Without clients there is no business, and without excellent referrals it's impossible to build your business. Developing a reputation for strong advocacy, excellent client communication, along with in-court results, are all essential parts of growing a strong firm.
Your legal talents can be wasted if you don’t focus time and effort into client relationships. Your ultimate responsibility is to be an expert partner to all of your clients and help guide them through the legal system. Your clients will be relying on you to fight and represent them honorably. A solid client relationship can help the process move smoothly for everyone involved.
It shouldn’t matter if you are working a large corporate case or a small slip and fall injury claim, your efforts on behalf of your client should be consistent. Setting a strict routine for client communication, providing fair and realistic advice and action, and working hard for every client will help you to build a strong reputation for the best legal services.
1. Excellent Communication
New clients that are seeking legal representation often need a lot of reassurance. When you put your client communication at the top of your priority list, you can help new clients feel more comfortable and confident in your expertise in the legal arena.
Trust is the number one aspect that clients want from their lawyers. If you keep the lines of communication open, your clients will feel more connected and engaged as though their case is the only one on your desk.
Prompt responses to all questions and correspondence are essential. Even if you don’t have the answer and need more time to do research, it's important to acknowledge the request and let clients know that you are taking action. Phone calls, texts, and emails should all be answered promptly.
The ins and outs of the legal system can be intimidating for your clients, so it’s important to keep them in the loop through the entire process. Let them know the status of their case. Communicate in simple language that eliminates confusion and further questions. This can help build trust and confidence that you are the right advocate for them.
Be patient with your clients. You may have to field an impossible number of questions and concerns with nervous and emotional clients. Remember that you are acting as their champion and make sure to set up regular communications to keep their fears under control.
2. Manage Expectations
Lawyers that promise winning results are acting irresponsibly. After reviewing your clients’ case it’s your job to give them a realistic view of how you will move forward and what the expected results may be.
It’s unfair to promise any kind of result as the law is always unpredictable. Always present all of the options and stress the importance of compromise as it pertains to the laws and where they are in your favor. It’s better to exceed a client’s expectations than leave them feeling like you have failed to deliver the promised results.
Your client’s understanding of the case and its potential is imperative to the final result. Talk to your clients about all their options and make sure that there is clear understanding before any decisions are made on a case. You never want your clients to be uncertain or feel pushed into settling before they are truly ready.
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3. Be An Advocate
Your clients should never be treated as ordinary. If you make each of your clients feel as though they are your priority you can build client trust and confidence. Let them know that you are on their side and that you are working hard to get them justice for their case.
When you advocate for your clients, you should feel the passion for their cause. The more attention that you give to each case, the better your performance will be on their behalf. Allowing cases to touch you on a personal level can help fuel your fire when you need it in court.
It is difficult to build a successful firm without caring for your clients. The reputation that you develop can help bring you more business through client referrals. Strong customer service — where your clients feel comfortable and confident in your advocacy — is vital to your ultimate success. Always represent your clients with the most fervent effort and attention to be a true champion for their cause. Clients who feel engaged and protected are likely to refer your firm to others, and in turn, be your strongest champions.
