Simon Blakeley started planning setting up his own law firm more than 25 years ago. However, D Day was in 2006 when he opened the doors (figuratively) to Blakeleys Solicitors with no work , no clients but bags of enthusiasm. Simon learnt how to generate work from referrers who trusted and respected him and the work that he could produce. This story resonated with a number of other HSL Workshare members who have followed dreams to set up their own law firms. But being in practice on your own can be a lonely existence and Simon acknowledged that there are times when having others around to bounce ideas off, whether they be for legal opinions or for management questions is a luxury that many sole practitioners don't have. Being part of an online network, such as High Street Lawyer provides a community of like minded individuals happy to comment, support and discuss topics.
One area that Simon concentrated on during his week on HSL Workshare as featured firm was Marketing, building on the earlier discussions that had taken place in the forum. Simon proved that brand visibility works for his firm and his bright yellow signs in farmers fields have led to an increase in personal injury instructions, hopefully not because drivers were distracted though! A discussion of the marketing of wills and probate has led to the creation of a High Street Lawyer wills and probate group to consider marketing solutions for this difficult to market area of law.
Being a small firm means striking the appropriate balance between not turning work away and trying to do everything. Blakeleys appears to have got this balance right and Simon explained how his good advice, coupled with genuine interest has lead him to be instructed by other law firms in certain work areas, such as low velocity personal injury claims and alleged fraud against doctor cases, proving that despite above the line marketing and promotions, good leads come from building reputations.
Marketing, compliance and regulation are the key areas of the forthcoming HSL Strategy day on 12 March, being held in London. Attendees will hear from top speakers including Neil Throrogood of Lloyds Bank, Joe Reevy of Legal RSS, Stephen Madge of Principle 8 and Gary Yantin of HSL. As with all HSL events, there will no doubt also be an opportunity to consider a bunch of other issues pertinent to the owners and managers of small law firms. Full details and how to book are here.
One area that Simon concentrated on during his week on HSL Workshare as featured firm was Marketing, building on the earlier discussions that had taken place in the forum. Simon proved that brand visibility works for his firm and his bright yellow signs in farmers fields have led to an increase in personal injury instructions, hopefully not because drivers were distracted though! A discussion of the marketing of wills and probate has led to the creation of a High Street Lawyer wills and probate group to consider marketing solutions for this difficult to market area of law.
Being a small firm means striking the appropriate balance between not turning work away and trying to do everything. Blakeleys appears to have got this balance right and Simon explained how his good advice, coupled with genuine interest has lead him to be instructed by other law firms in certain work areas, such as low velocity personal injury claims and alleged fraud against doctor cases, proving that despite above the line marketing and promotions, good leads come from building reputations.
Marketing, compliance and regulation are the key areas of the forthcoming HSL Strategy day on 12 March, being held in London. Attendees will hear from top speakers including Neil Throrogood of Lloyds Bank, Joe Reevy of Legal RSS, Stephen Madge of Principle 8 and Gary Yantin of HSL. As with all HSL events, there will no doubt also be an opportunity to consider a bunch of other issues pertinent to the owners and managers of small law firms. Full details and how to book are here.
No comments:
Post a Comment