Legal industry habits are a requirement for every small law firm (1-100 people with 1-5 partners). The difference between a successful law firm and an average one lies in the application of certain habits and practices within the firm. Here are some of the successful law firm habits that will make you stand out among the rest.
- Law Firm Efficiency is Key
“The combination of hard work and smart work is efficient work.” — Robert Half
The survival of small law firms depends on work efficiency. Unlike large law firms with governmental clients, smaller firms need to be time-conscious about their work, and working all day and night will not cut it with so few people and so little resources. Two areas where law firms find difficulty in being efficient are as follows:
- The production of documents is the number one efficiency concern for law firms. This is where technology adoption for law firms becomes a must. With prolific automation tools, lawyers can get their burdens cut into half. Artificial intelligence in law has come a long way, and case management softwares like Quickbooks and Leap can be used in this matter. Yet, if for any case they are not connected to the internet, the lawyers and staff should always continue producing relevant and accurate documents. This must become an involuntary practice within every law firm.
- Appropriate and timely billing is the other concern. One easy solution is to hire a credible bookkeeper who is going to keep track of the legal business management. But lawyers should inherently be aware of billings on-the-go and do basic record-keeping, at the very least, so it becomes easier for the firm to keep up to date.
- Standard Procedures and Practices
Small law firms implementing general practices in terms of all matters is the second habit that ensures success. Without a general list of rules and regulations to follow, the firm will face disorganization and a tough time putting every piece of the puzzle together. The following should be applied when team building within small law firms:
- Train your staff to the best possible degree and prepare them for any unprecedented circumstances. Small law firms must also be early adopters of technology. Lawyers must have basic knowledge on tech – social media marketing for lawyers is one area that can be improved. The pandemic has forced us all to become tech-savvy, whether we like it or not, and there are no excuses otherwise.
- The office environment should be physically organized for the lawyers and staff, which is important in managing stress which might build up due to work. This means no files piling up in a corner or laying scattered on the floor. Instead, go full digital and use the productivity hack of using one software to manage all files and give the entire staff access to it.
- Rules and regulations must be practiced within the frameworks of legal ethics. This is essential in building a strong reputation for smaller law firms. Any unethical practices must be brought under the light of the administration and properly taken care of.
- Strive to become consistent in delivering exceptional client experience. Attracting ideal clients depends on building relationships, excellent client communication and maximum client satisfaction. Lawyers must practice to perfect their client experience. This is essential for the business aspect of the firms.
- Enjoying Law Practice
Finding joy in the practice of law is directly proportional to perfecting specialization in law
This might be the most obvious habit, but it is also the most overlooked. A successful law firm is made up of staff that genuinely enjoy their field of work, i.e. law practice. Without the existence of this purpose, it is difficult to see a law firm as a whole progress further.
- A work-life balance for lawyers is necessary for employee motivation.
- Assign work that is within the ability of individual staff.
- Stay organized, physically and mentally.
- Develop a mentor-student relationship with people who know better.
- Communicate with clients and take feedback; it helps.
Conclusion
These successful law firm habits cannot be applied overnight and are a process. Take the time to work on them individually and properly.
Be consistent and patient.
And witness the transformation of your average small law firm to a successful one.
