Better Communication in Law Firms Through Less Email

Better Communication in Law Firms Through Less Email

Email is a convenient tool for communication in law firms, but Kirk Stange argues that managers and owners should avoid relying on it to manage employees. While useful for firm-wide announcements or legal documentation, email is often ineffective for providing instructions or conveying important messages to individual employees.

Stange says one of email’s biggest drawbacks is misinterpretation. Tone can be misconstrued, leading to unnecessary confusion or conflict. Additionally, in a law firm’s high-volume email environment, employees frequently overlook or skim messages, especially those sent after hours. This reality undermines the effectiveness of email as a primary management tool.

For critical instructions or important discussions, Stange prefers direct communication. Speaking in person, making a phone call, or holding a virtual meeting ensures clarity, allows for immediate questions, and significantly improves the likelihood of tasks being completed correctly. While a follow-up email can serve as documentation, relying solely on email to delegate tasks diminishes efficiency and accountability.

Some law firm leaders may argue that employees should be responsible for reading and responding to emails. However, Stange notes that the practical reality is that if a manager wants something done right, direct communication in law firms is the most effective approach. Clinging to ineffective methods simply because they “should” work is counterproductive.

Law firm leaders must adapt their communication strategies to ensure efficiency. Reducing reliance on email for instructions and prioritizing direct interaction will lead to clearer expectations, fewer misunderstandings, and better execution of tasks.