SCG Legal PR Network FAQs

Question: What is SCG Legal PR Network?

Answer: This network was created to bridge the gap between law firms of all sizes and the media. Law firms, bar associations, law professors, law schools, legal consultants, legal recruiters, solo practitioners, anyone in the legal industry needs press attention to gain credibility and increase business. From small law firms to global powerhouse firms, anyone in the legal arena will find this service to be effective because it’s simple to use and affordable.

Question: Why is it important for practicing lawyers to become expert resources for the press?

Answer: Traditionally, large law firms with hefty budgets were the only legal organizations who realized they needed to market themselves like Fortune 500 companies. These large firms invested in public relations by hiring in-house PR teams and/or outside agencies. Within the last five or six years, firms of all sizes and types have begun to discover the importance of public relations. Gaining a reputation by means of the media and serving as a trusted expert in one’s area of law can help build and sustain business.

Question: How does SCG Legal PR Network work?

Answer: SCG Legal PR Network is a cost-effective way for law firms and solo practitioners to manage public relations. Retainer fees for public relations consultants and agencies are usually too pricy for most firms’ budgets, costing as much as several thousand dollars per month. SCG Legal PR Network is an easy way for law firms to merge into public relations with minimal risk. The network provides lawyer members with access to reporters’ practice-area-specific queries for print, television, radio and live-speaking engagements. Depending on the flow of news, the network averages four to five press requests per week, or about 20 per month. In addition, members’ contacts and areas of focus will be featured in the network’s database of legal experts that international reporters have access to 24-7.

Question: What can law firms expect from the service?

Answer: Upon signing up for SCG Legal PR Network, lawyer members will be added into the network’s database of legal experts for reporters to view any time. They will also start receiving near-real-time press requests from reporters who are seeking their expertise. In addition, members gain access to various sources for tips on how to manage PR.

This includes the network’s blog, "Profiting with Public Relations" and its white paper,"How to Get a Reporter's Attention Without Losing Your Shirt." Both resources focus on how to effectively work with the press and build relationships while managing a busy schedule. They also provide clear explanations of how members of the media work.

Each month, lawyer members also receive key advice from top-tier members of the press (print or broadcast). This includes explanations of what they are working on currently, what they are looking for in legal-expert resources, and how law firms can improve in their relations with the press.

Past media tips have been provided by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and BusinessWeek, among others.

Question: What types of media know about SCG Legal PR Network?

Answer: The network is not limited to domestic media or one type of medium. Reporters who rely on SCG Legal PR Network come from all over the world in addition to the U.S. This includes television, trade publications, legal publications, mainstream news outlets, and this reach is growing all the time.

Question: Do reporters have to pay to submit queries to the network’s lawyer members?

Answer: The service is entirely free for reporters. Since the Internet has dramatically affected the news industry, reporters are now expected to do a lot with very little. Because of budget cuts within media outlets, many reporters have to cover more news and meet tighter deadlines than ever before. SCG Legal PR Network has strong relationships with many reporters, and it wants to maintain and build them.

Question: What types of law firms are members and where are they based?

Answer: Members of the network are based all over the world from large law firms in cities like New York and Chicago to smaller cities in Kentucky. SCG Legal PR Network is not a regional network. The service makes it possible for a solo practitioner in Nebraska to be quoted in the South China Morning Post.

Question: What kind of national or international reach does the network have?

Answer: SCG Legal PR Network has both lawyer and reporter members from various specialty areas from countries throughout the world. Media from all over the world seek comments from legal experts undefined no matter where they reside. Lawyer members also have offices in the U.S. as well as abroad, making the network truly global.

Question: Besides exposure to the press, are there any additional benefits?

Answer: In addition to exposure to the press and PR-advice resources provided by the network, lawyer members will receive access to monthly practice-management teleseminars with industry experts. Topics will include time management, client care, marketing, business management, networking and any other areas that may interest members. These teleseminars will not only help lawyer members improve their practices but also bring in new clients.