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Attorneys General Challenge the Insurance Coverage Mandate for U.S. Citizens:

The Health Care Reform Law raises some interesting constitutional issues that will likely be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court. I recently published on this topic in Philadelphia Lawyer magazine. 

It is not every day that I find myself inspired and motivated by the encouraging words of others.  But today was one of those great days.  I attended the WBDC/WBEC’s Executive Leadership Luncheon and had the opportunity to hear several truly inspirational business owners share some lessons learned on their paths to leadership.  In these challenging times, many people, and perhaps especially small business owners, could use a little encouragement.  Here are a few of the words that helped to brighten my day:

• You will receive twelve no’s, before you hear a yes.  How many no’s have you heard recently?  Well, you are that much closer to your next yes!  Keep selling.  Keep planting those seeds.
• There is no substitute for a strong work ethic.  The long hours will pay off.
• Be passionate about yourself and your business.  It is infectious.
• Listen.  To be interesting, you must first be interested.
• Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Persevere and have patience.

Altman Weil recently released the results from its law firm survey which examined changes in the legal profession.  The report concluded that firms expressed a “growing enthusiasm” for the use of staffing alternatives, including contract attorneys.  This is good news for experienced freelance attorneys who market their services to firms who need specialized part-time, short term, or emergency help with their practices.

As I previously discussed here, the present legal climate has underscored the need for alternative solutions to the traditional law firm model.  The time-efficiencies and cost-savings associated with utilizing a freelance attorney instead of hiring a permanent associate are significant, and the Altman Weil report signals that firms are responding to economic and client pressures by offering alternative, more cost effective legal services.

The complete survey can be found at http://www.altmanweil.com/LFiT2010/.

As mentioned in my previous post, I was recently a guest speaker at the Philadelphia Women’s Business Development Center’s FastTrac New Venture Class. The twelve week program was developed for anyone interested in starting a business. It was created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, and is designed to help participants evaluate and perfect their business concept and complete a comprehensive business plan.

My presentation included a discussion on social media.  Here are some of the highlights.

There is absolutely no substitution for face-to-face networking.  As a small business owner, the vast majority of my work has been through referrals from people I know or people I met through networking.

However, I also recommend having a social media presence.  Why?   First, it’s totally FREE!  When you are a small business owner and on a limited marketing budget, free is always good.  Social media is an amazing way to share information with people you would likely never have had contact with.  LinkedIn is the best platform for this as there are countless groups you can join to learn about topics that interest you or your business.  LinkedIn is also great for reconnecting, and staying connected, with your professional contacts as you, or they, move on to better opportunities.

Twitter is good for reading the latest news in your industry.  For example, I follow the American Bar Association’s solo and small firm division and receive updates almost every day on small firm news and trends.

When using social media for business, I recommend keeping your personal and business lives separate.  For example, set up a separate page on Facebook for your business and direct clients or customers to that page.  This way your new client is not subjected to photos of you at the beach.

Blogging is another way to share information about your expertise and business with others.  Blogs can help small businesses establish themselves as experts in certain areas, and also provide a perfect opportunity to drive people back to your website.

Whether you use one or all of the social media resources available, stay professional, meet new people, exchange information, and have fun!

I was recently a guest speaker at the Philadelphia Women’s Business Development Center’s FastTrac New Venture Class. The twelve week program was developed for anyone interested in starting a business. It was created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, and is designed to help participants evaluate and perfect their business concept and complete a comprehensive business plan.

My presentation included a discussion of Best Networking Practices. I emphasized four key points:

First, face-to-face networking — there is no substitution!

In my experience as a small business owner, face-to-face networking is the single most important business development and marketing tool. Networking events labeled as such are perfect opportunities simply because, by definition, everyone is there to network. I make a point to go to such events alone because if I go with a friend or colleague, I know she and I will just want to catch up and we’ll miss the opportunity to meet other people.

I rarely turn down an invitation to network and meet other people. And opportunities are everywhere. Examples include happy hours, launch events, fundraisers, and industry meetings or conferences.

Second, be prepared to self promote

You never know when or where you will cross paths with a potential client or customer, and small business owners must always be prepared to explain what services or products they offer. Some people refer to this basic explanation as an “elevator speech” or “two minute drill”.

The speech is tweaked a bit depending on the audience. I also recommend developing a shorter, two sentence version for certain situations when a lengthier explanation may not be appropriate.   

Third, business cards – never leave home without them!

Small business owners must always have their business cards handy. This really seems like a no-brainer, but I cannot believe the number of people who “forgot” their cards, even at networking events.  Everyone receives no less than 100 cards in a box at a time. Put them in each of your bags, glove box, coats, or wherever it makes the most sense for you to have them readily available.

It is equally important to ask for business cards. But don’t just throw them in a junk drawer.  Immediately after receiving a card, make a note on the back of it. I personally meet a lot of attorneys, but I certainly discussed something different with each of them. That note helps me remember who’s who. I also add them to my contact list as soon as possible and send a quick email. That way hopefully I’m also saved to their contacts.

Finally, get involved

In addition to the personal satisfaction and reward of giving back to your community, volunteering your time or becoming a leader in a non-profit organization is a fantastic way to build professional relationships. For me, volunteer work is also an excellent conversation starter at networking and other social events, and has become an invaluable avenue for meeting new people.  Active involvement in your church or children’s extracurricular activities is another great way to expand your business contacts.

My presentation to the FastTrac New Venture Class also addressed Tips on Social Media. Stay tuned for my next post.

Law firms of all shapes and sizes can benefit from using freelance legal professionals.  I recently published an article in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Practice Newsletter on how sole practitioners and small firms can utilize freelance attorney to manage their workloads and increase their profits. I hope you find it useful.

Valley Forge Ins. Co., 970 A.2d 1149 (Pa. Super. 2009), the Superior Court of Pennsylvania overturned the jury’s verdict, holding that the insured failed to comply with its general liability policy’s two year suit limitation provision.  The Superior Court confirmed that Pennsylvania courts recognize such clauses as valid.  Perhaps more importantly, the court rejected the policyholder’s argument that the carrier waived or should be estopped from relying on the provision, noting that the insurer sent the insured four letters (including one directed to counsel) before the limitation period expired specifically referencing the suit limitation in each letter.  The court further held that the mere declaration by the insurer that it was continuing to investigate the claim was insufficient to prove the insured was induced to forbear from commencing suit.

As the primary author of the insurer’s Superior Court briefs, I am pleased to report that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied review on February 23, 2010.

Blogging and other forms of social media are all the rage right now. I realize that. However, since my official launch in January, I have focused my efforts on more traditional ways of building my professional network. I recently decided it is time to direct some of my attention toward social media, and I welcome you to my first blog entry. I plan to share articles, cases, news, events, or anything else that may catch my eye. So I invite you to follow my blog, and to become my Connection on LinkedIn, my Fan on Facebook, and/or my Follower on Twitter and we’ll see where this social media phenomenon takes us.

Philadelphia, PA - January 18, 2010 - “In this economy, law firms are looking for alternative, more cost-effective ways to provide their services, while at the same time increasing their bottom lines. I can help firms do both,”says founder, Stacy Lilly.

The Law Office of Stacy N. Lilly specializes in assisting other attorneys and law firms with their litigation practices. Most recently with an Am Law 100 firm, Stacy offers the skills of a productive, experienced, well-trained attorney, without the cost or commitment of hiring a permanent, full-time employee. She works exclusively for law firms.

“With an uncertain economy, more law firms are opting to hire contract lawyers while they wait to see if the need for another associate will pan out,” reports Hannah Hayes for the American Bar Association. “Fueling this trend is a booming e-discovery industry coupled with uncertain economic times that find law firms hesitant to expand and looking for more cost-effective options.” Lawyer for Hire: Freelance Contractors Change the Marketplace, ABA Perspectives, Winter 2009.

Services offered by The Law Office of Stacy N. Lilly include legal research and writing, and litigation preparation and support. By utilizing her services, law firms can better manage their caseloads and free up their attorneys to work on matters in which they are more specialized, or for those projects that firm clients are willing to pay a higher hourly rate. Stacy is also available to serve as local counsel.

If you are looking for an innovative way to reduce your clients’ legal fees, need additional legal talent, or otherwise have a temporary need, The Law Office of Stacy N. Lilly would like to speak with you about the advantages of partnering together. Stacy is available on a project-by-project, temporary, or as needed basis.

For more information or media inquiries about The Law Office of Stacy N. Lilly, contact Stacy Lilly at (215) 561-0204 or stacy.lilly@thelillylawoffice.com. You can also visit her website at www.thelillylawoffice.com.