Opinions needed on attorney's public service/marketing strategy

[Floogeldy]

What would you think of an attorney who advertised giving away free living will forms on a Saturday? The office is a one story building on a busy street. People would just have to pull in and get free living will forms (it's a statutory form created by the state legislature).

Do you think this is a public service that would help generate future business for the attorney? Is this a good idea or a bad idea?

Thanks.

B-)

[davsand]

1. If it is not an ethical issue in that state then go for it.

If attorneys can advertise in that state, then I think it IS a public service and worth doing. I do, however, think it probably wouldn't qualify for Pro bono service if your local bar association tracks service hours...

Something that I have seen work WONDERS for a lawyer trying to drum up business (especially if you want to build a general law practice and don't have hang-ups about accepting only certain kinds of cases) is to do a radio call in show every week. Just answer general law questions about stuff that you are ok talking about on-air.

"This week's show is about traffic law. I will answer your questions about stuff like school speed zones or speeding tickets."

"This week's show is about Living wills."

"This week's show is about Grandparents raising Grandkids and temporary custody issues."

I think you get my drift. You seriously don't want to have some awful divorce thing going on-air and the really messy stuff like criminal cases could be just terrible. Other subjects are fine for this format and can be pretty informative. (I'd think IRS law might be a bit creepy too--but that is just my opinion...)

One guy I knew started out doing a call in hour about traffic law. His office was just swamped with traffic tickets after that. He did a show about credit collection law and got nailed by people with collection cases.

I finally suggested to him that if he was gonna follow a pattern he needed to do a call in show about med-malpractice so he could make a lot of money...


Laura

[Floogeldy]

2. Not unethical

In fact, in my state, the Bar Ass'n attorneys that prosecute lawyers give advisory opinions. I've already cleared it with them. They simply reminded me of the general rule that I cannot solicit business, face to face.

The radio show is a great idea, but I am under the impression attorneys have to pay for the time to have a show in my market. I'm gonna check.

You sound like a pro! What I would really like to know is whether or not laymen would think it is "sleazy." ;)

Thanks, Laura


B-)

[davsand]

3. I'm no Pro--unless you count my years organizing pro bono programs..

:) I spent several years of my life organizing pro bono programs. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, but it was also heartbreaking when we lost funding and had to close the doors.

I used to joke (in a whisper) "I see lawyers..." I still have a lot of dear friends who are in practice and your entire profession just amazes me with both its nobility and its crudity at times.

I think most people will be ok with a lawyer on the radio--simply because you will become "their" lawyer. Have you ever noticed how you are "their lawyer" after you do one single thing for them? Take care of one thing and you are STUCK with them--good or bad.

In some ways, I think part of the whole "lawyer on the radio" thing works for a lot of people because you are human to them. Most people would really rather NOT need to see a lawyer. If you are someone they feel a level of comfort with it reduces the fear a great deal.

If they have been hearing you on the radio for the last few months talking about stuff that is part of what they deal with--it can make a big difference when they have a case that they need help with.

You might want to check on local community radio. THAT might be a nice venue that wouldn't cost much--if anything. You could also volunteer to do it as a community service for some radio station. They may be happier than clams to get that just to fill up part of that time they are required to do by the FCC.

Something else that I would suggest would be a "Brown bag" series with your local library--lunchtime lectures--on legal subjects for real people. Or maybe even start a "people's law school" series at the library or the park district.

Have fun with it--this can be a real hoot when you get going with it.


Laura