The conclusion of Downton Abbey has me thinking about law firm web copy. Say what, now? I’m speaking, of course, of law firm histories. It is very tempting to commemorate a big anniversary with a self-congratulatory press release, collateral or web copy. It used to be fairly common. I once covered the 25th anniversary of the founding of a Valley firm. They ordered a giant “25” ice sculpture and the partners posed around it. Other than the debut of New Coke, I cannot remember

All products and companies need a brand, and all individuals need a personal brand. It greatly influences the consumer’s buying decision, and allows for the crafting of the all-important sales narrative. Let me illustrate. I only buy Dawn dishwashing detergent. Why? First, it doesn’t smell gross. And it works. But most importantly, I buy it because it is the detergent of choice for washing oil-soaked birds after spills and other chemical disasters. I feel bad about oily birds

As a lawyer, all of your digital transmissions are subject to the Rules of Professional Conduct (for the purposes of this post, see CA Rule 1-400 Advertising and Solicitation). The New York State Bar Association has gone so far as to release its own handbook for attorney social media behavior, and other states are not far behind. Moreover, your firm may have its own social media and public relations guidelines further restricting your online activities. As all social media tr

I met this week with famed legal humorist Malcolm Kushner at an Inner Richmond cafe. In between some brilliant stuff and a few groaners, I managed to wrangle some serious advice from him. Malcolm Kushner: The Legal Industry's Funny Man While we’ve cautioned against using humor in forward-facing marketing content or at a press conference, humor can be a speech-saving element in a presentation or address where you can visibly connect with your audience. Kushner, who has publish