subject: The Future of Legal Services – Why do law firms need to be business-oriented [print this page] The Future of Legal Services Why do law firms need to be business-oriented
"The future is a seamless law firm" (James Knight, founder of Keystone Law cited in Rose 2009)
There is increased competition and changing patterns of demand for legal services (Woolf 2007). "Lawyers who've figured out how to provide less expensive service to corporations are the ones flourishing now" (Hayes Tucker 2009)
Law firms need to focus ahead and think about what the future market place is going to look like. "To help firms evolve so they not only survive, but thrive in the new legal landscape" (Marsh 2009). One of the main obstacles that firms face is the need to "find new ways to deliver legal services" (Hudson 2007). The author asserts that this is "an important step on the road to modernising the profession".
Firms will need to focus on the efficient delivery of legal services (Woolf 2007)
Success for firms will depend on both innovation and recognition that the business of law is vital. Like other professionals, we will need to adapt to this market change quickly, as we have to all others. The firms that will survive and prosper, whatever their size, will be those that embrace a more business-oriented approach, in tune with the aspirations and culture of their clients (Woolf 2007)
Law Society 2004 reactions to Clementi report: transparent and accountable new legal services, a refreshing innovation (Clifford Chance). "Clementi's report provides the foundation for a 21st century legal industry that puts the customer first" (RAC head of legal affairs, Jonathan Gulliford), "ensures a better deal for consumers through increased competition, innovation and transparency, and safeguards the independence of the legal professions - including independence from government - in providing high-quality advice"(Department of Constitutional affairs Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor),"'The Clementi recommendations combine deregulation - greater freedom for legal service providers to compete - with better regulation. Users of legal services and the wider public will benefit from early and effective reform to secure these improvements" (John Vickers, OFT chairman, Office of fair trading).
"The best ways a law firm can market itself and set itself apart from its competitors... is by actually being different" (Robin Dicks, director at marketing firm The Thriving Company, cited in Trevelyan 2009).
"An increasing number of clients are turning to the internet to source their legal advice -- and law firms ignore this trend at their peril" (Bidlegal director Jo Summers cited in Trevelyan 2009).
As to the future, many see social networking sites such as Facebook as an increasingly important marketing tool, with books and countless articles written on the subject (Trevelyan 2009).
"Success for firms will depend on both innovation and recognition that the business of law...is vital to long-term success. Now is the right time for firms to position themselves in a changing market, identify target markets and revolutionise customer service" (Hudson 2007). "Solicitors are now all business people, and must all be business-focused" (Marsh 2009).
