Small Law Firms

The Practice: Fewer Clients

By Brian Tannebaum

In prior years, Brian Tannebaum attempted to mentally keep track of who called him and who hired him, but he wound up forgetting a lot of the details. This year, he made some changes. On a monthly basis, he’s reviewing prospective clients who called, as well as who referred them, who took their calls, their case types, and whether he was retained. The percentage of calls-to-retained used to be “most.” Most potential clients that came to his office retained me. He made it easy. He’d bring them in, spend some free time, smile a lot, negotiate the fee, and get the case. Now that percentage has gone down, way down.…

Biglaw, Boutique Law Firms, Small Law Firms

From Biglaw to Boutique: Which is Better for Clients?

By Tom Wallerstein

A general counsel recently asked Tom Wallerstein, “Why should my company risk hiring a lesser-known, small firm?” Tom told him that it shouldn’t. Tom doesn’t think any company should unnecessarily “risk” its business without good reason. Tom will be the first to admit that there are some matters that simply demand big firm attention. But Tom also told the GC that there were many matters that he thought his smaller firm could handle just as well as could a big firm….

Small Law Firms

The Practice: Do You or Your Client Understand the Scope of Representation? (Part II)

By Brian Tannebaum

So the matter/case (whatever you call it) is over. You’ve resolved the contract dispute, formed the corporate entity, ended the marriage, had the criminal case dismissed, resolved whatever the client’s issue was for which you were retained.
You’ve taken Brian Tannebaum’s advice and narrowly defined the scope of representation in your written, signed retainer agreement. Now what?

Money, Practice Pointers, Real Estate, Small Law Firms

The Practice: How Much Money Can You Make at a Small Law Firm?

By Brian Tannebaum

Brian Tannebaum knows when you call him, when you come to his office to discuss the “possibility of leaving,” that it’s the only thing on your mind. Sure, you want your name on the door, more freedom, more client contact. But you just have one real question. One real fear. One real concern. One thing you need to convince your better half of before you make “the jump.” Can I make the same Biglaw money at a small firm? Here’s the answer….

Bad Ideas, Crime, Pro Se Litigants, Trials, Violence

It’s Like Having Hannibal Lecter as a Client

By Elie Mystal

It’s been a week of violence here at Above the Law. Between the murder-suicide guy and the judge who beat his disabled daughter, there’s been too much disturbing sadness. Here at Above the Law, we prefer violence that is maybe, just a little, funny. For those who appreciate the lighter side of crime, we’ve got […]