Blog
How a Virginia Attorney Can Build Lasting Relationships with Clients
Many Attorneys spend a fortune on advertising. While a continuous influx of new clients is very important to a successful law practice, so are referrals from past clients. A former client can be a huge source of revenue and can be one of the best channels for advertising your practice. The same is true of your current clients. Do not forget about your current and past clients!
Communication
As you may have heard in prior ethics seminars, communication is essential. In fact, many Attorneys get themselves in trouble with the Virginia State Bar for not communicating enough with clients. Many fail to respond to emails or phone calls from the client and this will damage the relationship with the client.
You are their biggest (and sometimes only) advocate. They are relying on you to help them through what many times is the most difficult time of their lives. If you read many of the best online reviews for Attorneys they most certainly include how the client felt like they could comfortably reach out to their Attorney with questions or comments about their case (and would receive a quick response) and felt informed about their case. Not only are you fulfilling your ethical obligation to your client, you are building a lasting relationship.
Out of Sight Out of Mind
When you stay in constant contact with your client, you are constantly reminding them of your existence. When they are receiving emails, text messages, phone calls, or letters from you they are thinking about you and their case. As a result, when a friend or family member finds themselves in legal trouble and mentions the problem to your client, your client will be quick to advise them to call you because you are at the forefront of their mind. It also keeps them invested in their case and may help them be able to recall new information that may be helpful in their defense.
Many marriages fail as a result of a lack of communication and the same goes for your clientele. If you have not heard from your client, feel free to shoot them an email or text message. Let them know you are working on their case. If there is nothing new to report, simply check in with them and ask them if they have any questions and/or let them know everything is going well in your preparation. Make them feel like you are there if they need you and that their case is important.
After the Representation
The end of the representation does not necessary mean the end of your relationship with your client. While they may not have anything pending, don’t be afraid to stay in touch with them. If you see something funny that reminds them of your case together send it to them in a funny email or text message. During the holidays send out Christmas Cards or ask them to Like your business page on Facebook (and then send out posts they will receive as a member or fan of your page). If they call you again for another case, do them the service of quoting them a reduced fee as a return client. Let them know that they are important to you and they will reciprocate by showing you are important to them with referrals and positive internet reviews.
Remember that many clients may not know you want referrals. Ask them for referrals from their friends or family who need legal help so that you can continue to help the community. Building such lifelong relationships will lead to a lucrative, successful practice built on trust, loyalty, and respect.