The Reluctant Rainmaker: A Guide for Lawyers Who Hate Selling [Paperback]

J.D. Julie A. Fleming (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 8, 2009

The reluctant rainmaker is one who understands how important it is to be able to bring in clients, but does not care for the idea of business development, viewing it as a necessary but distasteful part of practicing law. In this book you will find the information that will help you understand why business development is so critical. Using the step-by-step guide in the rainmaker's toolkit, you will create your own cohesive business development plan. This plan will provide the clear direction you need to build a solid book of business that will support you in developing a successful, satisfying, and sustainable practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Crow Creek Press (division of Life at the Bar LLC) (June 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977401863
• ISBN-13: 978-0977401864
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Law > Law Practice > Law Office Education
  • #27 in Books > Law > One-L > Legal Profession

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Resource for Reluctant Rainmakers, July 11, 2009

By 

Monica Parker "Career coach for lawyers" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reluctant Rainmaker: A Guide for Lawyers Who Hate Selling (Paperback)

When I practiced law several years ago as a young associate, another associate reeled in a large client and I thought, "How did she do that?!" It seemed like such a mysterious process. Well I recently spoke with her about that and it turns out she too thinks rainmaking is a mysterious process! (She explained that she got that client because a law school roommate served as in-house counsel for the company.)

After reading Julie's book, the rainmaking process will be demystified. You will know exactly what needs to be done, why it needs be done, and how it needs to be done. It's all laid out for you in a step-by-step guide. And most importantly, you will now be motivated to take consistent action.

What makes Julie's book stand out in particular is that she doesn't just throw a bunch of strategies at you. Sure, she shares strategies but first she makes sure that you understand why rainmaking is so important for your career, especially in the tumultuous times in which we live. She explains the importance of having a plan and walks you through how to create one. Then and only then does she dig into strategies, so now you're selecting strategies that will actually help you accomplish your own individualized goals. (As it turns out, the colleague I mentioned above who brought in the big client--staying in touch with law school classmates is one of the strategies in the book, so my colleague was practicing rainmaking without even knowing it. Not all of us are that intuitive; yet another reason we need this book.) The Reluctant Rainmaker would actually serve well as a guide for anyone interested in rainmaking, not just lawyers. So if you're reading these reviews and you're not a lawyer but interested in rainmaking, I recommend you buy a copy.

I also like how skillfully the author navigates between advice for big firm, small and sole practitioners. That could have been a daunting task but she handles it beautifully. There's truly something here for everyone.

Love the humorous elements as well. I actually snorted with laughter when I read "For many reluctant rainmakers, networking conjures an image of a room packed with sweaty people wearing polyester suits..." Sweaty people wearing polyester suits!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended - Even if you aren't a lawyer, October 12, 2009

By 

H. Floyd - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reluctant Rainmaker: A Guide for Lawyers Who Hate Selling (Paperback)

This is a fantastic book about strategic business development. Even if you aren't an attorney, this book is filled with great advice on creating a marketing plan and implementing the right tactics based on you goals, strengths, and available time. She covers both offline and online marketing options, with step-by-step guidance including valuable time-saving and results-maximizing tips. If you happen to be working as a lawyer, this book is an absolutely essential must-read - whether you work for a large firm or by yourself, and whether you just passed the bar exam or have been practicing for decades.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're looking for ways to bring in more business, this is the book for you!, September 21, 2009

By 

Rochelle Togo-figa (Ossining, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reluctant Rainmaker: A Guide for Lawyers Who Hate Selling (Paperback)

The Reluctant Rainmaker contains a practical detailed approach to building relationships with all clients regardless of your business. If you're looking for ways to bring in more clients but hate the thought of selling, this is the book for you! Julie Fleming offers easy steps to make rainmaking simple yet practical.

Ms. Fleming provides a concise format, practical and effective tools,techniques and insights. Ignore this book at your peril. What if your competitors have read it and you haven't?

Well done Ms. Fleming!