How to Market Your Legal Practice

Us youngins sometimes forget that there is this world, this off-line world, in which many people exist, especially once we've begun a career that requires us to be online every day. We buy everything online (except suits), we keep in touch with friends and family online, and we do all of our research and writing online.

Yet, not everyone lives their entire life online. We've preached the merits of a strong online presence, including social media accounts and law blogs, but if you were in need of a lawyer, would you go with a random face on the Internet or someone recommended by a friend? A name on Twitter or a person you heard speak about current issues?

For this time, and this time only, we're going to say this: get off the computer, go back into the world, and use these ideas to get more clients:
 

 

Free Swag

Who doesn't love free stuff? Heck, I still have the Woodstock's Pizza bottle opener on my keychain from college. Speaking of bottle openers, though it may lack in tact or subtlety, what about handing out bottle openers advertising your DUI defense practice?

 

Business cards are cheap and handy. They also get thrown away quickly. Pens will last your clients years. Keychains that serve a function (like bottle openers) will be used every day.

 

Pontificate

The other day, a fellow introduced me to the concept of Moorish law. From what I could tell, it simply consists of telling the judge that they have no jurisdiction over your speeding ticket because you are sovereign. Something tells me that wouldn't work.

 

You know what would work? Educating people on basic legal concepts so that they don't fall for idiotic YouTube videos. Give talks to your target audience. For DUI defense attorneys, talking to frat boys about what to do when pulled over is a great idea. Small business attorneys can talk to local business groups about different corporate formations and their tax and liability benefits.

 

Everywhere, esq.

Whether you are at work, a house of worship, or Mommy and Me classes, everyone should know that you are a lawyer. Heck, wear a freaking "I AM A LAWYER" t-shirt if you have to. Be friendly, be approachable, and beyond that, embrace the annoying, "So, you're a lawyer, right?" questions. Most of 'em will be annoying and not lead to a paid client. But some will.

 

We're not saying that you have to know everything about everything, nor do you have to practice every kind of law. We're not saying to become a jack-of-all-trades. We're saying that if you become the go-to-guy, you can pick and choose cases that you are able to handle competently and refer others to colleagues (who will hopefully return the favor).

Custom Business Cards