How To Succeed As A Solo Attorney
Being a solo attorney has its advantages, with the most significant ones being the freedom to be your own boss and the ability to select your own cases. However, there is one issue that most solo attorneys face constantly until they gain a reputation of their own in the law business. That issue is, of course, worrying about getting the next client. This is something that you will have to deal with initially, no matter how good you are. People don’t know anything about you and in order for them to know how good you are, you’ll need referrals; the single most effective way to get new business for lawyers and attorneys all over the world. So, how do you get referred? It’s quite simple really; treat your present clients in the best way that you possibly can and they’ll refer you to others. While you might already be doing that, go through the following points just to be sure that you’re on top of your game.
Communication
Even the best criminal defense attorney will tell you that communication is the key to maintaining a good relationship with your clients, but being generic is not the way to go here. Not all clients have the same mindset and you’ll need to keep that in mind while dealing with each and every one of them. The more you understand and adapt with the communication habits of your clients, the better your relationship with them will become over the course of time. However, it is important that once you figure out a communication strategy for a particular client, you follow up with regular and consistent contact.
The Fees
Be honest and straightforward regarding matters of money and it may work better than you think. After the initial consultation, immediately make sure that the client is fully aware of the fees and other charges that they’ll be paying if you take their case. Of course, you cannot predict everything and there might be added costs, but as a responsible attorney, it’s your duty to make sure that the client is being constantly updated about each and every change made in the billing.
Make Them Feel Good
While you are not a therapist, human beings are emotional creatures and they will take their business elsewhere if they don’t feel appreciated by their current attorney. Going to an attorney should not be associated with any negative emotions. They should think of you as a solution to their problems, not another problem. Learn and remember small details about them, remember their names and nicknames, listen to them even when the banter isn’t related directly to the case, and follow up after a case is settled just to check up on them.
In addition to the three main points mentioned above, it’s advised that you’re selective when choosing your cases. For example, since the demand for a criminal defense attorney in Oregon is quite high, a solo attorney may feel that he/she is losing out on business by refusing cases on a daily basis because of a full schedule, but the truth is far from that. If you’re overwhelmed or you take up cases that you know you shouldn’t, performance and reputation will decline, which in turn will result in dwindling business. As long as you’re in control of your schedule, you’ll be able to focus and win a good percentage of your cases while taking care of your clients properly.
