Goodman Firm Blawg

A Word About Customer Service

It is becoming increasingly rare to find good customer service these days. One of my pet peeves is store clerks who complete a transaction without acknowledging the customer or saying "Thank You." Maybe I am observant of customer service since my profession is highly centered upon service as well. Several years ago I attempted to return an item to Target. The return was a huge hassle and unfair and basically resulted in my personal boycott of that store. By contrast, I recently returned an item to the local Bass Pro Shop. Even without a receipt, the customer service rep easily handled the transaction and gave me every option from exchange; return of my money to store credit toward a different item.
Needless to say, Bass Pro has earned my loyalty.

Law practice in New Orleans- Post Katrina

While Katrina caused severe damage to the Mississippi Gulf coast; Jackson, Mississippi, was basically slowed down by lack of gasoline and electricity for one week. I remember thinking what hell it was living in extreme heat/humidity without good a/c and hot showers! It is hard to imagine many places in Mississippi and Louisiana are still without electricity and housing. Here is an article outlining the view of law practices (varied sizes) trying to make it in the largely deserted city of New Orleans.

In Praise of Slowness

Here is an article that is right up my alley! The benefits of slowing down and enjoying life-even in the middle of work- are now being recognized. This is certainly one benefit of having a solo practice; but one that requires balance to achieve. For example, if there is 4:00 baseball practice, take off....but be prepared to pick up the slack some other time. As an associate I was amazed at friends who would work (translated as "remain at the office and gossip") late since the firm frowned upon leaving before a certain hour. There was even one firm that required associates to come in to the office on designated Saturdays...and most associates would simply bring some light reading to pass the time...another example of form over substance.

Is Your Firm Name Dropping?

This article takes note of the growing trend among law firms of shortening the firm name. It is now common to see large firms drop the multi-partner name and condense down to a two-person name. I still get a kick out of small family firms that go by "Jones, Jones, Jones & Jones".....

Law Office Marketing

In December, end of the business year thoughts occur, and planning for next year's marketing is already underway. I have been a solo lawyer for a little over one year (April Fool's Day, 2004), and so far I have found the move to solo  practice to be satisfying. One area I am working on is marketing. I am trying to get name recognition without looking like the cheesy lawyer ads with pictures of eagles, Lady Liberty and suited attorneys sprinting up courthouse steps... my sprinting days are long gone!I try to follow advice similar to this article describing a Memphis, TN law firm's marketing strategy.

Law Office Location

Here is a good article about locating space for your law office. I have already had two offices in my 1.5 years of solo practice. The article makes some good points which are probably more applicable to a solo lawyer- I think the author's statement that 62% of an attorney's business will come from friends and personal referrals is right on target.

Billable Hours

Here is a great chart from the Yale Law School Career Center. It outlines the basic billable requirements for most law firms (ie., 1800 hrs. or 2200hrs.) and shows a potential lawyer how much time will realistically be required to reach those billable goals. It really is eye-opening and should be mandatory reading for all law students (many of whom will accept a 2200 hr. job, divide 2200 by 40 and say they will only have to work a few extra weekends during the year to reach their goal!)

Lawyers.com

My lexis/nexis rep has contacted me about getting listed in the lawyers.com site. I would appreciate any comments from solos who have addressed this issue.

Attorney Work v. Life Balance

Here is a good post at JDBliss.com, which is a blog searching for helpful ways lawyers can lead better lives. The post details a recent study showing that a growing number of lawyers rate quality of life issues higher than salaries when making employment decisions.

New Office is Up & Running

It feels good to be back in some normal work capacity...my office is not complete, but at least now I can find papers and files!