Trust Me, Bro: It's Time to Dig Deeper Into Vendor Contracts

Lawyers can get taken advantage of by vendors from time to time, in at least a couple of ways.  First off, most vendors know that attorneys are really busy & just want someone else to handle things for them.  That means that lawyers will often not dig into the elements of a specific contract, or learn enough about a topic to ask relevant questions.  Secondly, vendors know (or, think) that attorneys have money, which means that lots of services branded ‘for lawyers’ are actually upcharges to the same services sold to general businessperson, at a lower rate. 



The good news is that: there are ways to combat both of these tactics. 

 

As to the second, you can find your best price, by: (1) reviewing proposals from alternative providers, who work exclusively with lawyers; and, then (2) comparing those to non-legal specific vendor proposals.  That way, you’ll have a better sense of how the market breaks; and, you cannot only make a more informed decision, but also place yourself in a better position to counter on price.  Now, the first part, is a little tougher to manage – because you are busy; but, the gaining of a basic understanding of the services a vendor will provide for you, is effectively non-negotiable.  So, you need to be putting some effort into researching (for example) what a digital marketing agency or a managed service provider for IT can and should be doing for a law firm.  If you don’t do that, you’re essentially powerless in the initial, and then the ongoing business transactions. 

 

It is possible, to be a discerning consumer, as a law firm purchaser. 

 

It just takes a little effort. 

 

. . . 

 

If you want to talk about your buying power, as a law firm owner: just reach out! 

Through a unique partnership between the bar association and Jared Correia's Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, National Creditors' Bar Association members have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discount rate.

To get started, visit Red Cave's NCBA landing page, and start running your law practice like a business.

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