Our job as attorneys is to service our clients. There’s not much doubt about that, and many of our clients show up wanting a one-stop shop. They want a law firm under one roof that can service their needs. This is the providence of the big law firms. If you have a big law firm, you can have lots of lawyers and lots of different practice areas, but the truth is that not every law firm has every practice area. Sometimes there are holes in the lineup. Even a big firm with a thousand or more lawyers may not have the necessary expertise in every area.
While you are doing one-stop shopping, you are paired with the people that are there. We in the boutique-law-firm space offer assembled teams, and this means multiple lawyers involved in a transaction, all working together to service the clients’ needs. What I like about this model is that I can pick and choose my team. I can see what other lawyers are available and which one has the right expertise for my client’s particular needs, and I can make a pairing on that basis. I am not forced to hire someone just because they work in my firm. I can genuinely pick who the best person is for my client and their client’s needs. It may be one firm for one client. It may be a different firm for a different client. I can also look for true experts in the subject matter. I do not have to stretch someone’s knowledge or expertise. If somebody has the expertise, they will be on the team. If not, they will not be chosen. It is really that simple.
Hopefully, from the client’s perspective, once the team is assembled, this is seamless. The clients will have multiple lawyers working on their file, regardless of whether they are working with a big law firm or a small law firm. I like the idea of pairing up a team of the right advisors in the right situation to work together.
What has been your experience working with law firms? Have you encountered one-stop shopping law firms that have left you disappointed? How has working with multiple lawyers at small law firms worked for you? Join us in the comments below and let us know your experience.
This posting is intended to be a tool to familiarize readers with some of the issues discussed herein. This is not meant to be a comprehensive discussion and additional details should be discussed with your attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers and other business planners who can provide advice for your circumstances. This article should not be treated as legal advice to any person or entity. Freeimages.com/Photographer Maciek PELC.
About the Author
Shawn McBride — R. Shawn McBride is the Managing Member of The R. Shawn McBride Law Firm, PLLC. Shawn works successful, private business owners in their growth and missions to make a company that stands the test of time. You can email R. Shawn McBride or call 407-517-0064.
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