First Vioxx Ruling
August 31, 2005
Merck & Co., founded in 1891, has a slogan -- what it calls its "guiding philosophy." That philosophy is, "patients first." In the first of many Vioxx trials expected to be litigated in state and federal courts across the country, the jury wasn't buying it. On Aug. 19, after a month-long trial, ten out of 12 jurors -- the number needed to return a verdict of guilty -- found Merck liable to the plaintiffs, survivors of a man who took Vioxx for pain relief. The damages award was staggering: $24.5 million in economic losses and compensation for mental anguish and $229 million in punitive damages.
Art As an Asset in Divorce
August 31, 2005
Death, divorce and debt" are the bread and butter of the art and antiques market, as every art world professional knows. Through good times and bad, these life cycle events frequently trigger sales and other transactions. With divorce, however, if emotions are not already present prior to filing papers, the process itself tends to intensify anger and mistrust between opposing sides.
10 Money-Making Elements in a Business Development Strategy
August 30, 2005
A business development strategy will generate new clients, increase billings and boost originations. In corporate America, every successful company has a strategic marketing plan guiding its future. Yet, according to a recent survey, fewer than 5% of the law firms in the United States have such a plan in place. Drafting a strategic marketing plan isn't rocket science, but it does take some thought.
Speed Traps and Potholes: Avoiding Communications Hazards
August 30, 2005
Whether a firm keeps the pedal to the metal or travels at a more steady pace, effective communications can build profits, promote growth and create demand. But it is important to remember that marketing and public relations materials must comply with the rules of the road, lest firms find themselves in trouble with the law.
O Client, Why Art Thou?
August 30, 2005
Thriving law firms achieve success by meeting or exceeding their clients' service-quality expectations. These expectations are shaped by clients' past experiences, word-of-mouth, and advertising, and create a baseline against which performance is measured when services are delivered. When a firm's performance exceeds the expected level of service, clients remain loyal. Conversely, when performance fails to meet expectations, clients go shopping. It thus behooves law firms to continually explore and experiment with strategies for exceeding their clients' highest hopes.
The Power of Image
August 30, 2005
Like paying for an estate plan and many other legal services, investing in image marketing is elective. You don't have to do it. And when confronted with all the other things you might need or want, like a new employee, or a new computer system, it's easy to see why an investment in image goes to the bottom of the pile, never to be seen again.
Skills Necessary to Be Successful in Legal Marketing
August 30, 2005
Like the legal marketing industry itself, the skills needed to be successful in public relations are constantly evolving. The profession is becoming more specialized and much more comprehensive. Many of the important standards will never change, such as the need for ethics, integrity, strategic thinking, a passion for building relationships and facilitating communication, commitment to clients, and strong oral and written communications skills. However, remaining open to constant evolution and lifelong learning adds great depth to a legal public relations professionals success.
