How to Reach Attorneys

[Successisforme]

Hello, I'm just starting out as a Adminstrative Consultant and I would love to work with attorneys. However I have 13 years of banking experience. How would I market to attorneys without legal experience but I do have 18 years of adminstrative experience. I have worked with legal contracts for 4 years. I have a website, and business cards. I was told that cold calling and emailing was not the way to go. Should postcards be the best or would you need to search the yellow pages and call them personally? Also, are there any forums that attorneys visit that I may be able to introduce my services.
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Thanks for any feedback!

[leedrozak]

I am sure that there are forums geared to legal professionals and they should be able to be found with a simple Google Search. You should also try LinkedIn as it is a professional social network so I am sure that there would be groups on there that you could join and follow.

As for marketing without the experience that would be a question for our legal VAs out there. There is always a need for general office tasks and possibly social media that they may want help with. However it is my understanding that most use assistance with filing paperwork which I would think requires the experience and knowledge of the field.

[Paulette]

Since there are different types of attorneys and you have experience with contracts, you may want to stick to targeting attorneys who specialize in producing contracts because without litigation experience you won't be able to assist litigation attorneys.

As far as how to market to them, I don't really have a suggestion except to say to get out there and network in person. Perhaps you can find legal networking events near you.

[karlaamaya]

Hi Talanda,

Trying to get attorneys as clients can be a little tough, since what they do is extremely confidential and taking the work out of the office is an issue. I work with an immigration attorney doing his translations and sometimes typing documents, when his paralegal can't handle the work load. I must say, working with them is a nice experience but they are very limited when it comes to sending out the work from their office.

As far a promoting your business, Yes, I agree with the ladies here, network, network and network. Unless you don't mind cold calling or going out there telling everyone about your services.

Best of luck.

[lisacduffy]

Hi Talanda,

I've been a litigation secretary for 4 years and I agree with the others. There are strict ABA rules when it comes to legal work, having legal experience, and confidentiality.

I suggest that you walk into some of the local small law firms in your area and conduct some market research to find out what ways/areas they would need your services. But be completely prepared as most law firms are very busy and strict on time. So a good speach, quick questionnaire on paper and professional dress should do the trick. If they buzz you off, ask what would be the ideal time to return as you can assist with their workload and leave your business card.

This way, you are introducing yourself, getting their minds turning on what their needs are, and allowing them to put a name to a face all at the same time. You may find that you would better serve the legal assistant or the paralegal (who does most of the legal work anyway) instead of the actual attorney.

[staceynramke]

I agree, I have worked as an attorney assistant for 12 years and cold calling and emails will be ignored..sorry to say. You can join local networking groups for attorneys, they hold monthly meet ups. You can also check the Bar Association websites (Ex: Louisiana State Bar Association) for upcoming meet ups. Attorneys attend as many functions as possible to grow their business. In addition, Attorneys are required to obtain so many CLE hours per year therefore they attend seminars. These seminars are not only for Attorneys so if you are willing to go to a few seminars, you will have the opportunity to speak directly to Attorneys during breaks and lunch.