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04 April 2012 / Adam Caplan
Issue: 7509 / Categories: Features , Profession , Marketing
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Thinking big

Adam Caplan kick-starts his new series on how to a grow a law firm. Week 1: reputation & KPIs

A solicitor who has more clients than he can handle is a rare beast, even more so in the current economic climate. In fact with the threat of cheap law services offered in supermarkets, the rise of alternative business structures, increased competition and consumers who are becoming more and more capable of handling legalities themselves, itís looking harder than ever to compete for many firms.

Traditional methods

So, how can solicitors grow their business? Traditional methods may include:
  • lead generation websites for around £300 a time that may, or may not, give you a lead that may, or may not, become a client;
  • advertising through Yellow Pages, local newspapers, event programmes at your child's school play, etc;
  • networking; sponsorship; or a large expensive website with Google advertising.
 
Some of these can be costly and do not guarantee business for your practice. In fact, some of them can harm your reputation.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper—Jean-François Le Gal

Penningtons Manches Cooper strengthens international disputes team with appointment of leading arbitration partner

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau—Aaron Sanders & Kate Saunders

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens trust and estates disputes team with new appointments

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law—Shannon Moore

Bellevue Law strengthens employment disputes and international advisory capability with senior associate appointment

NEWS
Developers in areas with poorly performing councils can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for permission under section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
When does a solicitor’s retainer become a contentious business agreement? The Court of Appeal’s decision in Broadfield Law UK LLP v Barnes shows that listing hourly rates alone will not do, leaving firms and clients uncertain about their rights over bills
More than 500 former rugby players can pursue brain injury claims despite serious failures to disclose documents ordered by the High Court
The Thirlwall Inquiry has exposed a ‘complete failure’ to protect babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, but its recommendations must now be put into practice
MPs cannot simply resign their Commons seats. Instead, they take a nominal Crown office, usually the Chiltern Hundreds or Manor of Northstead, which disqualifies them from sitting
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