Rules for Client Service

J.D. (Dan) Hull of What About Clients is blogging about his list of 12 rules for dealing with clients.  His most recent rule is rule number 8, Think like the client - help control costs.

So far, here's the list:

1. Represent only clients you like.

2. The client is the main event.

3. Make sure everyone in your firm knows that the client is the main event.

4. Deliver legal work that changes the way clients think about lawyers.

5. Over-communicate: bombard, copy and confirm.

6. When you work, you are marketing.

7. Know the client.

8. Think like the client - help control costs.

If you haven't read Dan's posts, you should.  The list is thought-provoking and reminds us that clients should always be the focus of any law practice.  Although that sounds easy and even obvious, many, many law firms fail to follow through on this simple principle.  Dan's most recent rule reminds us that sometimes, having a long term view of the client relationship pays huge dividends down the line.  If you can save your clients money, reduce their legal fees, or assure them that there are some things they just don' t need to pay you to do, you'll reap huge rewards and build loyalty.  A client who knows that you're interested in saving them money and helping their business prosper is much more likely to continue to work with you than one that thinks you're only in it to get every last dollar you can out of them.

It may sound risky, but sometimes telling the client they don't need you is the best way to stand out from the crowd and ensure that you get paid in the future.