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04 December 2008 / Chris Parr
Issue: 7348 / Categories: Features , Profession
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Client care

Should keeping clients happy be a  law firm’s highest priority? Without a  doubt, says Chris Parr

How much of a law firm’s activity  is actually dedicated to, or  orientated primarily around, its  clients?

If partners are honest about the  answer to that question, they may find  that they are in the 40–50% range.  Consider that. Essentially, all of a firm’s  income comes from its clients; so why  would a firm not have those clients in  mind in everything it does?

The CEO of one organisation for  which I used to work (not a law firm)  once made a statement: “Do not hold  any meeting unless the primary purpose of that meeting is to add value to a  client or to the clients in general.” Th e  organisation met this with incredulity.  What about all the “administration”  meetings that are required in the life  of a company? What about budget  meetings and meetings to discuss HR  and location issues? There seem to be  many reasons to meet which do not  relate to the clients of the firm. But is  that so? I think not.

The purpose

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

Anthony Collins—20 promotions

20 promotions mark major people investment at national law firm, Anthony Collins

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley—Elaine Whiteford

Sidley adds competition litigator Elaine Whiteford in London

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys—Claudina D’Costa

Charles Russell Speechlys welcomes Claudina D’Costa as Director of Client Development Marketing

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A discount on damages does not automatically mean an equivalent haircut for legal costs in military deafness claims
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