The 3 Things to Focus on if Your Practice is Failing to Thrive
Susan Guthrie
Chair, ABA Section of Dispute Resolution | Attorney & Mediator | AI & LegalTech Specialist | Practice Building Consultant | Keynote Speaker | Two Award-Winning Podcasts, One in the Top 1% Globally | Best Selling Author
Whether you recently started a legal or dispute resolution practice or if you have been in business for years, many entrepreneurs are finding that their businesses are struggling lately. They are facing increasing challenges in finding and retaining clients and finding a sufficient base to support their practice. There are a number of reasons for this, the main one is often an adherence to the "that's the way I've always done it" mindset. The world around us, and our clients have changed quite a bit in just the past few years, and we need to keep up.
In today's rapidly evolving world, the legal profession finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The rapid pace of change has presented three significant hurdles legal practitioners face, including intensifying competition, the rapid pace of technological evolution, and the ever-changing needs of clients. These challenges, while daunting, also present unparalleled opportunities for those willing to embrace innovation and adapt to the new landscape of legal services.
Understanding the Landscape
The legal sector, including dispute resolution, is experiencing a seismic shift, with traditional practices being challenged by the demands of a digital age. This transformation is driven by a need for greater efficiency, transparency, and client-focused services. If practitioners are willing to evaluate their current practice in these three areas, identify where improvements can be made and implement those changes efficiently, then their growth is often super-charged! Let's take a look at the main areas where we are stagnating.
Strategies for Success
Here are three key strategies for legal and dispute resolution entrepreneurs to thrive, along with actionable examples, resources and some relevant podcast episodes from The Make Money Mediating Podcast that explore these strategies in depth.
1. Embracing Technological Advancements
Technology is revolutionizing the way legal services are delivered, offering opportunities to improve efficiency, client service, and access to justice. Legal professionals can:
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2. Innovating Business Models
The traditional billable hour is increasingly under scrutiny, prompting legal professionals to explore new business models that align more closely with client needs and preferences.
3. Prioritizing Client-Centric Services
Focusing on the client experience is essential for differentiation and building long-term relationships. Legal professionals can enhance client satisfaction by:
By implementing these strategies and learning from real-world examples and discussions on The Make Money Mediating Podcast and in this Practice Building Tip of the Day Newsletter, legal professionals and dispute resolution entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of the modern legal landscape and position themselves for success. Be sure to subscribe to both, because I have more content on all of the above in the pipeline - you don't want to miss any of it!
More resources:
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Founder, Mediator & Trainer at Prospero Mediation and Training. Delivering workplace mediation & conflict management training to help people and organisations have better relationships. Conflict Coach. DISC profiler.
1 年I tend to agree right up to mediating on line which is never the best route if f2f is possible.