Our Philosophy.
Written By David Reid (Founder & Principal)
I have been around the block a few times and I have seen how to run, and how not to run, legal practices over the last 25+ years.
There are a few key themes that underpin the philosophy that we have built this practice on, which I discuss with our team regularly.
These are not so much “rules”, but common sayings that I use in day-to-day language with staff. I thought I would share these with you to give some insight into the way that Reidlaw operates - to help you peer into the core of our values.
01
“Don’t over-lawyer it”
Too many times in transaction matters, lawyers get in the way of the outcome. Don’t introduce difficult legal concepts that will only serve to “over-lawyer” something that is quite straightforward.
02
“keep it real”
Don’t get carried away with yourself, or the matter. Be yourself, be honest and tell the client what you really think. Don’t put some new form of “armour” on because you are a lawyer. The size and importance of the matter should not change you. Many very large transactions have the same core issues as the small matters, there are just a few more zeros on the end.
03
“keep it real”
The fact that you are a lawyer only means that you have got the smarts that helped you get through a difficult uni course - it doesn’t mean you need to adopt some new persona. Be yourself. Be honest. Tell the client what you really think, but don’t offend the client.
04
“take the high moral ground”
When you make decisions, take the option that is the correct moral decision - in the end it will always be the right decision. We are often faced with a decision in a matter (and in life….) that can affect the direction a topic will take.
Take the high moral ground, even if those around you are cutting corners, and I will back you every time.
05
“learn to say no”
There are things we are good at, and there are things that others do better than us. If the client will be better served by going to a different firm, then tell them this, and help them get to where they need to be. Introduce the other lawyer, and properly transition them to the other firm.
Make the client feel special and important without doing anything other than telling them that you cannot help them.
06
“dont just give the options- pick an option”
In advice work, too many lawyers list out all the options the client faces without coming to a conclusion. The client has come to us with a problem, and they are looking for a solution. Don’t just tell them what the options are – put yourself in their shoes and tell them what you would do if you were them. Then, you will have given the answer.
07
“dont baffle them with legalese”
Some lawyers feel the need to underscore their importance by speaking in a legal language that the client doesn’t understand. Apply the law to the facts that the client presents, and then come to a conclusion.
Use common language in explaining the conclusion - don’t baffle them with legalese.
08
“you have to earn respect”
Show respect at every turn, and you will be respected in return. Don’t think that you should be respected from the outset, people just aren’t like that these days - you need to show respect to earn respect.
09
“play the long game”
This is especially the case with legal costs and new clients. Don’t ream the client with the first bill they get, they will be “outta” here before we know it.
Assume this is a long-term relationship that we want to foster for the next 20 years