Three key elements vital to the DNA of any successful new law firm

Having the right technology, implementing a strategy to get your firm noticed, and focusing on attracting clients who will align with your mission, are three vital steps to ensuring that a new firm succeeds. 

Dye & Durham Australia’s Managing Director, Dennis Barnhart, emphasizes the importance of implementing the right technology to manage cases effectively, which can eliminate unnecessary work and create room to grow by freeing up staff to engage new clients.

Being systematic about client acquisition is also vital. However, to succeed in this, a founder must be clear about why they are starting the firm in the first place and what type of firm they want it to be when their vision has materialised. 

Consider if: 

• They want to create a small firm that offers staff the flexibility to work from home and manage their personal life 

• They want to establish a firm that practices across multiple areas of law, engages partners, and grows over time. 

Knowing this will help shape the way the firm is promoted, the type of clients it seeks to attract, and will influence important decisions such as recruitment and succession planning. 

Here is a guide to navigating technology, getting your firm noticed and attracting the right clients.

• Technology

Get a practice and case management system

Many founders acquire a case management system before they have any clients because of the importance of securely storing clients’ sensitive data. 

Better hardware and software lead to a more efficient business, enhancing cybersecurity credentials and reducing the need for paperwork, thus giving the firm room to grow. 

Streamline processes

Nothing slows down a law firm more than time-consuming manual administration tasks. A good case management system, can automate these tasks, freeing up the firm’s employees to focus on more meaningful work. Providing employees with better resources allows them to work smarter and more efficiently.

Satisfy clients 

Modern clients expect the same kind of user experience from their law firm as they do from any other business. Having the right technology will help meet or exceed these expectations. 

• Presence 

Expand your legal network 

Collaboration can be where the magic happens. All law firm owners have been in the starting phase at some point and can be the biggest allies of a new firm. Rather than distancing the firm from others, connect with them – especially if your firm offers different services. 

Four ways to collaborate with other law firms: 

1. Referrals: The first place someone goes when looking for a new legal service is their current lawyer. The more firms that know and respect your firm, the more clients that will be sent your way. 
2. Reciprocation: Returning a referral favour has two benefits. If the client has a positive experience with the law firm you recommended, it reflects well on you. Secondly, your relationship with that firm will also grow, improving the chances of mutual referrals. 
3. Advice: Collaborating with your network can help you obtain business advice and avoid mistakes made in the past by other firms. 
4. Shared experience: Surrounding yourself with individuals who have been through or are going through similar experiences can boost morale.
   

Download 4 ways to collaborate with other law firms

• Become a social media master

Social media is a powerful way to get your brand in front of the people who could potentially become your clients. Best of all it’s free.

LinkedIn, in particular, is highly useful for lawyers. Upload a professional recent headshot, add your experience and credentials and an engaging bio. Connect with other lawyers and share genuinely valuable posts once or twice a week to attract interest.

LinkedIn is also a powerful platform to share success stories, testimonials, and case studies.

• Clients 

While it might be tempting to take any work that is available when starting a new firm, carefully selecting clients that suit the firm’s philosophy can help make the business more sustainable. 

It will also mean that the founder and staff will enjoy their work longer, helping the firm build a stronger reputation from the outset.

Elements of the ideal client 

1. They are enjoyable to work with: Prioritise clients who excite your interest. 
2. They’ve chosen you: Clients tend to respect your work more if they feel they have chosen you rather than you are being assigned to them out of necessity. 
3. They communicate well: A client who responds quickly and clearly ensures valuable time is not wasted chasing them for input or answers. 
4. They give you a purpose: Having a purpose will keep you marching forward. Look for clients who give you that.
    

Download 4 key elements of an ideal client

 

By focusing on these elements, law firms can ensure they have the right foundations in place for efficient and successful operations, paving the way for growth and sustainability.

Next in Our Series: Investing in People 

In our next article, we will explore the critical importance of investing in your law firm’s most valuable asset: its people. Discover how prioritising your team can drive your firm’s long-term success and build a strong, motivated workforce. Don’t miss these valuable insights on nurturing your talent for sustained growth. 

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