Popular media has a habit of painting lawyers in a bad light. The stereotype with the most mileage is that of the greedy lawyer that only cares about the money. However, the opposite is frequently true in the real world, and there are unfortunately many attorneys who cut their rates and sell themselves short. Perhaps this has happened to you. 

When you don’t get paid what you deserve, it isn’t just going to affect your personal finances, but the way that you run your practice too.

This episode’s guest is Attorney Chris Connelly, criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly, and he discusses the pillars of business development on which new and seasoned lawyers need to focus. One of these pillars is running your practice as a business, a skill many lawyers have never learned. Chris learned this lesson early in his career after working with a lawyer who ran a small private practice.

It’s essential that you end the vicious cycle of constantly negotiating with yourself, and instead value your time by demanding to be paid the agreed upon fee. You have to believe that you are worth this cost because if you don’t, clients won’t either. 

Chris also believes in taking care of clients first and foremost, and ensuring that you’re providing them with the high level of service worth their time and investment. Keeping your reputation intact and hiring loyal and honest people to work in your practice are also key elements of building a successful business.

Chris also shares some strategies and systems that can help sustain your firm, including getting a mentor and investing in marketing the business not only digitally but on the ground as well.

Time is an exceptionally valuable resource in the business of law, so he stresses the importance of spending it wisely.

You can connect with Attorney Chris Connelly at cconnelly@connellydefense.com or (980) 263-8366. Find out more about Connelly Coaching at www.connelly-coaching.com.

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