People often ask me why they should choose a small law firm over a large one. While I run a small law firm and may have some bias, I truly believe there are very prominent reasons why you should choose the “little guy.”

A long time ago, I worked for a large law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The office and decor were absolutely amazing; However, as you can well imagine, money made the world go round. Not that there’s anything wrong with “green searching,” but there were office managers and others who were always monitoring what attorneys and staff were doing and how many billable hours each was generating. Although it was not scripted, a lawyer (or staff) was expected to generate a certain number of hours per week and if those targets were not met, then their tenure with the law firm was, shall we say, shorts.

I remember a case I worked on where the firm was representing an attorney in a complaint with the Florida Bar. The dispute concerned the attorney who overbilled a client, and I, as a paralegal, had the absolute joy of reviewing, compiling, and categorizing the billing records of the attorney’s time. After spending an entire weekend morning, noon, and night organizing those records, I went to the associate assigned to the case and said, we have a problem. The partner assured me that he had reviewed the same records and found that the time billed for work performed was reasonable. I told him that while that might be true, there were days when the disciplined lawyer billed for 28 hours in a 24 hour period. Now, while the attorney may well have spent every hour of the day working on the case, there were only 24 hours in a day and no matter how dedicated or good that attorney was, it was impossible to work (and bill) 28 hours in a 24 hour day. Unfortunately, the Bar Association agreed and that lawyer, to quote Ricky Ricardo, had some plans to make!

I believe there are times when it is essential to use a great law firm. For example, if you are involved in complex civil litigation, personal injury matters, or medical malpractice. You’ll want a large firm that specializes in those areas because you need the capital, resources, support staff, expert witnesses, and multiple attorneys necessary to make the best presentation in court or jury. However, for the myriad of “regular”, ordinary, intermediate cases that fill the court system every day, a small firm is the only place to be.

There is tremendous value in knowing who your attorney is! When you choose a small firm, you know the lawyer. You met them during your initial consultation, they are quick to respond to your questions or concerns. They are accessible when you need them. You can get an appointment quickly. Their support staff are often very generous with their time and will often offer the emotional support that some attorneys, even the best, cannot provide because they are so focused on the legal aspects of the case. With a small firm, you’ll receive the individualized attention you and your case need, something that can seem so rare at larger firms.

Many times with larger companies, you will find yourself with a partner, usually a “rainmaker”, who is usually quite eloquent and dynamic. They will make a flashy appearance and assure you of the various reasons why he should hire your company. Unfortunately, all too often after the fat retainer is dropped, you will find that your case has been assigned to a junior partner or associate who might call you back the next Thursday unless the sun is up, which means it is possible that not until the following Wednesday. . Oh, I almost forgot, Wednesdays are usually golf days, so they’ll call you on Friday. No wait, they leave early on Friday, so do it the following Tuesday. You understand me.

For many people, their particular case is the only time they will (hopefully) be in the court system. They want their case handled efficiently and expeditiously so they can get out of the system as quickly as possible. If there is one good thing about the judicial system, it is this, the sooner you get out of it, the better. Therefore, for divorce, family law, criminal defense, small claims cases, etc., the smart choice is the small business. In the courtroom, you want to be with the attorney you sat in the office with, not some guy you never met who keeps calling you Tim when his name is Tom.

Now, of course, choosing a lawyer, any lawyer, is a choice that you must make carefully and wisely. You should interview a few of them who practice in the area you need. In most cases, they will offer a free consultation. If they want to charge you for an initial consultation, then unless a family member or friend who knows you and attests to your level of competence has recommended you to that attorney, then don’t go. The business of law is very competitive and many great attorneys will offer a free initial consultation. You can discuss the fee, payments, the expected duration of the case, and any other questions you may have. Once you feel comfortable with a particular attorney, you can hire them and get started. Let the search for the right attorney begin!