Whether you’ve just opened your own practice or been in business for years, you know it’s not enough to be a great lawyer. To run a successful practice, not only do you have to be a great attorney, you also have to be an effective businessperson.
We’ve talked to several established law firms and identified seven habits they have in common. Putting these practices in place will ensure your own practice is on the path to success.
Positive Work Environment
Your staff is one of your firm’s most valuable resources. If your employees like working for you, they will want to work harder. Productive workers will not only make your office a more pleasant place to work, they will also keep your clients happy.
Superior Customer Service
All attorneys know the value of a client referral. Some firms forget the law is a service industry – but successful firms never do. Satisfied clients will refer you to family and friends, growing your business and improving your bottom line. With online reviews, this is more important than ever.
Highly effective law firms emphasize the importance of outstanding customer service firm-wide.
Tenacious Intake Strategies
How many times has your law firm let a good prospect slip through the cracks? Whether it’s you or an intake team answering calls, it’s important to establish strong sales protocols. Retaining and following up with leads is just as important as acquiring them in the first place.
Successful firms put systems in place to ensure no potential client is overlooked.
Mobile-Friendly Website
More than 60 percent of online traffic originates from smart phones or tablets. If your website is not optimized for mobile, you could be alienating over half of prospective clients viewing your site.
Talk to your IT and marketing team to find out where you stand. Check your website yourself on different phones to see if you like the way it appears to visitors. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s time for a change.
Security is a Top Priority
No law firm wants to deal with the consequences of a data breach. A breach costs attorneys time, money, and credibility. Nevertheless, one in four law firms falls victim to cyber attacks.
Successful law firms think ahead and ensure their security procedures are up-to-date. Enlist the help of an IT specialist to diagnose the efficacy of your firm’s security practices.
Powerful Collaboration
Collaboration is a key tenant of all efficient law firms. If your employees don’t communicate, they might be doing the same work twice. The more collaborative the business, the more productive its workforce.
Put practices in place to encourage communication among your employees.
Legal Case Management Software
The most productive law firms embrace technology. They understand that legal tech is key for staying current in an increasingly competitive space. The right case management software improves customer service, intake, security, collaboration, and more. Do your research and find what solution fits the needs of your firm.
Today’s highly effective law firms are successful because they have developed good habits. Every attorney who wants to start their own firm must establish good business practices. Take it from attorneys who have found what works. Apply these strategies to avoid costly mistakes and get your law firm on the path to profit.
CASEpeer is a legal case management software designed for personal injury attorneys. We are dedicated to helping law firms grow. Follow our blog for more practice management advice and legal marketing tips.
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