What To Know When You Call A Lawyer
How To Get Past the Receptionist
It can be a chore to call a law firm and get through to an attorney, even when they are expecting your call. Before doing business analysis or negotiating multi-million dollar deals, I began my legal career answering phones for a Navy JAG Office in 2002.
Please allow me to offer some insights and strategies in making the most happen when you call a law firm.
The Person Answering The Phone Is NOT An Attorney.
Let’s start with something that surprises a lot of people, but should surprise exactly zero people: People with a billable rate ranging from $200–1,000 per hour are not sitting at a front desk answering phones.
Fine…if you are calling a law firm with only one or two attorneys, it may be one of them answering the phone. If you are dealing with a law firm that actually has employees, the phone is being answered by someone without a law degree.
The receptionist at a law firm serves the same function as another office — to route you to the proper person/department. They will not be able to tell you if you have a case, how much an attorney charges, or answer any legal questions.
