Do you have a startup law firm that is struggling to forge its path? Although it’s not unexpected for a start-up to face challenges, it doesn’t mean you want to see the trend continue. Wouldn’t it be better to recognize the obstacles early on and find a solution that makes your firm stronger and more successful?
One of the best ways to do that is to take a look at other successful, already established law firms and dissect what it is they are doing well, and what you could in fact implement in your own firm. Curious to know what the top habits of successful law firms are? Let’s take a closer look.
Bring in Top Talent
The first tip is that you need to stock your law firm with well educated, experienced, lawyers that have an excellent track record when it comes to winning cases. The lawyers in your firm are truly the backbone of success since this is what draws clients to you. This also applies to staff. You need a strong operational team to keep the trains running on time.
Of course, this also means that you need to keep turnover very low, which means creating a work environment that treats your people fairly, with respect and appreciation.
Case Management Needs to Be Top of the List
You also need a case management system that is efficient, works smoothly, and ensures clients are not falling through the cracks. You want your law firm to run like a well-oiled machine so that clients feel as though they are being treated well and put their trust in your firm. This tip goes for both a case management process as well as software. Do not underestimate the power of great software. Many firms don’t want to change their billing system just due to a fear of change without realizing the large negative effect an archaic and outdated technology is having on their operations.
Remember That a Law Firm is Still a Business
While a law firm can, at times, feel like a bunch of individual lawyers doing their own thing, it is a single business and needs to be operated as such. What this means is that there should be a streamlined process that everyone follows and adheres to. There should also be one central message and vision when it comes to client satisfaction, marketing, staffing, and so forth. Setting key performance indicators or goal metrics is critical for any law firm to succeed. And after setting them, monitoring performance and making adjustments where needed will help you stay on top of achieving those annual goals you have your eyes set on. Achieving success without business metric monitoring is very challenging.
Bring in Outside Eyes
Another tip is that successful law firms recognize when a little help, direction, and planning is needed from outside eyes. Hiring on business consulting for your law firm means you’ll have professionals that come in with knowledge of the industry and best practices for how a law firm should be set up to operate efficiently. What changes can be made to your organization?, What are the latest industry trends? These are the types of questions they can help you answer. Law firm business consultants can really help change the success trajectory of your firm.
When it comes to law firm management consulting companies, Legal Back Office is a great example. They can work with a firm on a short-term problem which needs an immediate solution, as well as on an ongoing basis, and help to deliver real results. Law firm management consultants can help with process improvement, strategic planning, interim executive assignments, and more.
While it can seem daunting to start a new law firm or to pivot your existing firm in order to be able to grow; by following tips like these, you will certainly increase your chances for success early on.
