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We Need More Law Schools. Yes. We Really Do. Here’s Why.

Mar 7, 2016 in Law School Innovation, Subjective Opinions, The BS-Free Zone

Many people talk about Access to Justice (A2J), the big legal movement of the 21st century. But the biggest hurdle to A2J is the delivery of the legal education itself. The organization who controls what constitutes a valid education to gain a license to practice law is the American Bar Association (ABA). They determine accreditation. And as we all know, in order to sit for the bar exam you have to have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school (with the exception of California, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming).

Yes, it’s true. The ABA is the greatest hurdle to providing access to justice for the millions in this country who need affordable legal services. Let me tell you why.

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Debra Bruce

How to CYA without Looking Like an A

Feb 18, 2016 in Guest Bloggers, Marketing, Subjective Opinions

“You never told me that!” Those are words a lawyer never wants to hear, but unfortunately many of us do. That’s why CYA (cover your a$$) can be so important.

Often a lawyer’s interaction with a client occurs during one of the most stressful times of the client’s life. Although it may be a routine matter to the lawyer, it may be the only time the client has ever been in this circumstance. Just when the client needs full brain power to comprehend new and complicated concepts, stress negatively impacts the client’s ability to think and remember. So put yourself in your client’s shoes and see how you can make their experience easier while covering yourself.

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Mark-Bassingthwaighte

The Great “Business vs Profession” Debate

Feb 9, 2016 in Guest Bloggers, Solo & Small Firm Practice, Subjective Opinions

Over the years I have witnessed a few vigorous debates where the point of contention was over whether the practice of law is a business or a profession. I am sometimes taken aback by the positions some lawyers take.

There are those who really do find the notion of equating the practice of law in any way, shape, or form with the running of a business as an extremely offensive position. In the opposite corner stands the attorney who is in it solely for the money and views the very existence of our rules of professional conduct as a personal affront. Thus, the great debate.

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suzanne

Falling Back In Love With Your Solo Practice

Jan 28, 2016 in Guest Bloggers, Inspiration, Savvy Solos, Solo & Small Firm Practice, Subjective Opinions

It’s been five years since I started my solo practice. In that time, I’ve had many ups and downs. I’ve struggles at times – with depression, with stress and burnout, with financial troubles, and with staff turnover that got me labeled “The Hatchet” by a friend in the staffing industry. I’ve thought about packing it in a time or two, going back to work at a Big Law firm, but I never did.

You know what? I wouldn’t change any of it.

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im-no-expert

Is Avvo’s New ‘Marketing Fee’ Really A ‘Referral Fee’ in Sheep’s Clothing?

Jan 12, 2016 in Subjective Opinions

If you throw a hungry dog a steak, he’s going to eat it without even sniffing it first to see if it’s rotten. A well-fed dog is more discerning. This was my first reaction to the new Avvo’s Legal Services after I read a snapshot of this service on Bob Ambrogi’s Lawsites. You should really ask a lot of questions before you take a bite of this beef.

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Law Degree

Please Do Not Confuse Your Google Search With My Law Degree

Dec 14, 2015 in Marketing, Subjective Opinions

I recently posted the picture of this mug on our Facebook Page. It got the most views and shares of anything I have ever posted (more than 35,000 as of this date)…and it was organic views. This speaks volumes about what lawyers are feeling when it comes to those (potential) clients who come in to their office who have done some preliminary research on their legal matter and then challenge the value of paying a lawyer for her knowledge. How do you combat someone who feels they know what you know by virtue of Google?

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Napoleon Hill Quote

Nothing Can Bring You Success But Yourself

Dec 3, 2015 in Guest Bloggers, Inspiration, Marketing, Subjective Opinions

As I close the year 2015 and reflect back on the progress I’ve made on Rezooming my career, I need to share with you a book I’ve read several times over these past 5 years that has made a huge impact on my journey. The book is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It has 17 wonderful steps you can use as guideposts and suggestions to refocus your career.

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