By Roberta M. Gubbins
While some may doubt it and others may not like it, the Internet is here to stay. Or to put it in lawyerly terms, it appears that the Internet is here to stay. People use it to find information, goods, services, places, and people. If they want to know how far it is to the moon, they “Google” it. If seeking something nearer such as the closest restaurant, they open an app on their phones.
And, if a consumer wants to find a lawyer, what will that person do?
Search the Internet.
Roughly three quarters of those looking for a lawyer will turn to the Internet as part of their research. Every day, consumers look for a lawyer in their geographic area who provides the service they are seeking. They will find several from which to choose. How do they narrow the list down to one or two?
They read the lawyer profiles.
That is, they read available and comprehensive lawyer profiles such as those completed and placed in the new expanded SBM Member Directory. The number of Michigan lawyers who have taken advantage of the profile feature is growing steadily. They recognize that the place to be found for the expertise they possess is on the Internet.
Your profile, once the basic pieces of information such as a professional photo, business contact information, education, and employment are uploaded, can include:
• Your publications, including videos & press releases
• The courts you practice in
• Arbitrations you conducted
• Links to your website, articles, & social media
• Your community contributions
Lawyers can describe their particular practice, whether general or niche. One lawyer may only take on DUI defense while another prefers a general criminal defense practice.
Some prefer civil work, drafting wills and trusts, writing contracts for businesses, or taking on litigation such as personal injury or medical malpractice. A well-crafted profile will reflect the lawyer and his or her area of law. Consumers reading a profile in the SBM Member Directory will know if a lawyer is right for them.
Lawyers who wish to expand their profile using it as a marketing tool can add additional features. They can accept reviews and endorsements from clients, indicate that the lawyer is available to be hired, or turn on contact capability, meaning a message can be sent by the client through the site.
Your profile should reflect you and the type of practice you want to encourage.
The State Bar makes it easy. And, free. The new SBM Member Directory powered by ZeekBeek helps consumers find lawyers and also allows lawyers to find lawyers and other legal professionals with profiles on the site.
Building a profile is easy. Have a profile on Linkedin? You can pull it into the new SBM Member Directory. Add some other features if you wish and you’re on the Internet. Your cyberspace door is open and ready to receive the prospective clients and contacts who will travel the information highway to your mailbox.
Roberta Gubbins has served as the editor of the Ingham County Legal News. Since leaving the paper, she provides services as a ghostwriter editing articles, blogs, and e-blasts for lawyers and law firms. She is the editor of Briefs, the Ingham County Bar Association e-newsletter, and The Mentor, SBM Master Lawyers Section Newsletter.
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