Chances are, your law firm has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe staff is now working remotely or you’ve seen a hit to your bottom line. When you’re trying to stay afloat, it’s important to focus on new ways to generate leads, offer the latest technologies to clients, and be there for them above all.
Here is your complete guide for lawyering during the pandemic.
Getting new leads
Most people are now finding businesses and service providers online. The world was already moving digital, and COVID-19 restrictions have furthered those trends. What does this mean for your practice? That your audiences are online, and you need to meet them where they are. Make sure you put more focus on growing your online presence, including updating your website and increasing your engagement on social media.
Another way to get new leads is to join a lawyer directory, like Modern Attorney. This makes it much easier for people in need of legal services in your area to find you. You can post all of your qualifications, personal interests, educational background, and more on your Modern Attorney profile so clients will feel more comfortable contacting you.
Client communication with NextMessage
It’s important that you stay available and accessible to your clients during the pandemic. They may be uncertain and concerned about whether their case will be moving forward and if hearings will be changed or moved online. Because you can’t meet with them in person, offer your clients more convenient ways to communicate, like texting.
NextChapter makes it easy to integrate SMS messaging with NextMessage. You don’t have to give out your personal phone number, as your firm will be assigned a local number just for this purpose. View conversation history instantly and receive an email notification every time you receive a message.
Virtual meetings
Virtual is the new normal across industries, and the legal world is no exception. Make sure your clients know that you’re willing to meet with them via phone or video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom, instead of requiring them to meet you in person.
Flexible payment options
Many Americans are facing extreme financial hardship during the pandemic. Businesses are closing, workers are being laid off, and no one knows when the economy will be able to go back to normal.
Be there for your clients during this time by offering them alternate payment structures, like bifurcated bankruptcies. Or, consider providing more pro bono services if you’re able to. NextChapter waives fees for attorneys filing pro bono bankruptcy cases, helping you help clients in need.
Putting your clients first
Your clients should come before all else, especially during a global pandemic. This not only means being more flexible with fees and meetings but also with your workflows. What will make their lives easier? What will speed up the case management and filing processes?
Using a web-based software for attorneys like NextChapter improves your practice and the way you work with your clients. The MyChapter Client Portal allows your clients to upload their information and documents on any device, from anywhere they have an internet connection. You can track their progress through the system and review their entries before importing the data into NextChapter.
Sign up for NextChapter and gain access to all of these features that help your practice work more efficiently for your clients.