Client opinions are great — if you ask the right questions

Law firms of every size and lawyers in every practice area face increasing client pressure to build greater value and increased efficiency into the legal services cost structure. One result is the growing popularity of administrative service outsourcing.

With this economy, it would not be unusual to feel that your world has been turned upside down and your sunny disposition transformed into that of a neurotic alley cat.

After years of schooling, you’re suddenly thrown into the real world of practising law. Law schools teach students how to think like lawyers and expose them to various areas of substantive law, but they can’t teach everything about putting the law into practice. You have all kinds of theoretical knowledge about law, but what do you really know about applying it?

In recent columns, I've addressed a variety of issues—structuring an engagement letter, raising your fees, working with your banker on cash flow management—all of which have the same basic theme: helping you get paid.

Family law lawyer Lonny Balbi asked some of the most successful lawyers across North America to provide their unique insights on the practice of law. He found what he was looking for: practical advice covering the stuff they don’t teach in law school...

Eyeing a corporate-counsel opportunity? Decide whether or not you are suited to an in-house counsel role, and research your prospective employer.

Good, qualified support staff are critical to the success of every law practice. An efficient legal secretary can greatly improve your bottom line as well as helping to make your office a pleasant, stress-free place to work. Poor staff can cost you time and money, and negatively impact client relations and the work environment.

A new client walks through your door wanting your help. You probably know the answer to the problem before the client even finishes the story. You discuss strategy, legal fees and a retainer. The client mentions that their former lawyer was just too slow and that this matter needs to get to trial quickly. You start working.

Occasionally I have the opportunity to refer people to my clients. A couple of friends had a harrowing car accident, where they nearly lost their lives. The subject of a personal injury lawyer was gently raised after a few months of recovery. Once they were ready to discuss litigation, I had a challenge of matching their needs, personalities and traumatic state with a few PI lawyers who might be a good fit.