Author: Law Firm Newswire

Lincolnshire, IL., (Law Firm Newswire) February 3, 2015 - Legal Management magazine, an award-winning provider of news and solutions for professionals in the business of law, is now available by subscription. Members of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) automatically receive the magazine as part of their membership, and now all legal professionals can get an insider’s look.

Legal Management features the issues of vital importance to law firm managing partners, executive directors, legal administrators and functional specialists. Every month readers gain essential information on legal industry trends, law firm and corporate legal department management, including proven efficiency models, strategic planning, human resources, financial issues and more.

A 10-issue-per-year subscription to Legal Management costs $195 and provides fingertip access to greater productivity and profitability, in a fully interactive digital format. Subscribe at: https://www.alanet.org/legalmgmt/

The legal management industry’s leading magazine was also recently awarded the prestigious APEX Award in the category of Best Digital Publication, and bestowed an Honorable Mention in the coveted Folio Awards, also as Best Digital Publication.

Legal Management’s editorial staff welcomes legal business industry news tips and independent legal industry writers. You may contact them at publications@alanet.org

About the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA)

ALA is focused on the delivery of cutting-edge management and leadership products and services to the global legal community. It identifies and provides solutions to the most critical strategic and operational challenges its members and customers face today, and prepares them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. For more information on ALA, visit http://alanet.org

San Francisco, CA (Law Firm Newswire) January 19, 2015 - The internet is still a relatively new development, and industry regulations are still in flux, with net neutrality being one of the most debated and important issues at hand. In the most recent issue of Bigger Law Firm Magazine, Justin Torres helps law firms understand the net neutrality debate, as well as the impact net neutrality could have on their work.

Torres writes that, because online marketing relies on the easy distribution of content, including bandwidth-heavy content like videos, law firms would feel the impact of the elimination of net neutrality. If implemented, such a change could hinder the flow of content, potentially preventing firms from adopting or creating technology innovations and from distributing content that goes against internet service providers' (ISPs')’ views.

Currently, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules require that ISPs treat all internet traffic equally. Internet service providers, including Verizon, AT&T and Comcast, are lobbying to overturn these net neutrality rules. They plan to charge companies, and possibly internet users, for access to certain websites, and to slow down access to companies who do not pay their fees.

As Torres explains, in January 2014, Verizon filed a lawsuit against the FCC, arguing that the FCC did not have the authority to dictate how internet service providers operate because they are “service providers,” not “common carriers” like telephone companies. 

Following the ruling, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon began throttling Netflix, until the video streaming giant made paid peering agreements with each company.

The major ISPs, along with others in the the industry, are the biggest opponents of net neutrality. They argue that, with ever-increasing amounts of data moving through the internet, it costs more now than in the past to provide internet service. Without net neutrality, these companies would allow bandwidth-heavy websites to pay for access to “fast lanes.” According to the ISPs, this would allow them to fund better internet infrastructure.

Proponents of net neutrality, including President Obama, would like the internet to be classified as a public utility, making internet providers subject to the same FCC regulations as telephone companies. Torres explains that the majority of the public, as well as companies with websites, favor net neutrality. Proponents of net neutrality worry that removing net neutrality rules would give ISPs total control over internet speeds and would inhibit smaller websites, especially for startups and small businesses.

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) January 15, 2015 - In the newest issue of Bigger Law Firm magazine, writer Cara Tucker explains Google TV Rank and how it impacts search rankings in her article, “The Future of Search.”

As Tucker reports, Google TV Rank is emblematic of the new, post-keyword era of search. The technology is one example of how Google is using the offline behavior of individuals to inform the search results that it returns.

“Lawyers need to understand that search has changed, radically,” comments Jason Bland, Bigger Law Firm founder. “Google is pushing far beyond keywords and text-only searches, and that has a significant impact on the way law firms should approach their websites and online campaigns.”

Google TV Rank works in a fairly straightforward way. Google users can allow their Android mobile devices to listen to and identify what is playing on the television. Google then uses that information to inform future search results. In the article, Tucker gives the example of a user who might be watching a program featuring a specific model of Porsche. The next time that user searches for the word Porsche, Google might be more likely to return at least one result about the model featured on the television program.

Tucker points out that Google TV Rank is similar to other technologies Google already uses to sync offline experiences with the online world. For example, Google takes a user’s geographic location into account when returning results, and already delivers relevant weather notifications and sports scores to users it has determined might be interested.

In the article, Tucker examines these and other technologies that paint a picture of where Google is headed with search.

“I see so many law firms who hope that they can get online exposure by loading their websites with keywords and phrases,” says Bland. “The truth is that with these new technologies, it is already much easier for intelligent and creative law firms to come out on top. I am excited about that.”

Download the latest issue of Bigger Law Firm magazine FREE!

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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San Francisco, CA (Law Firm Newswire) January 12, 2015 - The latest issue of Bigger Law Firm magazine explores technological trends and tools that law firms can use to market to their clients online. BLF enables attorneys to keep their online marketing strategy in line with the latest developments in the industry.

In this issue, Alisha Corbitt explains how law firms can use Mailchimp’s new automation tools to enhance their marketing strategies. Mailchimp recently expanded its repertoire of marketing tools, allowing businesses to automate their email marketing to a greater degree than in the past.

Corbitt begins by exploring how law firms can benefit from the use of automated email marketing. Because email marketing allows firms to actively reach out to specific subscribers, it can be an excellent resource for nurturing leads. However, in order to successfully use this tool, it is important that clients receive content that is tailored to their interests. Automation can help with that task.

Mailchimp previously only offered autoresponders, but now, new automation workflows and other automation tools allow businesses to reach clients and leads with content at specific times. Automation workflows allow businesses to designate, in advance, how a series of emails is released over time. Law firms can send welcome emails or a recurring sequence of emails. 

Automation triggers are also among the new tools lawyers can use, Corbitt writes. Automation triggers send out certain emails based on data -- such as what the user has clicked on or what he or she has engaged with in past campaigns. As a result, subscribers can receive content that they have already expressed interest in and are more likely to respond to.

Corbitt further discusses the improved reporting features Mailchimp has released in recent months. Examining the effectiveness of an email marketing campaign is essential, and Mailchimp’s new reporting tools allow users to receive daily automation reports. Additionally, reports can be viewed for whole automation workflows or for individual emails, allowing users to hone in on the details or focus on the bigger picture as needed.

Corbitt’s article is among several pieces that will help attorneys and law firms use technology to reach out to clients as effectively as possible.

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 30, 2014 - Many law firms spend a fortune on digital advertising and are still left wondering why competitors are at the top of the search rankings. In the feature interview for the latest issue of Bigger Law Firm magazine, founder Jason Bland explains the crucial, yet little-understood, topic at the heart of the issue: link building.

“Every law firm looking to grow needs to have a basic understanding of this topic, because it is at the core of how Google ranks websites,” said Bland. “The problem is that link building sounds like something a programmer should do. It isn’t. Blogging is link building. Podcasting is link building. Every law firm with a website needs at least a basic link management strategy.”

In the interview, Bland explains that links are the one constant factor in Google’s search algorithm.

In the past, some legal marketing companies sought to game the system by purchasing large quantities of low-quality links for their clients. However, as Bland explains, Google has now caught up with those techniques, and the search engine is now giving ultra-low rankings to websites that have a high proportion of low-quality links.

High-quality links are the name of the game, says Bland. In the interview, he gives examples of law firms that successfully use high-quality link building techniques to achieve top rankings -- with no technical knowledge required.

“Today, a firm that can create content with intelligence and creativity can go far without even needing paid advertisements,” noted Bland. “It’s no longer about noise and quantity. I think the new system is a relief to many quality-focused law firms that could not understand why competitors were dominating the search rankings.”

Every law firm with a website has a link profile that is visible to Google. That profile might be devoid of links, it might be filled with high-quality links or it might be filled with low-quality links. Bland advises firms to get a basic understanding of their link profile, and then to use the techniques mentioned in the interview to begin raising their link profile and, as a result, search rankings.

“Simply put, this is a topic that cannot be ignored,” said Bland. “I hope this interview helps demystify the topic and helps law firms understand how easy it is to get their websites moving in the right direction.”

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 22, 2014 - Bigger Law Firm magazine's newest issue provides attorneys and law firms with the latest inside information they need to stay on the cutting edge of online marketing and technology. As the tech landscape changes, BLF helps attorneys adapt their marketing strategies to stay ahead of the latest developments.

In this issue, Brendan Conley examines digital signatures with the article, “Save Time by Signing Digitally.” In online commerce, click-through agreements have quickly become ubiquitous, but some legal documents still require a “blue-pen only” paper signature. In the many in-between areas, paper signatures are still the norm but digital signatures are also used, leaving perhaps even attorneys wondering, “Is this legal?” 

As Conley explains, the federal E-Sign Act, passed in 2000, gave electronic signatures the same legal effect as paper signatures and preempted existing state laws requiring paper signatures. Most states have also adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, which gives electronic signatures the same validity as traditional signatures in a similar way. However, these laws cover commercial contracts, and they do not preempt state law requirements regarding vital documents like wills, court orders and certain filings.

These exceptions aside, Conley writes that digital signatures have the clear advantages of saving time and money. When implemented properly, they can actually provide greater proof of authenticity than a paper signature would. Conley details three levels of e-signature security and discusses the features of the industry leaders in digital signature solutions.

Conley's article is just one part of an issue packed with the latest information about technology and online marketing that attorneys and law firms need.

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 18, 2014 - Featured in the latest issue of Bigger Law Firm (BLF) magazine is a series of seriously helpful articles to help a busy law firm grab hold of new and promising developments.

Find out how a law firm can maximize its exposure by using LinkedIn’s newest and very powerful free blogging platform. Kerrie Spencer explores the useful long-form post and how it becomes a part of a law firm’s profile.

Launched in early 2014, the new platform is an ideal way to help build authority in a legal niche, such as medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, employment law or criminal defense. Diligent work can pay off handsomely in new clients, as LinkedIn’s blogging platform reaches over 277 million professional members.

When attorneys publish a long-form post, it becomes an integral part of their profile, showcased at the top of a firm or attorney profile and shared with connections and followers. Posts are searchable on and off the service. Due to the location of the post, authorship is crystal clear. Attorneys can use this platform to create high-quality, relevant posts that extend their media reach.

The audience on LinkedIn is different than those of other social networks, due to the emphasis on professional members. As such LinkedIn authors should use posts to capture the attention of a specific audience, educate and inform -- not sell services.

To write a long-form post, LinkedIn suggests a word count between 400 and 600 words on an average of once a week. Write in short paragraphs and use headlines and lists to break up text. Put important content in boldface, and consider adding videos or picture. If a post has punch, the comments it garners tend to bring a law firm even more visibility. Analytics reveal the success or failure of each blog posted – a valuable tool for law firms to fine-tune their online marketing.

Sharing posts from the LinkedIn platform is yet another way for attorneys to increase their exposure.

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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San Francisco, CA (Law Firm Newswire) December 18, 2014 - Custom Legal Marketing (CLM) today announced that through January 1, 2015, it will offer its CLM Flagship custom marketing plan to law firms for just $3500 a month. This offering saves law firms 30% or more on CLM’s premier legal marketing product.

CLM’s Flagship is built to deliver large-scale growth in quality lead flow for law firms, using a radically new approach to digital marketing.

“CLM knows that efficiency and growth are extremely important to law firms, and this special Flagship offer helps them achieve both,” says Jason Bland, CLM founder. “Now, law firms can take advantage of the bold, integrated marketing campaigns that CLM offers through Flagship at temporarily reduced price.”

Over the past year, Google has proactively devalued millions of website, including law firm websites, that use outdated techniques and questionable tactics to rank higher in search results. The elite legal marketing team at CLM has developed a completely different model for online legal marketing, launching award-winning websites, compelling mobile apps and creative comprehensive marketing plans that attract media attention, earn natural links, and create massive exposure.

Since entering the legal marketing arena nine years ago, CLM's parent company, Adviatech has developed a reputation as a legal marketing powerhouse. The company has gained national attention as honorees of the Webby Awards, the Hermes Creative Awards, the Horizon Media Awards, Interactive Media Awards, WebAwards, and more.

The Flagship program represents the best that CLM has to offer, and has already been adopted by many law firms across the country.

“I would tell law firms thinking about growth in 2015 to jump on the opportunity before their competitors do,” says Bland. “We have a passion for helping law firms dominate their market. CLM Flagship is an exclusive product meaning we commit to just one law firm per practice area per region.”

Learn more at http://www.customlegalmarketing.com/.

Custom Legal Marketing
An Adviatech company
1111 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 1.415.449.1985
Toll Free: 1.800.789.6451

Custom Legal Marketing's Blog

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San Francisco, CA (Law Firm Newswire) December 16, 2014 - Custom Legal Marketing (CLM) has announced that until January 1, 2015, any law firm that signs up for a legal marketing plan with CLM will get a custom app for their law firm at no additional charge.

CLM’s legal marketing plans help law firms grow by using innovative digital strategies to increase quality lead flow. Because so much of the digital world is now on mobile devices, CLM founder Jason Bland says that a mobile app can be a huge asset to firms who want to grow.

“A mobile app puts a law firm right at the center of a client’s or prospective client’s digital universe” says Bland. “Law firms with a mobile app often see more leads become cases, and see increased client satisfaction. Also, it’s just a great tool for word of mouth.”

Within a CLM custom law firm app, users can schedule appointments, click to call and get GPS directions to the office. Law firms can use the app to automatically update users about upcoming events and seminars. In addition, app users can directly access exclusive content from the law firm, such as video, ebooks, podcasts and more.

Law firms can take advantage of this promotion by signing up for a custom marketing plan with CLM by December 31, 2014. CLM offers website design and search marketing packages that are customized according to a law firm’s needs, budget and growth goals. Firms can inquire on the CLM website and receive a custom legal marketing proposal within a few days.

CLM is advancing the way law firms grow by making the most advanced digital marketing strategies available to firms of all sizes. Effective digital marketing is emerging as a top priority for growth-oriented law firms, as more people in need of a lawyer use digital research as an essential part of the selection process.

The elite legal marketing team at CLM combines data-driven strategy with an individual understanding of a firm’s goals and market to create custom marketing plans that transform a law firm’s lead flow.

Learn more at http://www.customlegalmarketing.com/design/app-development/.

Custom Legal Marketing
An Adviatech company
1111 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 1.415.449.1985
Toll Free: 1.800.789.6451

CLM BLog

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Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 12, 2014 - In this issue of BLF, SEO experts help law firms balance their growth online -- both through effective promotion and through the implementation of solutions that improve work directly at the firm. Forward-thinking internet services offer some fantastic options, but attorneys must always pay special attention to the security of any decision. With careful choices, lawyers can protect clients’ sensitive data while nurturing organic growth online.

Sometimes, it’s OK to talk to yourself. In this issue’s feature, “Hitting the Links,” Cari Cymanski sits down with Adviatech and Bigger Law Firm Magazine co-founder Jason Bland to talk about the link-building strategies that have made his brands (and the firms they represent) successful over the past decade. Bland advises focusing on quality and encouraging organic, human responses: if firms create interesting material, engage with their communities and build natural links consciously and wisely, they’ll see results in their rankings. In the full interview, readers can find approachable, actionable ways to get started.

If your firm is “Looking for a Publishing Power Boost,” LinkedIn may soon offer you a new opportunity. Currently, only a select number of Influencers can publish long-form posts on the site, but LinkedIn is testing expansions that will allow everyone a voice. Kerrie Spencer offers strategies to maximize the opportunity.

High-profile data security breaches have plagued some of the country’s most powerful companies in recent years, and the damage has helped create widespread demand for security in every industry. James Ambroff-Tahan presents a compelling option in “Client Portals,” which can simultaneously protect sensitive client material and enhance project management efforts at your firm.

“Would You Be Covered?” Christopher Kazor asks. In this issue’s “Law + Ethics,” Kazor paints a frightening picture of the emotional, financial and functional impact of a data security breach at a law firm. Insure your business to ensure your preparedness, should disaster strike.

As more and more offices go paperless, Brendan Conley helps lawyers learn to “Save Time by Signing Digitally.” E-signatures are now backed by substantial laws across the country, and a number of well-protected, secure platforms are in use. However, firms will always need vigilance and care to move sensitive documents online.

MailChimp recently introduced a new set of automated marketing tools, allowing attorneys to reach prospective, current, and past clients in more intelligent, effective ways. As Alisha Corbitt outlines in “MailChimp + Marketing,” automation tools, triggers and workflows allow lawyers to time messages precisely, connect with new clients and analyze all their new progress succinctly.

BLF weighs in on the net neutrality debate in “Internet Express Lanes: Who Pays the Toll?” Justin Torres offers readers a clear, unbiased primer into the national conflict and the arguments on both sides.

In September, Google was granted a new patent that could allow its search algorithms to incorporate information from your local TV schedule and viewing habits into results. Considering that Google Now can already listen to your TV, at your request, and deliver relevant Cards about what it “hears,” it’s exciting to speculate how the new patent’s development could shape “The Future of Search.” Cara Tucker explores some of the possibilities.

To learn more about how to build a Bigger Law Firm, visit https://www.biggerlawfirm.com

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• Google Limits Search Results Per Domain for More Diversity – How Does This Affect Law Firms?
• Big Results for Big Law Firms
• The Role of Cybersecurity in the Legal Field
• SEO Hierarchy of Needs: A Guide for Beginner Law Firms
• Should Law Firms Use Chatbots Rather Than Mobile Forms?
• Outside the Box: Non-Standard Lawyer Website Inspiration
• Does Your Firm Need a Legal Credit Card Processor?
• How Facebook’s New Political Ad Guidelines Are Affecting Lawyer Advertising
• Why Law Firms Need to Use VPNs
• Why Newsletters Fail and How Your Law Firm’s Newsletter Can Succeed