To answer this question, one needs to look at the advantages of law firms over sole practitioners or groups that share only overhead. The following are some possible options:
- The sharing of skills and expertise
- Support or additional assistance when needed
- "Security nets" during economic downturns
- Sharing resources, such as technology issues, libraries, forms, research, etc.
- Referrals and cross-selling
- A wide range of disciplines and expertise
- Legal assistants, associates, and support staff are highly trained
- Making marketing easier through brand recognition or reputation of a company
- Management of a higher quality
- The possibility of becoming highly specialized as an individual lawyer
- The development of each partner's potential through partner coaching
- Recognition, encouragement, and emotional support
- Flexible scheduling to allow more participation by lawyers in pro bono, outreach, and bar activities
- Existence after the death of current owners
Law firms that are successful and dynamic have certain characteristics or hallmarks that separate them from their rivals. Here are a few of them:
Attorneys Who are Knowledgeable, Hardworking, and Focused
In law, a firm's practices cannot operate independently. Within the confines of the same building, we find internal competition, hoarding, jealousy, and suspicion. Successful firms must have a raison d'être, and each lawyer must develop specialized knowledge compatible with the firm's objectives. Due to their focus, focused law firms will have an advantage in marketing. Furthermore, due to increased technological capabilities, personnel, and value pricing, they will be able to adapt better to changing economic and industry conditions than firms that continue to treat healthcare like a full-service business.
Quality Assurance
"Quality work" has two meanings for successful law firms: technical quality (does the work meet the client's expectations?) and service quality (has the client had a positive experience with the firm?) Most law firms employ an ad hoc and subjective approach to determining quality legal work because they do not develop standards or evaluation procedures. These ad hoc approaches result because the majority of law firms lack standards or evaluation procedures. Only regular client and matter evaluations can determine a firm's service quality, which clients are increasingly demanding. Communication skills and sensitivity to clients' needs and concerns are important to lawyers and law firms.
The Spirit of Collaboration and Teamwork
An important characteristic of successful firms is their team spirit and willingness to share work. In law firms with this characteristic, lawyers are capable of respecting people and trusting them to be smart. They ask their employees to use initiative, and they trust their employees' expertise when faced with change.
A Loyalty-Based System
Fragmented firms suffer from sluggish client loyalty, failure to keep client confidences, and a failure to establish relationships with their lawyers. Respect and trust are the cornerstones of loyalty. People are more likely to stay loyal when they feel they are involved in making decisions that impact their lives. Credit and decision-making are shared, when good jobs are recognized, and when there are honest, fair, and consistent relationships. The loyalty of associates and partners or among staff and lawyers evaporates in the presence of secrecy, poor communication, and pseudo caste systems. When employees lack loyalty and distrust they will exhibit a lack of interest in the company, reduced productivity, high turnover, infrequent attendance at company meetings and activities, fear of expressing their opinions in fear of retribution.
The Meaning of Leadership (More Than a Title)
Law firms with flagging revenue are generally led poorly. Leadership is about articulating and motivating firm goals and objectives to employees and partners. It also requires patience, good communication skills, consensus-building, and fairness. Leadership is lacking in many companies. Leaders must determine the firm's direction and keep it on track. Avoid placing yourself above others as a leader. In contrast, leaders must ensure their succession and eventual replacement. Leaders need to subordinate their own interests to the firm's interests.
Taking Accountability
It is important for law firms to hold their members responsible for both their positive and negative actions. Apathy, sloth, and frustration are the by-products of unaccountable behavior. As long as partnerships and employees are not willing to self-regulate, then it is illusory to expect accountability. It is common for lawyers, particularly associates, in law firms to have a lack of understanding of what is expected. Those who are successful have written partnerships agreements, stipulating fair criteria for partnerships and writing policies and procedures.
Lawyers with the Greatest Financial Generosity
Lawyers who work the hardest for firms do not always get paid for their work. Sharing is crucial to a firm's concept. In firms that reward individual performance or profitability primarily or one that encourages "eating what you kill", this attribute is often lacking.
A Sense of 'Rough Justice' or Fairness
To be successful, firms must recognize that not every decision can be made objectively. A lot of decisions are subjective -- including a sense of justice. There is no way to guarantee everyone's satisfaction always. In a healthy firm, disagreements are common. Ultimately, what is most important is that everyone feels that they are usually treated fairly. In firms that operate on a "rough justice" basis, subjective compensation systems are important components.
Placing Firm Interests Before Personal Interests
Having self-interest and a refusal to compromise weakens and ultimately destroys law firms. The good of the whole must trump individual interests. Decisions that are based on consensus are legitimate. Conversely, consensus-building can go too far and paralyze a firm. There is no need for unanimous agreement or consent in all decisions. It is becoming less common for individuals to put the interests of their firm above their own.
Understanding of the Firm and Its Future
Most firms lack direction, which is a serious problem. Legal staff and lawyers need to understand each other's goals and aspirations. It is also necessary to have a sense of direction or vision. "If you do not know where you are going, you might find yourself elsewhere," wisely said Yogi Berra.
Progress-Oriented Attitudes and Spirits
New opportunities and challenges are usually stymied by the status quo. Resolving problems and responding to opportunities requires a proactive approach. Unlike other industries, many firms are reactionary in their response to most problems, adopting the "if it is not broken, why fix it" approach. Competitive markets can be a source of growth and prosperity for firms with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Client Driven
A law firm's primary goal is to serve its clients. Clients' long-term interests must guide all decisions and actions. Companies with this attribute place a high emphasis on communication, service, and client needs.
Culture
In every firm, there exists a culture formed by ideas, customs, values, personalities, backgrounds, relationships, and skills. Through time, internal and external factors reshape it, and it manifests itself in the way its lawyers conduct their practices and interact with one another. Decision-making, work ethic, communication style, information sharing, lawyer relationships, meritocracy, morale, rewards, and how employees are treated and recognized reveal the nature of the firm. This amorphous mix of components makes it difficult to define culture in many firms. Some do not receive positive attention. A failing to define a firm's culture leads to high turnover, poor direction, or internal conflict and disputes. Some firms are termed sweatshops, clubby, or white shoes.
Diversity
Firms need to respect ideas, gender, age, ethnic background, and education diversity. Some firms may be threatened by excessive diversity, especially if it undermines their core values.
For a group of lawyers to become a firm, there must be some sense of shared purpose, shared approaches, and shared values. In addition to sharing information, assistance, cooperation, support, and encouragement are all fundamental components of a successful legal practice. Everyone does not need to share the same interests or goals and be best friends. Firms, however, will suffer from many problems and leave unless they go beyond a compensation plan.
Solo Practice and Big Law Firms: How They Differ
Solo practitioners and big law firms have several myths and differences.
Most newly graduated lawyers are driven to become associates with a large law firm by their dream. There are plenty of resources, assistance from clerks and paralegals, and they get paid well.
It is extremely exciting to be assigned a case and work with some of the best lawyers in their field. Furthermore, working with individuals more experienced than you is a great way to gain access to a wealth of experience. Would you still be inclined to work with that big law firm if your values do not match those of its clients? In other words, you might have to handle cases or practice areas you do not particularly enjoy. Navigating those differences can be challenging. Some solo lawyers work differently than their big law counterparts. Here are some differences between the two.
Mindset
Some newly graduated lawyers choose to start their own practice. Solo practices may have the stigma that they are only chosen because their big firm did not work out. Entrepreneurs, however, start their own businesses not necessarily because they cannot find another job, but out of a desire to start their own way, to be their own boss, and to make their own decisions.
The path of becoming a solo lawyer requires a lot of work, research, and dedication. It is absurd to say that solo lawyers do not want to work as hard as their colleagues in big law. Managing and starting your own business is an overwhelming task!
A solo lawyer has hundreds of tasks to tackle independently, including creating the business, building the client book, organizing and setting up an office, networking, marketing, and more! Some solo lawyers may have support staff due to where their office is located, but they still need to work extremely hard even before they accept a single client.
Salary and Hours Worked
Solo lawyers make less money than their big law counterparts is another myth. Randall Ryder, the Director of Appellate Advocacy & Lecturer in Law at the University of Minnesota Law School, says a successful solo firm will generally generate six figures (or close to six figures) in gross revenue each year. After taking care of expenses, they should still have a decent salary after managing and organizing their budget successfully.
Will they receive less than their big-firm counterparts? Yes. On the other hand, a solo practitioner may also work fewer hours. The main reason for this is that many lawyers are opting to work on their own rather than fork out a large salary in exchange for less time in the office.
Business Skills
Having basic business skills is essential for a solo attorney. Due to the fact that most solo practitioners did not go to business school, this item is added to their ever-growing to-do list.
Things like finances, designing a website (and keeping it updated), writing marketing copy, excellent sales skills, client intake (aka customer experiences), and marketing/networking are part of that.
A solo entrepreneur also needs to learn how to find help. You are not a business school graduate, a web developer, or a social media guru either. When you hire others to help you, you can spend your time with your customers where it is most needed.
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
