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Marketing and technology and how both affect the bottom line of the practitioner is the emphasis of the solo and small firm conference “Solo and Small Firm Power: The Best Things Come in Small Packages” on Friday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Speaker John Alton of Alton and Barclay brings 31 years of experience to the table and will focus his presentation on how effective marketing can help you increase your earnings.

 

Shortly after John Alton became an attorney in 1977, he assisted his father Jack Alton and the law firm of Lane Alton & Horst in marketing the reputation of the firm. Along with his efforts and the leadership of his good friend Tom Dillon, Lane Alton increased revenues by more than 500% in 12 years from 1981 to 1993.  At age 41, John Alton began practicing with Frank A. Ray until early 1998, after which Alton became a sole practitioner, principally handling medical malpractice litigation, his niche since inception of his legal career. Alton states, “I have been blessed throughout my life with phenomenal parents and siblings, my loyal and supportive wife Peggy, and three highly motivated and focused kids—Jeff, Jay and Julie—who have already begun to rise in their respective professions.  I recently formed a partnership with a bright and highly respected trial lawyer, Craig Barclay. At this point in my professional life, I not only want to share what I have learned from numerous mentors, but also ‘pay forward,’ in the spirit of former OSU football Coach Woody Hayes, who insisted upon that objective in every speech he gave before he died. Marketing for lawyers, regardless of firm size, is my favorite public speaking topic and passion, and the most timely, relevant one in today’s depressed economy for numerous lawyers and law firms of all sizes, shapes and compositions.”

 

During the conference, Mr. Alton will discuss what it takes in 2008 and beyond to increase net income for the small and solo practitioner. He will explore narrowing your niche versus the broad expertise spectrum as well as the topic of networking. John will also delve into the significance of integrity, professionalism, and experience as it relates to the success of the solo and small firm practice. His presentation includes consideration of the marketing and entertainment budget for the practitioner, judicious spending for both, and, if such spending will lead to more income.

 

Get down-to-earth, practical advice on how to increase your income and don’t spend an arm and a leg to attend. Also featured for the conference are keynote speaker Jim Calloway, nationally recognized small and solo practitioner guru, and Brett Burney, a legal technology consultant from Cleveland. Jim Calloway’s participation in the Solo and Small Practitioner conference is made possible through the generous sponsorship of ProNational Insurance Company and Hilb Rogal and Hobbs. Cost for this all-day conference which includes lunch is $99 prepaid/$125 day of for members, $150 prepaid/$175 day of for non-members. Register online by clicking here, or phone 614/221.4112 for event #3775. Register early as spaces are limited.