If you want to build a competitive law practice, start with the basics on how to adapt to growth opportunities with unbundled legal services, virtual practice services, and more.
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As technology continues to grow and help improve the client experience, law firms have many options to boost their competitiveness through unbundled legal services and alternative delivery models. To reach clients not otherwise reached with traditional methods, you should start finding ways to integrate these changes within your law practice.
Stay Current with Unbundled Legal Services
Offering your legal services in an “a la carte” manner helps you reach clients who don’t have the resources available for full representation. Services such as document drafting, legal guidance, document review, and dispute resolution have the potential to be offered to clients independently.
Unbundling your legal services generates additional interest and potential income for your firm while using fewer resources and time. It results in a reduced risk of malpractice considering your decreased involvement in your client’s case. RELATED: Massachusetts Trial Court Limited Assistance Representation Training Manual.
Things to Consider
Before you start offering unbundled legal services, there are some important points to consider:
1. Cost. You’ll need to consider the costs for each of your services. Depending on the nature of the client’s needs, these costs may shift over time.
2. Defining scope. For each client, you should create a defined scope of representation that outlines what services you’ll be performing. Communicate the limitations with your client prior to finalizing the agreement.
3. Services per client. There are cases that simply won’t benefit from unbundled services and require full representation. Firms should consider the complexity and urgency of each client’s needs on a case-by-case basis.
Take Advantage of Alternative Delivery Models to Remain Competitive
Beyond unbundled services, law firms can also take advantage of alternative delivery models. Some firms are discovering the benefits of virtual law offices and web-based services for their clients. However, others are starting small by providing email communication, online document delivery, and signing and even online legal guidance. RELATED: Virtual Law Practice section in our Law Practice Startup Guide.
Clients are searching online for legal services, opting for services that are convenient and readily available. To meet the demands of this new breed of client, your law firm needs to evolve. From offering unbundled services for the budget conscious client, or alternative delivery models for the busy client, your firm should find ways to remain competitive.
Gather More Insights about your Firm
Even if you’re already offering unbundled services and alternative delivery methods, there’s more room for growth and improvement. To discover where your firm could improve, take the Lawyerist Small Firm Scorecard(TM) assessment to find out.
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