Talk of New Year’s resolutions has inspired me to think about lawyer stereotypes and what we should be doing to combat them. If the legal industry had a resolution, I hope it would be to work on its image problem.
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In my experience, when people hear the word “lawyer,” they often think “stuffy, boring, conservative, narcissistic, ambulance-chasing jerk.” For some lawyers, unfortunately, that depiction may ring true. But their bad reputation unfairly taints all of us who practice law. Most of the lawyers I’ve met — and all the ones I associate with and refer work to — don’t fit that description. And for the record, I don’t either. Having to constantly fight this stereotype is, frankly, annoying.
Lawyer as Trusted Advisor: Attorney Public Image and Law Firm Reputation Management
Wouldn’t it be great if people could easily see the “good guys” — the lawyers who truly care — from the rest? The lawyers who have integrity, prioritize client service, and genuinely want to use their expertise to help people solve problems. Yes, they may be as expensive as anyone else (or more), but sometimes you have to pay for quality and genuine care.
If you think about it, these “good guy” lawyers are like trusted advisors: intelligent, with strong research skills, access to the latest resources, and a genuine desire to help people navigate complex situations. We don’t have magical powers, and we can’t make things go our way with a snap of our fingers. We’re also not self-serving (well, no more than anyone else) and prioritize client satisfaction to build trust and credibility. Law firm reputation management is crucial for maintaining a strong presence in the legal sector.
What We Can Do: Actionable Steps for Lawyers
Even without capes or light sabers (though a girl can dream!), there are concrete things we can do to shift public perception and build a better profession. Here are some actionable steps we can all take:
- Prioritize Client Communication:
- Answer the phone and emails.
- Explain things in plain English not legalese.
- Listen to client concerns and put yourself in their shoes.
- Keep clients informed of progress.
- Use client feedback to improve services and keep clients happy.
- Be Transparent and Ethical:
- Act with the highest ethical standards in everything you do.
- Be open about fees and billing.
- Avoid any appearance of impropriety.
- Do Pro Bono and Community Service:
- Offer free legal services to those who need it.
- Volunteer with local charities or community groups.
- Participate in legal aid clinics or educational programs.
- Share Positive Stories (Authentically):
- Share pro bono cases or community involvement (with client consent, of course).
- Share client testimonials (again, with consent).
- Client reviews are key to your online presence and credibility.
- Get involved in community events and sponsorships.
- Focus on Solutions, Not Just Billing: Focus on solving client problems not just generating billable hours. This means creative problem solving and considering all options.
A Call for Change (and Maybe Some Capes)
I’d love to see the profession do some serious damage control on its image. We should be highlighting what’s progressive in the field of law and the good that lawyers do for their communities — in and out of the courtroom. We should also do more to reward lawyers whose hearts are in the right place and to discourage arrogance and disrespectful behavior throughout the industry.
Our mantra should be: “Be a legal badass by being a good person.” And maybe, just maybe, bring back the capes. Or at least the green light sabers.
