Law Practice Checklist from Law Firm Management Experts

Law Practice Checklist from Law Firm Management Experts

Practice management experts Peggy Gruenke and Alan Klevan offer a Law Practice Checklist in an Attorney at Work article featuring 20 key tips for building and running a successful law practice. 

These strategies focus on financial management, client relationships, and operational efficiency, all essential for a thriving law practice.

Here is a quick overview of the key points:

• Start by creating a simple business plan to see the big picture and determine your business’s profitability. 
• Establish a budget to monitor expenses and income, and know your monthly financial needs to stay on track. 
• Identify and nurture your best client sources, which typically include former clients, trusted lawyers, and personal contacts.
• Avoid spending on bad clients and take care of your referral sources by showing appreciation.
• Ensure exceptional client service at every interaction point, and develop efficient systems for routine tasks.
• Networking is crucial—get out of your office to meet new people and maintain follow-up consistency. 
• Volunteering can expand your network, and making client interactions about them builds trust. 
• Learn to say no to unfit clients, categorize them from “A” to “D” based on their value, and set clear case expectations from the start. 
• Discuss fees confidently and avoid fee negotiations to maintain trust.
• Bill clients promptly to emphasize the value of your services, and maintain client relationships even after a case closes. 
• Follow up to keep the relationship alive and ask for reviews.