"The first casualty when war comes is truth."
Prospects look for cues about whether to hire your services. In today's Law Firm Marketing we tell you how to bring up information about yourself, and deliver it.
Senate backs Iraq withdrawal date
The US Senate has passed a massive spending bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure also calls on U.S. troops to be out of Iraq by next spring. The House approved a similar bill last week. But President Bush has reiterated his promise to veto any bill with a timetable for withdrawal.
Former Gonzales deputy contradicts boss's story
A former aide to US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has contradicted his claim he was not involved in the sacking of eight federal prosecutors. Kyle Sampson, who resigned over the affair, told a US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing he had discussed the process with Gonzales.
He defended the dismissals as "properly made, but poorly explained". Critics say they were politically motivated. Gonzales, who faces calls to resign, may come before the committee in April.
Judge fired amid Ecuador deadlock
An Ecuadorian judge has reinstated 57 sacked legislators only to be removed himself, as the political deadlock in the South American nation continued. Provincial judge Juan Ramirez issued an injunction blocking the 7 March move by an electoral tribunal which unseated more than half the country's lawmakers. But the tribunal has now fired him, saying he acted illegally. The sacked lawmakers oppose a referendum on constitutional change backed by President Rafael Correa.
Ex-Enron lawyers in fraud charge
Two former lawyers at bankrupt energy firm Enron have been charged by the SEC with civil securities fraud. Jordan Mintz, ex-general counsel for Enron's global finance group and Rex Rogers, former associate general counsel are the two men charged. The SEC says they helped misrepresent deals in Enron's accounting. Lawyers for the men deny the charges. The SEC said the men were involved in a scheme to hide the true value of accounts, including one of Enron's off-the-books partnerships in Brazil.
Gol to buy rival Varig
Budget airline Gol has said it is buying its struggling rival Varig for $275m. The deal will see Gol take on Varig's debt of about $45m, and get access to its routes to the US and Europe as well as valuable slots at Sao Paulo airport. Varig almost collapsed under debt last year and was operating under bankruptcy protection. It re-emerged after being bought by an investment group Volo de Brasil. Varig and Gol would be run as separate companies, Gol said, with Varig keeping its own brand and its Smiles frequent flyer program. It would also see its number of planes double to 34, serving Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan and Paris as well as US and South American destinations, it added.
A Global Network of IP Academies Launched in Brazil
The World intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced that the global network of academies dedicated to the teaching of Intellectual Property (IP) was launched at a meeting convened with the National Institute of Industrial Property Office (INPI) of Brazil earlier this month in Rio de Janeiro. The global network which includes some ten educational institutes dedicated to teaching, training and research into IP at the national level is designed to enhance international cooperation and strengthen the delivery of IP education. This significant development will boost access to IP learning and strengthen the IP human resource base in all regions. It further reflects the growing recognition by policy-makers around the world of the pivotal importance of establishing IP systems and acquiring IP expertise to promote national development strategies.
LexisNexis introduces a new version of martindale.com® with new tools and content
As part of the enhancements to Martindale.com recently announced, Martindale-Hubbell has introduced a new date-stamped Peer Review Ratings icon to accompany lawyer profiles, making it easier for users to identify Peer Review Rated lawyers. In addition, the company has created a series of new tools that are designed to assist buyers of legal services who are seeking to retain high-quality and ethical legal counsel. The site now offers several Top 10 lists highlighting law firms across several topics such as the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, litigation and transaction activity (ie. mergers and acquisitions) and law firm visibility as indicated by user activity on martindale.com. For details, click here to visit their website.
The International Bar Association (IBA) announces two important events
Two upcoming conferences, featuring specialist information on specific areas of the law as well as an opportunity for contacts and interchange between lawyers, are set up by the IBA:
Tax Aspects of Cross-border Transactions in Latin American Markets - Sao Paulo, Brazil on 3-4 May 2007. Click here to see the details.
Challenges of private growth oriented companies conference - Montevideo, Uruguay on 31 May - 1 June 2007. Click here to see the details.
The authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession
Martindale-Hubbel's Legal Network is the most complete, widely used and trusted source of information on the worldwide legal profession - and one of the most effective ways for lawyers to promote their practices. The Lawyer Locator to find the credentials of more than one million lawyers and firms is available at www.martindale-hubbell.com.br
Before you open the door to the boardroom, peek through the keyhole!
Have a look at the new section of the Migalhas website and discover the professional development opportunities with large corporations presented by Michael Page International. Click here to peep through the hole!
World's tallest man gets married
The world's tallest man has married a woman who is 25 years younger than he is - and two-thirds of his height. After a global search for a suitable bride, herdsman Bao Xishun ended up marrying a saleswoman from his home city of Chifeng in northern China.
Ruling Could Lead to Tariffs on Chinese Goods
In a ruling that could lead to new trade barriers on imports from China, a federal judge on Thursday dismissed a bid by China to block the Bush administration from imposing tariffs on Chinese goods produced by heavily subsidized government companies. The ruling, by the US Court of International Trade in New York, clears the way for the Commerce Department to decide whether to impose the tariff barriers on one specific product, high-gloss paper, as early as Friday. The effect of the ruling could be even more far reaching. If the Commerce Department raises tariffs on paper, as many in the industry expect, it could set a precedent for duties to be imposed on steel, machinery, plastics, furniture and other goods from China.
Educational message increases confidence in you, skepticism in competing lawyers
When you provide information to prospects -- and other lawyers don't -- prospects immediately have more confidence in you than in them.
Why?
Because the more information you provide, the higher your credibility -- the more comfortable prospects feel with you -- and, subconsciously, the more skepticism prospects feel toward lawyers who have not provided these facts. As a result, information you provide creates positive feelings toward you -- and negative feelings toward other lawyers.
Where information does the most good
Prospects look for cues about whether to hire your services. Initially, those cues relate to your knowledge, skill, judgment and experience.
1. Solution. When you explain the steps you will take to solve your prospect’s problem or achieve his goal, your prospect concludes that you have the knowledge and experience to handle his legal matter. Since your prospect does not know whether other lawyers could solve his problem, your explanation pre-empts other lawyers from consideration -- unless he goes to the trouble of seeking out information from other attorneys.
2. Services. When you explain in detail the services you offer, prospects have a clear picture of how you can help them. On the other hand, when other lawyers don't provide a list of services, prospects can't be sure whether those lawyers offer the services they need.
3. Biography. When you give information about your education and experience, prospects feel comfortable because they know something about your background. The more biographical information you provide, the more comfortable your prospects feel with you -- and the more uncertain they grow of other lawyers, since your prospects may know nothing about them at all.
4. Testimonials. When you offer comments from clients, colleagues and other professionals, your prospects conclude that you are respected by all who know you. When other lawyers don't provide this information, prospects can't be sure what their clients and colleagues think about them. (A few jurisdictions do not allow lawyers to use testimonials, so make sure you check your rules of professional conduct.)
5. Reprints. When you provide prospects with copies of articles you’ve written that have appeared in print -- or articles in which you’ve been quoted -- they grow to respect you as an authority in your field. When prospects have not received reprints from other lawyers, prospects assume those lawyers have never had articles in print, which reinforces their perception that you’re the expert.
6. Fees. When you provide information about fees or fee ranges, prospects have an idea of how deep the well is. Prospects feel better when they have information about fees, even if the fees are higher than the prospects want. And when other lawyers provide no information about fees, prospects often assume their fees are higher than they really are. I encourage you to present fees or fee ranges as part of your marketing message.
7. Photo. Even your photo has pre-emptive value. When prospects know what you look like, they feel more at ease. It's that simple. In most cases, prospects don't care how you look, as long as you fall within their "accepted range" of how a lawyer should look. (If your appearance is extreme, you’re still OK if your prospects share your extreme look.) A closely cropped photo with good eye contact and a warm, engaging smile is best.
8. Important Information. When you provide any information that your prospects want, you increase your credibility and overcome prospects' fears and concerns.
How to deliver your information
Once you have good, helpful information, your next challenge is to deliver it to your prospects. The most effective ways to deliver information are ways that your prospects find comfortable and convenient. Comfortable means prospects want to receive information at arm’s length, so neither you nor anyone else can apply sales pressure. Convenient means prospects want to receive information with the smallest amount of hassle and effort, and with the least interruption in their schedule.
Comfortable, convenient ways to deliver your marketing message include:
1. Posting your information on your web site.
2. Sending your information by mail or e-mail.
3. Presenting your information at a seminar or roundtable.
4. Featuring your information in a newspaper article or broadcast interview.
5. Including your information in a newspaper or magazine column.
6. Highlighting your information in your firm’s newsletter.
The least comfortable and convenient way to deliver information is in person, such as when you require your prospect to come to your office. (Less-sophisticated prospects often fear that you’ll try to pressure them into hiring you.) In most cases, the more sophisticated your prospect, the less he feels intimidated by you -- and the less time he has to meet with you. Many prospects want to learn about you and your background before they decide whether to meet you in person.
When you provide an educational message that contains facts your prospects want, you increase your credibility, you overcome prospects’ fears, and you gain a major competitive advantage over lawyers who have not provided this information.
Bottom Line: The easiest way to gain a major competitive advantage is to provide information to your prospects. And when you put your information in writing, it’s even more persuasive because it’s right there in black and white, less likely to be misunderstood and not affected by a lapse in memory.
© Trey Ryder
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Ley
A Cámara de Diputados de Argentina aprobó un proyecto de Ley que cambia los plazos para la prescripción de los delitos sexuales contra menores de edad. De dar luz verde el Senado, la extinción de esos procesos comenzará a correr cuando la víctima cumpla los 18 años. El propósito de la norma es facilitar que la víctima esté en condiciones de hacer la denuncia.
Amparo Constitucional
La demanda de un amparo constitucional interpuesta por un ciudadano ecuatoriano reavivó la crisis política y social en Ecuador; luego que un juez suplemente tras admitir el recurso de amparo restituyerá en sus cargos a los 57 diputados destituidos por el Tribunal Supremo Elector (TSE). El ciudadano argumento que la decisión del TSE vulneraba su derecho de ser representado por los diputados. Los legisladores estaban acusados de interferir el proceso electoral de la Asamblea Constituyente.
TLC
Existe preocupación en Colombia por la decisión del Congreso estadounidense de modificar tres capítulos del TLC ya negociado con este país. Los cambios se refieren a temas laboral, ambiental y de medicamentos. Economistas sugieren priorizar la ampliación de las preferencias arancelarias que vence el 30 de junio de 2007.
Bangladesh executes six militants
Six Islamic militants convicted of killing two judges during a bombing campaign are hanged in Bangladesh.
UN voices 'concern' on UK sailors
The UN Security Council agrees a statement voicing "grave concern" at Iran's capture of 15 British sailors. Iran says it "suspended" the release of Faye Turney, one 15 captured British sailors and marines.
TJ Maxx hit by card breach
Hackers have stolen information from at least 45.7 million payment cards used by customers of US retailer TJ Maxx. In a statement to US watchdogs the firm said it did not know the full extent of the theft and its effect on customers. TJX added that the security breach may also have involved TKMaxx customers in the UK and Ireland. But the company added that at least three-quarters of the affected cards had expired or data had been masked.
Teenager's home abortion may spur charges
A Massachusetts teen who ended a pregnancy with a do-it-yourself abortion may be charged with murder/homicide. The Dominican immigrant took a drug commonly used to treat ulcers to end her pregnancy — a practice commonly used in other countries. Authorities say the charges will hinge on how far along her pregnancy was.
Americans opting for weight loss surgery in Brazil
Weight loss surgery is gaining popularity with Americans. Weight loss or also called bariatric surgery is meant for obese people with serious medical conditions related to their weight. The most common form of this surgery is gastric bypass surgery. Data collected from Embratur (the Brazil Governmental Agency for developing national tourism) indicate that about 40 thousand out of the foreign visitors who came to Brazil came for medical purposes last year. A group of Brazilian health care providers, which includes hospitals, created even an health consortium in order to comply with the foreign demand. Many health clinics in Brazil offer medical services to foreigners.
Brazil: World Bank might aid ethanol program
The World Bank could assist Brazil in exporting its ethanol production technology to developing African countries and other nations, World Bank said. It also said ethanol might become a key export for African countries. Cuban leader Fidel Castro criticized the use of ethanol as an energy source and said ethanol production would adversely affect third world populations by "converting food into combustibles."
Brazil debates legal abortion
Brazil's parliament has taken up debate on a proposal to allow legal abortion through all 9 months of pregnancy. Abortion is currently illegal in Brazil, except in cases where the life of the mother is demonstrably endangered. However court rulings have allowed for some exceptions to the ban in cases of rape or severe fetal malformation.
Card transactions increase by 17% in Brazil
The number of transactions using credit cards, debit cards, and store cards reached 1.12 billion in the first quarter this year. Turnover from card transactions was R$ 65 billion (US$ 31.3 billion), 17% more than in the same period of 2006. The highlight in the period was transactions using debit cards. These transactions increased by 18%, up from R$ 16.4 billion (US$ 7.9 billion) in the first three months of 2006 to R$ 19.2 billion (US$ 9.2 billion) during the same period of 2007.
Burger King targets humane foods
Burger King, the world's second largest burger chain, is to increase supplies of humanely-sourced meat and eggs.
Animal rights groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) - a critic of the farming behind fast-food - have praised the move. The decision to encourage the use of cage-free chickens and free-range pigs will apply to the US and Canada. Burger King aims to source 2% of eggs from non-caged birds and 10% of pork from pigs allowed to roam freely.
Storm in US over chocolate Jesus
A New York gallery has angered a US Catholic group with its decision to exhibit a milk chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ. The six-foot (1.8m) sculpture, entitled "My Sweet Lord", depicts Jesus Christ naked on the cross. Catholic League head Bill Donohue called it "one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever".
Mexico AG calls on US to halt gun sales, drug money inflow
Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora Wednesday called on US law enforcement to take action to stop the flow of guns and drug money from the United States into Mexico . Mora told a gathering of business leaders that many of the arms used in the country's drug related killings were smuggled from the US and added that US drug sales provide a constant supply of cash to cartels. It is estimated that Mexican cartels earn between $10-30 billion on the sale of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine to US users. Since taking office in December, Mexican President Felipe Calderon has made drug enforcement a priority. Earlier this month, US and Mexican drug enforcement agents made the world's largest drug-cash seizure, finding $205.6 million in dollar bills and $1.5 million worth of pesos hidden in the walls of a Mexico City home.
Russia Supreme Court orders shutdown of second political party
The Russian Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Russian Peace Party was too small to be considered a legitimate political party under a 2004 law and should be shut down. According to the Federal Registration Service, Peace Party membership had fallen below a legal minimum that went into effect on January 1, meaning that it must either re-register as a different organization or cease operations. RIA-Novosti reported that the Peace Party had around 45,000 members and 35 regional branches. Last week, the Russian high court ordered the Republican Party to be shut down for being too small under the same law. Republican Party co-Chairman Vladimir Ryzhkov said the decision was an attack orchestrated by the party's opposition and an example of the systematic persecution the party had encountered across the country
Belgium police arrest three EU officials on corruption charges
Belgian authorities on Wednesday arrested three Italian nationals - a European Commission official in charge of delegation infrastructure, a personal assistant to an Italian member of the European Parliament , and a businessman - on corruption charges stemming from European public tenders to lease space and provide security for delegation buildings in Albania and India. A spokesperson for the Belgium Public Prosecutor's office said Wednesday that various EC and EP officials may have accepted up to $10 million in bribes over the last ten years.
Texas governor signs 'shoot first' law
Texas Governor Rick Perry Tuesday signed into law a new so-called "shoot first" law , which allows state residents to use deadly force to respond to threats in their homes, cars, and at jobs. The bill, also known as a "stand your ground" law, was approved by large majorities in both houses of the Texas Legislature. In his statement, Perry said "The right to defend oneself from an imminent act of harm should not only be clearly defined in Texas law, but is intuitive to human nature." The legislation, which requires that the person defending themselves be unprovoked, also provides civil immunity for any justified action under the law. The Texas law takes effect September 1, 2007. Georgia enacted a similar law last July, and Florida adopted a "shoot first" law in 2005. Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and South Dakota all have enacted similar legislation as well. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has continually called such legislation "phenomenally dangerous," but the National Rifle Association maintains that these laws are necessary to protect innocent citizens.
Law firm's work on tax shelters leads to demise
Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Dallas law firm that once numbered 600 attorneys, is closing its doors after the law firm reached a $76 million settlement with prosecutors over its sale and promotion of improper tax shelters. The demise of the once-prestigious nationwide firm is the latest sign that the government has law firms' business practices in its sights.
Africa
Govt, Scoul sued over Mabira forest
Daily Monitor, Independent daily of Kampala, Uganda
Sight to behold as former MPs meet
East African Standard, Liberal daily of Nairobi, Kenya
Mbeki, Zuma: The state of the race
Mail and Guardian, Liberal daily of Johannesburg, South Africa
Zambia, EC seal K300 bn Budget support agreement
Times of Zambia, Government-owned daily of Lusaka, Zambia
Americas
St Bartholomew's students demonstrate 'We Play the Same Game'
Barbados Advocate, Independent daily of St Michael, Barbados
UK sailors must 'admit mistake'
Buenos Aires Herald, Liberal daily of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Britain takes its case against Iran to United Nations
The Globe And Mail, Centrist daily of Toronto, Canada
$380b budget - Housing gets big boost
Jamaica Gleaner, Centrist daily of Kingston, Jamaica
Bill Gates upbeat on Mexico!
The Guadalajara Colony Reporter, Independent weekly of Guadalajara, Mexico
Asia Pacific
Sapporo defense plan approved/New measures aim to block hostile bids
Daily Yomiuri, Conservative daily of Tokyo, Japan
Chinese flotilla chalks up a couple of the 'firsts'
People's Daily Online, Pro-government daily of Beijing, China
Cruiser 'lit up like Christmas tree'
The Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily of Sydney, Australia
NERF, Ministry Reach Pact; Lockout at DEOs Lifted
The Himalayan Times, Independent daily of Kathmandu, Nepal
3 MPD officials take hostage heat
The Manila Times, Pro-government daily of Manila, Philippines
Exco: Reduce political interference for economic, academic progress
The Sun, Independent daily of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Europe
Germany Welcomes New UN Convention on Rights for Disabled
Deutsche Welle, International broadcaster of Cologne, Germany
Vanhanen puts seven questions to would-be government parties
Helsingin Sanomat, Centrist daily of Helsinki, Finland
Russia, Kazakhstan may build NPP in Aktau - Rosatom
Interfax, Government-owned news agency, Moscow, Russia
Changing nation: new look Ireland from faith to family to future
Irish Examiner, Centrist daily of Cork, Ireland
Helicopters and Oil for Hu in Kazan
The Moscow Times, Independent, English-language daily of Moscow, Russia
France turns nasty as election battle looms
The Scotsman, Centrist daily of Edinburgh, Scotland
Britain freezes ties with Iran as crisis grows
Turkish Daily News, Independent daily of Istanbul, Turkey
Middle East
Purple fingers, black bands
Al-Ahram Weekly, Semi-official, English-language weekly of Cairo, Egypt
Kingdom Warns Against Iran Strike
Arab News, Pro-government, English-language daily of Jidda, Saudi Arabia
Arab leaders make no moves on Lebanon
The Daily Star, Independent, English-language daily of Beirut, Lebanon
Grab peace deal, Israel told
Gulf News, Independent daily of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Olmert seeks talks with Saudis, Arab moderates
Ha'aretz, Liberal daily of Tel Aviv, Israel
FM: Britain should guarantee not to violate Iran's waters again
Islamic Republic News Agency, Government-owned news agency of Tehran, Iran
Olmert tells Post : 'Not one refugee can return'
The Jerusalem Post, Conservative daily of Jerusalem, Israel
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The messages that appear in this newsletter are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be and should not be considered legal advice nor substitute for obtaining legal advice from competent, independent, legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The information contained on this list may or may not reflect the most current legal developments.