Originally posted in the Martindale-Avvo blog.
BigLaw environments are an excellent place to build up a large body of experience in a short time, learn the ins and outs of the legal industry, and develop your network. But if you want to leave your mark on the legal industry, striking out on your own as a solo attorney could be the way to go.
Those interested in going solo often wonder if they truly have what it takes to stand out in a sea of BigLaw. While you may not be able to outspend BigLaw in traditional advertising methods, you can make up for that by excelling in the area of customer service.
Connect With Current and Potential Clients As Quickly As Possible
Research indicates that 48% of people seeking legal services view responsiveness as a critical factor when selecting an attorney. That same study found that the top reason people choose to pass over a firm is slow response time. Whether you get most of your client inquiries via email, online contact form, or phone call, getting back to potential clients as soon as you can is essential.
Get Personal With Face-to-Face Connections
People want to feel like they matter. BigLaw attorneys, with larger billing hour requirements and packed schedules, are often unable to give this same level of attention to clients. Taking time out of your schedule to really engage with potential clients, connect with them about their legal situation, and build a lasting relationship of trust sets you apart from the competition.
Ease Anxiety With Transparent Fee Schedules
According to the 2019 Decision Criteria Report, 68% of respondents said price (hourly rate, retainer fee, etc.) was the most important factor in their decision-making process. They were also unclear on how various fee structures worked.
Simply being honest about your fees and billing schedule can go a long way in retaining new clients, particularly those who are used to the complicated, obfuscated billing methods used by large firms.
Read the full article at Martindale-Avvo.
