Seminar
on Online Reputation Management (ORM) for Lawyers in Washington, DC a success
Online Reputation Management has become a crucial issue for
sole attorney practitioners and small law firms.
Business Consultant Terik Hashmi taught a one-day seminar
in Washington DC on July 8 at a convention hotel, specifically for lawyers on
how to manage their Online Reputation.
Online Reputation Management (ORM) has become a major issue,
especially for sole practitioners and small law firms. With today’s internet, it
has become very easy for anybody, not just actual clients, to post negative
information about lawyers. In fact, the overall impression is that most
comments and reviews are at least in part negative. Combined with economic
pressures, this has created an issue of utmost importance to legal
practitioners.
“Online Reputation Management is an issue that attorneys
cannot disregard,” explains Mr. Hashmi. “I have been in the profession long
enough to have seen what has happened since the early 1990s. The problems for
the profession result in large part from law schools cranking out too many
lawyers, and the internet developing and creating free or low-cost alternatives
to lawyer services such as free websites with all kinds of legal information.”
The about 30 participants had many questions and concerns,
including:
-“What to do about negative comments on review sites such
as Yelp.” Mr. Hashmi in general recommends not to voluntarily engage with such
sites because there are always the so-called “vandals” who post negative
information just for the sake of posting negative information (cyber
vandalism). Previously, vandals spray-painted subway trains. Today they post
negative comments on the internet.
-“I do not have time to keep up with the internet.” Mr.
Hashmi responded that this attitude carries great risks as life on the internet
goes on regardless. One may not even notice what information is being posted on
the internet, and only wonder why income is going down. In many cases, the
answer can be found by googling one’s name.
-“What to do if an attorney as been sanctioned by the bar
or a court (reprimand/suspension).” Today, in the age of the internet, the
attorney disciplinary system has become a serious problem especially for sole
practitioners and small firms, as disciplinary sanctions such as reprimands or
suspensions are published widely on the internet and never go away. Consumers
“research” on the internet, meaning they run a Google search. Hundreds of
attorneys are sanctioned every month by the disciplinary systems, and many bar
associations publish these sanctions on their websites and in press releases.
The result is that they appear at the very top of any Google search. This
situation is aggravated by the fact that most attorneys are focused on running
their law practice and have no positive information published to counterbalance
the negative posts.
Mr. Hashmi has researched these issues for many months, and
has interviewed many experts in online reputation management, reputation
management companies, and practicing attorneys. He is preparing a book based on
his research, which will be published in the coming weeks.
About
Terik Hashmi is a business consultant serving businesses in
the marketing realm. Among his clients is an Online Reputation Management
company. He previously published a book on successfully applying for jobs
(published by TIA publishers, Germany, available on www.amazon.com). He holds
two bachelor degrees in Political Science and in Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs
(Miami University, Ohio), a Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
(Cleveland, Ohio), and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from McGeorge School of Law
(Sacramento, California). He has assisted notable businesses and people,
including former President of Venezuela, Carlos Andres Perez, to prevent his
forced removal from the U.S. and potential execution at the hands of Venezuelan
strongman Hugo Chavez. Terik Hashmi is a former Professional Basketball Player
during the 1988-1989 season (European A League – “Club Centz” Luxembourg),
where he had the opportunity to compete and travel throughout all European
nations.
His profile is at: https://solomonlawguild.com/
Additional news about Terik Hashmi can be found at: https://attorneygazette.com/terik-hashmi%2C-consultant#63a6f99b-e82f-47bb-bfc9-8349f91933f4
**** Terik Hashmi is a business consultant serving businesses in the marketing realm. Among his clients are a medical service provider and an Online Reputation Management company. - Attorney Website at: https://terikhashmiattorney.com/ - Attorney Profile at: https://solomonlawguild.com/terik-hashmi%2C-esq# - Attorney News at https://attorneygazette.com/terik-hashmi%2C-consultant#eec97f53-49a0-4c94-869a-4847514cb694