The Retainer.
Running a firm like a business.
Field notes on intake, follow-up and the business side of a small law firm. Written by a practicing attorney who has run an intake desk, for the people who run theirs.
Latest posts
How much does legal intake software cost?
Legal intake software cost depends on the pricing model more than the sticker. Here's how to estimate your real monthly bill before you sign.
What is the difference between a legal CRM and practice management software?
A legal CRM handles people before they hire you. Practice management handles the case after. Here's where each one starts and stops.
Is AI answering legal for law firms?
Generally yes, if the firm supervises it, protects confidentiality and keeps it from giving legal advice. Here's what the ABA rules and Opinion 512 say.
What is the best AI receptionist for a small law firm?
There's no single best AI receptionist. The right one runs real legal intake, books the consult and hands off cleanly to a CRM and a person.
What percent of law firm leads become clients?
There's no single industry number you should trust. Here's how to measure your own lead-to-client rate, stage by stage, and find the leak.
How do I qualify leads for my law firm?
Qualify law firm leads with four checks: practice area, location, timing and ability to move forward. Then book the ones that fit.
Do law firms need a CRM?
If more than one person touches new leads, or you can't say what happened to last month's callers, yes. Here's how to tell.
What should a law firm intake script include?
A good law firm intake script has seven parts, from the greeting to a booked consult. Here's what goes in each one, with sample lines.
How fast should a law firm respond to a lead?
Answer calls live and respond to web and text leads within minutes. Here's a simple response-time standard a small firm can actually hold.
How do I stop missing after-hours calls at my law firm?
To stop missing after-hours calls, put a live answer on every call, book consults on the spot and make someone own the morning follow-up.
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