When I buy a computer, a cell phone or even a car, I know the product and I understand what I am paying for. I turn over X dollars and the seller gives me X product. It turns out that with legal services when you hire an attorney, it is not so easy to define what the bargain is.
If it is estate planning, such as a Will or a Trust, I can describe the bargain as completing the documents. However, when it is any type of consulting, litigation or business matters, the bargain is a bit more elusive. So, I will answer the question from my perspective: What are you getting when you bargain with me for legal services?
1. You are getting my time. I agree to spend time working on the objectives to which we agree. It may be email, at my office, on the telephone or even at the client’s office. But I provide the most valuable thing I have which is my time.
2. You are getting my attention. I focus whatever time and attention are necessary squarely on the objectives to which we have agreed.
3. You are getting my experience. I freely share anything I have learned from doing the similar things before.
4. You are getting my documents. I provide the platform for completing tasks which often required using the right document, specifically tailored for the situation.
5. You are getting my ideas. I share everything I can think of to accomplish the objectives to which we agree.
6. You are getting someone else to be the primary worrier about the matter. I shoulder the worry so you can choose not to. This is optional for the client, you are still allowed to worry.
7. You are getting someone to vent to. I actively listen to clients share their frustrations about cases and the legal system. Often, I completely agree, really, not just lip-service, I feel their pain and wish I could do more help.
Is this consistent with what you are expecting to get when you hire an attorney?
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