|
How Big is Too Big?
From a panel discussion that involved the general counsel of the Association of Corporate Counsel and several GCs, to presentations at the ABA Tech Show, I've heard a wide range of opinions on whether the collision of $1,000/hour billing rates at big law firms and the apparent recession will make Corporate America turn to smaller, more affordable law firms.
Certainly, in my opinion, there are many talented lawyers available to do the work that Corporate America wants done, at a far lower cost. Why aren't companies looking for these lawyers? Because it's safer and easier to justify hiring Big Law to the same CEOs who supposedly criticize these firms and their high costs. It reminds me of a situation years ago when my father, who owned his own business, wanted to buy himself a Buick as a new company car. One of the senior buyers he sold to told him he should buy a Continental. Why? "Because you have to impress people like me that you're successful enough to buy from."
One has to be old enough to recall that corporate America once thought that "bigger was better" when viewing itself. Years ago, I remember thinking that the merger mania would gobble everything up and, literally, there would be only four corporations in the world left. ITT was a prime example of the gobbler.
Then, these conglomerates seemed to collapse of their own weight. The phrase, "getting back to core competencies," became the watchword and large enterprises began breaking up into smaller units. Not all were as forward thinking as 3M, which, within its larger corporate enterprise, encouraged smaller units to operate as independent, entrepreneurial units. Hence, the word "intrapreneurial."
Law firms seem to follow their clients. How law firms will fare in today's economic climate is yet to be determined. I don't think that we've seen large enough firms created to experience their collapse simply because they are too big. But, I agree that there will always be a place for good, focused smaller law firms that serve the needs of business as well as individuals. It's regularly demonstrated that U.S. growth is fueled by smaller, entrepreneurial businesses and the new ideas they create. These companies will require smaller, more adaptable and flexible law firms to meet their needs. And that could leave the big dinosaurs in an uncomfortable position.
|
|
Do you want to:
• Be more successful by design than by accident?
• Be more profitable?
• Attract more clients?
• Have your clients pay on time?
• Have greater control of your practice?
• Have greater peace of mind?
If your answer is yes to any one of these questions, you must read this book. I have simplified the mystical process of operating a law practice so anyone can be more effective with his or her clients and become more profitable.
This expanded edition adds 27 new chapters on marketing, personnel issues, technology, time management, clients' trust accounting, opening a new office, and changing from one practice to another. As I say in my Preface to the Second Edition, "When we lawyers act in a more business-like manner, we tend to be more effective in the delivery of our services." The many ready-to-use forms and charts are available on a disk in Word Perfect, Excel, and Quattro Pro formats.
Take the first step in achieving a more successful practice—order today to get your own copy of the expanded Second Edition of Attorney and Law Firm Guide to The Business of Law® today!
Click here to purchase the 642 page soft cover book + diskette of forms for only $119.95
|
|
|
|
Personal Commentary
This week I'll be giving a talk entitled "Sound Strategies and Best Practices for Law Firms: Boot Camp for the Small Firm" to members of the Ohio Bar Association. For those in or near Ohio, I'd welcome seeing you this week on Wednesday, April 29 in Cleveland, Thursday, April 30 in Columbus, and Friday, May 1 in Cincinnati. Please let me know if you'll be able to join us or call the Ohio State Bar Association directly.
See https://www.lawbiz.com/calendar.html or call now the Ohio State Bar at (800) 282-6556 for more information!
Best wishes,
Ed Poll
lawbiz.com
800-837-5880
|
|
What Readers Are Saying...
"The Business of Law (2nd. ed., 2003) might be the most practical and informative book I have read in 10 years, honestly."
-Atty, Dallas, TX
"I have...assigned many of your articles and excerpts from your book to my students in Law Office Management. You are indeed the master."
-JB
|
|
|
