July 29, 2011 nº 1,072 - Vol. 9
"Imagination allows us to escape the predictable. It enables us to reply to the common wisdom that we cannot soar by saying, "Just watch!."
Bill Bradley
In today's Law Firm Marketing, 23 secrets that build client loyalty.
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Read Migalhas LatinoAmérica in Spanish every Tuesday and Thursday. Visit the website at www.migalhas.com/latinoamerica
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Attorneys file civil suit against NATO for Libya air strike
A group of attorneys filed a civil lawsuit in Belgium against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Thursday alleging it is responsible for killing 13 civilians in a bombing of a residential compound in Libya. The complaint was filed on behalf of retired Libyan general and member of Libya's Revolutionary Council, Khalid el Hamidi, whose three children were killed and home was destroyed during an air strike on June 20. Marcel Ceccaldi, an attorney representing Hamidi, said that civil cases against NATO fall under Belgium jurisdiction. NATO benefits from diplomatic immunity from criminal cases given its status as an international organization.
US debt: House vote on Republican spending cuts delayed
The House of Representatives will not vote Thursday night on Speaker John Boehner's latest proposal to increase the debt ceiling and cut government spending, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy says. The vote had been scheduled for 6 p.m. ET but was delayed as Boehner and Republican leaders met with individual members of their caucus who opposed the plan to try to get their support. Conservative Republicans in the House, many of them elected with tea party support, opposed the plan because they said it didn’t cut enough federal spending or contain a requirement to balance the federal budget. Boehner's plan would have generated $917 billion in savings over the next decade, matching the raising of the debt ceiling with dollar-for-dollar spending cuts. But it would require another vote to further raise the ceiling before the 2012 elections, which Democrats oppose. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he has enough votes t o table the measure in the Senate, effectively killing it. Reid has proposed a competing measure to raise the debt ceiling. The federal government will hit its debt ceiling on Tuesday and without congressional action will be unable to meet some of its financial obligations.
Fight Over Dodd-Frank Shifts to Courts
First Congress was lobbied, then the regulators. Now the battle over the Dodd-Frank law is shifting to the courts. Some business groups are considering filing lawsuits aimed at blocking parts of the financial overhaul passed by Congress last July. While legal challenges likely won't happen unless efforts to win changes from regulators or lawmakers fail, Dodd-Frank opponents are emboldened by last week's appeals-court ruling that toppled a Securities and Exchange Commission rule designed to help investors oust corporate directors. The Dodd-Frank law gave the SEC authority to write the rule, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable sued to overturn it. In May, the SEC commissioners approved a rule that includes a bounty of at least $100,000 to people who bring the agency tips about corporate wrongdoing that lead to penalties exceeding $1 million. Officials are concerned about a whistleblower rule issued by the SEC under the Dodd-Frank law, which was passed in the wake of the financial crisis in response to calls for more regulatory oversight. "In May, the SEC commissioners approved by a 3-2 vote a rule that includes a bounty of at least $100,000 to people who bring the agency tips about corporate wrongdoing that lead to penalties exceeding $1 million." But the SEC failed to properly consider the added cost to employers as the rule was being written. The rule would encourage corporate whistleblowers to bypass internal complaint procedures and go directly to the SEC. That could increase companies' legal costs, as they have to deal with investigations by the agency. Under federal law, the SEC is required to conduct an adequate analysis of the costs and benefits of proposed rules. The federal appeals court ruled that agency officials "inconsistently and opportunistically" skewed their cost-benefit analysis of the proxy-access rule, a potential road map for other challenges.
1 - British hacking scandal deepens as inquiry opens - click here.
2 - Drink-spiller guilty of assault - click here.
3 - BT ordered to block links to Newzbin 2 website - click here.
4 - U.S. Told Restitution Bid in Investor Fraud Case Remains Flawed - click here.
5 - Fight for California Dream Act Not Over Even As AB 130 Becomes Law - click here.
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23 secrets that build client loyalty
by Trey Ryder
Loyalty is built on the value/price equation, which says: A client will stay loyal to you as long as he perceives the value of the services he receives to be greater than the fee he pays. Other things are important, too, but if you don't deliver value that is greater than your fee, you will never earn your client's loyalty.
Many of the following secrets are also competitive advantages. And rightly so -- because the reasons clients remain loyal to you are because of the positive ways you differ from other lawyers.
SECRET #1: Send a copy of every article and educational handout you write to clients interested in that subject. The more information you send, the more clients appreciate the depth of your knowledge. Even if your article isn't published, it builds credibility, which leads to loyalty.
SECRET #2: Invite clients to seminars. The more often they see you -- and absorb your information -- the more credibility you have. Even if they don't attend, the fact that you invited them enhances your value. Plus, they may send a friend or colleague who has an interest in your subject.
SECRET #3: Send clients your newsletter. The more clients depend on your knowledge, the longer they stay loyal to you. Keep information flowing FROM you -- and you'll find loyalty flowing TO you.
SECRET #4: Send clients a copy of every published article This boosts loyalty because clients see you an authority. Clients like to know that you are the respected authority in your field of law
SECRET #5: Tell clients of your successes with other clients Every client wants to know you're successful. The more you relate those successes, the more confidence your client has in you.
SECRET #6: Ask clients to write a testimonial you can use in your marketing. When clients sit down to write, they think about all the things they like about you. This helps them realize how lucky they are to work with you. Further, once clients put their thoughts in writing, it helps cement their relationship with you. In addition to helping your marketing effort, testimonials build loyalty among your clients. (Not all jurisdictions allow lawyers to use testimonials. Check your rules of professional conduct.)
SECRET #7: Feature a profile of one of your clients in every issue of your newsletter and on your web site. Unless clients are publicity shy, they may enjoy your making them the center of attention in a newsletter article. Not only does this strengthen their bond with you, but it also introduces others on your mailing list to a client they might know and respect, further enhancing your image.
SECRET #8: When you write an article, quote or describe one of your clients. Clients often like attention. If you can use a case history that includes a client by name -- or if you can quote a client in print, your client will feel closer to you.
SECRET #9: Invite clients onto your radio talk show. If you host a radio talk show, invite clients onto your show to share their stories and experiences. The more you make clients feel important, the more they talk about you -- and the more loyalty they shower on you in return.
SECRET #10: Give clients priority access when they want to contact you. Many clients have a hard time reaching their lawyers, particularly if their lawyer is often out of the office. When possible, give clients immediate access to you. This adds value to your relationship, value they might not receive from other lawyers.
SECRET #11: Provide clients with quick service. Whenever a client needs something, explain that you have many projects in the works, but that you'll gladly give him prompt attention. This makes him feel important and adds to the value he receives from you.
SECRET #12: Invite clients to special events, such as open houses, wine-tasting parties, and art walks. Sometimes clients enjoy doing things with you that don't involve practicing law. In addition to work, a good client relationship can include social components.
SECRET #13: Give clients tickets to sporting events. If you can't use your game tickets, offer them to a client. Often, this is a much-appreciated way to build loyalty.
SECRET #14: Whenever possible, answer yes. If a client asks if you can do something for him, try hard to accept. If it isn't within your area of expertise, then you might need to refer out the matter. But if the request somehow falls within your law practice, you enhance loyalty and your client relationship when you say yes.
SECRET #15: Invite clients to call you anytime. Certainly you want to take good care of your clients. And you don't want to give them an excuse to go to another lawyer who might charge more and care less. Don't worry about people taking advantage of you. Usually, clients who call after hours really need help Make sure your clients know you welcome their calls.
SECRET #16: Don't charge your client more than you estimate. When you offer an estimate, build in a cushion so you can always charge your client less than you quote. The cushion gives you a safety margin in case your estimate is off. If your client changes the terms of the project, then offer a new estimate so you set a new benchmark.
SECRET #17: If the effort required is less than your estimate, charge only for the time you invested. You could always keep the difference, but that's not as good as keeping the client.
SECRET #18: Do the job right the first time. If you don't have time to do it right the first time, where will you find time to do it over.
SECRET #19: Correct mistakes immediately. Everyone makes mistakes. The step that builds loyalty is how quickly and completely you correct the mistake. Apologize -- then do whatever it takes to make it right.
SECRET #20: Invite complaints, feedback and suggestions about how you can better serve your clients. Many clients won't complain -- or even comment -- often for fear of starting an argument or making you feel bad. Instead, they quietly fold their tent and hire another firm -- and you never hear from them again.
SECRET #21: Cut clients some slack. Everyone has a bad day. Evaluate your client based on the length of your relationship, not his actions on a particular day. If a client embarrasses himself in your presence, overlook it. Then go out of your way to make your client feel comfortable, knowing that he might hesitate to contact you.
SECRET #22: Treat every client as if he's the most important person in the world. Many lawyers treat clients like cases or files, but they're not. Clients are people who deserve your attention and respect. The sooner you learn how to treat clients, the sooner you develop their loyalty.
SECRET #23: Do everything possible to make it convenient for clients to work with you. Convenience can be a major competitive advantage -- and the basis of long-term loyalty.
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© Trey Ryder
FREE LAWYER MARKETING ALERT: If you'd like to receive Trey Ryder's weekly Lawyer Marketing Alert, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Write "Subscribe LMA" in the subject line and write your name and e-mail address in the body of the message.
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Convenio
La Autoridad del Canal de Panamá y la Autoridad Portuaria de Georgia -GPA, sus siglas en inglés-, renovaron un memorando de entendimiento con el objeto de unificar esfuerzos que promuevan mutuos beneficios económicos. El acuerdo firmado es prorrogable por cinco años.
Canal
Tras la salida de la "lista gris" de paraísos fiscales de la OCDE - Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico, Panamá estaría en condiciones de aprovechar la migración de clientes de los bancos suizos. Según el viceministro de Economía, Frank De Lima, el país ha demostrado tener un sólido desempeño de las finanzas públicas y un fuerte desarrollo de la actividad bancaria y financiera por lo que puede recibir en su Centro Bancario Internacional algunos fondos que han empezado a salir de Suiza, en medio de un complejo panorama europeo con efectos monetarios y financieros.
Better work
Nicaragua presentó a reconocidas firmas internacionales de vestuario el programa "Better Work" (Mejor Trabajo), con el que las autoridades pretenden aumentar las ventas de la industria textil y mejorar las condiciones laborales de los empleados del sector. El director ejecutivo de la CZF - Corporación de Zonas Francas de Nicaragua, Álvaro Baltodano, explicó que el programa, que impulsa la Secretaría del Trabajo de Estados Unidos, certifica a las empresas que cumplen con las leyes laborales.
Préstamo
La textilera ecuatoriana Internacional SA hizo una alianza con el BID para impulsar las inversiones en energías renovables. El BID apoyará técnica y financieramente, a través de un préstamo por US$ 25 mlls, para que la empresa con sede en Pichincha compre nuevas turbinas que le permitan aumentar en 44 % la producción de una central hidroeléctrica alimentada por las aguas del río Guallyabamba. La empresa también instalará nuevas líneas de producción de jeans y modernizará sus equipos.
Inversiones
La automotriz China Chery vuelve a replantear sus intensiones de invertir en Argentina cerca de US$ 500 mlls para instalar una planta con una producción de 100 a 150 mil unidades de sus vehículos. Presentaron al gobierno un proyecto para levantar una planta en Berazategui para producir vehículos de diferentes modelos. En Berazategui el grupo Macri supo producir los Fiat, cuando era dueño de Sevel. Aunque no se especificó de qué coches se trata, detallaron que el plan es ensamblar, en una primera etapa, 40.000 unidades anuales. En una segunda fase se llegaría a las 70.000 unidades.
Virtual people to get ID checks
The faces and behavior of online avatars could help identify the people controlling them, scientists believe. Using both characteristics, researchers hope to develop techniques for checking whether the digital characters are who they claim to be. Such information could be used in situations where login details are not visible or for law enforcement. Impersonation of avatars is expected to become a growing problem as real life and cyberspace increasingly merge. Avatars are typically used to represent players in online games and in virtual communities like Second Life. As their numbers grow, it will become important to find ways to identify those we meet regularly.
DSK: Maid 'may file civil suit'
The hotel maid who accuses ex-IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempted rape may file a civil suit if prosecutors do not press criminal charges, her lawyer says. The Manhattan district attorney's office has publicly announced they had doubts about the credibility of Nafissatou Diallo's allegations. Flanked by her lawyer and her supporters, a tearful Diallo told a crowded room full of reporters and camera crews that she doesn't want other women to suffer in the way that she has. Diallo's supporters suggested race and class may be factors in the way the case had been handled, and accused the Manhattan district attorney of throwing Diallo under a bus by questioning her credibility. There's speculation that the prosecution is weighing up whether to drop the charges against Strauss Kahn. It's highly unusual for a witness in a criminal case to speak out to the media before giving an account to the jury - Diallo's decision to give interviews to ABC News and Newsweek three days ago prompted legal experts to say that she was trying to put pressure on the prosecution not to drop the charges.
San Francisco judge rules circumcision ban cannot appear on ballot
A judge for the Superior Court of San Francisco ruled in Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco v. Arntz on Thursday that a San Francisco public referendum to ban circumcision cannot appear on the ballot in November. The Male Genital Mutilitation bill would have made male circumcision illegal in San Francisco if the recipient is under the age of 18, with perpetrators penalized by a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment. Male circumcision is a religious practice in both Judaism and Islam, so there was an immediate protest to the initiative. Judge Loretta Giorgi ruled against the referendum, stating that it served no legitimate purpose since it is pre-empted and thus prohibited by California's Business and Professions Code, which prohibits regulation of medical services.
US-Russia row over lawyer's death
Russia and the US have become embroiled in a fresh row over the high-profile prison death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky two years ago. On Wednesday, Washington announced that it was placing an unknown number of officials - whom it did not identify - on a US visa blacklist because of their alleged involvement in the death. The Russian foreign ministry says the US decision could harm diplomatic relations, and it would retaliate. Magnitsky, who was detained after accusing officials of fraud, reportedly died due to torture and neglect. His case, which sparked outrage, remains under investigation in Russia.
Madoff victims get another $1bn
A trustee charged with recovering money for victims of Bernard Madoff's massive fraud scheme says he has secured more than $1bn from investment funds which placed money with the fraudster. Irving Pickering said the total money recovered now stands at $8.6bn. Among those funds that settled was New York-based Tremont Group, regarded as a feeder fund for Madoff. But elsewhere, the liquidator for Madoff's firm was barred by a federal judge from pursuing some claims in his lawsuit against HSBC Holdings Plc seeking to recover money for Madoff customers.
Worries Grow Over Palestinian U.N. Bid
Negotiating Palestinian statehood was an early priority for President Obama's administration. But these days, U.S. diplomats are spending much of their time trying to stop the Palestinians from seeking U.N. recognition. With talks at a standstill, Palestinians say they have no other choice.
Mubarak Will Be Moved To Cairo To Face Trial
Health officials declared former President Hosni Mubarak well enough to be transferred from his hospital in Sharm el-Sheik for trial set to begin next week. It would be the first time he has returned to Cairo since he was ousted from power this spring. Mubarak faces several charges, including murder, attempted killing of protesters and other charges related to general abuse of power, as a result of his response to pro-democracy demonstrations in Egypt earlier this year. The trial date for Mubarak is set for August 3 at the Cairo Criminal Court.
Italy lower house rejects LGBT hate crime prevention bill
The Italian Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday rejected by a vote of 293 to 250 legislation that would have provided greater penalties for hate crimes committed against homosexuals and transsexuals. The legislation was rejected on the grounds that it violated the concept of equality in Article 3 of the Italian Constitution by providing differential treatment for crimes committed due to sexual orientation and gender identity compared to crimes committed for other discriminatory purposes.
Niger establishes anti-corruption agency
The government of Niger announced on Wednesday that it has established a new agency tasked with combating corruption. The High Authority to Combat Corruption will be comprised of government administration and private sector representatives who will monitor corruption levels, conduct studies and investigations into corrupt behavior and implement measures aiming to deter corruption. The government justified the creation of the agency, arguing that corruption hinders economic growth and social well-being, and increases social inequality and poverty levels. The government also noted that the agency will improve Niger's compliance with the UN Convention Against Corruption.
Federal appeals court hears arguments on tobacco advertising
The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral arguments on Wednesday in Discount Tobacco City & Lottery v. USA on cross-appeals from a tobacco advertising decision in January 2010. The January ruling upheld the majority of restrictions on cigarette advertising imposed by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), a law designed to limit the tobacco industry's ability to advertise to children, including a ban on distributing clothing and goods with logos or brand names, as well as sponsorship of cultural, athletic and social events. Several tobacco companies are appealing this ruling. Although this was considered a victory for anti-tobacco activists, the judgment did permit the continued use of color and graphics in tobacco advertisements and labels, striking down those portions of the law, and the Department of Justice (DOJ), joined by a variety of anti-smoking groups are appealing that part of the judgment. The DOJ argued for the reinstatement of those provisions, explaining that the government has a right to regulate tobacco as they see fit, due to its lethal and addictive nature.
Russia court denies parole for ex-Yukos oil executive
A court in the Arkhangelsk region of Russia on Wednesday denied parole for former Yukos oil executive Platon Lebedev. Lebedev and his former business partner Mikhail Khodorkovsky were convicted in December and sentenced in the Khamovinchesky District Court on charges connected with embezzling more than $27 billion from Yukos oil. Lebedev's lawyer indicated he would appeal the court's parole denial. In January, Khodorkovsky and Lebedev's lawyers filed an appeal challenging their six-year extended sentences for embezzlement and fraud. Unless the appeal succeeds, Khodorkovsky and Lebedev are expected to remain imprisoned through 2017.
Indian couple challenges UK immigration law
An Indian couple on Wednesday challenged a UK immigration law that contains an English language speaking requirement. The provision, which was announced in June 2010 by UK Home Secretary Theresa May, requires an immigrant to be able to speak English before joining his or her spouse in the UK. The couple's lawyer argued before the High Court in Birmingham that the language requirement violates the European Convention on Human Rights and called the law "blatantly, admittedly, racially discriminatory." The couple, who have been married for 37 years and have six children, are seeking to live permanently in England after traveling between India and England for 15 years.
Libyan rebel military leader killed
Al Jazeera, Doha, Qatar
Libyan rebels launch attack on frontier town Al-Ghazaya
Egyptian Gazette, English-language, Cairo, Egypt
Barak: Israel needs a creative way of expressing regret to Turkey without apologizing
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel
Lebanese outcry after belly dancer performs with Israelis
JPost, Conservative, Jerusalem, Israel
Top Libyan rebel commander killed
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Key U.S. Congress vote on debt plan delayed
CNN International, London, England
Kosovo peacekeepers 'can use force'
Daily Express, Conservative tabloid, London, England
Flu breakthrough: The 'super-antibody' jab that could protect against ALL flu strains
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
Captain America review: The plot is preposterous but this superhero deserves all the glory
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
USA takes a step closer to default
EuroNews, International news, Ecully Cedex, France
USA: Republicans force fresh delay on crucial debt bill
France 24, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
Libyan rebel commander killed
Hurriyet Daily News, (Liberal, English-language), Istanbul, Turkey
Wall Street chiefs in plea for deal on US budget
Independent The, London, England
Russia buoyant, August looms
Moscow News The, Independent, Moscow, Russia
Norway massacre: Anders Breivik took drugs to make himself 'strong' before shooting
Telegraph The, Conservative daily, London, England
Glorious Goodwood: Edie Campbell wins all ladies race as Courtney Love leads the style stakes
Telegraph The, Celebrity news, London, England
Poll: Economy to peak in 3 months
Bangkok Post, Independent, Bangkok, Thailand
Emotional funeral for South Vietnam's ex-leader Ky
China Post, English-language daily, Taipei, Taiwan
Medical Center in Yeouido to Serve Foreign Bankers
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea
Japan PM to unveil plan to reduce nuclear power
Hindustan Times, New Delhi, India
Centre's nod to Gumla bypass K A Gupta
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India
Terakawa nabs silver in women's 50-meter backstroke
Japan Times, Independent centrist, Tokyo, Japan
Sex compo claim: I was involved in 'normal behaviour'
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand
At least 13 Abu Sayyaf militants killed in clash with gov't forces: military
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China
Pirates free Italian tanker seized off Benin
Straits Times, Pro-government, Singapore
What really is free range?
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia
Top seed Peer beats Kudryavtseva at Citi Open
Taiwan News, English-language daily, Taipei, Taiwan
Hitachi Q1 profit down 41% on production halts, strong yen
The Economic Times, Business, Mumbai, India
Republicans put off debt plan vote
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Do Indian women need the right to dress like a tart?
Globe and Mail The, Centrist daily, Toronto, Canada
US: Economy Slowing Ahead Of Update, Debt Deadline
International Business Times, Business news organization, New York, U.S
CENTRAL AMERICA-MEXICO: Following the Trail of Missing Migrants
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Buyers exit market before House debt plan vote
Reuters, Business News, New York, U.S
Angry families mourn China train crash victims
Reuters, World News, New York, U.S
Republican rebels force new delay in U.S. debt crisis
Toronto Star, Toronto, Ontario
Top Libyan rebel commander killed
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
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