Images from the April 24 Third Annual Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Symposium. Photos by Philip-Lauren Photography.
The Massachusetts Bar Association's Sole Practitioner and Small
Firm Section hosted its third annual symposium at Lombardo's in
Randolph on April 24. The theme of this year's program was
"smarter, better, cheaper ways of running a sole practice or small
firm. " Symposium co-chairs Scott D. Goldberg, Beth M. Padellaro
and Frank J. Riccio moderated the symposium throughout extensive
programming.
Jay Shepherd, a self-proclaimed "recovering lawyer" and current
author and public speaker, kicked off the symposium with a lively
presentation on how lawyers can pursue the work they are passionate
about. Shepherd said that only by discovering one's
"outstandingness, can lawyers be truly happy in the work they do
and effectively market their value to clients." Shepherd also
warned program attendees not to undersell themselves to
clients.
"Clients like to feel they have received value rather than a
discount," Shepherd said.
Following Shepherd's presentation, panelists with varied
practice backgrounds offered practical tips on marketing, office
management and technology. Jared D. Correia, senior law practice
advisor for the Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance
Program, stressed the importance of lawyers having systems in place
to manage cases and clients.
"Lawyers need to have strong business acumen. Client expectations
and the standard of professionalism force lawyers to do more than
those in other professions," Correia said.
Other highlights included the Chris Kenney and Adam Phipps
panel, where the presenters tag-teamed the importance of joining
and being active in professional associations. Jeffrey J. Clark
gave an enthusiastic presentation on how to best equip a law office
with technology to lower overhead, streamline workflows and raise
revenue. Former MBA Vice President Jeffrey N. Catalano was joined
by Assistant Bar Counsel Anne Kaufman and spoke to attendees about
how to deal with difficult clients, and the importance of managing
client expectations to stay out of trouble. Andrew D. Kang of
Boston Professionals Counseling and Heidi Alexander of
Law Office Management Assistance Program concluded the
programming, explaining the importance of managing stress, and
setting and achieving professional goal.
"I think the people who took the time to be here today really
benefitted and took away great information that will improve their
practices," Padellaro said.
Goldberg agreed saying, "the symposium was a success for the
people who attended."