Client Speak: A Matrix of Understanding
April 30, 2007
By now, 'knowing the client' is a marketing bromide and a fairly tired one at that. To reinvest the mantra with actionable meaning, law firms must understand the in-house dynamic ' they must know how in-house counsel actually think ' in very specific terms.
Ninth Circuit Follows TTAB Policy: Questions Remain As to What Kinds of Unlawful Acts Bar Trademark Rights
April 30, 2007
The Ninth Circuit, in a case of first impression in that circuit, recently adopted the long-standing policy of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's ('PTO') Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ('TTAB') that 'use in commerce only creates trademark rights when the use is <i>lawful</i>.' <i>CreAgri Inc v USANA Health Sciences Inc.</i>, 474 F.3d 626 (9th Cir. 2007). The Ninth Circuit in <i>CreAgri</i> noted that 'at least one [other] circuit has adopted and applied this rule. <i>See United Phosphorous, Ltd. v. Midland Fumigant, Inc.</i>, 205 F.3d 1219, 1225 (10th Cir. 2000).'
Midsized Law Firms Shift Recruiting Strategies
April 30, 2007
Big law firms are snatching up qualified graduates as quickly as law schools can churn them out. And with those schools graduating about the same number of students each year, some observers say the tightest squeeze is on midsized firms, those with 150 to 350 attorneys that also want a steady, though smaller, supply of associates each year.
Using Cartoons in PowerPoint Presentations
April 30, 2007
Humor through cartoons can have a greater impact if strategically placed. This article touches upon some important factors when considering these special forms of illustrations for your next PowerPoint presentation.
Practice Building Skills: Exceeding Clients' Expectations
April 30, 2007
Can asking your clients questions be the answer to increased business? We recently attended a legal marketing workshop in Philadelphia, and the main topic of conversation revolved around retaining clients, and what clients believe is important in their choice of attorney or law firm. We were not surprised to find that there is a huge disconnect between what clients are looking for in their choice of attorney, and what they believe they are receiving from their current law firm.
Media & Communications Corner: Mark Beese, 'Marketing Guy,' Holland & Hart
April 30, 2007
Holland & Hart 'marketing guy' Mark Beese uses a combination of public relations and advertising to set the stage for business development. The doors open on new client relationships when potential buyers are familiar with the firm's capabilities and reputation in the legal marketplace.
Corner Office: What Every Lawyer Should Know About the Economics of a Law Practice
April 30, 2007
Why do so many lawyers know so little about the economics of practicing their profession? Not surprisingly, it's because their law school education did not address any of the business aspects of practicing law. So most young lawyers join law firms with little understanding of how they operate and without a clue as to what it takes to make a law practice successful and profitable. Many lawyers, especially those who join large firms, manage never to master these concepts ' and in many cases work hard at avoiding them.
Feedback Made Easy for Partners
April 30, 2007
The objective in giving feedback is to enhance performance by supplying information to guide the individual toward the level and quality of work that is expected. This article contains seven steps to effective and useful feedback sessions.
Whistleblowing with a French Twist
April 30, 2007
A long accepted and familiar concept in Anglo-Saxon countries, whistleblowing, for cultural and historical reasons, has proven to be a rather unwelcome legal obligation. France's total opposition to whistleblowing has softened over time and has been accompanied by a greater understanding and appreciation of its implications. Nevertheless, strong pervasive principles of French law continue to govern this domain.
