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What is dispute resolution?

Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution refers to the process of resolving conflicts or disputes between parties in a peaceful and constructive manner. It provides a structured approach to address disagreements and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Disputes can arise in various contexts, including business, legal, interpersonal, or community matters. Effective dispute resolution techniques aim to promote fairness, facilitate communication, and prevent further escalation of conflicts. In this article, we will explore the different methods of dispute resolutions, their benefits, and their application in various scenarios.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Understanding Dispute Resolution
  2. The Importance of Dispute Resolution
  3. Methods of Dispute Resolution
    • 3.1 Mediation
    • 3.2 Arbitration
    • 3.3 Negotiation
    • 3.4 Litigation
  4. Benefits of Dispute Resolution
  5. Applications of Dispute Resolution
    • 5.1 Business and Commercial Disputes
    • 5.2 Family and Divorce Matters
    • 5.3 Employment Disputes
    • 5.4 Community and Neighborhood Disputes
  6. Choosing the Right Dispute Resolution Method
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Introduction: Understanding Dispute Resolution

Disagreements and conflicts are an inevitable part of human interactions. Dispute resolutions provides a structured approach to address these conflicts and find a mutually agreeable solution. It involves the intervention of a neutral third party who facilitates the resolution process.

2. The Importance of Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony and promoting peaceful coexistence. It offers an alternative to prolonged legal battles and fosters a collaborative approach to conflict resolution. By providing a platform for open communication and negotiation, it helps parties find common ground and preserve relationships.

3. Methods of Dispute Resolution

3.1 Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator facilitates communication, identifies underlying interests, and helps generate creative solutions. Mediation encourages active participation and empowers the parties to make informed decisions.

3.2 Arbitration

Arbitration involves the appointment of a neutral arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators who act as private judges. The arbitrator reviews the evidence, listens to arguments, and makes a binding decision. Arbitration offers a more formalized process than mediation but is still less adversarial and time-consuming than litigation.

3.3 Negotiation

Negotiation is a direct and informal method of dispute resolutions where the parties involved engage in discussions to resolve their differences. It allows for flexibility and encourages the parties to find a mutually beneficial solution through compromise and give-and-take. Negotiation can occur with or without the assistance of a third party.

3.4 Litigation

Litigation involves resolving disputes through the court system. It is a formal and adversarial process where parties present their case before a judge or jury, who then make a binding decision. Litigation tends to be more time-consuming, costly, and less private compared to other methods of dispute resolution.

4. Benefits of Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution offers several benefits over traditional litigation. It promotes a collaborative approach, preserves relationships, and allows parties to maintain control over the outcome. Other benefits include cost-effectiveness, confidentiality, flexibility, and faster resolution compared to lengthy court proceedings.

5. Applications of Dispute Resolution

5.1 Business and Commercial Disputes

In the business world, disputes can arise between partners, shareholders, employees, or with clients and suppliers. Dispute resolutions methods such as mediation and arbitration are commonly employed to resolve contract disputes, disagreements over business strategies, or conflicts arising from mergers and acquisitions. By using these alternative methods, businesses can minimize disruptions, maintain confidentiality, and avoid the costs associated with litigation.

5.2 Family and Divorce Matters

Disputes within families, especially during divorce or separation, can be emotionally charged and complex. Dispute resolutions methods like mediation and collaborative law provide a platform for spouses or family members to discuss and negotiate issues such as child custody, division of assets, and financial support. These methods prioritize the well-being of all parties involved, particularly children, and aim to foster cooperative decision-making.

5.3 Employment Disputes

Workplace conflicts can be detrimental to both employees and organizations. Dispute resolutions techniques are utilized to address issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or disputes over contracts and benefits. Mediation and arbitration offer a confidential and efficient means of resolving employment disputes while preserving professional relationships and avoiding public litigation.

5.4 Community and Neighborhood Disputes

Disagreements can arise within communities or neighborhoods regarding noise, property boundaries, shared resources, or other matters. Community mediation and facilitated dialogue processes enable residents to voice their concerns, find common ground, and develop solutions that benefit the community as a whole. These methods promote understanding, cooperation, and a sense of collective responsibility.

6. Choosing the Right Dispute Resolution Method

Selecting the most appropriate dispute resolutions method depends on various factors, including the nature of the dispute, the level of conflict, the desired outcome, and the preferences of the involved parties. It is essential to consider the advantages and limitations of each method, seek professional advice if needed, and assess which approach aligns best with the specific circumstances. In some cases, a combination of methods may be utilized to achieve an optimal resolution.

7. Conclusion

Dispute resolution provides a valuable alternative to traditional litigation, allowing parties to resolve conflicts in a more efficient, collaborative, and cost-effective manner. Whether it’s in business, family, employment, or community settings, the use of mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or other methods empowers individuals and organizations to find mutually acceptable solutions, preserve relationships, and promote harmony. By embracing dispute-resolution practices, we can foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and constructive problem-solving.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. What is the role of a mediator in dispute resolution? A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates communication, assists in generating options, and guides the disputing parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
  2. Is the decision reached through arbitration legally binding? Yes, the decision reached through arbitration is generally legally binding and enforceable, similar to a court judgment.
  3. Can dispute resolution methods be used in international conflicts? Yes, dispute resolutions methods can be employed in international conflicts, providing a structured and diplomatic approach to resolve disputes between nations or organizations across borders.
  4. Is dispute resolution always successful in resolving conflicts? While dispute resolutions methods have a high success rate, the outcome depends on the parties’ willingness to engage in the process and find common ground. In some cases, further legal action may be necessary.
  5. How long does dispute resolution typically take? The duration of dispute resolutions varies depending on the complexity of the dispute, the chosen method, and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. It can range from a few weeks to several months
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Law firm business development and marketing know-how ?

Law firm business development and marketing

Law firm business development is a crucial factor to the success of any law firm. To remain competitive in a crowded legal marketplace, law firms must continually strive to improve their business development capabilities. This requires a strategic focus on developing and nurturing relationships with clients and key referral sources, leveraging technology to create efficiencies and expanding services to meet client needs. Law firm business development
encompasses both proactive and reactive activities. Proactive activities involve the development of a marketing strategy and plan, which includes
the identification of target markets, the creation of a unique value proposition, and the development of a brand that resonates with current and prospective clients. Reactive activities involve responding to inquiries from current and prospective clients, participating in networking events, and attending industry conferences. Technology is a key component of successful law firm business development. Utilizing web-based tools and applications can help firms create efficiencies, increase visibility, and drive traffic to their websites. Utilizing social media platforms can help firms reach potential clients and referral sources that they may not have had access to otherwise. Ultimately, the success of a law firms business development initiatives depends
on its ability to create a client-centric experience. This means that attorneys must understand the needs of their clients and be able to provide Some tips for law firm business development –
1. Develop and nurture relationships with clients and referral sources: Establishing and maintaining relationships with current and potential clients and referral sources is essential to the success of any law firm.
2. Leverage technology to create efficiencies: Utilize web-based tools and applications to streamline processes, increase visibility, and drive traffic to your website.
3. Expand services to meet client needs: Make sure that your services meet the needs of your clients.
4. Participate in networking events: Participate in industry events and conferences to meet potential clients and referral sources.
5. Create a client-centric experience: Provide a client-centric experience by understanding their needs and providing quality services and excellent customer service. Visit us

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A primer on Personal Branding for Lawyers

A primer on Personal Branding for Lawyers

In this comprehensive primer, gain valuable insights into the world of personal branding for lawyers. Discover effective strategies to establish and enhance your personal brand within the legal profession.

A lawyer’s personal brand speaks for them. It tells their clients, colleagues and professional circle about their skills, expertise, experience, personality, and story.

 

Ever wondered how some people are invited everywhere, get quoted in every other article, and also get client briefs all the time? In terms of the level of expertise, there could be better lawyers available, yet some people are more sought after than others. How does this work?

This is all about personal branding for lawyers, which some people have created for themselves. It is a very important element in our professional life. It is about your visibility, which means keeping yourself in the consideration set of clients, media, speaking forums and all that. More importantly, it is about controlling how people talk about you when are you not in the room.

Your personal brand speaks for you. It tells your clients, colleagues and professional circle about your skills, expertise, experience, personality, and story. Therefore, building your personal brand is worth its weight in gold.

As a lawyer, cultivating a strong personal brand is not only important to reflect yourself as an expert in your practice area. It’s more about achieving your goals by leveraging your reputation and expertise.

Key personal branding strategies

Position Yourself

Decide your story first. You could be an M&A lawyer or a litigator but so are many others. What’s special about you? Your extensive knowledge about your subject, which you express very often or your client commitment and passion that clients can vouch for, your experience, pedigree, your social standing, voluntary work or what is it that would be a head turner?

And your public profile, which is LinkedIn these days, should say it all. Some tips that you could follow include:

Write your designation e.g. Partner, Your firm name, and then mention all the things you advise on. For example – Web3, (Blockchain, Metaverse and so on), LegalTech, privacy etc.

Another option could be that instead of just writing Partner, your firm name, you may write precisely how you are helping your clients. It could be helping clients in their M&A or creating efficient tax solutions.

And don’t forget to mention what all you talk about. It could be #M&A #Transactions #PE #LitigationStrategies and so on.

Network on Social Media

We are living in an era where clients search for lawyers and read about them before taking a decision on hiring. Even invisible users, make a perception of you basis the content that you share. According to American Bar Association 2021 Legal Technology Survey Report, 81% percent of lawyers personally maintain a presence on social media for professional purposes. This shows that lawyers who were reluctant to use social media are now understanding its worth and changing their marketing techniques for their career growth. personal branding for lawyers

According to Lexis Nexis, social media and LinkedIn are amongst the top three marketing techniques used by law firms now. Without any doubt, if LinkedIn is used well, it’s a great way to start conversations with potential or existing clients who are engaging with your content.

Managing Online Reputation (Personal Website, Wikipedia, Legal Directories, and Review Sites)

The first thing someone does after meeting you is to Google you. To create a strong impression about you, it must present results from some third-party credible sources. These include media coverage, your rankings, Wikipedia page in case that is possible and your own content such as blogs/articles or your own website.

These techniques not only build trust in the clients’ eyes but also take your pages and online reputation several notches up. And all these things are a part of personal branding.

Utilizing the Power of Content Marketing

In this digital age, content marketing is a buzzword. It effectively brings organic search traffic and plays an important role in enticing potential clients. The most important step here is to understand what information is useful for your target audience. Once you get a hold of it, you can form content and provide information in different formats.

The video format has become extremely popular these days and being a lawyer, you can utilize its effectiveness to become a thought leader. Writing blogs/articles, podcasting, posting on social media, etc. can nurture relationships with both existing as well as potential clients.

Get media’s attention

In today’s competitive legal space, media support can enhance your credibility and help you in showcasing yourself as a thought leader in your practice area.

As a lawyer, you can provide your quotes in industry-related news, contribute opinion articles or even participate in round-table discussions on burning issues. All these activities will provide you the much-needed visibility and create a solid presence for you amongst your target audience.

Invest in hiring a PR agency who can capture your needs in a focused brand campaign and can help you in getting visibility, recognition and achieving commercial success.

Participate in speaking opportunities

Public Speaking can be both empowering and rewarding. Speaking at events, panel discussions, and conferences is a great medium to boost your profile. Participating in these opportunities proactively can highlight you as a thought leader, expand your personal development, give a push to your professional credibility, and strengthen your network.

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Law Firm Practice Development – Proper Planning is Key To Growth

Aman Abbas - Bar & Bench
When marketing is planned, the efforts are aligned with the firm’s objectives and marketing spend is optimized to achieve the organizational goals.

 

In the legal profession, traditionally a lot of business ‘walked-in’ based on the reputation of a firm or due to equity created by some prominent lawyers in the firm. However, with intense competition among firms that have similar kind of talent pool and increased pricing pressure, a lot of marketing push is needed. It is an established fact that high growth firms spend more on their BD and marketing compared to their peers with slow growth. However, spending more is not enough. Marketing works effectively when they are tied with the firm’s strategy and planned meticulously for the whole financial year as a part of long-term planning.

In your everyday life, as a senior partner, you are swamped with mails offering double spread profiling opportunities that would reach millions of your prospective customers. Or you are offered an event that gets all the ‘decision-makers’ to listen to your proposition. But mostly, all those opportunities are paid ones. You reject a few by your gut feeling but end up accepting some of them, often due to sheer persuasion of the sales guys. You end up spending your precious marketing dollars only to learn that you are going to reject ‘this one’ next year. And this gets repeated.

We need to look at marketing more strategically. In this competitive environment, it is important to understand why a client should choose you among many offering the same kind of services. For that, you need to recognize yourself – who you are, what you stand for, what are your markets and why you.

The firms which excel do invest in people, technology, processes and other touchpoints with their clients. In addition to the traditional 4 Ps of marketing – Product, Price, Place and Promotion, Booms and Bitner added another three elements particularly in the context of the service industry, which are – People, Process and Physical Evidence. Therefore, strategically speaking, when you think of marketing, you must think of all these elements in your advance marketing strategy. However, in this article, we would be discussing more fundamental issues.

‘Recognizing yourself’ is the first step in which senior management must do guided and dispassionate discussions on top of data points. Everyone is not everything. The biggest mistake we make is when we put our hands in many things, spend marketing dollars on several things and don’t get the results. So, we need to define what the firm stands for.

The discussion should be to figure out what worked well for the firm historically and therefore build further on it, which way the wind is blowing so invest in it, what are low hanging fruits, which must be immediately grabbed and what are the long-term objectives of the firm.

A well-articulated strategic direction that comes from the above discussion is the solid backbone of marketing planning. The planning needs to have three-year horizon with one year’s activities defined along with budgets.

This needs to be mapped on the ‘knowledge’ of available marketing opportunities in relevant markets. For instance, if you are trying to make an impact in a market for a particular service, you ought to know where the target audience can be found and offer them the knowledge they care about. And this needs to be done repeatedly with follow-up actions already defined in the plan.

Another key element in achieving BD and marketing goals is to clearly define the roles of BD and Marketing teams. This is often the most neglected area of law firms in India, which must be addressed.

Proper marketing planning also flows in the roles and responsibilities of the BD and marketing team, makes their evaluation process scientific that helps both the team and the organization. When marketing is planned, the efforts are aligned with the firm’s objectives and marketing spend is optimized to achieve the organizational goals.

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How to create your law firm’s effective online presence?

How to create your law firm’s effective online presence

With the evolution of digital and social media, the definition of online presence is also evolving. Mere online existence doesn’t equate to having an effective online presence.

Whether your firm is an emerging one or have been around for some time, digital media democratize the way you establish your thought leadership in your area of expertise.

Here’s what you can do to create a strong presence of your law firm online:

  1. Build a modern and attractive website for your law firm: Having a website, builds credibility and provides comfort to your clients that you are running a real business. Hire a website developer and get prepared a SEO sound website for your law firm.
  2. Write targeted Blogs with adequate keywords: One of the best techniques to rank well on the internet is writing and publishing SEO-friendly blogs. Use both long-tail and short-tail keywords while blogging for better results.
  3. Study what your competitors are doing on the Internet: To be successful in your practice, you must pay attention to what your competitors are doing and learn from it. Social and digital media analysis is a great way of understanding what is the drift of your competition. This can be a good input for your own strategy.
  4. Know Your Target Audience: The beauty of digital marketing is the ability to interact with prospects. To gain insights, you can start a conversation or run a survey on social media or through a blog. You can learn about what people are looking for by interacting with them online and using this data to provide solutions through your services. Using digital marketing removes the guesswork from determining who your clients are, allowing you to personalize communications and refine targeting. You will develop a relationship with your client as a result of this.
  5. Become active on social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. for showcasing your presence. Post actively and interact with your audience for converting them into your clients.
  6. Utilise both free and paid social media posts: There are various schools of thought regarding the use of social media to market a business. Some people believe that organic social media posts produce the best results, while others believe that paid ads on the platform are the best way to gain exposure. Therefore, a mix of both can be quite helpful for your law firm.

Digital marketing is a must-have tool for any new law firm in the industry looking to expand its brand awareness. A thriving economy requires business growth and sustainability. When a business is healthy and profitable, the community also benefits and prospers.

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Steps to follow while designing a Social Media strategy for your law firm

Social Media Strategy for your law firm

In this digital era, having a solid social media presence has become an integral part of the growth of any business. Today, many law firms are struggling to implement an effective, data-driven social media strategy to enhance audience engagement. This is a huge missed opportunity for law firms as an effective social media presence has the potential of attracting new clients and building a good reputation in the market.  

Below are some steps you can follow while designing a social media strategy for your law firm:  

  1. START WITH KNOWING WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT YOU:
    Before making a solid marketing strategy you need to know what people are saying about you. Once you know the position you hold in the market, only then can you set the right targets for your law firm. Check Google, Facebook, and Twitter to see whether people are mentioning your law firm or not. The results that you find will help you in setting your targets. 
  2. SET TARGETS:
    Setting goals not only gives you a vision of what you want but also motivates you to achieve the set targets. Be modest with yourself and set some realistic goals. As you move forward you can surely push your capabilities and tell yourself to achieve more. One person cannot set the goals for an entire law firm, therefore, involve the most skillful people you have to set your law firm’s goals.
  3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLATFORMS:
    Choosing the right platform for your business is as important as making the right marketing strategy. Initially start with only one or two platforms and slowly and gradually jump to the other ones. Hire people who have expertise in social media handling, who know about the latest trends, and what to post and what not to. Help these people in providing them all the content they require whether your video, audio, articles, etc. For a law firm, starting with LinkedIn as a platform for socialising is the best option for building connections and attracting new leads.
  4. PLAN YOUR CONTENT:
    This is the most crucial stage as most people prefer not to talk about ongoing issues. Sitting on the fence will not take you anywhere, it’s better to have an opinion and speak about it than being silent. Plan what you will say in public, don’t talk in a boring manner. Example: As a lawyer, you can talk about the recent developments associated with your practice area. Share our insights with media, generate as much content as possible, in any form either video, comments, articles, tweets, etc. but it is important to show your presence. 
  5. INVOLVE PEOPLE OF YOUR LAW FIRM AND CHECK INSIGHTS:
    Involve everybody in your law firm and make the law firm’s social media, everybody’s business. Encourage everybody to re-tweet and repost, this will surely take your numbers up. Check your insights regularly and figure out which content is bringing maximum engagement. Post that content more frequently, this will increase your page engagement.   

An effective social media strategy is a great push for all the inbound marketing efforts that a company puts in. So, get started on building a social media strategy for your law firm now, but don’t forget to follow these steps! 

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Five Reasons why Law Firms must use the Power of Social Media

Five reasons why law firms must use the power of social media

In this digital era, the power of social media cannot be overlooked as it not only provides you with a platform to showcase your identity but also gives you an exposure to engage with a wider audience at the same time. The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted all the industries significantly but it has surely altered the way people live by accelerating the usage of technologies which has brought the future far more sooner.  Social media for law firms and lawyers is not a new concept anymore because the legal industry has welcomed digitalisation in the lockdown with open hands.  

“According to the UNDP, India has the second-highest number of social media users in the world”. So, what’s stopping you from being on social media and market your law firm? If you are still not convinced, let me guide you with the benefits of social media presence for law firms. 

Here are the reasons, why you need to have a solid social media presence for your law firm in 2021:   

  1. BUILD CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND ENGAGE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE: As a lawyer, you not only work on winning a case but also on building a solid relationship with your clients. Social media is a platform where you can connect with your target audience by putting out content. Following the latest trends and posting them accordingly surely catches their eye. This tactic enhances your engagement, builds your connections, and makes your brand recognized which attracts new clients to your firm. 
  2. B2B NETWORKING: Most of the law firms claim that new client comes through referral. Social media gives you a chance to connect with people with whom you have lost contact, maybe your fellow alumina. In this way, you can engage with them via social media and promote each other’s work to your social audience. This is another way of attracting potential clients.  
  3. ENHANCES WEBSITE VISITORS: The people who follow you on social media gets all the latest updates about your firm through social media posts. You can also share the links of your blogs on these social networking sites and bring more audience to your website. Look for new content ideas for lawyers, update your blogs weekly and share the link with your social media audience for enhancing the chances of an amazing response.  
  4. INCREASED SEARCH ENGINE RANKINGS: Social media websites like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc, hold enormous value. For lawyers and law firms, it makes it easier for your clients to find you and the best way of doing it is by enhancing your search rankings. Share links of your blogs, vlogs, and other website links on social media. Make sure that your web content and your social media is on the same page. 
  5. KNOW INSTANTLY, WHAT PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT YOU: A law firm can get to know about its actual position by getting instant feedback on social media. With social media, you can talk with people and can get to know what they actually feel about you and your law firm.  

Becoming smarter in this smart era is the key to gain advantage over your competitors. It is important for you to build a strong image of your law firm in the eyes of the audience. Creating content and being updated is one aspect but posting regularly and engaging your audience is the way to make your mark! Digital marketing for lawyers can be a strategic move to turn the tables to your side.  

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Tactics and practical approaches to using social media for law firms

Tactics and practical approaches to using social media for law firms

Enough has been said about the indispensability of using social media for campaign creation. But how often do law firms use social media effectively to optimise their reach? We take a step forward in this direction and answer some questions on the tactical use of social media. With a variety of platforms available to us, it becomes imperative to figure out which ones to use and how to use them.

Sites to look at

LinkedIn is arguably the most bankable and professional platform for branding, connecting, and visibility. To connect, try writing to people as often as you can. The audience may follow links posted here all the way to the website and end up booking appointments. However one must be wary of the algorithm which discourages offsite content and rewards onsite content with more visibility. Also, one’s impression count is much better if the audience comments on the post rather than just liking it.

Twitter is another useful platform to rebrand but discretion is recommended as it tends to be an explosive platform. Use it judiciously and skip the controversial issues. You can (and must) put up information relevant for your clients, say, in the form of blogs etc.

YouTube has gained unprecedented impetus during the pandemic. Since the consumption of video content has gone up in recent years, it has proved an excellent platform for increasing visibility of the content manifold.

Facebook is a non-formal and fun platform. For lawyers, it is best suited for the promotion of CSR-related activities. It is perfect for projecting the humane side of the company. Family and divorce lawyers could exploit this feature to connect to potential clients on Facebook.

WordPress, though not a conventional social media platform, holds significance for lawyers. Blogging is intrinsic to amplify your online presence. Lawyers’ blogs should become a go-to source for information for clients and prospective clients. This blog content can then be integrated with other platforms.

Type of content

Be very careful while putting out content. Creating content requires an acute understanding of your audience. A quick Google keyword search will tell you what kind of questions one must address to keep the audience interested in your content. While attending to your clients, do not forget about the needs of potential clients. Thorough research of market trends will give you insights into the type of content expected by the audience. Visuals and charts generally perform better.

If blogging, do not do legal blogs only. Be creative and do personal stories, Q/A interviews, etc. This content will also improve social presence and connections.

Company pages or individual lawyers’ profiles?

While individuals’ profiles are more likely to get more engagement, this can still be a two-way equation. Banking on an individual’s reach, the company can comment, like, and share his/her posts and thereby reach its audience via the individual/s.

On the other hand, company pages can make social media interactions much safer, especially for newer lawyers. Also, it’s only a company’s page that can run events.

To conclude, find out where your clientele is and bank on that. Choose your platform based on the data of the audience and what they want. Also, make sure to have a social media policy for your law firms. A few right steps at the right time go a long way in ensuring the best possible results for you and your firm in the long run.

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How to handle camera/video interview online?

How to handle camera

Online interviews may not be new but have certainly gained momentum in the past few months owing to the coronavirus-induced lockdown worldwide. Most companies as well as universities, etc have switched to online interviews, in absence of a better alternative. However, there are some absolutely essential things we often forget while preparing for an online interview. Here are some handy tips to help you ace that interview.

  1. Find the perfect spot
    Make sure to look for a quiet and comfortable place with ample light. Natural light is the best to count on, so try and pick a spot, say, near a window. In case that’s not possible, make sure the room is well lit and that you are properly visible to the interviewer(s). Ensure the place has uninterrupted internet connectivity. Ideally, have a plain wall in the backdrop. Too many details around you can be distracting for the interviewer(s). To avoid distractions on your part, de-clutter the space you have chosen. Also, take care how you dress. You wouldn’t want to wear anything either too gaudy or too casual. Dress professionally.
  2. Check your devices
    Since this interview is going be online, it is elementary that you check your devices beforehand. Ideally, keep your devices fully charged. At the same time, ensure that you have enough charging points near you, just in case. Put your phone on silent before you sit for the interview. Check your Wi-Fi connection. You may want to use Wi-Fi signal boosters if your internet connection is not very stable.
  3. Trial run
    Get your colleague, friend, or family member on board and run a trial test of the devices and the interview. This will expose loopholes, if any, in the setup. It is very much possible that you might have missed out on something important. This exercise will prepare you to face any possible contingencies. It is advisable to consider having a backup for devices et al.
  4. Practice
    Even though the interview is happening online, some of the skills of a conventional interview will still be put to use. To feel more confident, practice some of the frequently asked questions. Go over the interview in your mind. This will shake off nervousness and help you think with a clear head during the interview.
  5. During the interview
    This part plays almost the same as in a conventional interview. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). Now remember, for that, you must look into the camera and not at the screen. During the interview, smile from time to time. Stay calm and listen attentively to the questions being asked. It is okay to take a few seconds to reflect before you answer. You must keep your answers simple and sound confident. Do not over complicate. Attempting to answer a question you know little about is a big no.

Online interviews are not a big deal. They just involve a little homework before the final show. Once you get a fair idea of how to navigate that, you are good to go. All the technical arrangements may seem chaotic (and to some extent they indeed are!) but the only way to go about it is to go through it. The more you prepare beforehand, the more prepared you will be for the interview.

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Social Media for law firms– Create Campaigns and not notice boards

Social Media for Law Firms

Before thinking of creating any campaign one must think of the need that the campaign must fulfil for the brand. Generally, the need is to communicate – with clients, potential clients, target audience, potential employees. So, through the campaign the brand must talk about itself, maintain its image, deliver what it promises and keep the audience interested by creating relevant and engaging content. This brings us to the key requirement of any campaign – understanding the audience. Once you have a fair understanding of what the audience needs and expects from you, you can devise strategies and choose channels/platforms to reach out to them.

Need for Campaign Based Social Media Outreach

A social media campaign is not much different – except that it plays out entirely on social media. Besides, social media campaigns for brands can be effective tools for brand promotion and outreach. This is made possible by the democratisation that social media affords. An ideal social media campaign should help in networking, search engine optimisation, content promotion, research and even recruitment. It is meant to make the brand more accessible to the audience through social media interaction. Proper research of trends and grasp of market needs help in generating SEO-friendly content. Social media is also the best platform to meet and hire new people who might be able to pool in their talents and skills to help the brand grow.

Let’s start this by a simple test. Look at your social media posts over a period of last few months. Does it convey simple messages such as ‘this firm has a strong grasp of say, technology law (or whatever your strengths are) or ‘this looks like a really cool organization to work with’?

This can be achieved only when you plan your campaigns well in advance. This requires understanding the strengths of the firm, growth areas and what the audience interests are. Based on this, you can devise a campaign with multiple posts reinforcing the messages, which also connect well with your audience.

Executing an Effective Social Media Campaign

As important as it is to understand why we need a campaign, it is important to know how to plan and execute it. Campaigns work best when they are set in a time frame. A well thought schedule is absolutely necessary to have before the plan is implemented. Considering a social media campaign, one can try figuring out which social media platforms the target audience uses and connect with them on those platforms. The choice of platform and nature of content the audience is interested in will determine the content that the brand posts for audience consumption. The firm will also have to ensure that it addresses issues that the audience is concerned about. It is equally important to be consistent – in quantity and quality of posts. The idea is to make the content as captivating and relevant as possible.

Law firms should also consider going beyond the conversations about their area of expertise and show their softer side. Sometimes showcasing some social outreach, posting pictures of fun activities of lawyers create that brilliant connection with the audience. These posts make your audience remember you for long as a nice and humble organization that they want to do business with.

To put it in other words, a social media campaign can do wonders for the brand image by increasing its visibility. The trick to master is to learn how to play one’s cards in the best possible way by understanding how the game works.