[I prepared this presentation for LexThink.1 aka Ignite Law 3, which took place in Chicago on March 28, 2012 as part of the ABA Tech Show. Unfortunately, due to last minute family obligations, I never made it to Chicago. Instead of letting all that work go to waste, I decided to share my presentation here.] Law firms have been using a specific Law Firm Template (brick and mortar office offering full service representation at an hourly rate) to create law practices for centuries. Over and over again, when lawyers create a new firm (solo or multi-lawyer) they always start with the Law Firm Template. Then they try to innovate from within that template by offering flat fees or going virtual. But that is not enough. I say down with the Law Firm Template! In this presentation, I will show lawyers how they can create innovative, client-focused law practices completely outside the Law Firm Template, by starting with a blank page.

1. Down with the Law Firm Template!
[or The Presentation I Never Gave at Ignite Law]
Rachel Rodgers | @RachRodgersEsq
http://FreedomIsTheNewRich.com
© 2012 Freedom Is The New Rich LLC

3. Template: Anything that
determines or serves as a
pattern; a model
© 2012 Freedom Is The New Rich LLC

5. Another About Page
Slide

6. Templates Are Bad

8. Nearly all men can stand adversity,
but if you want to test a man’s
character, give him power[point].
Nancy Duarte &
Abraham Lincoln

9. Powerpoint Template

11. The Law Firm Template
Bill
Menu $350/hr x
+ + 20 hours =
$7,000
Brick & Full Billable
Mortar Service Hours
Office
© 2012 Freedom Is The New Rich LLC

12. Templates Stifle Creativity

13. Creativity is the stuff
you do at the edges.
Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog

14. Photo by Calsidyrose - Flickr

15. What do my clients need?

17. Impromptu
Courthouse
Attorney

18. Live Chat
Joint Blogging
on Website
Advisory
Session Instant access
Access to FAQ on
to info about
website
Experts their problem
WHAT DO MY
Virtual Law
Office
CLIENTS
NEED? Library of
Legal Issues
Option to Knowledge
DIY of Risks
Form Video
Contracts Tutorials
Membership Storytelling
Site
© 2012 Freedom Is The New Rich LLC

19. You have everything you
need to build something
far bigger than yourself.
Seth Godin, Tribes

20. Photo by Jordanhill School D&T Dept - Flickr

21. Photo by Ally Mauro - Flickr