How Small Firms Can Get BigLaw Corporate Clients
Even though you shunned BigLaw and work in a smaller firm setting, doesn't mean that you have to give up on working for big name corporate clients. You can still work on challenging cases, and get experience with large companies in small firm.
Here are three reasons small firms are attractive legal options for large corporate clients.
1. Your Rates are Lower than BigLaw's
In-house attorneys are always shopping around for a good deal. They've had it with BigLaw's rates, and are always seeking alternative fee arrangements with them. But hey, your firm can be alternative fee arrangement of sorts. You don't have the big overhead (eighteen assoicates per case) that BigLaw does, and your starting rates are probably a lot lower than BigLaw's. Take advantage of this fact and let local companies know you are all the quality, none of the overhead.
2. You Have a Niche Specialty
Working at a smaller firm allows you to really hone in on a practice area. Take advantage of this and become the expert in the field. Having a niche specialty will make you more appealing to corporate clients who want to hire the best. Why should they spend on BigLaw when they can go to the experts in the field at your small firm?
3. You're Another Basket
Any good in-house counsel will have a few outside attorneys they rely on at any one time; it's their version of not putting all their eggs in one basket. While they are trying to diversify their legal service providers, you can be one of many attorneys they turn to for legal advice.
On the flip side, if you do find large corporate clients, make sure that you don't rely on just one client for the majority of your revenue -- you need lots of baskets, too.
Just because you work at a smaller firm doesn't mean you can't go after the big clients. Using your existing network is invaluable in growing your client base; if you don't have one, work on building one.
Has your small firm had luck getting big clients? Tell us how by tweeting us @FindLawLP.
Related Sources:
- Looking for a New Niche? Consider Employment Law in Tough Times (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
- David v. Goliath: How Small Firms Have an Upper Hand Over BigLaw (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
- Should Your Firm Participate in OCI? Pros and Cons (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)