Category: General (Page 1 of 2)

When you’re exploring careers in the legal field, consider becoming a paralegal. These legal professionals play an important role in legal proceedings without having to spend years and a significant amount of money going to law school. When you’re a paralegal, you’ll be able to assist lawyers in a law firm or legal department with a wide range of responsibilities and duties to help legal proceedings, including trials and litigation, go as smoothly as possible.

Learning more about the role of a paralegal and how to become one can help you determine if this might be a good career option for you. Keep the following information in mind while considering this career path.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

A paralegal performs several tasks to help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings as well as meetings. These tasks can vary depending on the type of law firm or legal department a paralegal works at, among other factors, such as whether they specialize in a particular area. Some of the tasks that paralegals are responsible for might include researching laws and regulations, drafting and maintaining legal documents, gathering facts for legal cases, and contacting clients and witnesses.

Paralegals might also arrange evidence, gather formal statements and affidavits, and summarize reports to help attorneys prepare for trials. These legal professionals might assist lawyers during trials as well by taking notes, reviewing transcripts, and handling other relevant duties. The duties you can expect to perform as a paralegal can vary based on the size of the law firm or legal department you work for. You might have a wider range of job duties and responsibilities if you work at a smaller firm. At larger law firms, your work might focus on a specific part of legal proceedings, such as researching laws and regulations or gathering evidence.

Legal Assistant vs. Paralegal

Legal assistants and paralegals both provide assistance in law firms or legal departments. However, their job duties and responsibilities are notably different. While paralegals focus on performing tasks that directly help lawyers with legal proceedings, such as drafting legal documents or reviewing transcripts during cases, legal assistants mainly handle clerical and administrative tasks. They might answer phones and direct calls, schedule consultations or appointments, and file paperwork.

Legal assistant and paralegal careers also differ in terms of education. Legal assistants do not need to have any formal degrees for this type of work. However, they can earn a diploma to help them learn the skills needed for this career, such as a legal office assistant diploma. Paralegals do not have any formal education requirements either, but earning an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or advanced degree can be highly beneficial when competing for open positions. Many employers looking to hire paralegals prefer candidates who have a degree.

Paralegal vs. Lawyer

With paralegals responsible for performing a wide range of legal tasks, it’s helpful to know how they differ from lawyers. Paralegals can help attorneys and lawyers prepare for meetings, trials, and other legal proceedings. However, their duties are limited when it comes to their interactions with clients. Paralegals are not allowed to provide clients with legal advice or represent clients in court. Lawyers have the education and training needed to represent clients and offer legal advice.

The educational requirements for lawyers are also much more rigorous. Lawyers have to graduate from law school and pass the Bar exam. Bar exams and requirements for becoming an attorney are state specific in order to work as an attorney. Paralegals do not have to spend as much time earning a degree or need to pass the bar exam in order to work.

How to Become a Paralegal in 6 Steps

If you decide to become a paralegal, becoming familiar with the steps involved can help you understand what to expect. While the exact path to a career as a paralegal can differ, the following offers a general idea of how to become one.

1. Is Being a Paralegal Right for You?

Before getting started on the path to becoming a paralegal, first consider whether it’s the right career for you. Think about the kind of career you want to build and the skills you already have. Are you good at communicating with other people? Do you have strong interpersonal skills? Do you enjoy conducting research? Are you good at staying organized? Paralegals need to have solid communication, interpersonal, organizational, and research skills, along with other skills. Going through a degree program, such as a paralegal associate degree program, can help you develop or improve these skills.

Keep in mind that you’ll play a valuable role in legal proceedings, but you won’t have the authority to directly counsel clients or represent them. If you’re satisfied with this level of involvement, becoming a paralegal can be a good career path.

2. Find the Right Paralegal Education

If you decide to become a paralegal, having the right education is important. Although there aren’t any formal educational requirements to become a paralegal, earning a degree can help ensure that you develop the right skills. With many employers preferring to hire paralegals who hold a degree, this can also help you get your foot in the door when you need to find a job in this field.

When exploring education options, look for a degree program that provides you with the coursework needed to become a successful paralegal. An associate degree can help you learn the skills you’ll need and gain the right knowledge within a shorter timeframe compared to more advanced degrees. You might also have opportunities to do an internship, which gives you hands-on experience before you graduate.

3. Paralegal Certification

Do you need to be certified in order to work as a paralegal? There are no federal requirements for certification, and you won’t find certification offered at the national level. However, becoming certified at the state level can show employers that you have a strong commitment to this career, which can give you a competitive edge when you’re searching for jobs. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) also recommends certification for paralegals.

Professional organizations offer certifications for paralegals. Some certification options for paralegals include the Professional Paralegal certification from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS), the Certified Paralegal certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification from NALA.

4. Find a Job and Get Experience

When you graduate with a paralegal degree and earn certification, you’ll be ready to begin working in this profession. You can start looking for jobs before you graduate. If you’re able to do an internship at a law firm or legal department, you might be able to transition into a paid position afterward. Having a job as a paralegal helps you gain experience, which you can use to advance your career.

5. Specialize

Paralegals have the option to specialize in a certain area of law. While you don’t have to specialize, doing so might be a good option if you have a strong interest in a particular area of law. For example, you might choose to specialize in family law if you have a desire to play a role in helping families with legal matters, such as child custody. Other areas that you might choose to specialize in include corporate law, litigation, personal injury, immigration, real estate, intellectual property, or criminal law.

6. Advance Your Career

When you work as a paralegal, you’ll have opportunities to advance your career if desired. Doing so can open up new job opportunities and provide you with an even more fulfilling career, depending on your goals and interests. Advancing your paralegal career might involve learning new skills, going back to school for an advanced degree, or working toward earning a promotion. Some of the careers that you might consider pursuing include policy analyst, legal secretary, judge, law clerk, or attorney.

State-by-State Examples

Some states have local organizations that offer voluntary certification for paralegals. The requirements for these certifications vary by state, so it’s important to make sure you understand your state’s requirements. The following are a few examples of how these requirements might differ from state to state.

New York

The Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) in New York offers the New York State Certified Paralegal Program for voluntary certification. A few of the requirements to become certified include being a legal New York resident, being employed as a paralegal, and meeting experience or educational requirements, such as passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) or having an associate degree in paralegal studies from an institutionally accredited school and six years of substantive paralegal experience. Keep in mind that you must meet at least one of the experience or educational requirements.

Ohio

In Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Association for Legal Professionals (OSBA) offers the OSBA Paralegal Certification Program for voluntary certification. The requirements you’ll need to meet for this certification include meeting the OSBA definition of a paralegal, providing at least three professional references, passing a written exam, completing continuing legal and paralegal education, and meeting education or experience requirements. Education or experience requirements include having a high school diploma and associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies along with a certain amount of experience working as a paralegal. This can be one year of experience for those with a bachelor’s degree, five years for those with an associate degree, or seven years for those with a high school diploma.

Virginia

The Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA) offers the Virginia Registered Paralegal Program (VARP) for voluntary certification. To qualify for this certification, VAPA requires a paralegal to be a voting member in any VAPA member association or area liaison. Other requirements include completing a minimum of 12 hours of continuing legal education credits, which includes two hours of ethics every two years. Paralegals must also provide proof to VAPA that they have completed the continuing education hours to maintain certification.

Wisconsin

The State Bar of Wisconsin offers voluntary certification for paralegals. Becoming a certified paralegal involves meeting education or experience requirements; being employed or retained by a law firm, lawyer, agency, or corporation; being directly supervised by a lawyer licensed in Wisconsin; and passing a background check. Education requirements include having an associate or bachelor’s degree from a qualified paralegal studies program, meeting eligibility requirements if you haven’t graduated yet, or earning at least 21 continuing education credits. Work experience requirements include working at least five years as a paralegal, teaching paralegal studies for at least three years, having a high school diploma, and having three hours of approved continuing legal education.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?

The amount of time it takes to become a paralegal can vary considerably depending on different factors, such as the degree program you complete and whether you become certified. Remember, many employers in the legal field prefer to hire paralegals who have a college degree.

Going through an associate degree program to become a paralegal can take a couple of years, or possibly less if you are in an accelerated program. A bachelor’s degree can take about four years to earn. And a more advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in legal studies, can take an additional one to two years.

[1] A lawyer is a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice.

[2] As a representative of clients, a lawyer performs various functions. As advisor, a lawyer provides a client with an informed understanding of the client’s legal rights and obligations and explains their practical implications. As advocate, a lawyer zealously asserts the client’s position under the rules of the adversary system. As negotiator, a lawyer seeks a result advantageous to the client but consistent with requirements of honest dealing with others. As intermediary between clients, a lawyer seeks to reconcile their divergent interests as an advisor and, to a limited extent, as a spokesperson for each client. A lawyer acts as evaluator by examining a client’s legal affairs and reporting about them to the client or to others.

[3] In all professional functions a lawyer should be competent, prompt and diligent. A lawyer should maintain communication with a client concerning the representation. A lawyer should keep in confidence information relating to representation of a client except so far as disclosure is required or permitted by the these Rules or other law.

[4] A lawyer should use the law’s procedures only for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others. A lawyer should demonstrate respect for the law, the legal system and for those who serve it, including judges, other lawyers and public officials. While it is a lawyer’s duty, when necessary, to challenge the rectitude of official action, it is also a lawyer’s duty to uphold legal process.

[5] As a citizen, a lawyer should seek improvement of the law, the administration of justice and the quality of service rendered by the legal profession. As a member of a learned profession, a lawyer should cultivate knowledge of the law beyond its use for clients, employ that knowledge in reform of the law and work to strengthen legal education. A lawyer should be mindful of deficiencies in the administration of justice and of the fact that the poor, and sometimes persons who are not poor, cannot afford adequate legal assistance, and should therefore devote professional time and civic influence in their behalf. A lawyer should aid the legal profession in pursuing these objectives and should help the bar regulate itself in the public interest.

[6] A lawyer’s professional responsibilities are prescribed in the Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as by substantive and procedural law. A lawyer also is guided by conscience and the approbation of professional peers. A lawyer should strive to attain the highest level of skill, to improve the law and the legal profession and to exemplify the legal profession’s ideals of public service.

[7] Reserved.

[8] In the nature of law practice conflicting responsibilities are encountered. Virtually all difficult ethical problems arise from conflict among a lawyer’s responsibilities to clients, to the legal system and to the lawyer’s own interest in remaining an upright person. The Rules of Professional Conduct prescribe terms for resolving such conflicts. Within the framework of these Rules, many difficult issues of professional discretion can arise. Such issues must be resolved through the exercise of sensitive professional and moral judgment guided by the basic principles underlying the Rules.

[9] The legal profession is largely self-governing. Although other professions also have been granted powers of self-government, the legal profession is unique in this respect because of the close relationship between the profession and the processes of government and law enforcement. 

[10] To the extent that lawyers meet the obligations of their professional calling, the occasion for government regulation is obviated. Self-regulation also helps maintain the legal profession’s independence from government domination. An independent legal profession is an important force in preserving government under law, for abuse of legal authority is more readily challenged by a profession whose members are not dependent on government for the right to practice.

[11] The legal profession’s relative autonomy carries with it special responsibilities of self-government. The profession has a responsibility to assure that its regulations are conceived in the public interest and not in furtherance of parochial or self-interested concerns of the bar. Every lawyer is responsible for observance of the Rules of Professional Conduct. A lawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers. Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the profession and the public interest which it serves.

[12] The fulfillment of a lawyer’s professional responsibility role requires an understanding by them of their relationship to our legal system. The Rules of Professional Conduct, when properly applied, serve to define that relationship.

Lawyer is one of the professions that many people are interested in because this job is so challenging and has a promising future. A lawyer is someone who is an expert in the field of law, who not only works to defend clients before the law, but also has many other duties to perform.

A lawyer must have moral values, such as the value of humanity, justice, obedience and fairness, honesty, and serving the public interest.

What Do Lawyers Do?

The duty of lawyers is to provide legal assistance to clients so that they can obtain their rights in the legal process. While defending a client in a court, lawyers can bring up statements or opinions, but of course they must adhere to the professional code of ethics and regulations.

It is also the duty of lawyers to keep all of their client’s information confidential unless there are other provisions in the law that require otherwise. In addition, lawyers are also not allowed to discriminate against their clients based on their political, gender, religious, cultural, racial, and social backgrounds.

How to Become a Lawyer?

Lawyer is someone who runs a profession in the legal world. Therefore, to become a lawyer,  one is of course required to have a legal education background in accordance with Article 2 Paragraph 1 of the Advocate Law.

Someone who wants to become a lawyer is also required to attend the professional education of advocates held by the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI) and take the exam, after which the prospective lawyer is required to do an internship at an advocate‘s office for at least 2 consecutive years.

Finally, the prospective lawyer is required to take an oath at the District Court according to their domicile in order to be able to carry out the duties as a Lawyer.

5 Must-Have Qualities of Lawyers

What are the qualities that lawyers must have? The following are 5 qualities that qualified lawyers must possess:

• Persuasive skills. To resolve cases in court, lawyers must have great persuasive skills. This skill is especially useful when a lawyer presents a case to convince a court of a client’s position.
• Effective negotiation skills. In resolving cases, of course, lawyers must reach an agreement between all parties involved.
• Aggressiveness. Lawyers must be ready to face various challenges ahead.
• Stable emotions. There are many arguments or even threats that will be faced by lawyers.
• Well organized. Lawyers must be able to organize their work and time because they will frequently meet with their clients, make documentation, and also follow complicated court processes.

If you are looking for a professional law firm with experienced and reliable lawyers, you can contact us. We are a full-service law firm and have strong litigation lawyers teamed up with experienced commercial and corporate lawyers.

If you find yourself in situation or disagreement that requires a legal resolution, it is advisable to consult a lawyer. It’s your lawyer’s job to advise you and represent you in court to help settle private legal matters. Your lawyer can also interpret the rules and regulations for individuals and businesses, as well as prepare the legal documentation such as appeals, wills, contracts and lawsuits on your behalf.

Lawyers are often involved in the most private matters of an individual or business. Which poses the question: what ethical responsibilities do lawyers and clients have to each other?

Competency in handling a case

Wherever you are based, there will always be a selection of law firms you can employ. It’s your responsibility to research beforehand what type of lawyer or firm will best meet your needs. You can visit the law firm or search online for information on the firm or lawyer before making an appointment.

It is also helpful to note that there are various types of lawyers that specialize in specific fields. Some lawyers specialize in intellectual property (IP), family law, personal injury, malpractice, business law, employment law, tax, bankruptcy and estate planning, among others. Your lawyer should tell you in your first meeting whether they can handle your case. They may refer you to someone else in their practice who is more suitable.

Being on the same side

Both the client and the lawyer have responsibilities to assist each other. The lawyer is expected to support your case whilst remaining faithful to his obligation to the law. Your lawyer must keep you informed on matters such as settlement offers as well as the possible outcome of the case or viable courses of action. On the other hand, you must support the lawyer’s approach, especially when you have agreed on it beforehand. You must also make sure you disclose any information pertinent to the case. 

Lawyer-client privilege

Lawyer-client privilege is common phrase you may have heard of in relation to the practice of law. Lawyer-client privilege applies to any confidential information shared between client and lawyer. It is the lawyer’s ethical responsibility to use the information you provide as an advantage in the case.  You must provide any information that will allow your lawyer to create the best case. Withholding information from your lawyer can backfire and may be used against you.

Withdrawing from the case

There might be instances when a lawyer needs to remove his or her service from the case. If this happens, it’s the lawyer’s responsibility to protect your interests by looking for or suggesting new representation. If, on the other hand, you decide you want to be represented by a new lawyer, you should inform your current lawyer of this decision as soon as possible.

For a harmonious lawyer-client relationship, it is important to remember the ethical responsibilities you have towards each other. Both parties must be open about the information they have, whether it relates to the case or the capacity of the lawyer to handle the case. The information shared between you must also be kept confidential and not used to secure an advantage over each other. Finally, if you intend to drop your case or want to look for alternative representation, you should be honest and inform your lawyer as soon as possible.

Lawyers are professionals who are trained and licensed to practice law. They play an important role in protecting the legal rights of individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Lawyers have a wide range of responsibilities and duties that they are expected to fulfill as part of their profession. These lawyer’s responsibilities and duties ae discussed in this blog. These responsibilities and duties vary depending on the type of lawyer, but generally include:

Advising clients: Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice to their clients. This involves reviewing their clients’ cases, explaining the relevant laws, and offering guidance on what actions they should take to protect their legal rights. Lawyers must ensure that their clients are fully informed about their legal options, including the risks and benefits of each option, and help them make informed decisions.

Representing clients in court: Lawyers play a key role in representing their clients in court. They argue their clients’ cases and present evidence to support their position. Judges and juries must be able to understand the position of their clients, and lawyers must be familiar with the relevant laws, rules of evidence, and court procedures.

Dealing with settlements: Many disputes can be settled without the need for a full trial. Lawyers can negotiate settlements between their clients and other parties, helping to resolve disputes quickly and effectively.

Drafting legal documents: Lawyers are responsible for drafting a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, wills, and other legal agreements. They must ensure that these documents are legally binding, clear, and consistent with their client’s objectives.

Conducting legal research: Lawyers must be knowledgeable about the law and must be able to conduct legal research to support their client’s cases. This involves reviewing court decisions, laws, and regulations, and applying this knowledge to their client’s cases.

Ethical Conduct: A strict code of ethics and professional conduct must be adhered to by lawyers. They must always act in the best interests of their clients and never engage in unethical or illegal activities. Professional conduct rules can lead to disciplinary action, including disbarment, for lawyers who violate them.

Protecting clients’ rights: Lawyers play a critical role in protecting their clients’ legal rights. They must be familiar with the laws that govern their clients’ rights and must work to ensure that their client’s rights are not violated. This may involve advocating for changes to laws and regulations that unfairly impact their clients.

Client relationships: In order to effectively represent their clients, lawyers must build strong relationships with them. They must listen to their client’s concerns, answer their questions, and be available to provide guidance and support. Lawyers must maintain the confidentiality of their client’s information and must act in their client’s best interests at all times.

What are the Primary Functions of a Lawyer?

The primary Lawyer’s Responsibilities and Duties include:

Providing legal advice: Lawyers help their clients understand their rights and obligations under the law and provide guidance on the best course of action to take in a given situation.

Representing clients in legal proceedings: Lawyers represent their clients in court and other legal forums and work to protect their rights and interests.

Negotiating settlements: Lawyers often help their clients resolve disputes through negotiation and settlement, rather than going to court.

Drafting legal documents: Lawyers prepare and review legal documents, such as contracts, wills, and other agreements, to ensure they are legally binding and in the best interests of their clients.

Conducting legal research: Lawyers research and analyze laws, regulations, and case law to support their client’s cases and ensure they are up-to-date with changes in the law.

Advocating for clients: Lawyers advocate for their clients by making arguments and presenting evidence in court and other legal forums.

Protecting client confidentiality: Lawyers are bound by strict ethical rules that require them to maintain the confidentiality of their client’s information and protect their privacy.

Communication with clients: Once the legal process is underway, lawyers communicate with their clients to keep them up-to-date on the status of their cases and possible outcomes.

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Why would anyone knowingly become a law firm marketing specialist – a role that is demanding, complicated, challenging, and stressful? To explore this mystery, we went to the source. Accordingly, this time around we asked the law firm marketing specialists of CEE to complete the following question: “I went into Law Firm Marketing/BD as a career because ____________.“

“I went into Law Firm Marketing/BD as a career because I was given the opportunity to transform my then-daily work of passive translations into more creative tasks such as putting together pitches, capacity statements, and submissions. Luckily, I was on-boarded to the profession by one of the finest law firms in Croatia, and I was even more lucky to have continued my professional growth within the international environment of CMS. ”

Jelena Bosnjak, Business Development & Marketing Manager, CMS Zagreb

“At the time, it was a big step up and from where I was standing it seemed like the dream job: exciting, important, attractive (traveling and training opportunities), and thus never boring. I made the right choice. I have grown a lot, have had great mentors, learned unforgettable lessons and got to be a part of this amazing journey that is Kinstellar. I’m having the time of my life in the process and have never had a dull moment.” 

Adela Ene, Head of Marketing, Kinstellar

“A colleague of mine made me a job offer I could not resist. It was not only because of our acquaintance, and remuneration was not a decisive factor. I simply got inspired by the firm’s innovative vision. When I met the managing partner, he was bold enough to say: ‘We want to expand our services beyond just legal advice and offer our clients comprehensive solutions to their business challenges.’ I thought to myself, ‘a lawyer who officially declares himself as an entrepreneur rather than a lawyer? – Looks like a fantastic marketing opportunity must be around the corner!’ And here I am, dealing with so many innovative marcomms projects you would never expect a law firm could be doing. Sponsoring a student team developing a revolutionary satellite to be placed on Elon Musk’s Falcon 9 rocket? – why not? It was a great opportunity to emphasize our firm’s digital transformation competences (we labelled that initiative as ‘Make IT fly’). Another example of SSW’s untypical approach: as part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we invited a famous futurist, Mike Walsh, to deliver a power speech on leadership trends and new challenges triggered by AI, automation and technology.”

Marcin Wolinski, Marketing and Communications Manager, SSW Pragmatic Solutions

“I went into Law Firm Marketing / BD as a career because I like working and communicating with people with different characters, it is challenging, it is interesting, it is unpredictable, it can be really rewarding and a little frustrating at times. But that is what makes the journey worth it.

Because law firm marketing is many exciting things, including: (i) Pitches for clients; (ii) Market research; (iii) Editing and proofreading; (iv) Legal directory submissions; (v) Document design; (vi) Event management (vii) Public speaking; (viii) Communication with lawyers, publishers, editors, marketing and communications executives from all over the world; (x) Fellow team meetings and constant learning and exchange of ideas; and (xi) Meeting clients.

You can never get bored and every day comes with a challenge.”

Violeta Koeva, Marketing and BD Executive, CMS Sofia

“Some people set long-term goals and follow them methodically.  My short term and long term goal are the same – to do my job as well as I can. I started out at my current firm in an admin position and have now progressed to the role of marketing specialist.  Depending on the day, the work can be interesting, exciting, challenging, frustrating, stressful, and several other adjectives. I definitely still have a lot to learn. But in answer to your question, “How did I get to where I am professionally?” I would say, doing my job well, being in the right place at the right time and just plain luck.” 

Name withheld by request.

“I went into Law Firm Marketing/BD as a career because legal services touch every corner of your day-to-day life. That makes the work interesting and demanding at the same time. With a public relations background from the public sector, stepping into a law firm was an important decision to boost my career by getting deeper insight into public relations issues in a highly sensitive context.” 

Marketing budgets, and the strategies they fund, often draw a great deal of attention when businesses look beyond the basics of daily operations. But, a violation of the law that prompts consequences would nullify all that time and money spent. By making every effort to adhere to the regulations protecting consumers, you eliminate the risk of incurring crippling fines.

This article provides a rundown of five critical marketing-related laws of which businesses need to be aware.

False Advertising

Simply put, all advertising must be truthful. Imagery and messaging cannot mislead buyers. For example, if you own a Honda dealership, you cannot use photos or video of a 2022 Civic in an ad if you’re only selling the 2021 model.

You must also be honest about what buyers can expect from what you’re selling, with all claims substantiated. If a supplement temporarily alleviates bloating, the copy shouldn’t include the word “cure.” If your company doesn’t fabricate copper components, your ad cannot claim you work with “all metals.” Discrepancies can also occur with terms that aren’t interchangeable, like waterproof and water resistant.

False advertising laws allow state or local officials to take legal action and seek consumer restitution if an ad is deceptive.

Copyright Infringement

Many businesses don’t think twice about using another content creator’s graphics, photographs, video, or music. Common practice includes incorporating images from a Google search into social media posts or blogs—most of which are copyrighted and require consent.

How to mitigate copyright infringement risks:

• Use original content as often as possible.
• Purchase stock photos or use websites like Pixabay or Pexels for free stock photos and graphics.
• Thoroughly read content licensing details.
• Give proper credit to the content’s photographer, videographer, musician or graphic designer.
• Never use a photo or graphic with a trademark or logo.

Children’s Privacy

It’s important to be aware of the age of target customers. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires online platforms to obtain parental permission prior to collecting the personal information, such as email or IP addresses, geolocation information or other identifiers, of children under 13. Federal regulators are very serious about child privacy rights, issuing hefty fines (up to $40,000 per child affected).

SMS Marketing

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) went into effect in 1991 and has since been modified to include SMS/text messaging.

Under the TCPA, businesses are not allowed to send texts to wireless numbers without prior written consent. Even if someone has previously shared their phone number, your business cannot text them unless they have knowingly opted into the program or have given permission, in writing (on paper or digitally), to be sent messages.

To ensure your business complies with the TCPA, consider these methods to get your target audience to subscribe to SMS marketing:

• In-store signage: Customers at the checkout already have existing interest in your business and will likely be receptive to a text club offering exclusive offers and incentives.
• Email marketing: All eblasts should include details on how to join the text club.
• Contests: Ask social media followers to sign up for your text club to enter a competition or contest.

Live Video Streaming

Video streaming has become increasingly popular on social media, allowing viewers to participate in Q&A sessions and watch events live. However, without proper planning, your business could face a host of legal issues. For example, live videos often unintentionally use copyrighted music in the background or feature customers/employees without their consent.

Before you hit the record button, make sure you aren’t loitering/trespassing, confidential or proprietary information isn’t visible, and everyone being filmed has signed a release form.

Stay Informed

Business owners are often unfamiliar with the ins and outs of marketing and communication law. Those who don’t think they’ll get in trouble, and ignore the law, may find themselves spending years trying to resolve issues they could have easily avoided.

To prevent a future fraught with legal risks, stay informed about marketing regulations or hire a team of trained experts, like Baer Performance Marketing.

If legal trouble is already at your doorstep, seek the guidance of a lawyer specializing in marketing, privacy, and anti-spam laws immediately.

While many lawyers recognize the importance of marketing for growing their practices, there are still a great number of lawyers who are anti-marketing for various reasons. Some lawyers are generally skeptical of the need for marketing, uncomfortable with the idea of “selling” to clients, or think marketing is a big waste of time. Marketing may be out of the comfort zone for lawyers at first, but once they understand their role and how it can help them in their practice they are likely to gain interest . First, let’s explore some common objections to marketing and resolve any qualms about them.

Marketing is not a waste of time. Many lawyers think their time is better spent on “real” legal work. However, it is not necessarily the case, or even likely, that all a firm’s clients will come as a direct result of superior legal work. Of course, being a good lawyer will help in this regard, but it isn’t enough to sustain your firm indefinitely. If your work slows down or competition kicks up, you are going to need a marketing strategy to gain new clients and stay in business.  

Business development and marketing in the legal industry is not unethical. Marketing for lawyers sometimes gets a bad rap. Even some young lawyers are skeptical of whether marketing their services is professional, or worry they may alienate clients with their efforts. You can look to a state bar ethics counsel for answers to your ethics concerns or insight into how other firms reach out to clients.

You don’t need to be a professional marketer in order to market your firm. While your firm may choose to hire an outside marketing agency or expert, or dedicate members of your own staff to marketing efforts, you as a lawyer can and should be involved in most aspects of your firm’s marketing strategy. You have the legal knowledge and industry insight, and you know your target client base best. That information plus a little basic marketing training is enough to get you started.

Now that you understand that marketing is both a necessary and acceptable practice for you to engage in as a lawyer, we will discuss the roles a lawyer should take in your firm’s overall marketing efforts.

Build buyer personas before developing a content strategy. As a practicing lawyer, you should have a number of clients you know well, in terms of their backgrounds, values, and what they look for in a legal service. You should use this knowledge to develop buyer personas, or representations of the ideal client, for your firm’s services. This is an area of legal marketing where your work representing clients is a necessary part of the strategy. As we said, you know your target client base, so this is not a time to take a hands-off approach.

Content marketing is key. Once you develop your buyer personas, you will have a better idea of what type of content to create in order to appropriately market your firm. Blog posts and thought-leadership pieces which you likely already produce as a lawyer are the bulk of content marketing. Here, your role as a lawyer is essential again because you are the legal professional. Take the opportunity to enlighten your audience with content that showcases your legal knowledge and expertise.

Generate new leads from relationships with existing clients. Some lawyers will say that they get the majority of their clients from referrals, making other marketing tactics unnecessary. Referrals are indeed a great source of leads, but marketing efforts can strengthen and expand your referral network rather than replace it. You can then leverage the network of people who trust your firm by getting client testimonials and using these to market your firm. Marketing from the perspective of a “regular” person instead of a lawyer will help potential clients feel less like you are selling to them.

Continue using traditional marketing methods. “Old school” lawyers especially will be happy to hear that even in today’s digital era, traditional marketing still has value. Appearing at speaking engagements, hosting workshops, and attending networking events are great ways to build relationships in the industry and gain consistent leads. You can combine this practice with digital marketing efforts by advertising and promoting these events online.

Leverage your social media presence. Social media marketing is a must when it comes to marketing the law firm in today’s age. While you can delegate posting on social media to marketing staff, being comfortable using social platforms yourself can be helpful in growing your network. Leverage your own personal contacts through Facebook and professional contacts on LinkedIn to gain leads and expand your reach.

To operate a successful law firm, you must invest in a marketing strategy to compete with other lawyers in the industry. “Selling yourself” does not come naturally for all lawyers; however, with the right marketing tips, it does not require that you have an outgoing personality or a lot of money.

It does require that you put some thought into how you can market yourself and your law firm in a way that will attract new clients and keep current clients returning when they need legal services. The key to a successful marketing strategy is to focus on things that you do well.

Continue reading for cost-effective marketing tips for lawyers to grow their practice.

Resources for Law Firm Marketing

We have searched high and low to find the best marketing tips for lawyers. Our list does not in any way include every marketing tool available to attorneys and law firms; however, our list offers some creative ways you can market your law firm using your strengths without breaking your advertising budget.

Write blogs that appeal to the average person

If you do not have a blog, begin one immediately but refrain from writing blogs aimed at other attorneys. Your blog should provide useful information to your target audience. For example, if you are a bankruptcy attorney, writing about bankruptcy exemptions will not attract as much attention as telling someone how they can protect their property from creditors. Write your blog as if you were telling a close family member how you can help them rather than trying to write a legal commercial aimed at someone with an advanced degree.

Skip holiday greeting cards

Many attorneys use the holidays to connect with their clients and potential clients; however, your card will simply be one of many.  Instead, pick another occasion to reach out. For example, if your law firm is in Plant City, Florida, you may want to send a greeting card with a strawberry recipe to coincide with the annual Strawberry Festival.  If you practice in Keystone, South Dakota, send a greeting card celebrating President’s Day. The key is to pick a local event or holiday to celebrate so people will associate you with your location.

Collect business cards

Handing your business card to potential contacts at meetings or other functions usually results in your cards being thrown in the trash or tossed in a desk drawer and forgotten. Instead, collect business cards from other attendees and send your information to each person by email or “snail” mail within a few days.

Use social media strategically

If you do not have a social media presence, you need one. If you are uncomfortable using social media, hire a professional or even an intern to post consistent content for you. Facebook and LinkedIn are typically the platforms lawyers gravitate to, but many lawyers find success on Twitter, Instagram, or even TikTok. Social media is a powerful tool for both networking, marketing, lead generation, and connecting with clients on a personal level — it should not be ignored.

Extend professional courtesy

Other attorneys who do not practice in the same area of law as you practice are fantastic referral sources. If another attorney or his family needs professional assistance, consider taking the case for free. This is an easy way to gain referrals in the future.

Offer your services as a speaker

Speaking engagements are the same as free advertising, provided you offer valuable information in an entertaining fashion. If you are comfortable with public speaking, seek out speaking engagements to market yourself and your law firm.

Join professional groups and organizations

Regardless of how long you have been in practice, networking is still an important marketing tool for lawyers.  Join local, state, and national organizations and groups related to the practice of law and/or your specific area of law. Do not just join —be an active participant.

Teach a continuing legal education seminar or a free course at a local community college

Teaching a CLE or volunteering to teach a course at your local community college is a wonderful way to market yourself. Not only are you speaking to the individuals attending the seminar or the classes, but your name will also be on the materials available for purchase before and after the CLE and course.

Volunteer in the community

Volunteering in your community is an excellent way to give back to the community, help others, and to market your law firm. Volunteering opens the door to countless opportunities to network and discuss what you do for a living while you are serving food, cleaning up a park, helping seniors, or delivering meals to shut-ins. You could also offer services pro bono to support the community.

Use the local news and media outlets to your advantage

Pay attention to news stories in your community. If you have genuine expertise in an area related to local news, offer to answer questions or provide information on the subject matter. Let reporters and others know you are willing to be a “source” for more information related to trending news stories.

Marketing Best Practices for Lawyers to Keep In Mind

• Don’t limit yourself to just networking with other attorneys. Broaden your network to include anyone related to your area of law or other influential legal professionals.
• Be intentional about your social media or blog posts. Everything you place online must speak directly to potential clients and provide information that makes them want to get more information.
• Hire a marketing professional to support you. Whether you don’t have the time or simply don’t know where to start, a professional can help create a marketing strategy for your firm.

Implement These Marketing Tips for Lawyers

Every attorney can and should do something to market their law firm. Use your strengths and/or hire a law firm marketing professional to get your name out there to bring in new business. The key to any of your marketing tactics is the follow-up. Creating processes like automated intake forms or a legal CRM to quickly capture information will make transitioning leads to clients seamless.

Poland introduces from January 1, 2024 a ban on the sale of energy drinks to persons under the age of 18. It is not a big surprise, considering long lasting discussion in this regard at the EU and national level.

The problem of consumption of energy drinks by children and adolescents was signaled by representatives of the EU Member States during meetings of the Working Group on Foodstuffs, and outcome of this discussion are the applicable provisions of Regulation 1169/2011, which read that the labeling of high-caffeine beverages requires to include the warning “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women“. Doubts in this regard were however still signaled by Polish politicians and the Ombudsman for Children.

The first step in limiting the availability of energy drinks for children was a national regulation defining the groups of products that may be sold in school shops (in force for 7 years now). However, since then a steady increase in the range of energy drinks was observed – they became more and more popular in all age groups, including children, who could still easily purchase the products outside the school premises. Finally, the issue of a complete ban on the sale of such products to persons under the age of 18 has been regulated in the amendment to the Public Health Act, which was signed by the President of Poland on August 21, 2023.

According to the EFSA report published on the basis of a study involving over 52,000 residents of EU countries, consumption of energy drinks was admitted by 18% of children (3-10 years old) and 68% of teenagers (10-18 years old)^[1]. Meanwhile, according to the justification for the draft Act, there are numerous negative expert opinions on the impact of energy drinks on the health of children and adolescents. As a consequence, the amendment to the Act aims to protect this group of vulnerable consumers.

The Act introduces the definition of “a drink with added caffeine or taurine“ (a product in the form of a drink that is a foodstuff, included in the Polish Classification of Products and Services in class 10.89 and in Chapter 11, which contains caffeine in a proportion exceeding 150 mg/l or taurine, excluding naturally occurring substances) and prohibits the sale of such energy drinks to persons under the age of 18,  on the premises of the units of the education system (including preschools and schools) and in vending machines. The adoption of the Act will also result in changes in the labeling of energy drinks. Unit packages will have to be marked by producers or importers with visible, legible, indelible and permanent information “Napój energetyzujący” or „Napój energetyczny” (ENG: “Energy drink“).

Together with the above rules, the Act introduces sanctions for their violation, including fines up to PLN 200,000 (~ EUR 43,577) and restriction of liberty.

The first draft of the Act provided also for detailed conditions for advertising and promoting energy drinks – they were to be similar to those currently in force for beer advertising. During the first reading of the draft Act, however, an amendment was proposed to abandon the regulation of the conditions of advertising and promotion of energy drinks. According to the applicant, the more restriction of the possibility of selling products to persons under the age of 18 are sufficient from the perspective of protecting the health of minors. Similarities with the alcohol regulations, however, were left in the field of age verification – the seller, in case of doubts as to the buyer’s age, may request a document confirming their age.

During the work on the Act, the Senate proposed to postpone the date of entry into force of the ban in question to July 1, 2024, however this proposal was not finally implemented. Entrepreneurs therefore have relatively little time to adapt to the new regulations. Undoubtedly, the Act will revolutionize the energy drinks market in Poland.