Why roll with a solo practitioner as opposed to a law firm?

When I began my practice I asked myself this very thing.  At first, I was skeptical that I could provide the same, if not better, representation than a law firm housing several paralegals, secretaries, and attorneys.  But after speaking with several clients who either had previously retained a firm, or had friends and colleagues who were represented by law firms, I quickly realized that solos can surpass what law firms do.  In fact, John Adams was a solo practitioner, proof that a solo lawyer can be a wonderful thing. Here’s how and why:

The “reputation squared” phenomenon

As  a solo my reputation is everything. It has a direct affect on my practice; if my reputation suffers so does my practice. I am very conscious of this fact and therefore go to great lengths to maintain a strong relationship with potential, current, and former clients.  I return phone calls promptly, speak directly with clients about their legal issues, and often meet with clients on the weekends to accommodate their work schedules.

Granted, a law firm’s reputation is also partially based on the performance of its lawyers, but a negative mark on one of the firm’s lawyers does not have such a drastic affect on the firm’s reputation.  The responsibility is spread around.

Furthermore, many of the associate attorneys are simply not emotionally and professionally invested in their respective firms.  If they screw up or mistreat a client, they may suffer some blow back from the firm but nothing substantial (except perhaps losing their job).  If a solo screws up or mistreats a client, the ramifications are far greater.

Accountability

Because firms are able to spread the responsibility, so too can they spread the work load.  Consequently, lawyers can minimize their contact with clients by having their paralegals act as the point of contact.  Solos are often hands on, engaging directly with clients both by telephone and email.  Although many solos have their own support staff, because of the “reputation” and “accountability” phenomenon, solos are far more willing to engage with clients directly.

You know who your lawyer will be

When you walk into a law firm setting, it’s never quite clear who will be representing you.  Also, like any other business, law firms experience turn-over in their attorneys.  Lawyer 1 may have been initially assigned to your case, but after a few months he left the firm and now your case has been assigned to Lawyer 2.  When you walk into a solo’s office, you know exactly who your lawyer will be and odds are very good that solo will remain your lawyer until the close of the case (unless one of the parties withdraws).

Flexibility and innovation

Solos tend to be more flexible and innovative in their operations and marketing.  Why?  Survival.  Solos have less resources (manpower) than law firms, so solos are constantly seeking ways to make their practice more efficient and marketable to potential clients.

As an example of a solo’s flexibility, I am currently in the middle of transitioning my accounting/billing system into something more efficient.  I can do this because my practice is not burdened with the same sort of institutionalization that law firms are burdened with; I do not need to change the software to numerous employee computers or re-train an entire staff.

Additionally, I offer unique services to entice clients to retain me rather than some boutique to medium sized law firm.  An example is my utilization of DropBox, where clients have the option to access electronic documents associated with their file online.

I’m not saying all law firms aren’t worth the money they charge.  There are many fantastic firms with fantastic lawyers.  I am also not saying that all solos are fantastic lawyers.  Just as there are terrible law firms, so too are there terrible solo attorneys.  I’m simply highlighting some of the reasons why you may want to think about retaining a solo practitioner instead of going the traditional route and retaining a law firm.

Remember, John Adams was a solo attorney….

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Tim Sutherland is a Washington state attorney practicing in the areas of debt relief, consumer protection, and small business representation. Visit his website at www.TimSutherlandLaw.com