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Writer's pictureFabricio Daniele

Turning Complaints into Opportunities: The Power of Customer Service in the Legal Industry

Updated: Sep 16, 2023

Discover how top corporate legal firms are transforming customer complaints into loyal clients and increased profits through innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences.


Here are the 10 most common complaints in the corporate legal sector:


Lack of communication and responsiveness

Clients may feel that their legal team is not keeping them informed or is not responsive to their inquiries.

This can be resolved by implementing a robust client communication system, such as regularly scheduled check-ins, providing clear and concise updates, and ensuring prompt responses to client inquiries. For example, a law firm could establish a dedicated client portal where clients can log in to view the status of their case, receive updates, and communicate directly with their legal team.


Inadequate legal advice

Clients may feel that the legal advice provided to them was not thorough or was not in their best interests.

To resolve this, law firms can provide additional resources to clients such as informative guides, webinars, or workshops. They can also offer second opinions from more experienced lawyers to provide clients with a more well-rounded view. A real-life example is a law firm that created a virtual legal clinic where clients could receive free advice from a panel of lawyers, thereby providing them with a more comprehensive understanding of their legal rights and options.



Slow progress of the legal process

Clients may feel frustrated by the slow progress of their legal case and may feel that their legal team is not doing enough to resolve the issue in a timely manner.

This can be resolved by improving case management processes and using technology to streamline workflows. For example, a law firm could use project management software to track the progress of each case, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and that clients are kept informed.


High fees

Clients may feel that the fees charged by their legal team are too high, particularly in cases where the outcome is not as favorable as expected.

To address this issue, law firms can be transparent about their fee structures, providing clients with clear, upfront information about costs, and working with them to find cost-effective solutions. A real-life example is a law firm that offered alternative fee arrangements, such as contingency fees or flat-fee pricing, which can help reduce costs for clients while still ensuring quality representation.



Conflicts of interest

Clients may feel that their legal team has a conflict of interest, particularly if they are representing both parties in a dispute.

To resolve this, law firms can implement strict conflict-of-interest policies and procedures, such as performing thorough background checks and obtaining written consent from clients before accepting a new matter. For example, a law firm could establish a conflicts database that is regularly updated and reviewed to ensure that conflicts are detected and resolved before they become a problem.


Lack of specialisation

Clients may feel that their legal team is not specialised in their area of need and that they are not getting the level of expertise they need.

To address this issue, law firms can invest in continuing education and training programs for their lawyers, providing them with the expertise they need to handle complex legal issues. For example, a law firm could create a specialised practice group focused on a specific area of law, such as environmental law or labor law, and assign lawyers who have a deep understanding of that area to handle those cases.


Poor client service

Clients may feel that they are not receiving the level of client service they expect, such as not being treated with respect or not being kept informed.

This can be resolved by creating a culture of client service, where all members of the legal team are committed to providing exceptional client experiences. For example, a law firm could conduct regular client satisfaction surveys to gather feedback, and use that feedback to continually improve their client service processes.


Incomplete documentation

Clients may feel that their legal team is not providing complete documentation or that the documentation is not accurate.

To address this issue, law firms can implement strict document management protocols, ensuring that all documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date. For example, a law firm could use document automation software to streamline document preparation, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that all relevant information is included.



Inadequate representation

Clients may feel that their legal team is not adequately representing them in court or in negotiations.

This can be resolved by providing clients with regular updates on the progress of their case, and involving them in the decision-making process. For example, a law firm could create an open-door policy, where clients are welcome to meet with their legal team to discuss their case and provide input on the strategy.


Unforeseen legal issues

Clients may feel that their legal team did not anticipate or advise them on potential legal issues that arose during the course of their case.

To resolve this, law firms can anticipate potential legal issues and advise clients on the best course of action to mitigate risk. For example, a law firm could create a risk management practice, where lawyers work with clients to identify potential legal issues, and help them develop strategies


It is important for corporate legal firms to address these common complaints in order to maintain the trust and loyalty of their clients. This can be done by providing clear and effective communication, ensuring that legal advice is thorough and in the client's best interests, and by continuously improving the client experience.


Ready to transform your customer complaints into loyal clients and increased profits? Take the first step and contact us today to learn more about our innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your corporate firm to the next level.




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