Benefits of a Smaller Law Firm
Law firms, like many other types of professional organizations, come in all sizes. Some law firms are massive shops that have numerous offices and attorneys, while other firms have smaller operations. There are many benefits of a smaller law firm that clients can experience in numerous kinds of matters.
Personal Attention
One of the benefits of a smaller law firm is that clients may get more personal attention from attorneys at a smaller law firm than they would at a larger shop. At bigger firms, work is usually originated by partners and then projects are completed by associate attorneys who work under partners. As a result, there may not be much communication between clients and the people performing work on their behalf. This can lead to inefficiencies in communication and can also mean that there is not much of a personal connection between clients and attorneys.
At smaller law firms, it is much more likely that the person who originated the client will perform work on behalf of a client. It is also less likely that work will be given to another person, and one attorney usually handles all of the issues faced by a client. This allows clients and lawyers to have a more meaningful connection, which can have a number of benefits to a representation.
Fee Flexibility
Another one of the benefits of a smaller law firm is that smaller shops usually have more flexibility in fee arrangements than larger law firms. Lawyers usually charge clients by the hour, which means that attorneys will charge clients at the agreed-to rate multiplied by the number of hours they worked. This can sometimes put lawyers and clients at odds with each other since lawyers may not be able to complete work effectively in the amount of time a client is willing to spend on a given project. Larger law firms may have issues deviating from this more standard fee structure since partners at a firm need to be assessed on a uniform basis, and this can be difficult if some partners accept fee arrangements that differ from the billable hour.
However, smaller firms can often make their own rules and propose fee arrangements that may be more comfortable to clients. This may include flat fee arrangements, fee caps, contingency fee arrangements, and other agreements about fees. Such alternative fee arrangements can ensure that the interests of attorney and client are more aligned and that a client is capable of financing a given representation.
Smaller firms may also charge lower rates than some of the larger shops. Lower fees can give clients more flexibility when pursuing certain types of legal representation and can ensure that clients can protect their bottom lines when they face legal issues.
Efficiency
Another one of the benefits of a smaller law firm is that they are typically more efficient at handling certain matters than bigger firms. At smaller firms, it is likely that one attorney will handle most or all of the tasks associated with a representation. This includes client intake, legal research, legal writing, and other projects that are needed to fulfill a client’s goals. By having one person review all of the information related to a representation, it is less likely that details will fall through the cracks and there will be miscommunication about a representation. In addition, if one person handles a matter on behalf of a client, that attorney can build relationships with adversaries and others, which can help promote a client’s interests. It is usually best to keep the number working on a matter low so there is no breakdown in communications and smaller law firms can be more efficient by ensuring that one person or a small group is tasked with helping a client.
Customer Service
Another one of the benefits of a smaller law firm is that a smaller shop may be able to provide better customer service to clients than larger firms. Lawyers who work at smaller firms are more likely to be stakeholders of a firm. As a result, they have a greater interest in the success of a firm and the clients of a shop than someone who merely works at a law firm for a job and does not plan to stay for too long. Accordingly, small firm lawyers may be more willing to go the extra mile for clients to make things as easy as possible for clients. This includes traveling to clients to deliver papers, communicating at hours that are more convenient for clients, and in other ways. The more direct and personal connection clients may have with lawyers at smaller firms may also mean clients receive better customer service at smaller firms. This is because lawyers who work with clients at smaller firms know their clients on a deeper level and can craft their representation in ways that are best suited for each of their individual clients.
Attorneys at The Rothman Law Firm have experiences working for larger law firms, and we are able to offer clients the expertise gained at larger shops while providing the benefits of a smaller law firm. If you are looking for an experienced New York and New Jersey attorney to handle your legal issue, please feel free to contact The Rothman Law Firm to request a free consultation.