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"The E-Myth Attorney: Why Most Legal Practices Don't Work and What to Do About It" Co-Authored by Academy founders Robert Armstrong and Sanford M. Fisch.
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*Hardcover & Audio books available on Amazon.
"My criteria for a good business-management book are that it must motivate me to improve my practice and give me at least two good ideas. I am disappointed if I put a book down without having specific, concrete ideas to pursue. A great example is in the recent episode of The Office, where the office puts on a small-business-success seminar, and the phrases "If you can dream it, you can achieve it" and "Think what you want, then double it" are heard again and again. I want more. I want concrete, practical solutions to the problems, I, and most small law offices, deal with daily. In this regard, The E-myth Attorney succeeds, and it does so wildly.
My suggestion is that you should buy it, read it, and have your law partner do the same. And finally, have someone in your office be the e-myth person "the one who asks every day if goals are being met."
To read the entire post, visit the American Bar Association website here.
"Unfortunately, some of the hucksters out there have figured out that, as a group, lawyers are often lacking in fundamental business skills and those types of books abound. They promise great things without telling you how to do them. That is not the case in this book. It succeeds while avoiding feel good phrases, instead giving great specific advice and the cost is fantastic.
The biggest take away point that comes back again and again is that you need to "systematize" your law practice. Mr. Gerber spends considerable time discussing the importance of systematizing the entire firm. Systematize everything from when dollars come in to the actual practice of law. Where the book falls a bit short is not giving a written example of what they mean. While I get the idea of what it should look like, I would have loved to see an example. This detracts a bit from the book, but I still recommend reading it.
Final analysis: buy it, read it and have your law partner do the same. Finally, have someone in your office become the "E-Myth person," the one who asks every day if the goals are being met."
To read the entire blog posting, visit the Minnesota Lawyer Solo Contendere blog here.
This book is full of so many great tips and advice that it should be on every Consumer Lawyer’s night stand.
It’s a quick and easy read but the principles in it will both inspire and aggravate you. Inspire you because you’ll likely find yourself saying “Yeah, that is absolutely right” and aggravate you because you add “why didn’t I think of that years ago?” Either way, I promise you will get more out of this book than you likely learned about lawyering in your entire first year of practice.
At the beginning of this review I said that they should make this required reading for every third year student. Actually that’s wrong.
It should be the first thing a new law student reads at the start of law school - so they get exposed to the importance of the business side of practicing law right away.
And it should also be the last thing a graduating law student reads - so that they can then see and better understand the business principles it teaches in the light of the legal training they have completed.
I'm the Managing Partner of a Mexican law firm established in a small city called Mazatlan. After reading the book, I found a lot of information that I can immediately apply to my law firm and take it into a real legal services company level. Another thing I found is that it could not only make us more profitable, but leave us time for ourselves. Thank you very much for writing this book.
Exceptional book. I have worked with attorneys for over 25 years as an in-house marketing director, consultant and personal marketing coach. I applied the E-Myth principles to my own successful consulting practice many years ago and am thrilled that Michael has teamed with two very successful attorneys who not only understand the E-Myth principles, but have "proof" they do work for attorneys no matter how "unique" and "different" a lawyer or law practice thinks it is!
You hit the nail on the head—lawyers (technicians) simply do not learn these skills in law school. I plan to actively promote the E-Myth Attorney.
The E-Myth Attorney has been an accurate, realistic and timely read for me. I am more "expanded" than most of my colleagues, but still too "contracted." I plan to put the teachings of The E-Myth Revisited and The E-Myth Attorney in motion immediately. I have been an E-Myth advocate for years with my business clients. On several occasions, I have given the E-Myth Revisited to clients (and once while on vacation to a lady that had recently opened a cafe).
I have tried to put the E-Myth principles in action for myself, with some, but limited success. The E-Myth Attorney describes me, and so many other attorneys I know very accurately. For years I have tried and wanted to re-engineer my practice in directions I think much of our profession must pay attention to—most prominently, (i)restoring the counseling part of the attorney-client relationship, and (ii) designing and implementing the "Winning Alternatives to the Billable Hour" that apply to my practice as a business attorney. I am almost 63 years of age and am concerned that time is running out. On the other hand, having been hit very hard by the recession, my goals call for re-generation, not retirement.
I finished reading your new E-Myth Attorney book and am now going through it a second time. The book is very inspiring and may change the way that I think about my practice and my life.
What really does get me juiced is the idea of building a successful law firm on my own. Thanks again for writing the book. It's a wonderful read.
What a great book! I'm a thirty-something law student with a lot of small business experience. I was drawn to law school, but started to get really down at the thought that being a lawyer either meant working for an uptight technician or becoming one myself. Since reading your book I have become reengaged. I am thinking all the time, looking for business-building ideas and ways I can contribute to my community. I have never been one to hang my head and though the legal market may be screaming that I should feel constantly dejected, I am confident that energy and excitement will define my future. Thank you for that.
The principles laid down in the E-Myth Attorney offer a fresh and innovative perspective on how to start a law practice.
Finding The E-Myth Attorney was truly providential. I have been thinking about many of the principles discussed there (albeit in a very rudimentary form) for several years, but not been able to put it all together as The E-Myth Attorney does. I can't wait to take the next steps in the process. I know my, and my business's, future will be better because of The E-Myth Attorney.
As the marketing director in my husband's law firm, I am listening to the audio version of "The E-Myth Attorney" by Robert Armstrong and Sanford Fisch. The information is excellent, but I am especially impressed with how well both Sandy and Robert read their book in the audio. It feels like they are sitting across the table talking to me in a comfortable, down to earth manner. Many audio versions of books, read by the authors, can not do this - but Robert and Sandy have succeeded. Any member of a law firm could enjoy and benefit by listening to this book. I believe it is a good sequel to Michael E. Gerber's "The E-Myth Revisited" and a must for any attorney and his firm to listen to.
If you've read any of the other E-Myth books, then you have an idea of Gerber's philosophy. But what makes this edition so interesting is that the authors have found a way to apply Gerber's "new-thinking" to an age-old practice. The legal field has always been one that's steeped in traditions - so much so that the concepts of business management and law firm marketing are often pushed aside to focus on the more technical aspects of practicing law.
But in The E-Myth Attorney, Gerber partners with legal entrepreneurs Robert Armstrong and Sanford M. Fisch to demonstrate how important these concepts truly are to the success of your firm.
Using clear examples and insightful storytelling, the authors show you the difference between "working on the business" and "working in the business", making a solid case for re-thinking the way you practice law.
Forget working more hours, taking more cases and billing more time - if you've ever thought you'd like your law practice to be "more" than what it is now, this is the book for you.
If you feel overwork, unfulfilled or unhappy with your practice, I'd highly recommend that you buy this book. It will help you come up with a set of systems that will allow your law practice to run like a well-oiled machine. If you follow the advice in this book, you will be far better off than 99.9% of the attorneys out there who are just working in their business on a day to day basis, instead of doing the long-term strategic planning that it takes to make a law practice a true success.
Great summary and elaboration of what Michael as a guest, and Robert and Sandy as founders of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, have been teaching Members for years. Thanks for writing this wonderful book.
As a young briefing attorney, a U.S. District Court judge once told me that there is more to the practice of law than being a good attorney. An abundance of knowledge and ability mean little if an attorney lacks the ability to lead his clients, associates, and staff. The attorney's knowledge also means little if the attorney lacks the ability to manage the equalizer that favors none, which is time. Therefore, in light of those challenges, if you seek an enlightened way to transform your law practice into a successful business that delivers quality legal services, and which is then transformed further into a successful enterprise that functions smoothly in your occasional absence, then you should read and heed the wisdom contained in The E-Myth Attorney. If you care not, then you risk repeating the failures of so many who came before you.
The day to day work life of an attorney is often chaotic and unpredictable. Market forces have created fierce competition within the industry. Profits are often elusive. Attorneys wonder what would happen to their business in their absence. There is virtually no law school training that teaches attorneys how to build or operate the business of the law firm. Most of us join a firm and follow the operating practices of those who came before us, only because, "This is the way we've always done it here." Perhaps we set up a practice of our own and follow the same practice habits learned from others. I wanted a different outcome. I was interested in learning principles that would help me operate my practice according to sound business principles. Gerber, Armstrong, and Fisch have hit the mark by detailing how to apply proven, five star E-Myth principles to your law firm. That's why this book is such an important resource. It is a road map for creating systems that make a business out of a practice, one that works for you, not you for it. I have enjoyed a lengthy association with Robert Armstrong and Sandy Fisch. In the services they offer through the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys they help other attorneys implement the business practices outlined in this book. It helped create a breakthrough experience in my practice, my family, and my life. I recommend you read the book; then apply the principles to your firm. Watch what happens to your practice and your life.
Between Michael Gerber's wisdom of 'systems' and Robert and Sandy's keen insight gained from coaching law firms around the country, this terrific book is transformational reading for anyone who wants to improve their law practice--and their life!
There are few self-help books targeted to the solo and small firm lawyer. E Myth Attorney is the answer to the need. I read "E-myth" about 6 years ago, it changed my practice. As a solo attorney, I remember thinking how great it would be if there was an E-myth book devoted just to lawyers. My prayer was answered. The book itself is set up to meet the needs of the busy lawyer. It's an engrossing read and each concise chapter deals with a separate topic. From the people you employ to the way you set fees - Its all covered.
Here is the important thing; it's co-authored by Robert Armstrong and Sandy Fisch. In my opinion these two law practice pioneers are the leading practice management and marketing thinkers in the nation. Learn from these great minds and you will be far ahead of your competition.
As a young briefing attorney, a U.S. District Court judge once told me that there is more to the practice of law than being a good attorney. An abundance of knowledge and ability mean little if an attorney lacks the ability to lead his clients, associates, and staff. The attorney's knowledge also means little if the attorney lacks the ability to manage the equalizer that favors none, which is time. Therefore, in light of those challenges, if you seek an enlightened way to transform your law practice into a successful business that delivers quality legal services, and which is then transformed further into a successful enterprise that functions smoothly in your occasional absence, then you should read and heed the wisdom contained in The E-Myth Attorney. If you care not, then you risk repeating the failures of so many who came before you.
In my 23 years as an attorney, I've been through many practice models. I've worked in a prestigious firm, worked for the Federal Government, worked in a small firm, operated in a partnership and ultimately opened my own firm. During the first half of my career, I was diligently searching for the model which would make me happy and allow me to honorably serve my clients and still have a balanced family life.
I've worked closely with the two gentlemen who helped write this book and I attribute my success and happiness as a lawyer and layperson to their coaching.
This book is the perfect primer for new law school graduates and seasoned attorneys seeking the answers which have alluded them in striking the right balance between life and law.
Unfortunately, while law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer, it does a poor job of teaching you how to operate in a law firm or run a legal business.
I've read all of Michael Gerber's books and heard him speak numerous times. I think he's right on point.
This book is a supplement to his other books and specifically addresses the challenging issues which cause attorney dissatisfaction and law firm failure. If you are a satisfied attorney you shouldn't read this book. It's not for you. If you are not happy, this is the place to start.
Legal practices are changing at a rapid speed. The old models are being replaced like yesterday's garbage. Successful, happy lawyers understand the skills involved in operating their practices as businesses. In my experience, this creates happy, satisfied clients. It's a win-win situation.
Two of my children are now in college, both wishing to pursue different passions. I've encouraged both of them to get business degrees and learn accounting, computer skills, social networking, human resources, entrepreneurship and the myriad of other components mentioned in this book which will allow them, as Michael Gerber has stated numerous times, "to work on their businesses, not in them". For those of us well past our college and law school days, it's absolutely imperative that we get these skills. Michael Gerber's books are great outlines to help us accomplish this very difficult task.
I ordered the book [The E-Myth Attorney] the day it was available. Got it yesterday and read it front to back last night.
It’s required reading for all the staff as well (along with E-myth).
Superb job!
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