Legal Issues

Creating Goals and a Mission Statement for a Legal Practice
From a legal office management perspective, creating goals and a sense of structure are keys to the continued growth and profitability of the business.  Knowing where the business is headed is a critical part of ensuring it reaches its intended destination. Having a sense of direction also ensures that it does not lose sight of its value to clients. Therefore, six goals (a firm overview) have been established for the law firm, with the needs of the solo practitioner in mind- while also addressing the needs of employees and clients

The first goal is to provide reliable and competitively-priced legal services, and  sound legal advice to all clients, regardless of the level of complexity of the case.

The second goal is to ensure all legal services (including follow-ups) are provided in a timely manner, with the level of professionalism clients deserve.

The third goal is to develop operating proceduresmanuals for staff members and to employ technologically savvy support staff that will work as a team to successfully implement organized record-keeping strategies.

The fourth goal is to develop a better system for keeping client information secured and tracking potential conflicts of interest.

The fifth goal is to relocate to a larger office space that is better-suited for legal services.

The sixth goal is a long-term goal, which is to set aside two hours each week to mentor local high school students interested in entering the legal profession.

The seventh goal, another long-term goal, is to expand to surrounding communities and eventually serve clients state-wide. This will be done by adding partners to the law firm.

Each goal created for this law firm was created with extra consideration being given to what it takes to run an office of any size. Therefore, further explanation will be provided here on the thought process behind each goal.

The first goal was created to address the law firms desire to make profits while also serving its clients as promised.

The second goal was formed on the basis that law firms understand the most basic of client needs, which is to have their legal concerns addressed in a timely manner- since legal matters are usually time-sensitive.

The third goal and fourth goals work in congruently and were designed to address the firms need for good record keeping, and personnel that can ensure confidential client data is secured- yet easily accessible - by authorized personnel, through a secured network.  With the solo practitioner considering a move to a shared office space, this would ensure that client information is not accessible to anyone not permitted to view the files.

The fifth goal deals with the law firms plans to relocate. In order to present a more professional image the sixth goal enables the firm to display its commitment to the community and increase the firms accessibility to potential clients. Successful achievement of this goal will ultimately result in the development of additional offices (which is how the sixth goal will come to fruition) and community development initiatives such as legal workshops for the public.

The seventh goal, which involves adding partners to the firm, was added to broaden the range of services offered by the practice, thereby increasing the client base.

The goals serve primarily as the starting point for the development of a strong, clear and sincere mission statement. The mission statement created is one the firm would use to effectively communicate its vision to affiliates, employees, new and existing customers and the world

As dedicated, experienced legal professionals, our mission is to always treat clients with respect. The relationships formed with our clients are of the utmost importance, as shown in our undying commitment to overreach our customers expectations and deliver principled, professional and affordable legal services to those we serve. We will expand our client base through referrals from loyal clients who can attest to our commitment to excellence, and through our reputation as a firm that knows the law and practices it with integrity, transparency and courage.

The mission statement further illustrates the philosophies the law firm stands behind, and the image the law firm wishes to leave behind for years to come. The mission statement helps with this by, as stated in Strategic Planning Made Easy (2004), acting as the companys compass and guiding the business along the rewarding path to reaching its objectives.

While the solo practitioner does not yet appear to have great organizational skills at this time, if the goals outlined in the firm overview are followed- she will be well on her way to achieving these business goals and other goals as they unfold, during the process of continued business growth.