The legal industry, like any other in our capitalist system, is constantly being redefined by competition and commoditization. A quick search on the North Carolina Bar Lawyer Directory reveals that there are over 29,000 attorneys in this State and over 5,000 in Charlotte, while buffet style websites like LegalZoom attempt to cut the lawyers’ role out completely. How does the modern lawyer stay competitive in such a hostile business environment? By offering intangible services that can’t be commoditized.
Communication The majority of people don’t speak well in stressful situations. I often spend multiple hours listening to clients before I’m able to fully understand their position. Sometimes it tests my patience and ability to focus, and I’m an interested party. Now imagine a client trying to explain their situation with the pressure of speaking in front of a powerful judge in a public setting. Clients need an advocate who can adequately and effectively convey their position, and that’s not something that can be packaged and sold, or learned overnight. It does not do any good to speak persuasively if it’s not to the point and the audience loses interest. And there’s no value in a quick, unclear message. The good lawyer is able to ascertain all of the facts from a client, weed out the irrelevant ones, and articulate their position clearly, concisely and convincingly. Connections The right message isn’t worth anything if it’s lost on the wrong audience. I often have clients who, after being served with a lawsuit for the first time, will take their paperwork to the Police Station, or the District Attorney’s Office before coming to see me. Even if they have a general understanding of the justice system, clients don’t know where to go and who to talk to in order to resolve their specific issue. The valuable attorney is able to leverage carefully cultivated relationships to help their client obtain an effective solution. That relationship might be knowing a great immigration lawyer or a helpful assistant district attorney if you’re in criminal defense. Or it could be as simple as knowing a good paper supply wholesaler who can help your small business client save money. A set of connections is a valuable product that can’t be purchased, obtained quickly or duplicated. Counseling Clients rarely come to a lawyer with great news. The legal profession inherently requires the lawyer to deal with individuals in tough situations, sometimes because of their own poor decisions. In my practice, clients have either been charged with a crime or are going through the unpleasant and unprofitable process of resolving a business dispute. Either way, they’re usually not thrilled to be hiring an attorney. The good lawyer is able to ascertain the client’s goals by listening, while at the same time tempering their expectations and ensuring they’re realistic. The valuable attorney then works with his client to formulate an effective strategy geared toward obtaining an achievable result, as well as a plan for ensuring they don’t end up in the same position again. For a client charged with a DWI, this means developing a litigation game plan aimed at achieving a dismissal or not guilty, preparing the client for possible sentencing, and addressing any underlying substance abuse issues they may need to deal with. For the business client, it might mean resolving their contract dispute and making sure they have an attorney to review their agreements moving forward. Every client matter is unique, making it impossible to package and sell a one-size-fits-all equivalent to good counseling services offered by a prudent practitioner. --Corey V. Parton, Senior Partner, Parton & Associates PLLC For effective counseling, communication, and use of connections, contact Parton & Associates, PLLC.
11 Comments
3/11/2022 04:50:57 pm
Clients need an advocate who can adequately and effectively convey their position, and that’s not something that can be packaged and sold, Thank you for sharing your great post!
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3/24/2022 03:10:38 am
Your article provides a great infomation Thanks for sharing.
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3/25/2022 02:39:53 pm
Even if they have a general understanding of the justice system, clients don’t know where to go and who to talk to in order to resolve their specific issue. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!
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3/25/2022 03:16:22 pm
The valuable attorney is able to leverage carefully cultivated relationships to help their client obtain an effective solution. I truly appreciate your great post!
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8/9/2022 08:44:35 am
My friend is afraid of getting his business handled. It makes sense that getting the right commercial lawyer would be beneficial. That seems like a good way to ensure that everything works out properly.
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10/22/2022 11:06:03 am
I could not agree with yoru 3 points more. Great article. I appreciate you posting and sharing it.
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2/22/2023 04:09:18 am
Nice informative post you share, Kevin P. Davis Attorney at Law Provides Auto Accident, Truck Accident, Criminal Law, Medical Malpractice, Slip & Fall Attorney Services to the West Charleston, WV area.
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2/22/2023 08:20:33 am
Thanks for post, Our Firms Primary Focus is Real Estate Law, Wills, and Estate Law. So if you are looking for a real estate attorney don't hesitate to book an appointment.
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3/1/2023 11:56:10 am
It's great that you talked about the listening skills of a lawyer and how they help their clients with their legal issues. I have a cousin who's starting a company next summer, and I think he'd benefit from parenting up with a lawyer since he has no idea about the legal documents he needs to fill out to start a business. That's why I'm sure he'd be grateful for your intake about a lawyer's key skills and services.
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3/6/2023 11:16:09 pm
Thank you for mentioning that the excellent lawyer then collaborates with his client to develop a successful strategy aimed at achieving an achievable result as well as a strategy for making sure they don't find themselves in the same situation again. My sister's business license is giving her problems. I'll advise her to hire a business attorney to develop a winning plan and handle the licensing.
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4/4/2023 07:12:01 pm
I found your blog post on "Three Intangible Services Every Lawyer Should Offer" to be incredibly insightful and informative. As a law student myself, I couldn't agree more with the importance of these services in building strong and lasting relationships with clients. Your emphasis on the value of empathy, communication, and transparency in the legal profession was especially resonant. It's refreshing to see a focus on these intangible qualities that can truly set lawyers apart and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their clients. Thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this important topic!
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