Why It Is Important to Check Law Office Reputation Before Hiring One

It is said that an individual’s reputation is a collection of high opinions or positive evaluation that the public has about him. In the case of private companies, specifically law offices, reputation is an important if not critical element for success. Whilst an intangible value, it is what makes or breaks the law firm. People who look for lawyers or a law office to represent them do so primarily on the basis of trust and confidence on the reputation of that firm. And lawyers know this which is why this is the first thing that they would talk about in their public promotions and the first thing that they protect and maintain in their business.

A law office’s reputation is a reflection of its culture and identity, and a result of its team’s efforts to prove their excellence in their field of specialization. That said, a law firm cannot build its reputation overnight, and by itself. Moreover, a law firm’s reputation does not rest on one lawyer’s record – but the latter’s actions may affect the law firm’s reputation whether in a good or bad way.

Law firms, like any business enterprise, will do everything to gain new clients. Nowhere is this more evident than with all the big ads that they post whether it be on TV, billboards, print or even online. Some keep up such a strong presence in the public eye that people are led to believe the kind of reputation they say they have. Going by what you see on the ads alone may not be the best way to choose a law firm, especially if your case is something that will affect your life.  Remember that as they are investing their time and skills on you, you are putting in more investment: your money, your time, your own reputation as well. So it is best to make an informed decision and the only way to do it is to check the reputation of the law office and decide for yourself whether it is something you would want to bank on for your legal concerns.

What are some of the things to check for when you’re choosing a law firm?

• Check their experience. Specifically, check their experience in the type of law service that you need. Many law firms are into “general practice.” But there are those that also specialize in a particular field of law. Check the number of years they have been in business and the percentage of their practice which is devoted to the type of law that you are inquiring about. Evaluate their track record – i.e, how many cases have they successfully handled versus the number of cases they have lost. If you know someone who has dealt with the law firm talk to them and find out what their experience was. Nothing is better than direct testimonials which is why law firms also employ this tactic when they are promoting themselves. But you should be able to check the veracity of these testimonials or feedback. Ask to see case histories or ask to speak to past clients with cases similar to your own. This way you can see their methods or strategies employed in handling their cases. If the law firm guarantees you a result before even listening to your case, forget it and look for another one. No case is airtight and they are just setting you up for false expectations.
• Get a feel of the Law Firm and its Members. Usually law firms will promise to take care of you and your needs and that they will be professional in dealing with you. The only way to check on this is if you are able to have some initial communication with them and if you can see for yourself how the law firm team deals with their clients. Do they treat their clients with respect? Your first point of contact will be the staff (legal secretaries, paralegals, assistants) – are they prompt in coming back to you with a response when you require it? Or do they take their time in attending to your concern? Are they going to be available to you and would you be able to reach them within a reasonable amount of time? You need to know the answers to these questions so that you can decide if the comfort level they can give you is what you need when they handle your case. Conduct your first meeting with them in their offices. This way you see their daily operation.
• Check the reputation of the partners and the lawyer who will be assigned to represent you. There are public listings available of all registered lawyers in your place of residence or wherever your case will be processed. Find out the associations or institutions which they belong to and check how long they have been members. There are also regulatory boards you can consult about the law firms. These organizations will also have records of misconduct so do be conscious to check on that as well. If the lawyers have ever been fined, reprimanded by court or suspended then you should know these details and use them as red flags. You would not want to hire a law firm with “shady” lawyers or those with unethical practices.
• Check if the law firm has a “malpractice” insurance. A good law firm provides for such, whether big or small. This means they also know how to cover and protect themselves which makes for good business sense.
• Finally, check for law firm ranking. Statistical and substantive rankings based on average billable hours, pro bono participation, demographic diversity among other information are regularly published as reports. Law students consult these to give them an idea of the firm’s standing and you as a potential client can also use these to validate the law firm’s claims about their record. Moreover it will give you a very good picture of their standing vis-a-vis the other law firms and will help you make an informed decision.