29 May The Benefits Of Working In A Small Law Firm
Setting goals is an important part of building a long and successful legal career. For many, the ultimate goal is to secure a position supporting high-profile clients within one of the large Canterbury firms. Nevertheless, many solicitors currently working in smaller practices can testify to some of the benefits small has over large. While large and medium sized practices have their own particular positives, this month I would like to wave the flag for small practices by shining a light on some of the particular advantages they can offer.
What do I mean by small? Generally, firms with 2 – 10 solicitors, who currently employ approximately one third of the solicitors in Canterbury. The 10 largest firms and the medium sized firms employ a third each respectively.
So, what advantages do small firms offer? Some of the benefits relate to a solicitor’s ability to focus on their work and clients, as opposed to the higher levels of corporate administration typically associated with the larger firms. Small firms have more control over the services they offer to clients, with individual lawyers acting as a single point of contact. Lawyers can enjoy a busy and fulfilling career while retaining the ability to remain in control over workload, with fee earners able to manage their own time more flexibly and deliver a more personalised service. Many solicitors prefer to work like this, relishing a more relaxed (but no less productive) pace of work.
Small firms also tend to offer more tailored and adaptable services, with a focus on client care and matter completion. Their clients usually enjoy a more client-centric approach, that focuses on strong and satisfying relationships rather than data-driven performance. Swifter decision making, greater control over work and a single point of contact in managing client issues will invariably affect not only the experience offered to the client, but also the direct impact an individual lawyer can have.
For early career lawyers, who have a bent for entrepreneurship, it may also be beneficial to start off at a small practice where they can gain valuable exposure to the various practical areas of business operations. Small boutique firms offering specialised client services (in areas such as resource management, intellectual property and employment) also offer a number of advantages. Small boutique firms combine this client-focused approach with a high-value client base. Many of the founders are former large firm partners who are able to bring existing clients and contacts with them, thereby ensuring they are still able to work on high-profile accounts. Greater flexibility extends to working hours – boutiques are much more likely to offer remote working and flexible hours — key priorities for many professionals in recent times. For many, joining a boutique firm can be a viable alternative, as they can combine both small firm and large firm advantages.
Small practice employment can also have some disadvantages though. With fewer staff able to provide cover it can be harder to take extended time off. There is also a less defined path to partnership – larger firms offer a more structured and predictable approach to progression, which some solicitors find more appealing. Small or large, what is clear is that by joining a firm that best matches your needs it will be both good for the firm and you will enjoy a happier and more personally fulfilling career.