10 Ways for New Lawyers to Get First-Time Clients and Keep Them

Starting a law practice can be a challenging and daunting task, especially for new lawyers. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is acquiring first-time clients. Without clients, a law practice cannot survive. In this blog post, we will be discussing 10 ways new lawyers can get first-time clients and keep them.

The legal industry is highly competitive, and new lawyers often find it difficult to stand out and attract clients. However, with the right strategies in place, it is possible to build a successful law practice. From building a strong online presence to leveraging past experience, there are numerous ways to acquire and retain clients.

In this ultimate guide, we will cover the following strategies: building a strong online presence, networking, asking for referrals, joining professional organizations, offering free consultations or discounts, building a strong reputation, leveraging past experience, utilizing legal directories and referral services, and building a strong relationship with clients.

By the end of this guide, new lawyers will have a comprehensive understanding of how to acquire and retain first-time clients. We will also provide examples of successful implementation of these strategies to give readers a better understanding of how they can be applied in practice.

To start, let’s explore the importance of acquiring first-time clients and the importance of building a strong online presence.

1. Building a Strong Online Presence

One of the most important things new lawyers can do to acquire and retain clients is to build a strong online presence. In today’s digital age, many people search for lawyers online before making a decision on who to hire. If a new lawyer’s online presence is weak, they may miss out on potential clients.

There are several ways to build a strong online presence, including:

1. Creating a professional website: A website is the foundation of a strong online presence. It should be easy to navigate and provide information about the lawyer’s services, qualifications, and contact information.
2. Optimizing for search engines: To make sure potential clients can find the lawyer’s website, it should be optimized for search engines. This can be done by researching keywords related to the lawyer’s practice area and incorporating them into the website’s content and meta tags.
3. Building a social media presence: Social media can be a powerful tool for acquiring and retaining clients. Lawyers can use social media to share information about their practice, engage with potential clients, and build a community of followers.
4. Creating valuable content: By creating valuable content such as blog posts, articles, or videos, lawyers can establish themselves as thought leaders in their field and attract potential clients.
5. Listing in online directories: Listing in online directories such as Google My Business, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell can help increase visibility and attract new clients.

By implementing these strategies, new lawyers can increase their visibility and attract potential clients. However, it’s important to remember that building a strong online presence takes time and effort. It’s important to regularly update and maintain a website, social media accounts, and other online assets to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Example: John is a new lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. He creates a professional website that includes information about his services, qualifications, and contact information. He also optimizes his website for search engines by researching keywords related to personal injury law and incorporating them into the website’s content and meta tags. He also builds a social media presence by creating a Facebook page and Twitter account and regularly updates them with useful information and resources. As a result, he starts getting calls from potential clients and his online presence helps to build his reputation as a personal injury lawyer.

2. Networking and Building Relationships

Networking and building relationships are crucial for new lawyers who are looking to acquire and retain clients. Attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and building relationships with other professionals in the legal field can help new lawyers establish themselves as a credible and reputable professional.

1. Networking events: Attending networking events such as bar association meetings, conferences, and seminars is an effective way for new lawyers to meet potential clients and other professionals in the legal field. These events provide an opportunity to introduce oneself, share business cards, and start building relationships.
2. Professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the American Bar Association, state bar associations, and local legal organizations can provide new lawyers with access to valuable resources and opportunities to network with other professionals.
3. Building relationships: Building relationships with other professionals in the legal field can help new lawyers establish themselves as a credible and reputable professional. This can include working with other lawyers on cases, joining study groups, and mentoring relationships.
4. Importance of keeping contacts: Keeping track of the contacts you make in networking events, it’s important for new lawyers to use a contact management system, such as a CRM, to keep track of their contacts and interactions. This can help new lawyers stay organized, follow up with potential clients, and track their progress in building relationships.

Using a Legal CRM to Store New Contacts

It is important to keep track of the contacts made during networking events, as they can be valuable leads for future business. One way to do this is by using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. A CRM system allows lawyers to store and organize information about their contacts, such as their contact information, business information, and notes about their interactions.

One example of a CRM system that is included in all-in-one legal practice management software like RunSensible, which enables lawyers to manage their contacts, schedule, billing, and document management all in one place. This makes it easy for lawyers to keep track of their contacts and follow up with potential clients in an organized and efficient manner.

Example: Jane is a new lawyer who specializes in family law. She attends several networking events and makes several valuable connections. She uses the CRM system included in RunSensible to store and organize information about her contacts, such as their contact information, business information, and notes about their interactions. This allows her to follow up with her contacts in a timely and organized manner, which leads to several new clients.

By networking and building relationships, new lawyers can establish themselves as reputable professionals and acquire new clients. It’s important to keep track of the contacts made during networking events, so that they can be followed up with in an organized and efficient manner. Using a CRM system like the one included in RunSensible can make this process easier and more effective.

3. Asking for Referrals

Asking for referrals is another effective way for new lawyers to acquire and retain clients. When a client is satisfied with their service, they are more likely to refer friends and family to the lawyer.

There are several different strategies that new lawyers can use to ask for referrals:

1. Personalized Approach: The most effective way to ask for referrals is through a personalized approach. This means reaching out to clients directly and asking for a referral. New lawyers can do this through phone calls, emails, or even in person.
2. Incentives: Another strategy is to offer incentives for clients who refer friends or family. This can be in the form of discounts, gift cards, or other rewards.
3. Testimonials and Reviews: Encourage clients to leave reviews on the lawyer’s website or social media platforms. This can help increase the lawyer’s visibility and credibility, which can lead to more referrals.

It’s important to note that when asking for referrals, new lawyers should always be respectful of the client’s privacy and never pressure them into giving a referral.

Example: John is a new lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. He has a client who is very satisfied with his service. John reaches out to the client and asks if they know anyone who may be in need of a personal injury lawyer. The client refers their friend to John, who becomes a new client.

Asking for referrals can be an effective way for new lawyers to acquire and retain clients. By using a personalized approach, offering incentives, and encouraging clients to leave reviews and testimonials, new lawyers can increase their chances of getting referrals.

4. Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising are important tools for new lawyers to use in order to attract and retain clients. There are several ways that new lawyers can market and advertise their services, including:

1. Website: Having a professional website that showcases a lawyer’s services, experience, and qualifications can help attract potential clients. A website can also provide a way for clients to contact the lawyer directly. This can be done with the help of RunSensible’s website building and lead generation tools.
2. Social media: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can be used by new lawyers to connect with potential clients, share legal information and updates, and establish themselves as experts in their field. RunSensible’s social media management tools can help new lawyers to manage their social media presence in a more efficient and effective way.
3. Paid advertising: Paid advertising, such as Google AdWords or Facebook ads, can be used to target potential clients and increase visibility for a lawyer’s website or social media profiles. RunSensible’s platform allows you to create, launch and manage your campaigns with ease.
4. Public relations: Public relations, such as getting quoted in the media or speaking at events, can help establish a lawyer as a respected expert in their field and increase visibility for their practice. RunSensible’s PR feature can help you to create press releases and distribute them to the right outlets.

Example: John is a new lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. He sets up a professional website that showcases his services and qualifications with the help of RunSensible’s website building and lead generation tools. He also creates a LinkedIn profile and starts sharing legal information and updates on a regular basis with the help of RunSensible’s social media management tools. He also uses RunSensible’s platform to create and launch Google AdWords campaigns to target potential clients searching for personal injury lawyers and speaks at events to establish himself as a respected expert in his field.

Marketing and advertising can be powerful tools for new lawyers looking to acquire and retain clients. A professional website, social media, paid advertising and public relations can be used to increase visibility and establish a lawyer as a respected expert in their field. Additionally, keeping track of contacts in a CRM can help new lawyers stay organized and follow up with potential clients. By using RunSensible’s all-in-one legal practice management software, new lawyers can streamline their marketing efforts and achieve their goals more efficiently.

5. Joining Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations can be a great way for new lawyers to gain visibility and credibility within their field. By joining these organizations, new lawyers can connect with other professionals in the industry, gain access to valuable resources, and attend networking events and conferences. Additionally, being a member of a professional organization can help new lawyers stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.

Some examples of professional organizations for lawyers include the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and state-specific bar associations. These organizations offer a variety of resources and opportunities for members, including continuing legal education (CLE) courses, networking events, and job boards.

By joining professional organizations, new lawyers can not only gain valuable knowledge and connections, but also demonstrate their commitment to their profession and dedication to staying current in their field.

Another way of getting professional development is by using RunSensible. It offers features such as document management, legal research, and practice-specific automation, which can help lawyers stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments and improve their practice management.

In addition to the American Bar Association and National Bar Association, there are also several professional organizations for lawyers in Canada. Some examples include:

• The Canadian Bar Association (CBA): This national organization represents over 36,000 members of the legal profession in Canada. The CBA offers a variety of resources and opportunities for members, including continuing legal education (CLE) courses, networking events, and job boards.
• The Law Society of Ontario: This organization regulates and governs the legal profession in Ontario. They provide services and support for lawyers, including CLE courses, library resources, and professional development programs.
• The Law Society of British Columbia: Similar to the Law Society of Ontario, this organization regulates and governs the legal profession in British Columbia. They also provide services and support for lawyers, including CLE courses, library resources, and professional development programs.
• The Federation of Law Societies of Canada: This organization is the national coordinating body of the 14 law societies that regulate the legal profession in Canada. They work to maintain and improve the standards of the legal profession in Canada, and provide support and resources for lawyers and law students.

By joining these professional organizations, new lawyers in Canada can gain valuable knowledge and connections, stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments, and demonstrate their commitment to their profession. RunSensible also provides features that can help with this, such as document management, legal research, and practice-specific automation that can help lawyers stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments and improve their practice management.

6. Offering Free Consultations or Discounts

Offering free consultations or discounts is another great way for new lawyers to attract first-time clients and stand out from their competition. Here are a few tips for effectively using this strategy:

• Make it easy for potential clients to schedule a free consultation. This can be done through your website, by providing a phone number or email address, or by using a scheduling tool like the one provided by RunSensible.
• Be clear about what the free consultation will cover. Will you be providing legal advice? An overview of the client’s legal situation? Be sure to set expectations so that potential clients know what to expect.
• Follow up with potential clients after the consultation. Even if they don’t end up hiring you, be sure to thank them for their time and let them know you’re available if they have any further questions. This can help to establish a relationship and increase the chances that they’ll refer you to someone else in the future.
• Offer discounts for certain services or to certain groups of people. For example, you could offer a discount to first-time clients, or to members of a particular professional organization. This can be an effective way to attract new clients and stand out from your competition.
• Keep track of your clients and their interactions with your business using the CRM feature in RunSensible, which will allow you to personalize your offers and follow up with them in a more efficient way.

By offering free consultations or discounts, new lawyers can attract potential clients and demonstrate their value as a legal professional. Furthermore, by using RunSensible’s features, they can also improve their practice management and marketing strategies.

7. Building a Strong Reputation

Building a strong reputation as a lawyer is essential for attracting and retaining clients. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Deliver high-quality work. This is the most important aspect of building a strong reputation. Make sure that your work is accurate, thorough, and timely.
• Be responsive to your clients’ needs. Make sure that you’re available to answer questions and address concerns in a timely manner.
• Build relationships with other professionals in your field. Network with other lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. This can help you to gain credibility and increase your visibility.
• Use online reviews and testimonials to your advantage. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on your website or on sites like Avvo, Google, and Yelp. Respond to any negative reviews in a professional and respectful manner.
• Be active in your community. Participate in volunteer work, pro bono work or community service and let your clients know about it.
• Utilize the reputation management feature in RunSensible, which allows you to track and respond to online reviews, as well as gather testimonials from satisfied clients and share them on your website and social media platforms.

A strong reputation is crucial for attracting and retaining clients. By delivering high-quality work, being responsive to client needs, building relationships with other professionals, and actively managing your online reputation, you can establish yourself as a reputable lawyer and attract more business. Furthermore, by using RunSensible’s reputation management features, you can improve your online presence, and increase your visibility.

8. Using Legal Software Tools

In today’s digital age, using legal software tools is a must for any lawyer looking to attract and retain clients. Here are a few ways that legal software tools can help:

• Streamline your practice. Legal software tools, such as document management systems, can help you to organize your practice and reduce the amount of time you spend on administrative tasks.
• Improve communication with clients. Many legal software tools include features such as client portals, which allow you to communicate with clients more easily and efficiently.
• Enhance your marketing efforts. Legal software tools, such as marketing automation platforms, can help you to create and execute effective marketing campaigns.
• Track and analyze your performance. Legal software tools, such as practice management systems, can help you to track your performance and identify areas for improvement.

One such legal software tool that can assist new lawyers in getting first-time clients and keeping them is RunSensible, an all-in-one legal practice management software that comes with features such as document management, client communication, marketing automation, and performance tracking. Its user-friendly interface allows you to easily navigate through all its features, and the software provides you with the ability to manage everything in one place, saving you time and effort. It also offers a CRM system to help you keep track of your contacts, and a billing and invoicing system to help you manage your financials.

In addition, RunSensible’s marketing features includes a landing page and lead generation tools that help you to create high-converting landing pages and to generate leads in a more efficient way. This will help you to attract more clients and to increase your revenue.

By using legal software tools, such as RunSensible, you can streamline your practice, improve communication with clients, enhance your marketing efforts, and track and analyze your performance. This will help you to attract more clients and to increase your revenue.

9. Utilizing Legal Directories and Referral Services

Legal directories and referral services are a great way for new lawyers to get their name out there and to attract new clients. Here are a few ways that legal directories and referral services can help:

• Increase visibility. Legal directories and referral services allow you to list your practice online, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
• Build credibility. Being listed in a legal directory or referral service can help to build credibility for your practice.
• Get referrals. Many legal directories and referral services include referral systems, which can help you to get referrals from other lawyers.

One example of such referral service is Avvo, it’s a platform that connects clients with lawyers by providing a directory of lawyers, along with reviews and ratings from previous clients. It also offers a referral service that allows lawyers to refer clients to other lawyers who specialize in different areas of law.

Another example of legal directories is FindLaw, it’s a website that provides a directory of lawyers, along with information on different areas of law and legal resources.

By utilizing legal directories and referral services, you can increase your visibility, build credibility, and get referrals. This can help you to attract new clients and to grow your practice.

It’s also worth mentioning that RunSensible has a legal directory feature that you can use to list your practice and get found by potential clients. It also allows you to access to a network of other lawyers and law firms, this can be a good opportunity to get referrals and expand your network.

10. Building a Strong Relationship with Clients

Attracting new clients is one thing, but keeping them is another. Building a strong relationship with your clients is crucial for the success of your practice. Here are a few ways that you can build a strong relationship with your clients:

• Communicate regularly. Make sure to communicate regularly with your clients, whether it be through email, phone, or in-person meetings. This will help to keep them informed about their case and will also show them that you care about their needs.
• Be responsive. If a client contacts you with a question or concern, make sure to respond promptly. This will show them that you value their time and that you are dedicated to providing them with the best service possible.
• Be honest. Be honest with your clients about the progress of their case and any potential challenges that may arise. Clients appreciate honesty and will be more likely to trust you if they feel that you are being upfront with them.
• Show appreciation. Show appreciation to your clients by sending them thank-you notes or gifts. This will help to build a strong relationship and will also encourage them to refer others to your practice.
• Use legal software. Utilize legal software, such as RunSensible, to keep track of client information and communication. This will help you to stay organized and to easily access important information about your clients.

By building a strong relationship with your clients, you can increase client retention and attract new clients through referrals. Clients will also be more likely to recommend you to others, which can be a valuable source of new business.

Takeaways

Starting a law practice can be challenging, especially for new lawyers. However, by following the tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of getting first-time clients and keeping them. From networking and building a strong reputation to utilizing legal directories and software tools, there are many ways to attract new clients and grow your practice.

One of the most important tools for a new lawyer is a legal practice management software like RunSensible. RunSensible is an all-in-one legal practice management software that can help you to streamline your practice, stay organized, and attract new clients. With features such as marketing, business phone, and all the usual lawyer tools, RunSensible can help you to build a successful law practice.

Don’t wait any longer, Sign up for RunSensible today and start growing your practice. With RunSensible, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed in the legal industry.

FAQ

What are some ways new lawyers can attract first-time clients?

Networking, building a strong reputation, offering free consultations or discounts, utilizing legal directories and referral services, and building a strong relationship with clients are just a few ways new lawyers can attract first-time clients.

How can a legal practice management software like RunSensible help new lawyers grow their practice?

RunSensible is an all-in-one legal practice management software that can help new lawyers streamline their practice, stay organized, and attract new clients. It includes features such as marketing, business phone, and all the usual lawyer tools.

How important is networking for new lawyers looking to attract first-time clients?

Networking is crucial for new lawyers looking to attract first-time clients. It allows you to meet potential clients and referral sources, build relationships, and showcase your expertise.