Information about the lawyer's credentials can be included in an attorney bio.A well-written bio will help draw clients to your practice.These steps can be followed to write a compelling attorney bio.
Step 1: Meet the lawyer.
Many attorneys will write their own bios, but you may be hired to do it for them.Before beginning the bio, it is important to have a good understanding of their practice.Look at the attorney's website and perform web searches before meeting with him.Busy lawyers sometimes forget their past accomplishments.You can use research to draw attention to this.
Step 2: Consider audience.
Attorneys market to the general public.Others sell their services to other attorneys or corporations.Understanding the target audience will help drive information.Attorneys who market to other attorneys may want to include a long list of publications.This information may be boring for the general public.Some of your pro bono work may offend some potential clients.If your pro bono work shows that your personal commitments run counter to their interests, corporations may not appreciate it.Information about what community organizations attorneys belong to can be provided to the general public.
Step 3: A theme is something to plan.
An attorney bio should be a part of an advertising strategy.What the attorney can do for the client is what the themes tend to focus on.There are themes on the website.If the attorney wants to give the firm a nickname, like "Debt Destroyers," they can buy the URL for "debtdestroyer.com" which will take visitors to their website.It's possible that newer attorneys don't have a specialty yet.You can find similarities in the cases the attorney has completed.A young attorney with experience in drafting legal documents and arguing in court can highlight her skills.
Step 4: Provide concrete information.
Specific information about the attorney's practice is included in an effective bio that uses general language like "I will fight for you" and "Your welfare is our business".Concrete information is what answers the client's question, "Can this attorney provide effective representation on my case?"Clients want to see that you have successfully resolved matters like their own.The honors and recognition should be highlighted.Confidence in the attorney's skills will be increased by these.Honors earned in law school should be prioritized over those earned as a practicing lawyer.If the honor is mentioned in a newspaper article, you should link to it.If you want to get certification for any specialty, include those in your bio.Several years of expertise, professional recommendations from judges or fellow attorneys, and completion of additional education or tests are required for certification.Certifications demonstrate expertise in your chosen specialty and are valuable additions to your bio.Client testimonials should be included.Avvo allows clients to post comments about their experience.Positive testimonials are the best referrals an attorney can have.
Step 5: Write in a friendly way.
People are intimidated by attorneys.The attorney is easy to work with and it can be conveyed in a proper tone.Use of technical jargon can be alienating to the general public.Say "won increase in total compensation for client" instead of using legal terms like "secured additur at trial"
Step 6: It needs to be concise.
A bio is not a memoir.A reader should be able to read it without being overwhelmed.The length is under six paragraphs.Hyperlinks can be used to break up bios.A few testimonials and representative matters may be highlighted on the main page.Links can lead the visitor to a more comprehensive list of cases.
Step 7: An attorney photo should be included.
A picture shows the attorney.Make sure the picture is recent.Pick a photo for your audience.The general public is drawn to casual photos that show you smiling.Attorneys will wear casual clothing.Corporate counsel may want a more formal portrait.You can use a studio photograph in which you wear a business suit.
Step 8: There is a call to action.
The attorney is here for them at the end of the bio.If you have been in an accident on the job, you may be entitled to compensation.For a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Attorney John J. Smith.
Step 9: The bio needs to be proofed.
Check for spelling and grammatical errors.You can't undermine your professionalism by making a mistake.
Step 10: The bio should be uploaded.
Scan the bio after it's online to see how it fits on the page.The eye can move smoothly down the page if it is broken up.
Step 11: The bio should be spread widely.
Don't just leave the bio on your website once you've published it.It can be uploaded to social media sites.The more people see it, the better!
Step 12: The old bios should be replaced.
Many attorneys have bios on printed materials.You should include a recent photo in your new bio.
Step 13: The bio needs to be updated frequently.
If you handle new cases, include them in your bio.Clients want to know that their attorney is active.
Step 14: It's a good idea to think about the bio every six months.
Your bio should also be changed if your practice is changing.An attorney who transitioned her practice from litigation to estate administration should have a bio that reflects her new specialty.If the bio accurately reflects your current practice, schedule some time every six months.