For lawyers, good client communication can make or break your reputation. Communication is an art rather than a science, and effective communication skills are essential to lawyers. Since so much of a lawyer’s day is spent communicating, good lawyers cannot afford to be poor communicators.
Effective communication saves time and money for both the client and the lawyer and improves client relationships. Communicate with clients well and provide an excellent client experience, and you will stand out from the rest.
A good lawyer will communicate clearly, and often
It is easy for things to get lost in translation. Good lawyers make a deliberate effort to ensure their clients understands what is going on. It’s important to be conscious of how your firm communicates with clients throughout the whole client journey. Do not assume a client understands the law or the procedure, just because you do.
A good lawyer will offer good advice
A lawyer’s main goal should be to provide a client with good advice. This cannot be done without good communication skills. When giving legal advice, a lawyer needs to consider the law, but they also must consider the client’s personal, moral, economic, and social factors.
A good lawyer will set expectations from the start
Setting clear expectations with their clients from the start can help to frame the client experience and avoid disappointment.
A good lawyer will listen, listen, listen
Many lawyers think that client communication is just about giving legal advice, but often, what clients really need is for the lawyer to listen. It happens too often that lawyers jump in and share their thoughts before they have truly understood the problem, which can leave clients feeling as if they are not heard.
A good lawyer will:
- Ask questions
- Offer support
- Cooperate and offer feedback
- Make suggestions based on what a client has said
A good lawyer will know when to automate communications (and when not to)
In the digital age, automating tedious or repetitive processes can be a big win for lawyers. However, when it comes to communication, it’s important to be thoughtful and ensure that automated communication is convenient for both you and your client.
Know when to automate and know when not to!
A good lawyer keeps client communications secure
Keeping client information confidential is critical.
- Encrypt all communications and communication channels.
- Keep personal and professional accounts separate on social media.
- Consider using a secure client portal for extra peace of mind when sharing documents and other sensitive information.
Improve how you communicate with clients, and you will set yourself up to succeed long term. Better communication means better client experiences, leading to happy clients, positive reviews, and more referrals for your law firm.
Here is an interesting article from Wikijob – 10 Effective Communication Skills and How to Improve Them – https://www.wikijob.co.uk/interview-advice/competencies/communication
Also have a look at our article The essential qualities of a good lawyer – https://buenosabogados.es/cualidades-esenciales-de-los-buenos-abogados/
