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People often ask me why I should choose a small law firm over a large one. While I run a small law firm and may have some bias, I truly believe there are very important reasons why you should choose “the little guy”.
Long ago, when I clerked for a large law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The office and the decor where totally amazing; However, as you can well imagine money made that world go round. Not that there is anything wrong with “green search”, but there were office managers and others who were always monitoring what the attorneys and staff were doing and how many billable hours each was generating. Although it was not written, an attorney (or employee for that matter) was expected to generate a certain number of hours per week and if those goals were not met, your tenure with the law firm would be cut short.
I remember a case I worked on where the firm was representing an attorney in a complaint before the Florida Bar. The dispute concerned the attorney’s overbilling the client, and as a law clerk I had the onerousing task of reviewing, compiling, and classifying the attorney’s time billing records. After spending the entire weekend morning, afternoon and night organizing those records, I went to the partner assigned to the case and said, we have a problem. The partner assured me that he had reviewed the same records and found that the time billed for work performed was reasonable. I told him, while it may be true that there were days when the undisciplined lawyer billed for 28 hours in a 24 hour period. Now, while the lawyer may very well have spent every waking hour working on the case, there were only 24 hours in a day and no matter how dedicated or good the lawyer may have been, that 28 hours in a day It was impossible to do (and bill). 24 hour day. Unfortunately, the bar agreed and that lawyer had somethin’ planin’ to do, to quote Ricky Ricardo!
I do believe that there are times when it is necessary to use a large law firm. For example if you are involved in complex civil litigation, personal injury cases or medical malpractice. You want a large firm that specializes in those areas because you need capital, resources, support staff, expert witnesses and multiple attorneys to make the best possible presentation before a court or jury. However, for the myriad “routine”, ordinary, middle-of-the-road types of cases that fill the court system each day, a small firm is the only place to be.
Knowing who your lawyer is is of great importance! You get to know the lawyer when you choose a small firm. You met them during the initial consultation, they respond promptly to your questions or concerns. They are accessible when you need them. You can make an appointment quickly. Their support staff is usually very generous with their time and often provides emotional support that some attorneys, even the best attorneys, cannot provide because they are so focused on the legal aspects of the case. With a smaller firm you will receive the personal attention you and your case need which can be so lacking with larger firms.
Many times with larger firms you will come across a partner who is usually a “rain maker” who is usually quite vocal and dynamic. They will give an attractive appearance and convince you with various reasons why you should hire their firm. Unfortunately, many times even after dropping the fat retainer you may find that your case is assigned to a junior partner or associate who may call you back next Thursday unless the sun is out which means it will be next Wednesday Not possible. , Oh I forgot, Wednesday is usually golf day so you will be called back on Friday. No wait, they ship out early on Fridays so make it next Tuesday. you get my flow
For many people, their special case is the only time they will (hopefully) be in the court system. They want their case to be handled efficiently and quickly so that they can get out of the system as quickly as possible. If there’s one good thing about the court system, it’s that the sooner you get out of it, the better. Therefore, for divorce, family law, criminal defense, small claims cases, etc., the smart choice is the small firm. In the courtroom, you’ll want to be standing next to the lawyer you just sat with in the office, not someone you’ve never met who calls you Tom when your name is Tom!
Now, of course choosing a lawyer, any lawyer, is a choice you should make carefully and wisely. You should interview some of them who practice in the field you require. In most cases they will give a free consultation. If they want to charge you for an initial consultation, unless you have been referred to that lawyer by a family member or friend who knows the lawyer and will attest to their level of competence, don’t go. The business of law is very competitive and many great attorneys will offer a free initial consultation. You can discuss fees, payments, expected length of the case, and any other questions you may have. Once you feel comfortable with a particular lawyer, you can retain them and get started. Start looking for the right lawyer!
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