Michele’s tip and all the other submissions are below. Thank you to all attorneys willing to share their tricks and tips and all who attended the event. You kept the atmosphere lively and the only thing flowing faster than the wine was the conversation. We hope to see you again this August for the final attorney social, the river cruise.

July Attorney Social: Attorney Marketing TipsView more images from event.

Marketing Tips For Attorneys

  1. This tip is simple: Undercut the competition’s prices.
  2. Engage website visitors.
    Instead of a simple picture of you and your staff on your homepage:

    • Feature an engaging video (answer the questions you know they will have)
    • Offer a free book or report
    • Offer a free case evaluation
    • Provide a benefit calculator or a ‘How Much is my Case Worth’ form
    • Include a catchy headline
  3. Want referrals but don’t know how to ask?
    On your outgoing message, after you say you are unavailable, add a quick statement that says: If you were referred, please let me know who referred you so that I may thank them.It takes two minutes of your time, but allows everyone hearing the message to know that you want and accept referrals.
  4. Make your referral a concrete introduction.
    If a contact asks for a referral for a specific type of attorney, ask permission of the contact to make an email introduction between them and whomever you plan to refer them to.This extra step goes a long way toward the referral being “sticky” with the contact following up. Plus, the attorney receiving the referral will know how it originated.
  5. Add live chat and exit pop up technology to your website.
    According to American Marketing Association, live chat increases conversion by 20 percent and results in a 305 percent overall return on investment (ROI).
  6. Use Google ads.
    Google may be most readily viewed as a search engine company, but they make most of their money through advertising. With trackers on 2.2 million sites and 1 million apps, they have the data to ensure your ad is seen by the right people.Yelp ads can’t hurt, either.
  7. Do a good job, get client referrals and don’t overcharge.
  8. Get to know non-profits.
    Contact a local non-profit whose message focuses on potential clientele and see if you can do an event or presentation. Even a simple “Know Your Rights” presentation to the right group can provide you with leads.You can also partner with them to be their go-to referral if anyone asks for an attorney providing the services you do.
  9. Write a column in a local paper.
    Reach out to small, local newspapers and offer to write a weekly column about legal matters for free. The newspapers will usually allow you to add your contact info on the column so people can reach you.
  10. Michele’s Tip: Make an email template for follow ups.
    If you have to retype a follow up email every time you are less likely to get the task done. Make yourself a template with easy fill-ins for their name, where you met etc. You can save it as a signature and then quickly add it into a blank email on any platform. Or save it as an e-mail “Quick Step” on Microsoft Office.Dear ___,
    It was great meeting you at ___. We will keep in touch…
  11. Establish a strong social media presence.
    You want clients to be able to find you, and everyone has a preference on where they go for their information. So be everywhere. Make a Facebook page, update your Google business information, establish an Avvo profile.Make sure people can find you and rate you and spread the news on how you helped them.
  12. One-page newsletter sent by U.S. Postal Service to existing clients.
    We all receive hundreds of emails, sometimes in one day. Real mail has less competition. A one-page newsletter is easily skimmable; particularly if the topics talk about legal developments that interest.Your name and number should be included on the newsletter. Each time an issue goes out clients will call to ask questions or mention a relation who is having a similar problem. You will stay on their minds!

Need marketing support? Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Coworking As An Incubator

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During my first week working at Amata, we had a saleswoman come up to our floor. The most I could offer was to take her card and give it to a manager, but before she left she asked exactly what kind of business we did here and I explained Amata the best I could. Her response included a word I have only heard in such context on HBO’s Silicon Valley.

Oh! This is an Incubator.

To be clear, Amata is not an incubator. A business incubator is a completely separate mechanism from a shared office space. Yet that word being used in reference to the floor I just signed up to spend half of my waking hours. That word made me excited.

No One Is an Island in CoWorking

Human beings thrive in co-working spaces, not just because we are social creatures in need of community, but because ideas thrive in co-working spaces. Whether or not we all admit it, we depend on one another for inspiration, to be pulled from creative blackholes, and to approach concepts we feel we know so strongly and surely, from every angle, that we are drowning in information. A single person can hear our ideas and say “have you thought of it like this…” and a new pathway of discovery is born. Crick needed Watson to soundboard his ideas long before DNA was discovered. And both of them needed the information only x-ray diffraction expert Rosalind Franklin could provide to be inspired to search for a double helix form at all. Co-working means innovation.

Various lighthearted conversations often heard in the hallways vary from the value of degrees to where to buy the best tea in Chicago, while more intense topics are preceded by a door slam and followed by a coffee or a coffee break. Here, I have access to family lawyers, risk management companies, corporate lawyers, IT companies, psychologists, marketing support —the list goes on. And not one person has turned down the chance for conversation as I greedily ask exactly what they are doing in the conference room today that has so many people drifting in and out. While distributing mail I trim the wicks on members’ candles when I see they are too long (a quarter inch is ideal for the most fragrant burn) and I know how to take care of virtually any plant they may get as a gift from a client.

We may not work for the same companies, but we are all part of the community which makes up our floor. Lawyers will contact one another to arrange referrals, group meetings occur where virtual businesses get together to discuss what they have learned in the past quarter and what challenges they have overcome. The café offers itself as a socializing and work environment when open space helps open the mind, and the cognac room is available for celebrations and comfort in learning experiences. We all seem to take advantage of the connections that can be made in our environment, both professionally and personally. People thrive at Amata because ideas thrive in shared spaces and mutual respectful. After all, we are mostly social creatures.

Learn more about Kristen Mayfield, Director of First Impressions of Amata Office Solutions.

KIRSTEN MAYFIELD, DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS WITH AMATA OFFICE SOLUTIONS

Kirsten Mayfield, Director of First Impressions with Amata Office Solutions

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Networking Is a Dirty Word

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Word of mouth networking is one of the most powerful (and affordable) marketing tactics to help grow your business. Not only will you build awareness about your company or practice, but you will also get opportunities to make lasting impressions by building relationships in relevant circles. Yet, due to pushy vendor tactics, networking has become a “dirty word” in some circles. Included in your Amata membership are live events and online resources that provide such opportunities at each Amata Office Center location. Whether you connect in the café, knock on each other’s door, or meet in the comfort of the cognac room, Amata members have many points of contact and venues to build working relationships and identify potential referral sources.

Put Yourself “Out There”

After 16 years of creating shared office space in downtown Chicago, Amata makes it incredibly easy to get to know your neighbors. To create a friendly exchange of ideas, you need only change your surroundings.

  • Open-Up: Stop by the café for a refreshment, or to work from one of the comfortable booths, seats, or couches. Helpful and intriguing conversations often begin in passing or when you look up from your work.
  • Show-Up: Attend, host, or even sponsor events at your center. This will allow you to interact with your neighbors and identity potential synergies.

“AmataNet” – The Exclusive Online Community

Your Amata Membership, gives you access to AmataNet, a members-only community where you can

  • See member profiles and company names
  • Talk shop with any of Amata’s 1,300 Chicago members and demonstrate your knowledge to potential referral sources
  • Get discounts and updates on member perks
  • Display posts and blog articles for members and prospective customers to understand your talents
  • Reserve conference room time and pay your bill

Help for Attorneys

More than 60% of Amata members are attorneys, so we developed support services specific to their needs:

  • Get New Clients: Attorneys at Amata frequently refer new clients to each other when they can’t help them for any reason. We help get attorneys talking to each other outside of work and free from stress through simple gatherings for drinks after work, free breakfasts and lunches, as well as appetizers after work.
  • Talk About Law: You can catch up with CLE credits for ethics or get free lunch and learn opportunities with other Amata attorneys in the convenience of your office suite. In the process, you may create a helpful relationship while working.

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