Being a law partner is more that participating in ownership and profits of a law practice. In fact, whether you work for a law firm, are employed as part of an in-house legal department, are a freelance legal adviser, or any other of the multiple opportunities available to attorneys, you need to understand true partnership.

Partnership – the act of joining forces with another individual or group of person’s to attain a common goal – is part of every attorney’s job. It begins with your clients as much as it also pertains to your position with your employer. Learning to work with your client, rather than for your client creates a mutually beneficial relationship – a partnership, which:

• Connects with your client’s goals – Why did they hire your services? What do they want to accomplish?
• Understands their business objectives – What are products/services do they offer?
• Develops a full understanding of their specific industry –What risks do they face and how can they avoid them? Are there potential litigation situations? Do they require multiple contracts? Etc. etc. etc.
• Communicates with your client about your actions on their behalf and the reasons behind those actions – Ensures that your clients understand every step you take, the purpose behind it, and how those steps are beneficial to their company.
• Seeks their feedback and makes adjustments when appropriate – Yes, they are hiring your expertise, but listening to your client is the first step to quality service.
• Protects the client from unnecessary legal work that costs too much in relation to the benefit. Make it your responsibility to determine, and then explain to your client, the value of every part of your service. Be transparent and honest – if you can’t show them real value for a service, then encourage them in another direction.
• Provides innovative solutions – actions that not only meet the needs of cost-conscious corporate clients, but also helps them gain an advantage in today’s competitive business environment.

Ultimately, your career success depends on your ability to be an ethical, transparent, partner, whose integrity can be trusted. Choosing the field of legal expertise that best suits you, will enhance your ability to partner with your clients and provide them with expert advice, and service. Take the LawFit assessment and discover your legal niche – that place where creating partnerships is the natural turn of events. Contact us today – it will make a difference in your career.