To Lawyers Switching Practice Areas—Not So Fast
by Allan Colman
No one has been immune from our sluggish economy. Lawyers are seeing pink slips and downsizing, especially in areas related to real estate, intellectual property and patent law. Even family law, usually a robust field, has suffered. It makes sense that lawyers with a healthy survival instinct are switching to burgeoning practice areas like bankruptcy, employment and securities. What is more, attorneys who have experience managing complicated cases can translate that skill set to other applications.
But does that mean that all your law selling resources should be rerouted to greener pastures? Not if you’re thinking long term. Don’t be so quick to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Industries battered by the current climate may be down, but they’re not disappearing. They are preparing for a rebound. Real estate developers may not be buying up properties and building with reckless abandon, but trust me, they are planning their next move. People may be buying less toys, but technology will never cease, and new innovators will need attorneys to protect their interests.
For long term success, your business development and legal
marketing strategies must also have a long term strategy. Smart
attorneys will be part of the planning process with businesses planning
a rebound strategy—they’ll be the ones who are retained when business picks
up.
Allan Colman is an expert in helping law firms with legal marketing. CEO of the Closers Group, a business development consulting firm for lawyers, Allan Colman has helped to generate millions of dollars in new business for attorney clients.
