Avoiding the risks of “accidental clients” 
Published: November 26, 2012
Tags: 20 Things Lawyers Need to Know in 2013, accidental client, client relations, law firm, legal malpractice
A hefty legal malpractice verdict in 2012 reminded attorneys to beware of “accidental clients.”
A jury ordered Holland & Knight to pay $34.5 million to two investors who believed the firm was representing them in forming a business entity with a third investor; the law firm claimed it represented only the business entity, not the individuals.
‘Of Counsel’ relationship brings perks and potential pitfalls
Published: November 26, 2012
Tags: 20 Things Lawyers Need to Know in 2013, client relations, Of Counsel, risk management
Many lawyers and law firms are seeking the benefits of entering into Of Counsel relationships without paying enough attention to the potential risks.
What the small firm lawyer can – and should – guarantee
By:
Ed Poll
Published: July 20, 2012
Tags: client relations, Legal Malpractice Monitor
Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, guaranteeing a client a certain result in a legal matter has some limitations.
However, lawyers and law firms can promise a level of effort and standards of service without violating any professional rules because exerting effort on a client’s case involves factors within the lawyer’s control. Here are tactics within the control of every lawyer and law firm to help do just that.
Essential questions you should be asking your clients
By:
Aria K. Antonopoulos
Published: June 4, 2012
Tags: client relations
In today’s economy, the legal field is fierce. If you are not asking your clients about their growing business needs, it’s safe to assume that someone else is.
There are many opportunities throughout the life cycle of a client relationship for you to stop and check on your progress, whether it’s before you sign a retainer, midway through a case, or 20 years in. Here are some essential questions to ask.
How to protect your practice from difficult clients
By:
Dustin A. Cole
Published: April 11, 2012
Tags: client relations
Keeping control of clients who become difficult to manage and making sure you filter out the not-so-good clients in the first place are essential to maintaining a successful law practice and holding on to your sanity. This can be especially important in family law matters, where emotions tend to run high, this also applies in other practice areas. Here are five “rules of engagement” to help you protect your practice and yourself from difficult clients.
Let clients book their own legal appointment online
Published: March 12, 2012
Tags: client relations, online booking
Last year, busy solo lawyer Mike Young discovered that he and his staff were wasting about 10 hours per week fielding calls from consumers looking for free legal advice.
Effective client exit surveys
By:
Sylvia Hsieh
Published: October 7, 2011
Tags: client relations, client surveys
If you’ve ever wondered what your clients really think of you, try asking them.
Client exit surveys are a useful management tool for small firm and solo attorneys, and they double as an effective marketing tool.
How to get hired: Tips for a great first client meeting
Published: June 15, 2011
Tags: client meetings, client relations, practice management
The first meeting with a client can be a make-it or break-it scenario for attorneys.
Ethics: What to do when a client balks
By:
Correy Stephenson
Published: February 11, 2011
Tags: client communication, client relations, ethics, independent medical exam, legal malpractice
It’s no surprise that some clients are more cooperative than others in litigation.
But what can a lawyer do when a client refuses to undergo an independent medical exam, participate in a deposition or testify at trial?
The conversion process: From potential client to paying client
By:
Mark Powers and Shawn McNalis
Published: December 30, 2010
Tags: client intake system, client relations, practice management, referral sources
If you’re marketing well and generating a lot of inquiries, but only converting 50percent of your qualified inquiries into clients, something is wrong with your intake system. A high conversion is the result of an intake system that mixes hospitality, professionalism and the ability to inspire confidence. If you find that potential clients are visiting your firm and not converting to paying clients at least 75-90 percent of the time, there’s a problem.
One key question to tackle early on: How do you identify the right referral sources?
