Bigger is not always better. It is not always better to hire a large firm than a smaller or boutique law firm. When it comes to choosing a law firm, there are literally thousands of options available. Too many people instinctively head toward larger firms simply because they wrongly assume bigger is always better.
Wrong. Sure, if you are a large corporation (i.e., insurance company) you need to hire a large firm because of the big caseload you are going to send them in multiple jurisdictions, but what if you are an individual? Is the same true? Will the service be better? Will the results be better?
Not necessarily. The advantages of smaller law firms offer tremendous benefits to those smart enough to look beyond firm size. Personalized service. Faster response. That personal touch. Client interaction. Looking for the best results?
Usually, those are lacking in large firms because of the volume of business they must constantly feed the overhead beast and that means usually only taking the low hanging fruit. Settled that case….next.
Where Are the Best Lawyers? Large Firms or Small Firms?
One of the most common misconceptions is that the best attorneys are at the biggest law firms as large law firms attract and retain the best lawyers because they pay the best. The truth is, talent-quality is spread throughout the field and not always in large firms. The best lawyers at large firms often head out on their own to open their own offices, taking with them their highly capable support staff and all of their knowledge.
Today’s leading law school graduates, those looking to make a difference rather than make a fortune, are narrowing their focus on one practice area and joining boutique firms rather than larger firms that tend to just make the senior partners rich on the backs of the young lawyers and staff.
Other great lawyers simply want to make money for themselves and be their own boss instead of the partners of larger firms. These attorneys choose instead to hang their shingles somewhere that does not require them to put in 60-70 hours every week for somebody else’s benefit.
The bottom line is, you can find great lawyers just about anywhere: in large firms, boutique firms, and even solo practitioners. Hence, the reason why some of the largest corporations are figuring this out and shifting their resources away from the bigger firms to smaller firms.
Chances are you’ll have much more interaction with your lawyer at a smaller firm which means you’ll be more satisfied with your experience. Flexible hours. Unlike large structured law firms, attorneys at smaller firms have more flexibility when it comes to working hours.
Attorneys at smaller firms also recognize that every client counts. Every client is a potential referral to the next client. That’s why so many clients give Tampa Injury Attorney Martin Hernandez 5-stars in their Google reviews, Avvo reviews, and Facebook reviews.
Which is better: Small Law Firm or Large Law Firm
Just because a law firm has many lawyers does not necessarily mean that it is better equipped to handle your particular claim. For example, if there are 25 lawyers in a firm yet only one or two of them specialize in personal injury cases, then there’s not much of an advantage to hiring that firm over a solo practitioner or a small firm. In fact, a small firm may be a better fit as they usually can attend to your needs better and they actually specialize or concentrate on car accidents. In fact, too many people, actually meeting the lawyer you hired is important.
Is it better to hire a large law firm?
Sometimes it certainly does make sense to hire a larger firm. If your case is complex and pursuing it will be expensive and very labor-intensive, then hiring a larger firm could well be an advantage. Solo practitioners may have a difficult time providing funding for a case like yours or dedicating enough support staff. For almost every auto accident case, an experienced attorney in a large firm will not be the best option for you where you are just a file number you will likely be treated just like a file number
What if my case gets too difficult for my attorney?
Many solo practice lawyers have developed associations with larger firms that specialize in more complex, difficult, and expensive cases. So it is possible for you to get the best of both worlds.
What is the advantage of using a large law firm versus a small law firm?
There are several Pros and Cons When Hiring Small Law Firms versus Large Law Firms.
Avvo listed some advantages of hiring a small firm. Being involved in a car wreck can be exhausting. Is this a big case to the law firm or such a small case that the lawyer will not even speak with you? In your research on finding the best lawyer to handle your claim, should you consider whether to hire a small firm or a large firm? Might that be important to you?
What should I consider when Choosing a Lawyer?
Regardless of the size of the firm, one of the most important considerations in choosing a lawyer is your level of confidence and trust that your lawyer will do good work in representing you and your family in your time of need.
It is important that you have the ability to develop a personal, professional relationship with your attorney, and that the lines of communication are kept open at all times.
Do you think your attorney can fully fund your case? What if it costs $25,000? $35,000? $50,000 to prosecute your case. Can your attorney fund that? Many firms cannot or will not. However, our firm is prepared to fully fund your claim and if we cannot, we will find other attorneys to help us or will, respectfully, turn it away and refer you to another law firm.
Will a lawyer at a small firm be more accessible than a lawyer at a large firm?
Typically, a small law firm will make the lawyer more accessible to its clients because the client usually means more to a small law firm than to a large law firm. Customer service is better. Relationships and bonds are stronger because you have more interaction.
However, whether from a larger firm or a small firm, your lawyer must be available to you when you need him or her and must be responsive to your needs. A lawyer has an ethical obligation to meet those requirements.
