In January, 2005 I left my law firm to focus on helping lawyers with career development and client development. Needless to say, I knew that if I could put together a program that would generate CLE credit, the program would be more valuable to those who attend. Last week we received word from the Texas State Bar that our program titled: “Securing, Retaining and Expanding Relationships with Your Clients” will be eligible for 3.00 hour participatory CLE credit and .50 hours Ethics CLE credit. The three sessions cover:

    1. “The Core of Your Practice, Build Your Plan”
    2. “Skills to Develop Quality Services, Build Your Profile”
    3. “Build Client Relationships”

We plan to do the program by Webinars at noon Central time on October 8th, 15th and 22nd. Cost is $195. If you are a Texas lawyer and want to attend, contact Joyce (jflo@cordellparvin.com) as we will be limiting participation to 50 lawyers.
I know that this type program will not be eligible for CLE credit in all states. I know from my own personal experience that it would not be eligible for CLE credit in Virginia and I understand the same is true in Pennsylvania. If learning how to secure, retain and expand relationships with clients interests you, and you think it might be eligible for CLE credit in your state, contact Joyce and we would be happy to submit the materials to your state Bar.
Many young lawyers I know either do not see the importance of this topic or they feel client development is too difficult. If you think about it, your very security and the security of your family depends on your ability to build and expand your client base. My first mentor made that point to me when he said: “Law firms can hire smart lawyers easily. They graduate from law school every year. It is more challenging to find a smart lawyer who clients gravitate to when they need help. That lawyer is far more valuable.”
A couple of years ago I met a managing partner in a firm where I had begun coaching. He shared with me his belief that lawyers either “get it” or “don’t get it” when it comes to client development. I told him I respectively disagreed. I know from working with lawyers that many have the potential, but don’t have a clue where to start. If you feel like you have the potential and you have a desire to learn, then I believe you will find this program valuable.