Asking for business is a crucial skill that many lawyers struggle with when it comes to building their practice. You’ve likely spent countless hours and resources developing a vast network of contacts, nurturing relationships, and building trust. Yet, despite all this effort, new business opportunities can still feel elusive. It’s frustrating to see all that hard work not translating into tangible results. The reality is that if you never ask for the business, all your time and energy might go to waste.

As a lawyer, periods of downtime can feel unusual, especially when you’re accustomed to a busy schedule. However, these quieter moments provide a valuable opportunity to focus on business development and lay the groundwork for future growth. By strategically utilizing these lulls, you can turn them into productive, business-building moments that enhance your practice and prepare you for upcoming opportunities. Here’s how you can make the most of your downtime to enhance your business development and marketing efforts.

Conferences are powerful opportunities for lawyers to expand their networks, gain valuable insights and elevate their careers. But simply attending these events isn’t enough to tap into their full potential. To truly benefit, you need a strategic approach: careful planning before, active engagement during and thoughtful follow-up afterward. This guide will show you how to make the most of every conference, transforming each one into a catalyst for professional growth and success.

Marketing a litigation practice presents unique challenges and opportunities. Unlike other legal services, litigation can often seem like a distress purchase to potential clients, who hope they’ll never need such services. This perception is compounded by the fact that litigation is frequently a one-time need—clients facing a lawsuit or legal issue may require immediate help but might not need such services again.

Law firms are continually seeking innovative ways to strengthen their networks, enhance their reputation, recruit junior and senior lawyers, and foster business development opportunities. One often overlooked strategy is the implementation of a robust alumni relations program. While the concept of alumni relations is traditionally associated with educational institutions, it is equally important for law firms. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in having a dedicated alumni professional—either internally or through outsourcing. Here’s why your law firm needs a dedicated alumni professional and the critical role they play.

For many lawyers, the thought of business development brings to mind images of daunting tasks outside their comfort zone. Yet, embedding growth strategies into your everyday activities can be surprisingly manageable and highly effective. Here are ideas on how to take a more effective approach to business development that feels natural, not forced, in your daily life.

For lawyers, the pursuit for new clients and work opportunities often leads to leveraging one’s personal network. However, raising the subject of work with friends and within their social circles requires a delicate balance. The challenge lies in being persuasive without crossing the line into being overly salesy—a distinction that can make or break both professional opportunities and personal relationships. Here’s a guide on how to navigate these conversations with tact, grace and effectiveness.

Securing a new client is a significant achievement for any law firm, but it’s the subsequent delivery on our promises that truly counts. The onboarding process is the client’s first encounter with your firm’s capabilities post-pitch. Here, they should feel reassured that their legal matters are in competent hands, and their experience with your firm will be positive, seamless and beneficial. Here are some key ways to delight and add continuous value to your new clients.

In the legal industry, where competition is fierce and clients have numerous options for outside counsel, establishing and maintaining a long-lasting relationship with clients is paramount. This not only sets you apart from your competitors but also ensures a steady stream of business through trust and loyalty. Here are some proven strategies for lawyers to build enduring relationships with their clients.