Tips to Get Client Referrals Without Seeming Desperate

Did you ever ask someone for a favor, then wait a long, pregnant moment when you just knew Rosemary's baby was going to appear?

No? Then consider yourself lucky -- especially if you don't know that movie. Spoiler alert: Never move into an apartment with cannibals as neighbors.

Anyway, if you are afraid of asking for referrals for your law practice because you might appear desperate or something, just don't go there. Here are some ways around it.

Try a Different Way

For some lawyers, it's awkward to ask head-on for referrals. But statistically those same people usually have more business.

So if that's not you, try different ways to ask. Try these tips:

• Ask just certain clients, the ones you are most comfortable with
• Ask right after you score for your client in a case
• Ask for a positive review or testimonial instead

In general, it's easier to ask for referrals when clients recognize your value. A footnote about referrals on a discounted bill, for example, can't hurt.

Referral Rules to Live By

Of course, there is the Golden Rule: Refer unto others if you want them to refer unto you.

And then there are the "thou-shalt-nots," such as:

• Do not pay for referrals
• Do not offer prizes for them
• Do "not give anything of value" for referrals

There are exceptions to the rules, but the last thing you want is a State Bar complaint for breaking them. Asking for referrals can be scary enough.

Looking for information on effective advertising? Let the experts at FindLaw's Lawyer Marketing give you a hand.

Related Resources:

• The Ins and Outs of Attorney Client Referrals (FindLaw's Strategist)
• Pros and Cons of Pleading in the Alternative (FindLaw's Strategist)
• Lawyers: Don't Tell Bad Judges They're Bad (FindLaw's Strategist)