To prepare for the recovery and the impact of the Legal Services Act, partners in law firms need outside help now to break the mould; to be more innovative in developing new ways of working and to agree realistic and meaningful plans to improve business.

Every law firm, large and small has to take steps now to become more agile and capable of responding to changes in the market for legal services. That means getting overheads down to be able to offer value for money, while improving service to clients – focusing on areas that really matter to clients and introducers of business.  Lawyers and others in your practice need to be helped to perform better and have easy access to whatever they need to do their job as efficiently and effectively as possible. Lawyers need to get closer to clients, introducers of business and prospects to make sure they are getting what they want and are being listened to – otherwise they will go elsewhere. 

We are in the early stages of recovery from the recession, needing still to be cautious, but also getting ready to provide the value for money, quality of service (not just legal advice) and different services that will be demanded from here on.  It is generally agreed that there is a sea-change in what will be expected in the future because of a) demand for better value following the recession; b) the impact of allowing more competition through Alternative Business Structures allowed by the Legal Services Act (potentially from mid-2011 onwards) and c) the Internet, which has transformed options.

The focus of lawyers’ lives needs to be on helping the client, not just handling a legal issue.  Lawyers have to work in teams (however small – maybe just 2 people) to be more flexible in delivering services.  Client satisfaction should be the key measure of performance, with the most important question to measure – “Would you recommend us to a friend?”  How can your people convert more clients to “advocates” of your services? 

We can help with a short, sharp review of your business that involves a half day workshop with partners and other key players that costs less than you will expect.