The Definition of an Ideal Law Group
For most people, the term "ideal" means a fanciful notion that reflects a dream that can never be fully realized or attained. As such, the concept of the "ideal law group" to many may be nothing more than a generic term for groups of lawyers working together as part of a larger firm. But the definition of ideal when it refers specifically to an ideal law group is much more precise and reflects the view that the group provides the highest quality of legal services in a client-friendly environment and provides a superb client experience. Before fully describing what an ideal law group is, it is appropriate to contrast ideal law groups with traditional law firms. Law groups provide a coordinated, industry-focused approach that madates practice and industry expertise among its lawyers . The ideal groups are "high touch" which means delivering a high degree of personal attention, service and responsiveness while at the same time having the critical mass to resolve complex, global concerns. They also exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to provide sophisticated and dedicated service using agile, adaptive, top-notch lawyers and legal professionals. Ideal law groups are measured by the degree of service they deliver to their clients. They are intellectually rigorous, team-oriented, and committed to cultivating and preserving long-term relationships with the clients they serve. Being responsive in a collaborative manner is more important than simply having technical skills; excellence in both is essential.
Areas of Specialization in a Law Group
It is also vital to consider diversity of anti-trust specializations across the group, which can help the law group stay ahead of the current trends and regulatory challenges in antitrust law sector. In particular, keep an eye on the groups that have industry expertise in international business strategies to scale into new foreign markets, mergers, acquisitions, joint and unified ventures, and divestiture and restructuring guidance. Attorneys from these specialized groups can advise on the critical elements of successful merger deals from a market perspective and help you avoid some major pitfalls that come with international business transactions.
While industry expertise can be vital, having several litigators specializing in anti-trusts law among the group can add variety and unique perspectives to your case, especially in expansive anti-trust litigation that requires hundreds of discovery depositions in one round. As an additional value, some groups have anti-trust & litigation teams that have experience with US Congressional investigations, antitrust class actions, and class action settlement strategies. Having litigators in the group will also help your company maintain its competitive edge by protecting your trade secrets and intellectual property from injury in arbitration.
Client Interaction Preferences in a Law Group
In the world of law group selection, the way a law group approaches and communicates with its clients is an important aspect clients typically look for. A client-focused approach immediately sets them apart. With full-time administration staff, the ability to make time for the client and meet their needs is of high importance. In comparison "a law firm can be organic, formed organically and functioning together if the attorneys have legal experience together. But with a law group, you are looking to create a more formalized and structured organization, a well-honed machine that understands how to work effectively together." (Source)
The law group is like a corporation, with shareholders and dividends. All units need to be fine-tuned so you can work with the attorneys, while bringing in the administrative supervision and management so that clients are serviced in a firm, random manner.
The administrative aspect of a law group is hugely beneficial for the client. It allows them to not focus on managing the administrative side of business and critically focus on the legal part. A law firm may not even provide a legal supervisor and may have junior associates doing most of the work. Again, surprising details that clients look into.
For many clients, the ultimate goal is to work directly with the senior partner instead of with senior counsel or junior associates. With good senior partners, they are always strategic and forward thinking, therefore clients want not only the experience, but also the senior partner to head their case.
Success Rates in a Law Group
A law group’s performance and track record are telling indicators of their ability to get the job done efficiently and effectively. This information is available on the group’s website and in case studies on their site or in print, and it can also be acquired through conversations with current or past clients. Each law group usually has a portfolio that is available on their website and which highlights some of their best known or most quoted cases. Check for peer engagement, awards, top rankings from leading legal referral programs and network, and check whether they have been published in national media. You will find a reliable, results-oriented law group has an excellent reputation, enhanced by the outcomes they have achieved for other clients.
Innovative and Creative Approaches of a Law Group
Whether a law group can quickly adapt to or at least consider novel approaches and cutting-edge technology solutions is not just of academic interest. Today, successful law groups utilize different platforms to provide sophisticated alternatives. A few decades ago, a reputable law group may have been limited to one or two methods for communicating with its clients. Today, the most technologically advanced law group may use various online platforms to provide real-time reporting on the status of different cases. These new platforms can be much more efficient than traditional methods. For example, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), law groups can quickly compare two agreements to determine what differences exist between them . While this can be done through other means, the use of AI will more quickly identify differences, and will probably reduce the total attorney hours expended. Law group efficiency is increasingly measured by how quickly it can review contracts, provided that proprietary and confidential information is not inadvertently disclosed. Similarly, the use of virtual law group meetings even with clients in the same state as the law group has become mainstream. All other things being equal, a law group that embraces such technology can demonstrate its innovative thinking to its current and prospective clients.
Professionalism and Ethical Standards of a Law Group
All law groups are subject to ethical considerations according to a system of rules and principles known as legal ethics. These rules, depending on the jurisdiction, determine responsibilities of counsel to clients, fellow attorneys, courts and public or private interests. Clients should pay attention to the specific ethical rules governing their case, as the law group they hire will determine the proper approach to their case, and can save them great hassle in the long-run by handling complex issues while they focus on their own priorities.
Legal ethics also dictates how attorneys should interact with each other, and how legal matters should be handled amongst parties and counsel. What is often frustrating for many clients is that many attorneys approach conflicts differently, and their general disposition directly influences how the case will unfold. Thus, the most beneficial approach to a case lies not with the best attorney, but the best group for that specific set of circumstances. The best group is one with experience in those circumstances and that understands the approach needed to successfully and efficiently navigate through the complicated waters of the legal system.
An example of how ethics can differ between firms is shown through the handling of discovery disputes. Some firms prefer to aggressively litigate in order to get what they want, because they view that as their job. Yet, other firms have the opposite philosophy: they view zealous advocacy in discovery as wasteful and inefficient, since it returns nothing of tangible value. Many clients become frustrated when legal groups’ philosophies differ, and they should give this consideration sufficient weight when choosing which legal group to use.
Reviews from Clients of a Law Group
Client testimonies and reviews are critical when determining the reputation of a particular law group. Who would want to hand their legal issues to an unreliable or untrustworthy practitioner, right? These words of experience are public affirmations of a law firm’s performance and ethics. In essence, a law firm’s review page is an easy way to suss out their track record, and makes it relatively easy to gauge the level of their reliability.
The best option when looking for client testimonials is to visit the firm’s own website. Most businesses today have a testimonial area, so a reliable law firm would directly brag about their success and how great they are. This is what a consumer should look for in order to measure reliability and ethical integrity. Check to see if they’ve posted feedback from previous clients. Take time to read these comments, as they offer basic insight into the firm’s abilities, customer service, and overall satisfaction rates.
Next, read through any reviews on their Google My Business listing. Depending on which search engine you make use of, there’s a good chance you’ll find a listing like this. The firm may, or may not, choose to respond to these reviews. See if any of them are replies from the firm, and take note on how they treat their reviewers. This can offer great insight to their ethical standards. If the reviewers have been satisfied with their work, business parties alike could benefit from such references. Online reviews allow for personal interaction with a larger group of people, so this is a great way to get an idea on reputation.
This is not always the most hearty or plentiful source of information about a law firm or its team. That’s why, before settling on one law office, it’s important to dedicate time to researching multiple law firms and their performance records—there is always a risk that someone else submitted opinions that have been spammed, posted for a range of reasons, or have been provided by people with ulterior motives.
Final Selection
Once you’ve completed your homework and selected a number of good candidates for your consideration, it’s time to make a final decision. The best way to make an informed and proper choice is to schedule a free initial consultation meeting with one of the attorneys at the firm. Depending on your requirements, you may be able to get an appointment very quickly. If the need is urgent, the firm will do its utmost to fit you into the schedule even for the same day.
During the appointment, you will be asked about the details of your case or legal matter. Don’t hold back from giving them as much information as possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll get as much out of your experience and what legal help is available when you provide adequate information . Take your time to listen to the advice that you are being given. While the attorney or attorneys you are speaking with may not have the specific legal knowledge or practice area you require, they will have ideas and contacts for you for other partners or associates who may be able to help with your particular needs. Some important questions you should consider asking include:
How and where will I be informed of my case’s developments?
How much contact should I expect?
Will I have a choice of attorneys handling my legal representation, and will I be able to meet with my representative if needed?
And, finally, the attorneys should be fully prepared to answer questions about their fees.