law

To QR or to Not QR (Code, that is)

 

QR code for law firm brochure, photo by Adunate When my client and I planned this brochure, one of our points of discussion was whether or not to use a QR code. QR (Quick Response) codes are those white squares of digital design that when scanned with a smart phone miraculously takes users to any number of data types. You see them everywhere, but it’s debatable whether people are really using them.

Actually the codes are pretty fascinating. They hold a huge amount of data—the detail of the design is determined by the amount of data—and they can be used to direct people to things like phone numbers, email messages, maps and locations, websites, YouTube videos, and so much more. Best of all, they’re easy and free to make with apps like QR Stuff or MyQR.

So, even though some speculators like this Mashable.com writer feel QR codes won’t last, we decided to go ahead with it. Here’s why.

My client, an attorney with Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs & Sweet, wanted a brochure that would bring a personal touch to to their law firm. She also pointed out the legal industry is sometimes slow to adapt the latest technological trends.

True, a QR code is far from personal. And maybe people won’t even use it. But in this case, it represents a helpful service the law firm offers their clients—an easier, up-to-date way of accessing information. It also reinforces the message that Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs and Sweet is prevalent both in technology and in law.

This QR code is working, even if not the way it was originally intended to.

Personifying the Perceived Impersonal

Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs & Sweet, Watertown, WI
The legal industry is often perceived as cold and impersonal but Carol Lorenz, an attorney with Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs and Sweet, shows how erroneous that generalization can be. She is far from cold and impersonal!

Carol recently called about a promotional brochure for their law firm. She wanted something they could include in community welcome packets, send as mailers, or have available in their lobby. Their firm, an established practice since 1938, provides a vast array of legal care to people in four counties of south central Wisconsin. Carol emphasized they’re truly concerned with helping people and they want to show this in their brochure.

With those thoughts in mind, we chose imagery that conveyed warmth and humanity. When writing the content, I featured “real” people with real-life problems and the solutions Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs and Sweet offered.

Personal, caring, helpful, trustworthy, competent, ethical and professional: these are key traits we focused on in the brochure.

And Neuberger, Wakeman, Lorenz, Griggs and Sweet made it easy!

A Photo I Really Like

solitary window

A couple weeks ago I took pictures of my client’s office for a promotional brochure. She is partner in an area law firm and her office is located in what’s possibly a century-old building.

I wasn’t planning to use this image in her brochure. But I really like it. As an admirer of old architecture, I like that they’ve never replaced the long-standing, arched window. I also like the setting. It’s located at the end of a hallway and it offers a calm, peaceful refuge.

In retrospect, the setting relates to my client’s description of the work they do. They help the community’s people in their time of need. They prevent small problems from becoming big problems. And they’ve been expertly doing so for 88 years.

Maybe I should use this photo.

 

Beefy Bathing?

Cows in Jefferson County, WI

I love the diversity of my job!

Today I met with a new client, a longstanding law firm needing a promotional brochure. Their office is a beautifully renovated, old building—beautiful, traditional and formal. Think golden for bricks and navy for professionalism.

Afterward, I stopped at the fairly new Water House Cafe and Bakehouse for a summer lemon tea and blueberry scone. Think green, sustainable, eclectic and so very delicious!

And because I didn’t want to eat in my newly cleaned car (that’s gonna last as long as my resolution to not eat at the computer), I stopped at a Rock River wayside.

Look at the fun view across the river.

These beefy boys came moseying on down for some slurps and wading in the water. I like how they just stared at me.

“Hey, lady,” they’re probably thinking. “What’cha doin’ chillin’ on our river?”