Growing a Law Practice with the Right Staff & Technology with Chris Strang
Nov 29, 2024
auto_awesome
In this engaging talk, Chris Strang, a construction law expert and founding partner at Strang, Scott, and Giroux, shares his insights on building a successful law practice. He dives into the art of effective personal networking and critiques the reliability of lawyer referral sites. Strang discusses the changing landscape of commercial real estate post-pandemic and emphasizes proactive hiring strategies. Plus, he lightens the mood with stories about being a New York Jets fan and shares his passion for bourbon.
Effective networking through genuine relationships can lead to valuable referrals, emphasizing proactive engagement with potential clients.
Understanding post-pandemic shifts in office space needs encourages law firms to strategically plan and negotiate favorable lease terms.
Deep dives
The Purpose of the Non-Event
The concept of the Non-Event is introduced as an innovative alternative to traditional legal tech conferences, which often fail to engage lawyers who are typically resistant to embracing new technologies. The Non-Event aims to directly address this audience by simplifying discussions about legal technology through conversational formats rather than formal presentations, making it accessible and engaging. By presenting the topic in plain language, the podcast aims to demystify technology in law practice and highlight its benefits in a way that resonates with busy legal professionals. This approach encourages attorneys to integrate technology into their practices without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
Networking Strategies for Lawyers
Effective networking is presented as a crucial skill that many attorneys struggle with, but it can be approached with a positive mindset and strategy. Emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, the speaker encourages lawyers to engage with communities where their ideal clients may be found, rather than relying solely on formal networking events. The conversation highlights the significance of being proactive, stating that one should start the hiring process before the workload becomes overwhelming, ensuring a thoughtful approach to both networking and recruitment. Personal connections and genuine interactions can foster meaningful relationships that lead to valuable referrals and opportunities for growth.
Navigating the Commercial Space Market Post-Pandemic
The podcast discusses the impact of the pandemic on the commercial real estate market, noting a shift in demand as law firms reassess their office needs. The speaker shares personal experiences of negotiating favorable lease terms, showing how landlords are now more willing to accommodate tenants with competitive rates during this period of decreased demand. Emphasizing the importance of understanding long-term growth and future office needs, the segment highlights strategies for finding the right space and managing that commitment. These insights underscore the need for firms to strategically plan their office space requirements even amidst changing market conditions.
Vendor Relationships and the Outsourcing Dilemma
A discussion on managing vendor relationships sheds light on the common challenges that law firms face when working with service providers. Attorneys often start by handling everything in-house to save costs but later find that outsourcing certain tasks can free up their time for more critical responsibilities. The podcast advises regular evaluations of vendor performance to avoid being taken for granted and to ensure that services continue to meet the firm's evolving needs. By engaging with peers for recommendations and revisiting partnerships annually, lawyers can make informed decisions about outsourcing while maintaining oversight of the services their firm relies on.
I spoke with a construction lawyer, who built his niche practice, with shrewd moves around marketing, hiring & technology.
Episode Highlights 04:25 - Chris Strang’s origin as a New York Jets fan. 05:54 - Most traumatic Jets moment: Vinnie Testaverde injury. 06:25 - Best Jets moment: Beating the Patriots in 2011. 09:05 - Chris Strang: Mastering personal networking. 13:07 - Critical view on lawyer referral sites. 18:13 - Post-pandemic changes in commercial office space. 19:56 - Importance of proactive hiring strategies. 23:54 - Challenges with current legal technology. 27:02 - Chris’ love for bourbon and recommendations.