Bylined Pieces

Want to build a stronger practice? Start by seeing the world through your client’s eyes. Too many meetings with clients (particularly new business pitches) still focus on what we do — our practice areas, recent wins, or firm accolades — instead of what clients need right now. A recent EY study found that 75% of legal departments say their top digitization priority is developing or…

Why do I push myself so much? In the middle of writing a book, handling client work, and resisting the urge to run outside and play in my vegetable garden… I said yes to moderating a program sponsored by two of my favorite associations the International Bar Association and the Legal Marketing Association. The topic is one close to my heart.…

It’s Friday, so I’ve also taken the bait along with others, to do some more exploring with Chat GPT. Here is what Chat believes I would look like as a toy ready to go to market. In addition, here are a few of the other ways I’ve recently been using Chat GPT that you may want to try: To create…

For many lawyers, the idea of turning acquaintances or friends into clients feels tricky. People generally ask me, "What is the magic?" No one wants to sound like they're pouncing on a friendship and risking the relationship by asking for business. I really understand that. Yet the truth is, your friends already trust you — so why shouldn't they consider…

"But we paid for a great... CRM CMO Website Fill in the blank are we getting a return on our investment?" Too many law firms buy fancy lemons but simply forget to make the lemonade. They invest in technology, people and events — but often don’t take advantage of or fully "squeeze the juice" out of these assets. As we…

Lifelong learning. Freda Rebelsky was the kind of professor you didn't just admire; you adored. After a pioneering career in child development and consumer products research, followed by years as a phenomenal professor and fierce advocate for women 👭 , Freda — well into midlife — decided to take up the cello. She loved learning new things and didn't relish…

Every so often, you need to take a step back. It can do wonders for your work, your health, and your sanity. But let’s be honest—I’ve never been great at it. Two months ago, my world changed when my mom passed away suddenly, and I found myself navigating the heavy reality of loss. From working with my sister to plan…

My mentor left me a few months ago, but only after she gave me a lifetime worth of lessons. My mom Phyllis Brightman was brilliant. That word didn’t just describe her intellect, but her super-charged sense of humor, business smarts, and way of looking into someone’s soul with her piercing green eyes to know exactly what made them tick. A…

Have you ever struggled to find the right words to ask for something important—like asking someone out on a date or asking a client for new business? You’re not alone. Many lawyers I've worked with over the years face the same challenge (on the new business quest; I don't delve into their dating history.) They might have a fantastic marketing…

Years ago, someone said to me that in the world of business, there were generally only five people you needed to know in order to create a successful business. That number five always struck me as odd. This weekend, I listened to a podcast interview with Ryan Serhant, the real estate wunderkind from shows like Million Dollar Listing New York.…