what clients want to see in lawyer bio

by Ms. Kelly Prohaska 9 min read

Why should you read a lawyer bio?

Here are six fantastic attorney bios, each for a different reason. 1. SERIOUS, AND A STANDOUT Besides this attorney’s obvious advantage of having a name that immediately conveys reliability, this bio gets right to the point in the first sentence.

How can I be a good lawyer to a client?

Lawyers must ensure all their communications, such as email, letters, lawyer websites and legal documents, are always perfect for giving them to a client. Small mistakes can lead to a bad impression on a client and a bad experience for a lawyer.

What makes a good law firm bio?

Too many law firms opt for bios which impress other lawyers, instead of appealing to potential clients. This firm represents craft breweries, so it uses a tongue-in-cheek style with witty graphics that positions its lawyers as aficionados of the beer industry rather than stuffy practitioners.

What to look for in a good lawyer?

A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point. The key question is whether the lawyer can deal with it and bounce back in the future. What to look for in an answer: “I lost a key case last year.

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How do you write an attorney bio?

5 Tips for Writing an Attorney BioBe Genuine. Clients want to learn about the attorney they're hiring and what to expect—especially if they'll be interacting with you often. ... Show Your Passion. ... Talk about Your Success. ... Be Succinct. ... Keep it Up to Date.

How do you write a client bio?

Create a Strong Bio – The Cliff Notes Version Use bulleted lists to break up lists of matters/experience but only include the most important representative matters and write about them in client-centric terms. Organize text with subheadings by industry or area – think about what would make the most sense to the reader.

What attributes do you want in a lawyer?

Below are ten traits that are common to the best lawyers in the United States.Passion for the Job. ... Compassion for Clients. ... Great Communication Skills. ... Willingness to Listen. ... Knowledge of the Law. ... Strong Writing Ability. ... Creativity. ... Good Judgment.More items...•

How do you write an attorney bio for a website?

10 Tips for Writing The Perfect Attorney Website BioKnow Your Audience. Plan to speak to clients and potential clients. ... The Intro is Important. ... Use First Person (but wisely) ... Talk About the Client “Problems” You Solve. ... Be Clear About Your Industry and Practice Area(s) ... Include Accolades. ... Demonstrate vs. ... Avoid Legalese.More items...•

What should a professional bio look like?

Include at least one professional accomplishment. Describe your values and how they inform your career. Briefly tell your readers who you are outside of work. Consider adding humor or a personal story to add flavor to your professional bio.

How do I write a short bio about myself?

How to Write a Professional BioYour name.Your current role or professional tagline.Your company or personal brand.Your goals and aspirations.Your 2-3 most impressive and relevant achievements.One quirky fact about you (if it's appropriate to the site)What to Include in a Bio at Work.More items...•

What personality type is a lawyer?

According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are: ISTJ (17.8 per cent) INTJ (13.1 per cent) ESTJ (10.3 per cent)

What are the values of a lawyer?

As a member of a profession dedicated to the service of clients, a lawyer should be committed to the values of:Attaining a Level of Competence in One's Own Field of Practice.Maintaining a Level of Competence in One's Own Field of Practice.Representing Clients in a Competent Manner.

What makes a lawyer successful?

Here are the top 5 qualities of a good lawyer: responsiveness, analytical skills, good research skills, speaking skills, and listening skills. and understand it on the spot. When a case is in session, curveballs will likely be thrown and they have to be able to interpret and respond to them appropriately.

How do I write a profile about myself as a lawyer?

What to Include on Your Attorney Profile PageProfessional Photo. We recommend including a professional photo on your profile page, similar to, or the same photo you would use for LinkedIn. ... Background. Even a new lawyer can write about his or her background. ... Experience. ... Philosophy. ... Personal Information. ... Additional Items.

What is an example of a biography?

Common Examples of Biography Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

How do you write an attorney?

A letter to an attorney should be written in a formal letter format with the attorney's name, law firm and address at the top near the date, addressed using a salutation and signed off with a closing such as "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely."

What makes a good lawyer?

But the truth is, the traits that transform a good lawyer into a great lawyer may not be the ones you think. Here are five traits that make a lawyer — or any person — stand above the rest. Cultivating these traits provides the opportunity to really understand the issues and offer effective solutions. 1. Compassion: One of the Many Qualities of ...

What is the best way to be a lawyer?

Without it, you cannot provide the best solutions. 2. Ability to Listen. Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering.

What are the skills required to become a lawyer?

2. Ability to Listen. Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Of course, what we say, how we say it and when we say it are important. But we can only do it right if we listen first.

What is compassionate lawyer?

The compassionate lawyer focuses on how others feel and is accepting of their perspective, whether or not he ultimately agrees with it. Compassion is the foundation for good people skills. Without compassion, you cannot put yourself in your client’s shoes or fully understand the issues your client faces.

Can you please name a Supreme Court case that impacts your practice of law on a daily basis?

The purpose of this question is not necessarily to test the substance of the answer but more the fact that the candidate has an answer. This is indicative of the fact that they are informed and see the larger picture. So much of what a lawyer does relies on having strong background knowledge of the law.

Can you give an example of where you have chosen to involve yourself in the broader legal community?

Lawyers that network and do the “extra-curricular” activities are generally better informed about recent developments than other attorneys. In addition, networking helps a lawyer build a reputation in the legal sector. Attorneys who have better connections with other attorneys benefit from getting referrals of business from those other attorneys.

How do you handle a disagreement with a superior over a legal matter?

Disagreements happen in the practice of law. Two attorneys can reach different opinions about an issue and both can be correct. It is even more difficult when one of the attorneys works for the other. Part of being a successful lawyer is learning how to make one’s voice heard without being overbearing.

Can you elaborate on a situation where you were unsuccessful and how you handled it?

You should get a sense of how the lawyer handles adversity because there is quite a bit of it in the legal profession. A good lawyer will learn from failure and make the necessary adjustments so it does not happen again in the future. Every lawyer will experience failure at some point.

What skills do lawyers need to be successful?

In addition, good listening skills are found in a successful lawyer. Every client has their own version of their situation.

Why is being creative important in a lawyer?

Being creative is a skill needed by successful lawyers because it allows for flexibility and a wide range of possible solutions when working on a case.

What are the communications lawyers must ensure?

Lawyers must ensure all their communications, such as email, letters, lawyer websites and legal documents, are always perfect for giving them to a client. Small mistakes can lead to a bad impression on a client and a bad experience for a lawyer.

What happens if a lawyer doesn't bill their clients?

If lawyers lack the necessary business skills to bill their clients accordingly, it could lead to significant losses for the firm or personal practice. Being able to explain your hourly rates, additional charges, and contracting with clients is critical for a lawyer to continue to practice law.

Why are lawyers in constant contact with people?

Lawyers are in constant contact with people with is why people skills are required. The entire system of law has engagement with people. Judges, clerks, senior partners, barristers, and other legal workers are just some of the people lawyers will encounter on a daily basis.

What are the skills required to be a lawyer?

1. Strong Communication Skills. Lawyers must have strong oral communication skills and written communication skills to accurately relay critical legal information. As well, a significant portion of a lawyer’s job is to create strong and convincing arguments which are presented in the courtroom.

What do lawyers spend their time on?

Research skills include the ability to read large amounts of information in short time, understanding facts, figures, and charts, and analyzing matter in a way that can be used later are vital features of a lawyer.

1. West Coast Trial Lawyers

When it comes to the best lawyer websites, the West Coast Trial Lawyers firm’s homepage is a fantastic example of a lot of different things done well. They have easy-to-see navigation in the top right hand corner just underneath a prominent phone number that’s placed next to a “free consultations/ no fees until we win” message.

2. Roulston Urquhart Criminal Defence

The entire website of this criminal defense law firm is bold, confident, and just a touch intimidating—exactly what you’d want your criminal defense attorney to be. Everything about it is simplistic, from the monochromatic color scheme to the copy.

3. YLaw Group

YLaw Group offers diverse family law services, including divorce and custody services. These are all very serious concerns, especially to those in them, but their site is fun and can help break the ice. If nothing else, it immediately sets them apart.

4. Bick Law LLP

Bick Law is an environmental law firm and they incorporate that into their branding. Their homepage features a sliding deck of different background images and catchphrases, all of which feature animals and relevant puns.

5. Bhatt Law Group

We’ve looked a lot at site branding and copywriting, but this firm makes our “best lawyer websites” list because of its actual design aspects. Even better, this one is a great example of how to incorporate multiple specialties seamlessly on one site.

6. Robbins Firm

Customers are always looking for who is best and to be the best, you typically need to be doing something different. The Robbins Firm accomplishes this using custom cartoon drawings, but they really hit home with their messaging.

7. Tremain Artaza

The Tremain Artaza’s main page immediately addresses several common objections that customers may have when it comes to lawyers. The average person may have trouble trusting lawyers or be intimidated by the complexity of legal issues. This homepage attempts to put these concerns at ease.

What is the purpose of a professional bio?

The purpose of a professional bio is generally to: State who you are and what you do. Provide examples of your work experience that bolster your credibility. Tell your story. How you go about accomplishing these three goals, however, will vary.

Why do we need an executive bio?

An executive bio can be a powerful tool to boost your credibility – whether that’s at a speaking engagement, to help drive business, or to promote your company.

What is a bio for an industry blog?

In this context, your bio can also serve as publicity for your company.

What is the difference between a resume and a professional bio?

The difference between a resume and a professional bio. A resume and professional bio are both personal marketing documents, but they are used in different contexts. Resumes are generally used to apply for a job . They are written in third person, follow a conventional structure, and are predominantly based on facts and achievements.

Do you need a bio for a keynote speech?

If you are speaking on a panel or delivering a keynote speech, you may have the opportunity to provide a bio to be featured in the event’s print materials. For these types of communications, you’ll want your bio to be shorter than what you might include on a company page or LinkedIn summary.

What should be the first two words of a bio?

If your readers don't remember anything else about your bio, make sure they remember your name. For that reason, it's a good idea for your first and last name to be the first two words of your professional bio.

What is the job description of a marriage and family therapist?

She's a marriage and family therapist — a job where empathy and compassion are a big part of the job description. That's why she chooses to open her bio with a great introductory sentence: "When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel.".

Is a professional bio a good thing?

To be fair, in certain contexts, your professional bio does need to be more formal, like Mr. Erickson's up there. But in many cases, writing a readable bio — even conversational — is a really good thing. That means dropping that traditional format of listing your accomplishments like a robot and cramming as much professional-sounding jargon in there as you can.

Is Instagram a good platform to write a bio?

Instagram is a notoriously difficult platform on which to write a good bio. Similar to Twitter, you simply don't have room for a professional bio that includes everything about you. And because Instagram is primarily a mobile app, many viewers are reading about you passively on their mobile device.

Who is Bea Dixon?

Bea Dixon, Founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company , efficiently uses her space on her Instagram profile to highlight who she is as a well-rounded human — not just a businesswoman.

Is a professional bio different from a persuasive copy?

When it all comes down to it, your professional bio is no different than any other piece of persuasive copy — no matter where it lives. One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking of it as its own beast, separate from other pieces of writing. If you think about it that way, you're far more likely to write something painfully uninteresting.

How to write a bio for a job?

Your short bio is often the first (and perhaps only) thing a potential employer, client or contact will read before deciding to contact you, so it is important that your bio be accurate, informative and memorable. It’s a good idea to include: 1 Your name 2 Your current job title 3 Your company name or personal brand statement 4 Your hometown 5 Your alma mater 6 Your personal and professional goals 7 A relevant achievement or accomplishment 8 Your hobbies 9 Your skills and areas of expertise

How to write a short bio?

Here are some steps you can follow to help you write a successful short bio: Choose a voice. State your job title. State your philosophy. Share your accomplishments. 1. Choose a voice. The first step in writing a short bio is deciding on a voice .

Why do we need a short bio?

Short bios are typically used to provide a summary of an individual's accomplishments, an overview of their career history and a description of their professional goals. Your short bio is often the first (and perhaps only) thing a potential employer, client or contact will read before deciding to contact you, so it is important ...

What is a short bio?

A relevant achievement or accomplishment. Your hobbies. Your skills and areas of expertise. Short bios are brief by definition so it is important to determine which of these topics is most important to make the best impression on your readers.

Who is the lawyer who lays out a path for building a one of a kind, profitable niche practice

But many are stuck pursuing ineffective strategies. Others don’t even know where to start. In his popular book, lawyer-turned-legal marketer Jay Harrington lays out a path for building a one of a kind, profitable niche practice.

What do you need to know as a first year associate?

Here’s What You Need to Know as a First-Year Associate. For what it’s worth, and in no particular order: 1. Being busy is no substitute for being productive. A first-year associate billable hours are important, but the most valued associates are those who not only bill but get the job done. Be a finisher.

Can bankruptcy lawyers tap litigators?

Large firms have experts in almost every conceivable skill set and practice area. If you’re a bankruptcy lawyer, you can always tap a litigator to take that deposition or put on that witness. But you’ll become a much stronger, well-rounded lawyer by getting out of your comfort zone and learning to do it yourself. 16.

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Compassion: One of The Many Qualities of A Lawyer

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Compassion is an emotional response whereby one perceives another’s problem and authentically, genuinely wants to help resolve the problem. This is part of what lawyers do: People come to us with their problems, or to avoid future problems, and we help resolve or avoid the issues, whichever the case may be. If you practice b…
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Ability to Listen

  • Effective communication skills are essential to good lawyering. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening. Of course, what we say, how we say it and when we say it are important. But we can only do it right if we listen first. Listen to your clients. Listen to your adversaries, your colleagues, and the judges. As lawyers, we must take in much information, an…
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Assertiveness, Not Aggressiveness

  • I often hear people say, “She’s not aggressive enough to be an effective lawyer.” That’s not right. You don’t need to be aggressive — though you must be assertive. Assertive lawyers state their opinions and make themselves heard while remaining respectful of others. Aggressive lawyers attack or ignore others’ opinions in favor of their own. Much like those who lack compassion, ove…
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Creativity

  • We need to be creative to find real solutions to the issues our clients face. Each matter is unique; each client must be handled differently, and each solution carefully crafted. While on the whole we lawyers are a rather risk-averse group, we must learn to think outside the box. The best way to create unique solutions is to approach each situation...
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Perseverance

  • Success is achieved with perseverance. We must keep working, keep trying and keep going. We must be able to walk away when things are not working, take a break and come back fresh and ready to “fight,” negotiate, or whatever the matter requires. Now go out there and be one of those great lawyers! Illustration ©iStockPhoto.com. Updated from a post that originally appeared in Ap…
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