Unlike large corporations, which have an in-house attorney, a small business faces tough decisions when faced with the need for an attorney: which firm do you hire? Looking for a big firm or a small firm? To help the small business owner make these decisions, I have compiled the following list that clarifies some of the advantages and disadvantages of small and large businesses.

Big enterprises:

In general, there are four (4) reasons why you may want to hire a large law firm to represent your small business:

(1) Resources.

You need enough support staff to handle an antitrust matter, a complex M&A, or discovery litigation that would fill a large conference room or two.

(2) Interdisciplinary experience.

It requires a lawyer’s in-depth knowledge of a wide range of legal services to collaborate on matters that require expertise spanning multiple disciplines, such as corporations and securities, mergers and acquisitions, securitization, intellectual property, funds and other joint ventures, bankruptcies, and corporations. reorganization, bank and commercial loans, public finance, real estate, taxes and employee benefits, as well as trusts and probate.

(3) Worldwide presence.

You need a global network of law firms to provide integrated multi- and cross-jurisdictional legal services.

(4) Large Firm Stature.

You need the prestige of a great company name in an opinion letter to support the actions your company intends to take.

Small companies:

Conversely, if your needs don’t fit into one of these categories, you’d probably be better off spending your money with a small law firm that specializes in your business needs. The reasons for specifically choosing a small law firm are several:

(1) Customer satisfaction is critical to the survival of a small business.

Since, by definition, small law firms lack the “big name” distinction of a large law firm, the distinguishing characteristic of any small firm is its reputation for excellence in its particular areas of practice and the personalized attention it affords. the firm offers each client. Since each attorney’s performance is judged based on client satisfaction and results achieved rather than annual billable attorney hours charged to firm clients (including you), small firms have an interest staff in ensuring that the resolution of your litigation or other assignment is as quick and cost-effective as possible.

(2) See the “big picture”

The day-to-day handling of your case is carried out by the case partner and therefore you will always be vigilant and positioned to recognize the most cost-effective way to achieve your goals.

(3) No duplication of work effort

You should never be billed for meetings between the partners and associates in your case, you will rarely, if ever, be charged for more than one attorney appearing at a conference or court deposition. Why should he pay to make sure the “boss” knows what he is doing with each “hand”, or pay for two or more attorneys to appear when often only one of the attorneys will be able to speak on his behalf?

(4) Learning on your Nickel

Since your case is being handled directly by the partner in charge, you will only pay your attorney to complete the requested task; you will not incur the additional time and expense to educate a new attorney.

In short, selecting the right law firm is not always easy; One size does not fit all. The key is to choose wisely based on the factors laid out above. It will save you a lot of time and aggravation (and probably money) in both the short and long term.

Copyright (c) 2008 Law Offices of Jonathan Cooper