Law Schools and Marketing
Susan Cartier Liebel has an intersting post on whether law schools are adequately preparing their graduates to market themselves and develop their practice.
I have only been to one law school so my experience is somewhat limited. From that limited experience, however, I can state unequivocally that my law school made absolutely no attempt to offer classes aimed at marketing or practice development. I remember one seminar on starting one’s own practice, mentioned earlier. While the presenters were terrific at this seminar, given the format, the requisite depth needed to explore the large topic of marketing could not be developed.
So, not to complain too much, but I am six months from opening my own practice and am frantically trying to figure out how to hit the ground with both feet running. This includes reading marketing books, approaching other solos (both over the Internet and in real life), and contemplating the larger purchase of consulting services. I think this is disappointing considering that I spent three years and approximately $100,000.00 on an education that was woefully lacking in what I now consider to be fundamental aspects of the practice of the business of law.
I’m not bitter, though. Really.
Filed under: Marketing on November 13th, 2007
Thanks for the mention.
Recently, I had an interesting telephone conversation with the dean of a law school. They are reducing their admissions in order to boost their GPA and to present more qualified students to ‘get jobs.’
When I asked why they are not promoting the solo option, offering a comprehensive ‘law practice management’ course and training them for options other than employment given the economy and the shifts taking place in larger firms, I was told if they dilute their curriculum with practical courses such as law office management, students will not take classes they ought to take like Federal Courts and Procedure and which a law school should be offering. As it is they have had to cancel classes taught by tenured professors because they only have 2 or 3 signing up. Further dilution would be unacceptable.
Yes, they anticipate students will want to take practical courses to enhance their degree and that would be inappropriate. Go figure.
You will do fine. Reach out to qualified mentors who know you, like you and are encouraging. The key is preparation….getting all your ducks in a row and having a workable game plan that anticpates most eventualities. Your biggest obstacle will be fear. The rest you can learn.
Thanks for the reply Ms. Cartier Liebel. I particularly like your last point - that my biggest obstacle will be fear. I just was speaking with an acquaintance telling them that this process is a mixed bag - I alternate between being so excited I can barely contain myself and wanting to vomit.
: )
You can do both. They are not mutually exclusive feelings. (Just one is messier than the other!)