Skills Accelerator: Practical Commercial Skills

Module outline:

• Law firm economics
• Matter economics: cost communication and estimating
• Matter economics: time recording, billing and cash flow
• Communicating value to clients
• Improving client service
• Business development
• Competency assessment and commitment to action

By the end of the session you will be able to:

• Explain basic law firm economics and the financial impact of an individual’s activities
• Describe the key elements of matter economics, including the importance of personal productivity, accurate time recording, estimating, costs communication, and billing
• Demonstrate how to build client appreciation of the value of their work
• Identify ways to enhance client service
• Identify how to retain, develop and attract clients.

About the Facilitator:

Giles Watson, Manager, Practice Support, Queensland Law Society

As Manager of the Society’s Practice Support function, Giles provides daily advice to practitioners on a range of practice management issues. He has developed and manages a range of QLS practice support resources and services, and successfully won approval for, and now manages, the QLS Limitation of Liability Scheme. Giles is an experienced facilitator and trainer, with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Masters in Marketing and a Diploma in Frontline Management.

Special Guest Presenter: Bruce Humphrys, Managing Partner, HopgoodGanim Lawyers

Testimonials

What people said about the last Skills Accelerator session:

“I really enjoyed it, and I learned heaps even though I thought I already knew about ethics. I applied the learning straight away back at the office.”

“I was really impressed with the session; it was great for junior solicitors. I’m glad I went.”

“Probably one of the best sessions I’ve ever been to.”

“I really enjoyed the group discussions in an informal setting with people of similar experience to me.”

“The practical, interactive format kept me engaged the whole day.”