Obstacles to Marketing for Attorneys

As a practical matter, one of the biggest stumbling blocks to marketing for attorneys is a scarcity of time.  Most lawyers are consistently "under the gun" and pressed for time due to case demands, transactional demands, client demands and/or billable hours.  Young lawyers in law firms are often overhwelmed by the challenge of learning how to practice law, learning how to operate in a law firm environment, meeting deadlines and billing the requisite number of hours.  The practice of law leaves little time for other activities, and marketing or client development are often ignored in favor of survival within the firm and hobbies outside of the firm.  Young lawyers often rationalize that they don't have time to market their services or build a book of business; they're too busy trying to service clients and current demands on their time.

Although mid-level and senior attorneys may worry more about client development and marketing, they are subject to many of the same demands that encroach on the time of more junior attorneys.  In addition, more senior lawyers often have additional administrative responsibilities within their firms.  The pressures of billable hours continue unabated, and marketing is often relegated to a secondary position.

In my own legal practice, I have often rationalized that I have been "too busy" to engage in marketing for attorneys or internet marketing for attorneys.  Following a long day at the office, my desire is to see my family and to occupy my mind with something other than the law.  It is when lawyers are busy, however, that they should concern themselves with marketing.  There is generally a lag time between one's marketing efforts and the fruits that come from marketing.  Thus, despite the obstacles, marketing for attorneys and internet marketing for lawyers should be an ongoing, consistent process.

Attorneys can't afford not to engage in marketing.

Any thoughts on overcoming the obstacles to marketing for attorneys?