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If you are thinking of starting a law practice or growing one with little or no capital, you need to get the book, “Starting & Growing a Law Practice without Breaking the Bank.
It was written based on personal experience and research. I started my practice 11 years ago in the middle of the 2008/2009 recession with about $500 and I have grown the practice significantly over the years using affordable and available resources.
I also coach solo practitioners and small firm attorneys. https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Growing-Practice-Without-Breaking/dp/1099523303
Have you ever been through a divorce? It can be agonizing waiting for it to wrap up. I follow-up with all clients on a regular basis. I don't think it is absurd to send a quick check in email so clients are aware you are there for them. It also depends on the client and case status. If I don't want to followup because nothing is happening for a while, I will tell the client that I'm not following up because (they are trying to settle on their own, no court hearings coming up, waiting on other party) and I'm saving them money but they should let me know immediately if they need help or if the situation changes. I charge .1 for these stupid follow-up emails but clients don't tend to complain (and i may write them off if legitimately nothing is going on, but for clients sucky at communicating the charges stay).
To me, Follow-up is part of keeping the clients happy. We hear at state bar ethics meetings year after year that one of the biggest complaints by clients to the state bar is that Clients don’t hear from their attorneys, and they feel abandoned. We like to use a quick check in email, even if we bill .1 no charge, such as, “Just letting you know we will be sending a subpoena to ex employer for records this week — if you want to chat about that give me a call.” Those who are “hand holders” with money to burn will call you back for an update and will feel loved. Those who don’t need the extra contact will still appreciate the knowledge and will not be surprised when the actual discovery is seen on the bill at the end of the month. Win/win.
I've been told that I'm to look at every file I have at least every thirty days. Also the chief reason I want to quit. The neediness if off the charts.
Honestly, I think that is best practice for any case load, regardless of practice area. Family law is just a bit of added difficulty since you can be dealing with unsophisticated clients with heightened emotions.
Every call is memorialized in an email, and every client gets a phone call and update letter at least once a month.
Clients do consistently complain about lack of communication with attorneys which ramps up anxiety. For active cases a quick cut
and paste email sent by your admin assistant could do a world of good. Update: I am waiting for _______, and will update you upon receipt. Please update me if any new relevant information arises.