In an environment that’s subject to constant change and with new competitors arriving every day, any law firm that wants to succeed needs to differentiate themselves. Many lawyers struggle to come up with a clear reason why clients should choose them over other firms in the area. Whether you’ve been running a law firm for a while, are just starting out, or are considering starting your own law firm, knowing what to do to separate yourself from your competition is crucial.
Here are some of the simple things that you can do to make your law firm stand out and attract clients.
Consider Partnering with a Consultant
Working with a reputable company providing law firm business consulting can help you come up with a strategic plan to stand out from your competition and attract more clients. If you want to achieve more success with your law firm but aren’t sure where to start, Legal Back Office will work with you as a long-term partner offering law firm consulting to help you identify and take advantage of professional opportunities that will help you meet your overall business goals. They offer support with law practice management, advertising, accounting, human resources, and more. A law firm management consultant can offer support and guidance to help you make the right decisions for your firm.
Recruit the Best People
When it comes to hiring, it’s important to invest in finding the best talent and retaining them. After all, salaries are one of the biggest sources of law firm expenses, so make sure that you are investing your money and time in the right people. A thorough hiring process with stringent steps for vetting any potential new hires is important to ensure that you have the right people working for your firm and are making the best impression on both potential and existing clients.
Listen to Your Clients
Too many lawyers make the mistake of thinking that they always know better than their clients. And while this might be true when it comes to the legal process, it’s also important to ensure that your firm is giving clients what they need and leaving them feeling satisfied with the service that they receive. Firms should regularly communicate with clients about what they do well and what the client would like them to change or do differently. But gathering feedback alone is not the only important thing; it’s crucial to act on any comments and suggestions that your clients provide you with and ensure that the people who use your services know that they are valued and listened to. Your clients will be your best source of truth for how you are measuring up against other law firms in your area. They will give you language to highlight what you are great at and give you areas of opportunities to improve upon. Not many law firms are asking their clients for input and this can really help you to stand out.
Be Transparent and Honest
There’s nothing more frustrating than a lawyer who isn’t upfront and clear about their fees and charges. And clients who end up paying more than they expected in fees once the case is over are unlikely to return when they need a lawyer in the future or recommend your services to their family and friends. People are looking for a lawyer they can trust, and the best way to achieve this is by being transparent when it comes to pricing. Bear in mind that many potential clients are worried about the expense of hiring a lawyer, so being collaborative by providing a range of ways to pay such as installment plans or hybrid billing can also help you stand out and attract more clients. Legal Back Office has assisted many law firms in setting their pricing structure to best grow the business and keep clients satisfied. If you need assistance with reviewing your current pricing model, contact an LBO consultant for a complimentary consultation.
Offer a Great Client Experience
Bear in mind that client experience is not the same as the client service. Your clients expect the minimum from you when it comes to working their case and representing them, but what else can you offer them that sets you apart from your competitors? Great client experience is achieved when you are able to empathize with your clients and treat them respectfully as they are going through their legal situations. Many people hire a lawyer during some of the worst periods of their lives, so a firm that is able to help them feel understood is one that they are more likely to return to. Consider how your clients feel about the time that they spend with you right from that first contact via email or phone call to their file closing. If you were a client, would you recommend your firm to your friends and family? Offering a consistent communication schedule can also really assist with ensuring your clients are connected and in the know about their case. Often times, clients complain about communication with their attorney as poor communication is rampant in the legal industry. Stand out from other firms by being proactive and responsive to clients.
Today, law firms are facing increasing competition and in order to gain more clients and enjoy better word-of-mouth marketing, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever before. If you want to put your law firm or potential future law firm in with the best chance of success, consider these strategies.