“It invigorates me to see quantifiable results from our work with clients. It is so rewarding to help clients meet – and in many cases exceed – their revenue goals. At PSM we have a philosophy we stick to: strategy before tactics. It works every time!”
Terrie: Founder & President
Law Firm Marketing Expert Witness Services
Recently I was asked to serve as an expert witness on a social media case involving a false and defamatory social media post. I worked on the plaintiff’s side and was able to validate the complete lack of social media training and employee accountability that resulted in this lawsuit. With the proliferation of social media sites, including those that allow anyone to make a false claim, serving as a social media expert witness is something I expect to be doing more of in the future. The case is currently being considered by the judge. I have every belief the judge will find in favor of our client, the plaintiff.
More About Terrie
Many people have a part-time job while in high school: flipping burgers, working at the mall, selling tickets at the movie theater. I did, too, and my job was a bit different: A disc jockey on a real radio station in Anoka, Minnesota, KTWN AM-1470. Not only was it fun, but I learned how to relate to my audience. Now, I help attorneys and other professionals relate to their clients. I’ve been working in and with law firms and attorneys since 1985.
In 1997, I saw several unfilled business development and marketing needs in other service professions and leveraged my 12-year legal marketing career by launching PSM Marketing (PSM). Our focus is two-fold: We deliver an outsourced marketing department to law firms of all sizes and business development coaching for individual attorneys and practice groups. Our clients are primarily in the legal and financial services industries, but we also work with other professionals and service companies in other industries.
Prior to founding PSM, I headed the marketing department at three of Minnesota’s largest law firms. My staff and I led all business development efforts for the entire firm as well as for practice groups and individual lawyers. I created, implemented, and managed highly targeted and results-oriented marketing strategies. I’m asked frequently to speak at meetings of professional associations such as the American Bar Association and various state bar associations. I have more than 20 years of experience doing CLE presentations, facilitating retreats, and lecturing at law schools. I am also a prolific writer on law marketing issues and opportunities. Every month, I write a column on “How-To” business development tips for Attorney at Law Magazine, syndicated in over 20 markets across the country. I am also an ongoing contributor to the American Bar Association’s GP|Solo e-Report.
When not coaching attorneys, or helping to manage our client’s outsourced marketing departments, I love spending time with my husband of 30 years, Jim. We have over 40 acres of paradise just one hour north of the Twin Cities. In winter, there’s plenty of space for us to snowshoe or commune with nature by the fire pit. When I was in school, I was a ballet skier (which is like ice dancing but on skis) and I still enjoy schlossing downhill. But even I need a break from the northland’s cold! I try to hit a Caribbean beach every year or two for the warm sun and the opportunity to bond with fish through my snorkel goggles.
In September 2018, Terrie launched a new service for Minnesota lawyers called CLE Connect™ | Ethical Marketing CLEs On-Demand. CLE Connect is a culmination of Terrie’s 20+ years working in legal marketing. Each CLE Connect course is approved for 1 ethics credit in Minnesota; courses are $49.99.
- Master of Arts Degree, summa cum laude, Business Communications, Graduate School of Business, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Master of Arts Certificate in Public Relations, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Arts Degree, magna cum laude, Organizational Management and Communications, Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota
Columnist for the ABA’s GP | Solo eReport
Terrie writes a bi-monthly column for the 110,000 readers of the American Bar Association’s General Practice and Solo Practitioner section. Terrie focuses her writing on providing pragmatic, action-oriented ideas for lawyers who want to succeed in marketing.
Terrie is a nationally syndicated columnist for Attorney at Law Magazine
Her articles are published in 22 markets across the country, with the most popular being: Minnesota | Phoenix, AZ | Chicago, IL | Los Angeles, CA | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | St. Louis, MI North Carolina | Salt Lake City, UT
Terrie’s recent articles include:
- The Best Marketing Strategies for Small Firms and Solos, American Bar Association’s GPSolo eReport, December 2018
- Social Media Changes Its Rules – Again!, Attorney at Law Magazine, November 2018
- Effective Communications for Lawyers: Content Is About The Music, Not The Words, Attorney at Law Magazine, October 2018
- How to Master the New Rules of Social Media Marketing, American Bar Association’s GPSolo eReport, October 2018
- Build Your Marketing Skills While Earning Ethics Credits Along The Way, Attorney at Law Magazine, August 2018
- 12 Marketing Myths about Law Firms: Proven or Busted?, American Bar Association’s GPSolo eReport, August 2018
- How to Turn Your Website into a Lead Generation Machine, Attorney at Law Magazine, July 2018
- Putting the Social Back into Social Networking, Attorney at Law Magazine, June 2018
- Is Your Website Working for You?, American Bar Association’s GPSolo eReport, June 2018
- Laser-Focused Targeting: The Key to Your Success, Attorney at Law Magazine, May 2018
- So Busy You Can’t See Straight? How to Cope (and NOT put Marketing on the Back Burner), Attorney at Law Magazine, April 2018
- Thinking of Leaving Your Law Firm? Don’t Jump Too Fast, Attorney at Law Magazine, March 2018
- Talented Wome Leaving the Law: Could Marketing Demands Play a Role?, Attorney at Law Magazine, February 2018
- Overcoming the Isolation of Being a Solo Practitioner, Attorney Journal, San Diego, January 2018
- Attorneys: Finding Your Bliss, and Why Does “Why” Matter?, Attorney At Law Magazine, January 2018
See Legal Industry Articles for all of Terrie’s articles.
Terrie is actively involved in helping educate lawyers on the ethics of marketing a law practice. Her involvement includes:
- Vice Chair, Executive Committee, Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility, May 2016 – January 2018
- Chair, District Ethics Committee (DEC), Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility, January 2016 – January 2018
- Minnesota Supreme Court-Appointed Member, Search Committee for the Director, Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility, 2015 – 2016
- Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility, 2011 – January 2018
- Investigator and Screening Committee Member, Hennepin County Bar Association Fourth District Ethics Committee, served for four years
- Past Chair, Minnesota State Bar Association’s Marketing and Client Service Section, served for two years
Being able to help prepare new lawyers for life in private practice motivates and inspires Terrie. She is currently teaching marketing and client service at three law schools:
- The University of St. Thomas Law School, Adjunct Faculty Member, presenting marketing and client service programming for third year law students, 2012 – present
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Adjunct Faculty Member, The Business of Lawyering course, 2012 – present
- The University of St. Thomas Law School, CLE Presenter, created a four-part marketing program on marketing best practices for lawyers, 2014 – 2015
- Marquette University Law School, Guest speaker, Ethical Marketing Strategies for New Lawyers, 2014 – present
Terrie’s teaching methods for marketing were also featured in Donald M. Lewis’s article entitled, “Teaching for Success: The Business of Lawyering,” Law Practice Magazine, American Bar Association, January/February 2014.
What Clients Say About Terrie…
Thank you, Terrie! I realized this morning that I WILL be successful because I have you helping with my marketing; something I did not have when I went out on my own the first time or at my current firm. THANK YOU, for putting my mind at ease!
Terrie takes a lifetime of experience to take your business to the next level. This group truly cares about the success of their clients and after working with them you will have made new friends too!
Terrie has helped me focus my marketing to take my business to the next level. She is both professional and knowledgeable. I feel so fortunate to work with her. Most importantly, she genuinely cares about her clients. Thank you, Terrie!
You are the best marketing coach in the world, Terrie. Thank you for all you are doing to help me build my practice!!
PSM, and Terrie Wheeler in particular, are responsive, creative, and truly understand and then partner with their clients to develop and execute a state-of-the art marketing and communications strategy, all while being very cost-sensitive.
I have really enjoyed working with Terrie and developing my marketing skills. Good job. By the way, who does your legal work?
You are the best marketing coach in the world, Terrie. Thank you for all you are doing to help me build my practice!!
I began working with Terrie Wheeler at PSM when my law practice was already busy and doing well. I wanted to keep the momentum of my firm going and grow what I already had, which was a dynamic, busy divorce and family law practice. Terrie continues to help me grow my firm by providing positive, practical coaching to help me reach my goals. Whether you are starting out or an experienced attorney whose law practice is doing well, PSM’s law firm marketing services will add value to your business.
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Read Terrie’s full article here > Spring has sprung! And with the warm weather comes more opportunities for us to get out and get together. The great weather and plethora of outdoor activitie...
