Valerie Katz

When it comes to networking events, there are two schools of thought. Some say that networking events are a waste of time. Others believe that it is important to go to networking events. That is why Valerie Katz attended her law school reunion last weekend. Attending law school reunions is a worthwhile way to network with other attorneys, provided that you follow a few simple steps....

Sometimes, the name chosen by your parents guarantees that you will be a success. The luckiest of all, for our purposes at least, are those chosen few with the last name Small. First, you are guaranteed to come up on a Google search for "small law firm." Second, your name says it all. How much clearer can you get than Mr. Small's Small Firm? And you can have fun with marketing, too....

It is without question that Steve Jobs was a genius, and we will never know what he could have created with more time. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat 'em, copy 'em. Or at least that is what Valerie Katz is saying now. And luckily, she came across a blog post by Larry Bodine about what lawyers, particularly small-firm lawyers, can learn from Jobs....

Valerie Katz profiles a San Francisco family lawyer whose firm has become a highly regarded boutique that specializes in “Family Building,” “Divorce and Dissolution,” and “Asset Protection.” What's so special about him? This guy is a marriage counselor, too. Would you take marriage advice from someone who specializes in divorce?

Small firm columnist Valerie Katz thinks that the year-end review, like the New Year's Resolution, does not work. Rather than getting feedback only once a year, you should make every day New Year's Day. Well, maybe not every day....

Valerie Katz spent many hours in her small firm working on collection actions against delinquent firm clients. This was a new experience for her, and highlighted a problem that she had never thought about. As sad as it is when a client does not get the award he is due, it is much worse when the lawyer does not obtain her fees for the work done to obtain that award, right?

With the departure of Jay Shepherd, small firm columnist Valerie Katz is now (at least temporarily) filling the role of small firm chica (Val) and small firm expert (Jay). Let me tell you, it is exhausting. So, she am going to do what any smart, small-firm partner would do in this situation, and she am going to delegate. And, by delegate, she means push the work off on you. She have a few new features that she would like to unveil (and she swears, it will be better than the new Facebook)...

Small firm columnist Valerie Katz would like you to meet Jessica Fairchild of Fairchild Law Offices, LLC. Fairchild, a University of Chicago graduate and former Sidley Austin attorney, started her own firm in May 2010. Fairchild’s path to solo success was the result of this lady making things happen. How can you achieve similar success? Try for yourself by following these steps....

As you can likely tell, Valerie Katz is fascinated by terminology. She understands the importance of using language to market and promote your firm. She had never thought, however, about the use of terminology within a firm until recently. The word that inspired this revelation was "project." Project is used in many ways and with multiple connotations....

In his final Small Firms, Big Lawyers post, columnist Jay Shepherd reminders readers that clients don't like to see their lawyers palling around with the other side's lawyers. They hate the other side; they want you to hate the other side's lawyers. Here are a couple of reasons why you should be civil with opposing counsel....

For the next few months, small firm columnist Valerie Katz is working and living in San Francisco. It is safe to say to that it is a different world here than in Chicago. This difference, she has learned, is present not only outside of the office, but inside as well. How? According to several small-firm attorneys, this difference manifests itself in a work culture that stresses healthy competition in a supportive environment. Let's examine this difference in a little more detail....

Apparently, the way to garner a loyal (and numerous) Twitter following is the same way you make friends: build relationships, communicate and engage one another, and share information and unique insights. Yes, Twitter is like high school, except that anyone can be a cool kid. So, if you want to be a Twar (read: Twitter star), use the following tips....

Nepotism is not a new concept. Small firm columnist Valerie Katz would bet that anyone reading this article can imagine an example where nepotism played a role in one's obtaining a legal job, rising to prominence at a law firm, or securing a client. Some people, including myself, used to scoff at those people. She thought that one should rise or fall based solely on his merit. She was wrong (and naive)....

If we can learn from the loss of a loved one or the end of an era, we can likewise learn from the “death” of a small firm. To those small firms still alive, take this opportunity to reflect on your firm’s past, present, and future. Do not wait until your own funeral to take stock and learn your lessons....

Who among us does not love bathroom humor? No one, however, wants to live a poop joke. And, according to a conversation that columnist Valerie Katz had with two small-firm attorneys, they are doing just that....

A common topic of discussion with small-firm attorneys is whether or not to specialize. There are pros and cons to both, but one of the greatest difficulties in specializing as a small-firm lawyer is to make sure that your niche can provide enough business. Just make sure that you act ethically after making your choice....

Small law firm columnist Valerie Katz contemplates whether it is possible for a small-firm associate to go in-house, or if the small-firm associate will be required to follow her path and find a new exit strategy....

How can you make your small law firm stand out in a Biglaw beauty pageant? Valerie Katz has got some tips so you can put on your evening gown, wish for world peace, and go get that client....

Small firm columnist Valerie Katz shares the secret to maintaining a well-balanced life AND excelling at small-firm practice. Behold the power of "and"....

Are you thinking about taking some branding advice from Fancy Nancy? Maybe you shouldn't. Small firm columnist Valerie Katz advises that you go call yourself a 'trial lawyer' as opposed to a 'litigator'....