Constantly Improving Your Law Firm

// About a year ago, I took the StrengthsFinders assessment. My top strength was Maximizer. (Positivity is my No. 2, so I’ll use it to keep this article upbeat.) Being a Maximizer means that I’m the type of person who is always in an improvement mode. For me, I always think that processes can be made better. This is how I approach much of what I do.

A challenge for Maximizers is understanding that not everything can go from good to great quickly. We have to find a balance and embrace a “done is better than perfect” mentality. The best part about being a Maximizer is seeing good, making it better, and continually testing and improving — anything.

googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-top-300x250" ); googletag.enableServices(); });

Innovations in technology are forcing law firms to improve more than ever before. If you only stick to what you know and what has worked, you will miss changing trends in the marketplace. Adopting a process-improvement mindset will put your law firm on a different, forward-facing trajectory.

Sponsored A Lawyer’s Map Of ‘The Marketing Funnel’ Here’s what you didn’t learn in law school about the consumer’s journey from digital encounter to long-term client. From Jennifer Petersen

I’ve spent much of my time refining the client experience at my firm. I believe that constantly improving processes is something that every law firm owner or manager must prioritize. Why? Because it helps us to see how our clients experience working with our firm, how technology aids our practice, and how our employees understand their roles. With refined processes, you can build efficiency because you’re not wasting time doing tasks from scratch every time. For example, I use Lawmatics, intentionally building my onboarding for new clientele. It was common to send big packets with paperwork in the mail in the Before Times. (Now they can onboard digitally!)

After a client pays their fee, they start the onboarding process immediately with an email, text, and video welcoming them to the firm. In the video, I explain our firm values, processes for completing an estate plan, and policies, including expectations, timelines, refunds, and best practices for a beautiful experience at the firm. I also give them information on how to contact us if something goes wrong. Sounds straightforward, right?

googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-middle-300x250" ); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-storycontent-440x100" ); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-in-story-youtube-1x1" ); googletag.enableServices(); });

So, what are some ways you can improve processes at your firm? Can you figure out flat fees, giving clients a more streamlined billing experience instead of monthly bills? Could you refine your off-boarding — making sure that that client receives a gift and is texted for a review? Perhaps you can streamline your follow-up process for past clients to ensure they do things like funding their trust or updating beneficiary designations?

What does process improvement look like for you? Please email me at [email protected]; I would love to hear what you have to say.

Sponsored Sponsored AI And Legal Contract Management: What To Look For And How To Get Started Are your lawyers stuck doing manual work that could be automated? Read on.  From Above the Law Sponsored This Digital Marketing Firm Wants To Be A Part Of Your Team Digital Logic's CEO explains how a small, skilled, and responsive company can help grow your business. From Above the Law Sponsored Are You An Experienced Intellectual Property Attorney? Join Full-Service Boutique Team In Chicago. From Kinney Recruiting Sponsored Are You An Experienced Intellectual Property Attorney? Join Full-Service Boutique Team In Chicago. From Kinney Recruiting

Iffy Ibekwe is the principal attorney and founder of Ibekwe Law, PLLC. She is an estate planning attorney evangelist for intergenerational wealth transfer with effective wills and trusts. Iffy is writing her first book on culturally competent estate planning, available in 2022 (prayers up!). She graduated from The University of Texas School of Law and has practiced law for over 14 years. Iffy can be reached by email at [email protected], on her website, and on Instagram @thejustincaselawyer.

Sponsored Sponsored A Lawyer’s Map Of ‘The Marketing Funnel’ Here’s what you didn’t learn in law school about the consumer’s journey from digital encounter to long-term client. From Jennifer Petersen Sponsored Your (Free!) Legal Billing Kit Awaits Download this comprehensive resource for law firms, courtesy of our friends at LawPay. From LawPay and Above The Law Topics

Estate Planning, Iffy Ibekwe, Small Law Firms, Technology