Paramjit L. Mahli of SCG Legal PR Network helps small to mid-sized law firms increase their visibility, build their reputation, and grow their business by using public relations.
The legal industry is not faring well in these difficult economic times. For years, the lone pioneers have been screaming to restructure how law firms function and operate. I can recall back in the summer of 2007 when I read in one of the legal publications that lawyers were now billing clients at $1000 an hour. I knew then the writing was on the wall, unless of course your clients are oil sheikhs! The end was in sight. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the legal sector lost 4,200 jobs in February and 1,300 in January. And the body count continues….
Regardless of how we got here, one thing is for certain. Rightly or wrongly distrust of the former masters of the universe – whether they are of the legal field, the newspaper industry, or some other sector – is at an all-time high.
Nevertheless, there is still hope. The cornerstone of a good relationship is trust, and trust is based on open and honest communication. A company’s reputation, or the essence of how it is viewed by all of its publics, is the leading factor in its ability to achieve success.
Restoring the battered image of the corporate world is not going to be a small feat, especially when each passing day the public is becoming more and more annoyed about the bailout monies given to institutions. Undoubtedly these institutions will need the help of sound public relations leadership, making the role of public relations more critical than ever before.
It is also an important time to evaluate what we in the public relations industry are contributing. Are we taking a reactive or proactive role? Is the glass half full or half empty?
Time is the most precious commodity we have. For those of us with jobs, I say reach out into to your networks, take that time to find out if someone needs a writer, pass on job opportunities to those in need. Every little bit counts; you never know how it will boomerang back to you. It is great time for building and strengthening communities and relationships. We are all connected and if we stick together the center will absolutely hold.
