The Law Firm Marketing Minute

Episode: Waiting Until January Is Already Too Late
Date: December 29, 2025
Host: Spotlight Marketing + Branding

Episode Overview

This episode challenges the common practice among law firm owners of postponing new initiatives or marketing efforts until after the holiday season. The hosts argue that waiting until January is already too late to capture new clients, as potential clients begin their research before the new year even begins. The discussion centers on why immediate action—rather than delay—gives law firms a competitive edge in acquiring business when demand surges in January.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with "After the Holidays" Mentality

• Common Excuse: Many law firm owners delay starting new projects, aiming to begin "after the holidays."

  • Notable quote:

    "That term, that phrase, after the holidays. I feel like it's such a simple phrase, but at the same time, like it's so detrimental to your mindset..."
    — A [00:07]

• Mindset Trap: This phrase becomes a form of procrastination that makes owners feel justified in delaying important work.

  • Notable quote:

    "It's that whole procrastination mindset."
    — B [00:33]

2. The Downsides of Delaying Action

• Falling Behind Competitors: Waiting until January means firms miss proactive prospects who are researching decisions now.

  • Notable quote:

    "You're really putting yourself and your firm way, way behind."
    — B [00:36]

• Seasonal Trends: While legal demand is quiet during the holidays, it spikes in January—especially for matters like divorce, estate planning, or business formations.

  • Example:

    "No one's getting divorced during Christmas. No one's trying to file for bankruptcy during Christmas... But you know, January is when they get that stuff going, right?"
    — B [00:44]

• Early Research: Prospective clients begin looking for attorneys and gathering information before making decisions in January.

  • Notable quote:

    "Those people... are doing that research now. They're starting to look for potential law firms to work with now."
    — B [01:07]

3. The Value of Staying Top of Mind

• Effective Marketing: Firms active in marketing now are more likely to attract clients when decision time comes.
  • Notable quote:

    "Those firms who are doing the marketing now... when [clients] make that decision at the start of the year, they're going to get that business."
    — B [01:21]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Procrastination Dilemma:

  "...I can just say after the holidays and you know, a bing, bada boom. Like, I ain't gotta worry about it."
  — A [00:13]

• Seasonality Reality Check:

  "Q1's super busy time for law firms, right? Pretty dead around Thanksgiving through December, right?"
  — B [00:40]

• Actionable Insight:

  "Law firms that maybe aren't doing any marketing or like, yeah, I'll ramp up my marketing at the start of the year. Like, you're already falling behind."
  — B [01:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00-00:33] — Introduction of the "after the holidays" excuse, its impact on law firm owners’ mindsets
• [00:33-01:21] — Discussion on why delaying is detrimental; breakdown of seasonal trends and client behavior
• [01:21-01:44] — Emphasis on being top of mind and the benefit of taking marketing action now

Conclusion

The hosts stress that law firm owners who wait until January to begin marketing or business development efforts are already behind. Since clients start researching and choosing firms before the year turns over, immediate action is crucial. Staying proactive and visible now positions a law firm to be first in line when new clients are ready to act in the new year.

Quote for Takeaway:

"You're really putting yourself and your firm way, way behind."
— B [00:36]

For more law firm marketing insights, visit: growmylawfirmfast.com