SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

LIANS
Tips from the RISk & Practice management Advisor
by Deborah E. Gillis QC
Risk and Practice Management Advisor
Tips for building a successful firm
Regardless of firm size or
practice areas, successful
firms have many common
characteristics, which I address in
this article. These include:
• Completing regular checks,
both firm wide and individually to
look at strengths, areas that need
improvement and emerging trends.
Successful firms anticipate and
prepare, rather than react.
• Successful firms recognize there
is a huge business component to the practice of law and take
the time to educate new associates on this important aspect of
the practice. These firms either offer or encourage participation
in continuing legal education (CLE), which covers topics such
as time management, billing, client service, communication,
marketing and risk management.
• Risk management is an important part of the successful firm’s
culture. Everyone is educated on the importance of a welldocumented
file and attention to detail in all aspects of work
product. Compliance with well-developed risk management
policies is expected from everyone in the firm.
• Successful firms provide excellent client service, exceeding,
not just meeting, client expectations. To do so, they manage
expectations from the outset, and take the time to explain the
legal process, the range of possible outcomes, communication
policies and the billing process with their client. At the outset,
they effectively screen clients whose expectations they feel
cannot be met.
• Successful firms also devote the time and resources necessary
to properly train and manage support staff. With the significant
reliance placed on support staff, successful firms recognize that
it is critical that they receive ongoing training in firm systems
and are properly supervised.
• Lifelong learning is a priority for everyone in a successful firm.
To help achieve success in your practice, consider participating in the
workshops and presentations that I will be offering in the next 12 months.
These sessions are designed to help you manage your risk, and succeed
in practice.
As well, access the excellent resources available through the Library and
Information Services department of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
These resources include texts on:
• client relations
• practice management
• marketing
• professional growth
• work/life balance
• technology
• time management
Deborah E. Gillis, QC, is the Risk and Practice Management Advisor for LIANS.
She may be reached at 423-1300 ext. 345 or at dgillis@lians.ca.
• Successful firms take the time and devote resources to select,
train and supervise their young lawyers. They recognize that
mentoring young lawyers and supervising their work closely
has huge long-term benefits.
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