Why Free Consultations Are Worth The Money



Shelia Manely, Business Manager



Tonight's blog post is written by Shelia Manely, Business Manager for the Manely Firm, PC.

I’m not a lawyer . . . yet.  But, I am a law student, mother of a blended family of five, business manager of our growing law firm and wife.  (That’s the order my husband suggested.)   I can’t give legal advice, but I can give lots and lots of advice.  Just ask anyone who knows me.  I just can’t help myself.  I figure I’m being very helpful if I share everything I know with anyone who asks.  I know you didn’t ask, but, you are reading, which sort of implies consent.  So, here I go.

I had the chance to sit in on a presentation given to fellow law students by the founding attorney from a family law firm with their sole office in downtown Atlanta.  To prove what a great attorney he is, he touted how many speaking engagements he’s had, how many TV appearances he’s made and how dependent upon him the local news channels are for his professional advice.  He said he always makes himself available to the media, not just for paid appearances, but also for free consultation and  advice.  After all, he says, those guys are journalists, not attorneys.  They want to know they are getting their story straight and using the right terminology.  Sometimes, he says, I’m disappointed when I don’t get credited or I get edited out of the piece, but that’s OK.  I still help.  I want them to call me again.  I want to keep those opportunities coming!

He also bragged about how much he charges an hour (over $500) and why he never, ever gives free client consultations.  He advised over twenty-five future attorneys to never, ever give free client consultations.  Here’s his reasoning: 

 If I charge for consultations, people will think I have enough business that I don’t have to give free consultations to get business.  Free consultations say, “I’m desperate.” 

 If I charge for consultations, I won’t be giving away my time to some people while billing my time to others.  Free consultations say, “I’m putting my paying clients aside to do free consultations.”   

If I charge for consultations, people will feel really good about what I tell them because they’ve paid for it.  Free consultations say, “my advice isn’t worth anything.”  

And then there is the kicker:

If someone pays for my time and also gets a free consultation from another attorney, they’re not going to pick the do-gooder who gave them their time, because they’ve already invested over $500 bucks in me!  Free consultations say, "pick me and you've wasted the money you paid the other guy."

Well, it’s hard to argue with him because he is very successful.  He has lots of famous clients to show for his efforts.  And rich, famous clients need a good attorney just like the rest of us.  But, wait a second…don’t the rest of us need a good attorney just like those rich, famous people?  

At The Manely Firm, PC, we've had our share of media attention and we do give free client consultations.

               We are not desperate.  We open over 200 cases a year and that number keeps climbing.

               We do not put our paying clients aside to do free consultations.   If we have more work than we can do while giving free consultations, we hire more attorneys.

               If people thought our free advice wasn’t worth anything, they wouldn’t hire us by the hundreds.  And finally,

               If a person prefers to pay for advice they may never use, from an attorney they have yet to meet with a firm they may never hire, I say let ‘em.  I prefer our clients be sane.  They’re easier to represent.

At The Manely Firm, PC, we make ourselves available to potential clients, not just the media.  And, not just for paid appearances, but also for free consultation and advice.  After all, our potential clients are just people, not attorneys.  They want to know they are getting their story straight and using the right terminology.  Sometimes, we are disappointed when we don’t get hired, but that’s OK.  We still help.  We want them to call us again.  We want to keep those opportunities coming!

So, the advice?  If you need a successful, experienced family law attorney, visit us for a free consultation.  If you need a celebrity, it'll cost ya'.

              

Like Client, Like Counsel

I always advise potential clients to speak to as many attorneys as they need to, until they find one with whom they are comfortable.  "Shop around," I advise them.

Here's the fundamental reason to talk to several lawyers: there will come at least one time in your case when much is on the line and a decision has to be made.  You will feel like this is an earth shaking decision, with  the right decision leading to your goals being realized and the wrong decision leading to ruin.  In that moment, you need your attorney's best judgment, his most sound advice.  And when he gives that advice, you want to trust that his advice is correct. 

If you have retained the attorney with whom you have the greatest rapport, you will most likely hear and follow his advice.  You will most likely feel comfortable and secure with the decision you make.  This simpatico keeps your legal team together and helps you stay focused.  This "being on the same page" moves you toward accomplishing your goals.

Often, I see this maxim play out in court.  Like client, like counsel.  If the party is brash, harsh and rude, she will likely find an attorney that shares those traits.  If a party can't tell the truth to save their lives, often his counsel is similarly challenged.  Not to get too offensive but it reminds me of those studies about the similar appearance of dogs and their owners. 

I find that most of my clients are honest, sincere people who truly want the best for their families, but they have the wisdom to not want the worst for themselves.  Perhaps that good judgment is why they pick me.  But I would say that, wouldn't I?

Bottom line?  Shop around until you feel secure.

 Georgia Bar Guide on Selecting Counsel