Poll is In

For the last week or so, we've been running an informal (and admittedly unscientific, poll on SmallFirmSuccess.org asking whether your practice is doing better or worse than last year.  The results show not just gloom but bright spots.

While 41% said their practice is doing worse than last year, another 41% said they either have not seen any change or they are doing better. 

These seems to bear out at least on of my theories for this economic down turn:  that it does not affect all lawyers equally - many lawyers and areas of the law are doing well.  Our poll is not and isolated result.  Robert Haft Legal released a study indicating that at least a quarter of firms interviewed planned to add to their attorneys and staff, 65% foresaw no change, and only 10% anticipated a reduction.

While we keep hearing about big firm after big firm laying off attorneys and staff, that is not an industry wide issue, particularly for solo and small firms who can be more nimble and take advantage of the opportunities.  Think about where you can move your practice to be one of the firms expanding their practice.  Start with the clients you have to see where there needs are now.  Think of other areas you can credibly move into:  bankruptcy or employment law or perhaps gearing up to do more litigation.

I would love to hear what you are doing to make your practice successful in these economic times.

- Peter H. Berge

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