There are a lot of skills that a practicing lawyer needs to have. Dedication, perseverance, and the ability to tackle a difficult case are all very important. But one skill that seems to get overlooked is the ability to win over a client. Letting the results speak for themselves isn't always an option and leaving a favorable impression with a client can help them feel more at ease with you on their case.
For those who may need them, we have three tips. They can help you to win over clients, and make it so that you're memorable and unique in their eyes.
Be Yourself
Clients are looking for a lawyer, but you want them to hire you. Pretending to be something you're not is just going to leave them dissatisfied in the end. You don't have to be big or have the most trial experience to land a client. Everyone has something unique that they can bring to the table, and that's what you need to focus on.
A client that chooses to hire you should do it because they think that you're the best bet they have for their case. Trying to mislead them is only going to lead to disappointment. Even that is assuming that they don't see right through you on the first meeting.
Differentiate Yourself
This goes hand in hand with the first tip. Whatever makes you yourself and your firm your firm is going to key people in on whether or not you're the right pick for them and their case. At Smiley & Smiley, we are a family firm with big firm experience. The firm was started over 50 years ago by my father and over that time we've won over $100 million in settlements. Our third partner Jason is like a brother to me and like another son to my father Guy. This is why when we say "let our family take care of yours" we truly mean it.
If you just stick to the usual, you'll fall between the cracks. Without something that makes you different from all the other practicing firms, your clients won't think of you as you. They'll just think of you as that lawyer, and won't miss if you they opt to go with another firm.
Don't Push Too Hard
Pushing a client that isn't ready is always a bad decision. There's nothing wrong with wanting a case, but if a client isn't ready then they aren't ready. Trying to push them can make it feel like you're trying to force them into an unfair situation, even if you're not. If they need to discuss it with family or friends first, let them. If the case is close their heart, especially if something awful happened to them or a loved one, then now is definitely not the time to try to push them into making that deal.
Keep in contact with them. Give them a card, an email address, or a phone number that they can reach you at. Let them know that when they're ready, you'll be there for them. Follow up with them when appropriate, and let them know that, if possible, you'd like to know their decision. Whether they're ready to sign, or whether they've decided not to hire you. If they haven't, that's fine too. It's not the end of the world for either of you.
Now that you're in the know, please feel free to contact us.