Unearthing Value From Cluttered Desks

He calls that messy? A submission from @jwswrites of his messy desk (on http://spjdesklove.tumblr.com/).

I’d wager the following: Anyone who has a cluttered workspace will claim that they really really really do have a system, and that it works for them. They may even go so far as to say that clutter is the sign of an active mind.

Residing among my own stacks in the cluttered category, I’ve tried floating those old canards myself. The truth is, of course, that efficient and effective people land all up and down that continuum from “hoarder” to “frighteningly neat.” Whatever works for you, works.

This month, the Society of Professional Journalists launched a fun contest in which people could send in photos of their workspace clutter. They then posted those pics on their own Tumblr page (which is worth bookmarking), and some lucky (and cluttered) person won a prize (office supplies, I think). Here’s how they put it:

“Featuring your stellar work space, courtesy of the Society of Professional Journalists. Post a picture to Twitter with the hashtag #spjdesklove and we will give your desk some Tumblr love.”

I did not submit my space for consideration, but on Change of Venue Friday, I thought I’d share it with you (see below). The image in this post represents a relatively neat period in my own pendulum swing. Don’t judge.

And how about you? Are your stacks and your clutter an ongoing challenge? Have you tamed them? If so, how? (And I really mean it: HOW? I want to know!).

Have a great weekend.

A portion of my own work area: I’m actually kind of surprised how neat my “messy desk” looks on this Friday. Things are looking up! (Full disclosure: I’ve omitted my overflowing bookshelves and various other flat surfaces.)

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Coalition of Bar Associations Meets, Includes Arizona Leaders

L to R: Bill Simonitsch, NAPABA incoming President-Elect; Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, NNABA Immediate Past-President; Peter Reyes, Jr., HNMA National President; Linda Benally, NNABA President-Elect; Wendy Shiba, NAPABA President; Patricia Rosier, NBA President-Elect; and Miguel Alexander Pozo, HNBA National President-Elect.

Recently, I heard from numerous bar leaders about a noteworthy event that occurred in Washington, DC—and that has implications for Arizona.

This past month, an annual gathering of the Coalition of Bar Associations of Color occurred. A press release describes it below. It’s worth noting that Arizona lawyers take a leadership rolw in the organization.

The Coalition “was established in 1992 and is comprised of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Bar Association (NBA), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA).”

I have also heard conversation about the possibility of the NNABA moving its national headquarters to Arizona. I have followed up on that and hope to share news from NNABA leaders as details firm up.

Here is the announcement about the annual meeting:

Coalition Of Bar Associations Holds Annual Meeting

Meets With White House Officials and Congressional Representatives to

Address Issues Affecting Communities of Color

WASHINGTON – This week, the Coalition of Bar Associations of Color (CBAC) gathered in Washington, DC, for its Annual Meeting. CBAC’s leaders discussed key issues affecting communities of color, including immigration reform, voter suppression, and judicial vacancies. This year’s Annual Meeting included visits with key executive branch officials and members of Congress, including meetings with U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, and high-level staffers from the offices of Senators Patrick Leahy, Orin Hatch, and Marco Rubio.

CBAC was established in 1992 and is comprised of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Bar Association (NBA), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA). CBAC meets annually every spring so that leaders from its member organizations can discuss issues of mutual concern and advocate in support of their shared interests.

“We will continue to work with Congress and the White House to find solutions to issues of concern for the benefit of our country, including the dire need for immigration reform,” said Peter M. Reyes Jr., president of HNBA. “Our mission is to ensure that generations of future lawyers are given the opportunity to make a difference within their respective communities.”

“The CBAC annual meeting provides us with the opportunity to collaborate with other bar associations of color and put forth a collective effort to remain engaged on critical issues, particularly on diversifying the bench and bar,” said Patricia Rosier, president-elect of NBA and host of this year’s CBAC meeting. “For over 20 years, CBAC has demonstrated the importance of and need for our collective efforts and every year our message grows in clarity and strength.”

 “Our participation in CBAC provides a unique opportunity for NAPABA and the other national bars of color to collaborate on issues that are of critical importance to Asian Pacific Americans and all of our communities,” said Wendy C. Shiba, president of NAPABA. “We stand stronger together, and this week we collectively advocated for the confirmation of highly accomplished judicial candidates who would further diversify the federal bench, legislation and initiatives to combat human trafficking, and passage of commonsense immigration reform that emphasizes family unity and an earned pathway to citizenship.”

“The lack of knowledge about federal Indian law and tribal law affects how Native Americans fare in the federal court system,” said Linda Benally, president-elect of NNABA. “While NNABA applauds the recent confirmation of a Native Hawaiian to the federal bench, there currently is not a single Native American serving as an Article III judge. NNABA – working along with its CBAC partners – is committed to ensuring that opportunities are provided for Native Americans within the judiciary and the legal profession.”

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Bar Leadership Institute of @AZStateBar Honors 14 Lawyer Graduates

2013 BLI Graduates—Back row, L to R: Brad Martin, Blair Moses, Elizabeth Kruschek, Buck Rocker, Doreen McPaul, Ray Ybarra Maldonado. Front row, L to R: Chris Tozzo, Tabatha LaVoie, Nicole Ong, Laura Huff, Annamarie Frank, Cid Kallen, Jessica Sanchez. Not pictured: Heather Baker.

The newest class of the State Bar of Arizona Bar Leadership Institute graduated last Friday. As always, it was a noteworthy event marking the accomplishments of a talented group of lawyers.

You may already know about the BLI, but here is a description of the program:

“The Bar Leadership Institute is a nine-month program designed to foster the professional growth and enhance the leadership skills of a diverse group of Arizona attorneys. The purpose is to increase participation and visibility in the State Bar and the community-at-large among historically under-represented groups, with an emphasis on racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability and geographic diversity. In 2009 the Bar Leadership Institute was selected by the American Bar Association to receive its prestigious Partnership Award.”

More detail is here.

Speakers at the graduation stressed the qualities of leadership exemplified by the attorney graduates.

State Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer praised the attorneys, and she thanked them for their continued participation in the work of the Bar.

State Bar of Arizona President Amelia Craig Cramer, May 10, 2013

CEO John Phelps urged the graduates to value the friendships and connections they forged through the BLI program.

“That network of leaders is something special,” he said. “Take advantage of that friendship; nurture it. You’ve had the opportunity to connect with others in this special program.”

State Bar of Arizona CEO John Phelps, May 10, 2013

With a laugh, he concluded, “You’re part of the club now. Be sure to use your club membership.”

Elena Nethers, the Bar’s Diversity and Outreach Advisor, reminded graduates, their families and supporters that the BLI is designed to “enable people to attain their full potential.”

This year, she reported, the 14 graduates arose from a pool of 60 applicants.

Bar Governor Lisa Loo praised the program and the attorneys, taking the time to introduce audience member Henry Ong, a Bar member since 1972. He has been an active participant in the activities of multiple bars, Lisa pointed out. And for good measure, he is the father of Nicole Ong, one of this year’s BLI grads.

Also attending the event was BLI chair and attorney Booker Evans, Jr.

If you are interested in being part of this successful initiative (for yourself or someone else), be sure to share and complete the Bar Leadership Institite application for the coming year’s class. The application is due by June 28.

State Bar Governor Lisa Loo and BLI chair Booker Evans, Jr., at the 2013 BLI graduation

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Phoenix City Council Candidate Panels This Week (moderated by @azatty )

This week, Phoenix residents and those interested in good and responsive government (including, I hope, lawyers) may attend a few panel discussions that will signal their city’s possible direction. The events sponsored by the group Urban Choices will include candidates for two City Council districts.

I’m pleased to report that I will be moderating both discussions, to occur on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Levine Machine, 605 E. Grant, Phoenix

The “community conversations” with candidates from Districts 4 and 8 aim to address topics of most interest to downtown residents and businesses. They include developing economic models that focus on diverse, new industries rather than a single cyclical real estate industry; and getting big successes out of transit-oriented development.

As organizers say, “Our collective goal is to ensure we get ‘The PHX We Want’ through the best possible elected representation.”

Playhouse on the Park, 1850 N. Central, Phoenix

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Invite your friends and colleagues as well.

More information, including an agenda, map, and RSVP, is available on the Facebook event invitations (click the links below for more information):

• District 4: Wednesday, May 15, 6 p.m., Playhouse on the Park, 1850 N. Central Avenue
• District 8: Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m., Levine Machine, 605 E. Grant

Read the complete flier and information below.

If you can’t attend, feel free to send me a question or two that you’d like me to ask the candidates.

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My Last Word Addresses Justice on Tribal Lands

Arizona Attorney’s “End Notes,” from the early 2000s.

One of the biggest challenges every magazine faces is: What do you do with your back page?

Specifically, that means the inside back page, typically the last “edit” page in the magazine, followed by a page or more of advertising. After the cover and the contents page, it is typically the most-read page in a magazine (aside from lawyer discipline, in our case!).

When I started at Arizona Attorney Magazine years ago, we tried a variety of things, including a page dedicated to legal trivia (and even incorporating a quiz), called “End Notes.” But as time went on, we gravitated back to a traditional inside last page with commentary from folks we thought readers would appreciate (or respond to, or both). We call the page The Last Word.

Our “stable” of regularly recurring columnists has varied, but it has stayed the same over the past few years (though we are open to ideas for people to add as a regular columnists; send a note to me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org).

Over time, though, we found that there were more diverse voices among Arizona lawyers that should be shared. These are those people who may have no interest in writing regularly, but who have one great and compelling column in them. They have a message they feel should be conveyed. Aside from a letter to the editor, where is the magazine space for them?

Arizona lawyer Don Bayles. Jr.

That’s when we developed My Last Word—identical in appearance and word count to The last Word, but open to any lawyer who has something to say. (Like all content, submissions are reviewed for appropriateness, timeliness and relevance.)

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a column, write to me (arizona.attorney@azbar.org).

The May issue contains a compelling example of My Last Word. Written by Don Bayles, Jr., it addresses the heartbreaking problem of violence against women and girls in Indian reservations. The challenges include jurisdiction and vast distances, and they are substantial.

Here is how Don opened his column:

“Horrific violence toward women and children on southwestern tribal lands continues to disappoint. Up to 90 percent of girls in Hopi villages can expect to be sexually molested, according to a September 2012 interview with Arlene Honanie, the wife of the tribe’s vice chairman. Ms. Honanie said that this happens, at least in part, because offenders are so rarely punished. A nearby advocate for reservation victims offered a similar observation in cases involving the Navajo Nation. Speaking to a New York Times reporter, Caroline Antone said, ‘I know only a couple of people who have not been raped, out of hundreds.’ If these reports are even roughly accurate, the Rule of Law within our adjacent Indian nations has lost credibility. As one human rights leader has said, ‘If you’re not safe, nothing else matters.’”

You should read Don’s entire column, here.

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Phoenix Mural Reminds of Water’s Value

In downtown Phoenix, a new mural on the south wall of Valley Youth Theatre is bringing attention to water issues in Arizona and around the world. The mural is one of 10 in a global series called Water Writes.

I admit to being a little pleased when I spotted the most recent new mural in downtown Phoenix. Sited just off First Street and Fillmore, it recognizes the centrality of water to the success and prosperity of Arizona.

And only a few months after we put out the call for water-related topics in Arizona Attorney Magazine. How generous of the artists to erect a complementary mural that calls attention to our call for authors.

Unlikely, eh?

OK, maybe. But in any case, enjoy Change of Venue Friday with a few images of the remarkable artwork.

The wall before artists arrived …

The mural (painted on the side of Arizona gem Valley Youth Theatre) is part of an initiative of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership called “The Space Between,” which urges residents to consider what they’d hope to see on the empty lots that dot downtown. More about the project is here and here.

… and the wall after they left.

The city of Phoenix was fortunate to get one of these murals, which is “one of 10 collaborative mural projects” internationally.

Here are some close-up images of the building-long mural. Have a great—and well-hydrated—weekend.

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Guest Post: The Evolution of Google Results for Lawyer Searches

The power of the Internet to transform business has been revolutionary. And in that transformation, Google and its functionality have been leading change-agents.

Attorneys—already occupied by the law and business sides of their work—likely scratch their heads at the possibility of being “found” by anyone among Google’s billions of bits and bytes. That’s why I was pleased to hear from Texas attorney Scott Morgan, who offered a primer on the topic of getting found in Google search (more about Scott follows his great post; I’m also pleased to note that he’s a prolific blogger). And if you thought you already understood Google’s algorithm before, read on, because the math of search has changed.

Here is Scott:

For many law firms, the Internet, and particularly Google, has developed over the last several years into their primary source of new clients. Many law firms use pay per click advertising (PPC) as a way to rent online real estate for important keyword phrases. Other law firms use search engine optimization (SEO) as a way to get in front of those same searchers without having to pay every time they click.

While SEO sounds great in theory, the reality is that it is extremely changing and, as we will discuss below, constantly changing. This article will discuss how Google results for local attorney phrases have dramatically changed over the past year and what law firms can do to best position themselves.

Google’s Search Results—A Brief History

Our analysis begins with a comparison of what a Google search results page for a local phrase such as “Phoenix divorce lawyer” looks like currently as compared to as recent as 2012.  Since I didn’t have the foresight to take a picture of an old results page back, I will have to replicate it by using a phrase that won’t trigger Google’s “localization” of the results. It actually took some work to find an appropriate phrase, but eventually I came across “Phoenix divorce property division,” which looked like the old-style results.

As shown in the picture below, the results basically had some paid ads at the top and right sidebar, but the rest of the page was just the 10 highest-ranking organic results for the phrase. Under the old system, the key to ranking highly for almost any particular phrase was to get lots and lots of links pointing to your site with anchor text (the words that are in the link) that either exactly matched or were close to matching the phrase you’re trying to rank highly for.

Google search results for “Phoenix divorce property division.”

So if you were trying to rank for “Phoenix divorce lawyer,” you would get links pointing to your site with that anchor text, ideally from other highly ranked sites, preferably in the legal niche. Many professional SEO firms made a lot of money by promising (and occasionally delivering) to get lawyer websites to the top of the rankings for their desired keywords using just this strategy. While certain types of links became more and less effective with Google over the years, it was still a relatively straightforward process to get a website to rank for a particular keyword phrase.

Fast Forward to the Present

Let’s now take a look at how the Google results pages have changed over the past year using the keyword phrase “Phoenix divorce lawyer” (below).

Google search results for “Phoenix divorce lawyer.”

As you can see, the results still show PPC ads at the top and right side of the page. What is significantly different are the seven local listings that are blended in with the organic results. On this particular search there are actually three results that appear above the local listings. In many locations, the seven local listings appear above all the organic listings.

While at first blush this may seem like a relatively minor cosmetic change in the results, it is anything but. Here is the often misunderstood part of the new localization of the results: Google uses two separate algorithms to rank the local results and the organic results.

Attorney Scott Morgan

In other words, you could be the #1 ranking site in organic but not be found at all in the local listings. The end result of this change could have been that overnight you went from having the top listing for multiple client-generating keywords to being pushed all the way to the bottom of the page by the local listings, causing your traffic and potential client inquiries to slow from a flood to a trickle.

What Should Law Firms Do Now?

So the bottom line is that if law firms want to get in front of potential clients on Google result pages without having to resort to PPC, they will need to rank highly in the local listings. While this is no small task, given the amount of potential clients that a high ranking on a good keyword can generate, it is worth it to master this new area of SEO. Here are some basic things that you can do to improve your chances of your website being listed highly in local:

• The very first thing you should do is claim your Google local listing. By claiming it you gain control over the content of the listing, including the basics such as your business name, address and telephone number, as well as more advanced features such as pictures, videos and periodic postings about your practice.
• Many other websites have local listings, such as Yelp, Yahoo local, Bing Local, Yellowpages, and Localeze. You should claim these listings as well. Not only can it generate some website visitors for you but Google looks at these listings as a way to confirm the information on your Google local listing.
• Work on getting your name, address and phone consistent across the Internet. This is probably the most common problem that websites have in getting good local rankings. If over the years you have moved your office once or twice or changed phone numbers, it is likely that the old data is floating around the Internet still. This will cause Google to have less confidence that the information they have for your business is accurate and will cause your local rankings to plummet.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into how the new Google results pages for lawyer searches work and what you need to do to improve your chances of getting a steady flow of clients from this very valuable channel.

About the Author

When not obsessing about his firm’s search rankings, Scott Morgan is busy representing divorce clients in Texas. He is a board-certified family law attorney and founder of the Morgan Law Firm, which has offices in Sugar Land, Austin and Houston.

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