Business Development Consultants Form Alliance to Help Law Firms Exploit Advantages in Current Economy

Torrance, Calif. (May 15, 2009) – Two of the legal profession's top business development consulting firms announced today that they have combined forces in a special venture to help midsize and small law firms seize on the unique advantages presented by the current economic downturn.

The Closers Group and The Gero Group were inspired to collaborate in the wake of an unprecedented number of inquiries from smaller law firms since the economic meltdown of 2008.

Both consulting firms, which also serve law firms of all sizes and types, will continue to operate independently of their collaboration.

"Quite rightly, smaller firms believe that the current environment is one of significant peril as well as great opportunity," said Allan Colman, principal of The Closers Group. "Never before have they felt so urgent a need for the kind of strategic marketing and business development support that will enable them to survive the challenges and exploit the opportunities."

The new venture was created, in part, as a way to provide a larger number of law firm clients with bicoastal platform. The Closers Group is based in Torrance, Calif. and The Gero Group in Philadelphia.

"The economic crunch has neutralized some of the advantages that the larger firms have historically enjoyed," said Bob Gero, principal of The Gero Group. "Legal service buyers are more rate- and cost-conscious than ever before. And, they are more insistent on closer, personalized relationships with outside counsel. Smaller firms are positioned to deliver both."

Mr. Colman and Mr. Gero will provide this growing law firm sector with the benefits of over 40 years collective experience working with legal service providers.

Mr. Colman was formerly with DecisionQuest, a leading jury consulting firm, where he worked closely with the nation's top in-house counsel. He was also Chief Business Development Officer for Howrey, LLP before he founded The Closers Group in 2006. Mr. Gero has been top marketing officer at a number of the profession's larger brand-name law firms, including Fox Rothschild LLP, Proskauer Rose LLP and Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP, before starting the Gero Group in 2008.

For more information, contact Leslie Valenza at 202.258.3223 or lvalenza@levick.com. Mr. Colman can be contacted directly at 310-225-3904 or acolman@closersgroup.com. Bob Gero can be reached at (610) 818.4619 or Bob@Gergroup.com.

About The Closers Group:

The Closers Group counsels law firms and other service firms nationwide on strategies to generate new business rapidly – through customized training - http://www.closersgroup.com/services/business-development/ , active prospect identification, target pursuit, client meetings and deal closing. Its professionals bring decades of experience working with in-house counsel and CEOs to assess target strategies that forge relationships between service firms and corporate executives. Its signature "Red Zone" approach has helped generate millions of dollars in new business for its clients. For more information, visit http://www.closersgroup.com.

About The Gero Group:

The Gero Group, with offices in Philadelphia and New York City, offers Strategic Marketing, Business Development & Communications consulting services to law firms and legal sector service providers, as well as to other professional service firms.