How a Positive Corporate Culture Can Impact Client Satisfaction

Successful client service commands considerable attention

Another article on client service may sound cliché but a strong corporate culture, focused on client service, can change it from a catchphrase to a revenue driver. Studies show that the most common way people find a lawyer is from a referral. According to the 2017 Legal Trends Report consumers turn to friends/family 62 percent of the time and to other lawyers 31 percent of the time. Happy clients are more likely to refer their lawyers to friends and colleagues which has certainly been the case for one of Vancouver’s leading law firms.

Stewart Muglich, associate counsel at Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, explains how a focus on delivering a high level of client service, coupled with outstanding corporate culture, has helped his firm boost client referral and retention rates.

How does Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP approach client service?

SM: We approach client service with the understanding that it only works if everyone is committed. Knowing this, our firm developed a client service program that is spearheaded by a dedicated partner, our business development manager and our human resource manager. The foundation of our program is our six-point client service promise. It is located on our website and is displayed throughout our office as a constant reminder of the service we promise to deliver. To further acknowledge our commitment, a staff member who’s gone above and beyond their regular duties to service the needs of a client is honoured with our Reach Award. This is a coveted award in our firm, with the winner receiving a gift and their photograph is proudly displayed on our walls. 

How do you articulate your service efforts?

SM: Our client service promise includes six points we’ve identified as critical in order to meet our client’s satisfaction:

1. We provide the best possible legal advice.

2. We communicate in the manner and frequency our clients want.

3. We respond to client enquiries within one business day.

4. We provide transparent budgets for our services.

5. We keep clients fully apprised of developments on their file.

6. We establish achievable timelines for dealing with client cases.

How does this set Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP apart?

SM: Everyone can promise excellent client service, but fulfilling it is what sets us apart. At Alexander Holburn, there is a concerted effort, by everyone at the firm, to make sure we live up to our promise every day. 

What is the most important ingredient to achieving good client service?

SM: There are two important ingredients, buy-in and follow through. To get buy-in, you need to have an environment that is conducive to providing good client service. The people here, the staff and all of the lawyers I deal with are genuinely happy. They enjoy what they do, they like the people they work with, they are proud of their firm, and it shows. The clients on the receiving end experience a palpable benefit. Our managing partner is a big advocate for client service and creating an environment in which people enjoy coming to work. Our workplace is not overly stratified; we respect people’s ideas and have an open policy regarding how people interact with each other. We are a team that feels like a family, and that’s the environment that has been purposely created here. Everyone on the team is important, whether they interact with clients or not. Their input is treated respectfully because we’re all working toward the same goal. Everyone is committed to providing the best service and outcome for our clients, and the result is that client satisfaction, and retention, is very high.