Many local associations and groups for businesses and individuals arrange seminars, conferences and receptions for their members or clients.

The organisers are often keen to hear from people who can provide informative presentations on topics that are of interest to their members.Firms such as accountants and surveyors produce seminars as part of their marketing strategy with their staff providing the majority of the talks.

An external speaker who can provide a legal viewpoint may provide added interest to their target audience.

Offering to promote the event to your own clients as a form of cross-referral may prove attractive.It is a good idea to attend one or two similar events to get a flavour of the format and topics of interest.

Then identify the sort of presentation you could offer, for example an 'educational' talk on an aspect of the law or an insight into a relevant legal process.

Try to make your talk interesting and entertaining but only use humour if you feel comfortable doing so.

Tailor your talk to the target audience using examples and anecdotes.Keep your presentation simple.

Avoid legal jargon and try to concentrate on ge tting across a few key points.

Detailed legal issues may not be appreciated by a non-legal audience who may evaluate your talk in terms of how easily you can communicate in plain language.The use of audio-visual materials, such as slides and flipcharts, will add interest to your talk.

It helps if you can give a summary of your talk in a short handout.

Make sure your name and telephone number are clearly marked on the handouts so that members of the audience can contact you after the event.A rehearsal of the talk - preferably with members of your firm as a 'live' audience - is important.

A real audience can aid concentration and the feedback will provide an objective point of view which will enable you to modify the final presentation.

The added confidence will give an extra boost to your performance.Local business and community organisations' newsletters are another source of publicity.

Do not judge newsletters by their appearance; cheaply produced informal looking newsletters may be circulated to wide or high quality audiences.

Assess the content of the newsletter over the last few issues and then consider how the law might have an impact.Articles which seek to demystify the legal process, such as checklists that assist 'self-help diagnostics', may be appreciated.

An 'expert' view on how new laws might affect businesses or specific groups of people may also be of interest.

The content and style of the article must be relevant to the target audience and fit the style of the publication.

The script from a presentation which you have given could form the basis of an article.Reaching a broader audience requires more skill but you may consider approaching the local press.

Consumer, trade and technical magazines may be interested in articles on areas of the law that are relevant to their readers.

Read regularly the newspapers and magazines that you are targeting.

This will help you to keep track of the subjects covered as well as monitoring the days on which specific subjects of interest are covered.Always check your idea for an article with the editor first and make sure you observe any length restrictions or deadlines which are imposed.

If your writing skills are not up to producing pithy prose, then a freelance writer will be able to convert your notes and ideas into a readable and interesting article.Reprints of your article can be used as a mailshot to your clients and other contacts.

This can be cheaper and more credible than producing a brochure or leaflet on the subject.Do not expect results overnight - people need to see you on a speaking platform or read your articles a few times before you generate a profile (and potential work) for your firm.

A series of articles and presentations will work together to raise your firm's profile.

Speaking and writing opportunities are more likely to present themselves if you can offer a recognised 'expert' - so consider the strengths and unusual services your practice provides.Training in 'broadcasting' skills is a good investment.

This could include help with structuring talks, preparing audio-visuals, speech writing, article writing, networking skills, answering questions on a panel, presentation skills and public speaking.

It may also help with other forms of marketing and client care undertaken in your practice.