Law Firms/Attorneys/Solo Practitioners

Whether working in a large firm, or as a solo practitioner, attorneys can often get pulled in many directions. Who has time for business strategy!!

Frequently, it is the billed hours that get pushed to the side only to be entered on another day. This often means having to spend extra time later reviewing matters to establish how much time was actually spent, and figuring out how many hours need to be entered. Doubt can then arise, and afraid of overcharging, the hours can get rounded down substantially.

#1 complaint from clients

Follow up is the #1 complaint from clients about their attorney. With a lawyer’s workload, follow up with clients regarding the progress of their case can get forgotten or be inconsistent. Absent follow-up is the #1 complaint from clients regarding lawyers. It’s important to build a system for follow up.

What is the status of my case?

Clients need attention, it is important to be in communication with clients to keep them informed of the matter. This builds trust, and confidence which reassures the client, but this can be time-consuming too.

The biggest challenges in law firms

Attorneys and law firms are built upon some of the most intelligent individuals. However, none of the major law schools provide adequate law firm practice management programs. Few attorneys are taught about communication, time management, business strategy and skills that are crucial to be successful.

Another challenge facing lawyers is how to acquire new clients and business strategy. Producing enough prospects and knowing how to engage them as clients is an art and can be very time-consuming, especially if not done in a focused and strategic manner. Potential clients can use the internet and research firms, using social media and reviews. Keeping a great reputation is critical.

For many years Go Far Consulting’s principal, Elaine, has provided MCLE classes for the Bar on practice management, communication, negotiation, exit strategy and business development. She has been a long-standing member of Alameda County Bar Association for over 10 years and served on the Executive Committee for the Business Law Section.

Why we help attorneys:

We have a true affinity with attorneys and connect it with our commonality in experiencing being bullied as children with no one to stand up for us. What we admire most about attorneys is that they stand up for others, helping their clients get justice and feel supported. We want to contribute to their businesses so that they can protect more people. The attorney firms that we work with see growth and development enabling them to help more people.

OVER $55,000 INCREASE IN REVENUE

BEFORE I STARTED WORKING WITH ELAINE I WAS CONSISTENTLY EARNING $120K PER ANNUM. WORKING WITH ELAINE IN JUST THE FIRST 6 MONTHS I’VE EARNED $93K. I’M ON TARGET TO REACH $180K.

From Charlie Yu on Google reviews

Elaine has helped grow my law practice exponentially (as well as counseled me on my numerous other side businesses). In addition to providing me with strategies to grow my practice and keep my staff satisfied, she has helped me find ways to save on taxes (which is important with business growth). Elaine has also held me accountable and diplomatically let me know the areas of improvement I need to work on. She has allowed me to reflect on the barriers I set up for myself that are preventing me from growing even more, and we are still working on those. Elaine has shown me the potential, and it’s up to me to execute (with Elaine’s help). I believe just picking up a couple of ideas that Elaine has to offer will pay for itself.

What will it take to improve productivity dramatically?

Time management is the number one challenge for attorneys who balance the demands of client work, gaining clients, continuous learning, and running a business. Technology and administrative duties can gobble up time. How can days be structured to see more clients and deal with other critical activities that make an attorney productive?

Go Far Consulting has expertise in mentoring and working with attorneys as well as their staff to bring significant improvements to a challenging everyday legal work-life.

One of the challenges facing attorney firms today is passing the baton from the experienced attorney planning retirement to other team members. Harvesting intellectual property, maintaining client retention and stability of the firm are key areas that Elaine focuses on through this transition period. Elaine’s experience in growth strategies and future development of building employee confidence while maximizing PR and minimizing stress help bridge this gap.

Having an efficient law practice and a good work/life balance takes planning. It’s critical to focus on the right processes to reach success and that takes the understanding of how you work and what works for you, there is no ‘one size fits all’.

One of the aspects that differentiates GO FAR Consulting is our customized and tailored approach to tactical and innovative strategies, matching the client’s focus and needs. No matter what the goal, GO FAR Consulting can develop the path specifically customized to your requirements.

ASK YOURSELF?

  • How much time are you or your staff spending on administrative tasks?
  • Is it difficult to find the time to gain new quality clients?
  • As managing partner, how is it possible to stay focused on clients?
  • As a litigating attorney, how do you find time for discovery and keeping up with the clients you already have?
  • As a practicing attorney, how do you balance time, office duties, client development and still maintain expected billable hours?
  • When was the last time you had to refer a client to another attorney because you didn’t feel you could handle the workload?
  • When was the last time you went on vacation?

GO FAR Consulting is designed to help law firms and solo practitioners grow and manage their practices so attorneys can focus on practicing law. Go FAR Consulting generally pays for itself through the increased revenue attained with coached business improvements. We have our exclusive 4 M’s technique to increase your revenue. Contact us today to take your law firm to the next level at 510-326-0763.

From Brian Ripley on Google reviews

I’ve been privileged to have Elaine Betts as my personal coach for over a decade. And in addition, she’s helped many of my clients with a broad range of issues that allowed them to increase their success and reactivate their passion. Five Stars!!