3 Key Business Relationships for an Attorney to Build

/in /by

Building Relationships

As Roseville CA estate planning attorneys, the relationships we build with clients can be pivotal to our success. However, there are many other professional bonds we must foster to conduct business successfully.

Below are three business relationships we should all consider strengthening to excel in our practices.

Couriers

Trusting an experienced courier service to pick up, deliver, or ship important documents means we need to identify a trustworthy courier or courier service, and build a good working relationship with them. If a certified copy needs to be in our hands by 4:59 p.m. during Friday rush hour in a thunderstorm, we’re not going to ask just anyone to do it.

Attributes of a Great Courier

  • Reliable tracking service offered
  • Cooperative with requests
  • Responsive and timely
  • Efficient
  • Insured

Couriers are used to move our pertinent, time sensitive deliveries fast. Being particular when choosing a service to build your relationship with helps your firm to be polished and qualified, and in the long run, helps build clientele.

Paralegals

Whether it’s maintaining organized files for an upcoming trial, drafting documents, or doing courthouse research, we put a great deal of trust in our paralegals. Thus, this professional relationship choice is one where we cannot afford to settle on the mediocre. It is imperative that we have a positive business relationship with our paralegals, and that they too add to our team.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. reinforces this high level of integrity and professionalism in their Code of Ethics for paralegals.

What Makes a Terrific Paralegal

  • Dedication to completing challenging tasks
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Positive demeanor
  • High standard of ethics

Even the toughest litigator will struggle without the support of a meticulous paralegal at their side. This person often represents us in the office, at the courthouse, and with clients. Choose this individual wisely, and work well with them.

Court Reporters

Practicing law, we know the value of getting accurate transcripts of proceedings. While we as attorneys create the record, a stellar court reporter preserves that record and takes it down verbatim to produce a readable transcript. Court reporting requires a great deal of skill and experience.

Identifying a Strong Court Reporter

  • Produces a complete record
  • Excellent command of the English language
  • Meets tight turnaround deadlines
  • Punctual
  • Professional appearance

A top-notch court reporter may also be able to provide realtime services, a feature through which testimony scrolls in a live feed on participant’s laptops or tablets. Many attorneys, and judges too, find this very helpful in proceedings.

An excellent reporter can be an extension of your firm, helping you to build your cases efficiently and accurately.

As busy as we are, a friendly attitude goes a long way in a professional environment. Remember, these are the people we work with and put our trust in daily. Surrounding ourselves professionally with the right people guarantees our practices will grow and thrive.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Meyer & Yee, LLP for their insight into important business relationships.