Homann kicks off WSSFC with innovative solutions to new age problems
in law practice
Matt Homann, a keynote speaker at the 2010 WSSFC, discusses ways for
lawyers to build a more innovative practice.
Matt Homann, of Lexthink, gives the opening keynote, "Real Innovation
for Real Lawyers," at the 2010 WSSFC.
2010 WSSFC attendees listen to Matt Homann's session, "Real
Innovation for Real Lawyers."
By Joe Forward, Legal
Writer, State Bar of Wisconsin
Oct. 28, 2010 – State Bar of Wisconsin members rolled in this
morning to kickoff of the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference at
the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, which continues through
Saturday and features some 40 speakers in the areas of substantive law,
technology, practice management, and ethics.
Matthew Homann, founder of LexThink LLC and a former lawyer,
got things started with a preconference workshop entitled
“Building the Service-Centered Firm” then followed with
“Real Innovation for Real Lawyers” in his keynote
speech.
From alternative billing strategies to creative marketing techniques,
Homann proposed ideas to help lawyers improve their practice and provide
better client service.
“I thought it was fascinating,” said Scott Wells, a
Milwaukee lawyer who has been a solo practitioner for four years.
“What strikes me most are the creative ways in which [Homan]
focuses on the business aspect of lawyering. These ideas are things I
will take back and use.”
Homann, creator of the online blog “the
[non]billable hour,” explained how the information revolution
impacts business and what lawyers can do to approach law practice
differently.
For instance, the existence of companies like LegalZoom and other
internet tools means lawyers are in less demand for the bread-and-butter
projects.
“When you used to be able to hang out a solo shingle, about
60-70-80 percent came in with basic stuff … and we were able to
learn by doing easy things, and build up to the more complex,”
Homann said. “There are no easy clients anymore, and no easy
matters.”
In addition, Homann said large-scale communication changes the
competitive nature of legal services, which means lawyers must work even
harder to keep clients happy.
“Strangers are as trustworthy as our friends,” said Homann,
referring to consumers’ use of assessment tools like Angie’s
List and Craigslist, as well as the free flow of communication on
Facebook and Twitter. “Do you know what your clients are saying
about you?”
He also urged lawyers to assess their client list, determine the
characteristics that make a good client, and build the practice around
those types of clients. The clients that a lawyer likes, he said, are
ultimately the ones that remain happy.
Homann also talked about innovative ways to remain valuable to the
client. For instance, the simple task of reminding your best clients
that they are your best clients can go a long way. In addition, helping
clients address non-legal issues can create value.
“Let your best customers know they are in fact your best
customers, and strange things will happen with the dynamic, the loyalty
and the trust,” said Homann, whose presentations will be available
through PINNACLE (formerly, State Bar CLE) in the near future.
“If we are going to make our legal practice better, the only way
we can do that, in my opinion, is to make yourself better as a
businessman,” said Wells, who practices in the area of family law.
“I think [Homann] is passionate about giving you the tools to do
that.”
WSSFC will continue through Saturday. Judi Craig, a Master Certified
Coach and a Senior Practice Advisor withAtticus, is the featured
speaker tomorrow (Oct. 29). Ken Matejka, a California attorney and
co-founder of iLawyer.com and LegalPPC, national online marketing
sites for lawyer referral services, is the featured speaker on Saturday
(Oct. 29).
Visit the State Bar’s Facebook page for more
information. Twitter users can get information from the conference hash
tag #wssfc10.
