What are the best ways for lawyers to advertise?

[Floogeldy]

To you lawyers: What types and styles of ads are most effective? (I'm surprised how few resources I have found on the web)

To you non-lawyers: What turns you off about the way some lawyers advertise? What type and style of advertising would most likely be effective with you?

Thanks,

Floog

[Sporadicus]

1. In Every City I Visit

ad space on the back cover of the phone book has been bought by a personal-injury attorney. That reminds me of an important point: when people need a lawyer, the first place many of them turn is the yellow pages (not counting those who get recommendations from family & friends). Seems like a cost-effective method for being seen by people who are searching anyway.

[Floogeldy]

2. Agreed

Most people are likely to go to the yellow pages. It is a long story, but I did not know I was going to be re-opening my office so soon and I missed getting in the yellow pages this year.

I'm looking for something in the interim.

Thanks for the input.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

3. Non-lawyer here:

I'm skeptical of tv ads. I've heard from people who have used them and they have told me that they go for client turnover instead of what's best for their client. Alot of them have a cheesy, used-car-salesman feel to them.
I'd never use a lawyer (or doctor either) who advertised by television.
Personally, I like good references (personal ones, not provided) and have found excellent service that way.
If word of mouth isn't an option, the YP are what I would turn to.

[RT Atlanta]

4. Depends on your market...

If PI, or DUI, etc. phone book and bar restrooms are good places.

If you're more transactional oriented, I would consider trade-specific publications or forums.

I personally enjoy wearing my firm's logo and website on the back of a t-shirt when I participate in road races (always going to be someone behind you looking at your shirt).

Just some random thoughts.

Again depending on your legal market, I have also thought about napkins, matchbooks, and Zippo lighters.

[SCDem]

5. What sold me on my attorney

The chair of our county dem party is an attorney and has his own lawfirm with another good dem... he doesn't do divorce cases but someone in his lawfirm does so that is who I went to (my attorney turned out to be republican but he is a good guy with a good sense of humor and says that he is the lawfirm's affirmative action hire because he is a republican!).