Let it all hang out
Getting the facts right is largely what the law is all about.
To achieve your objectives we need the full story – not just the bits that some clients think we need to know. That’s like expecting a doctor to cure you without knowing the symptoms.
Time is money
The way you and your lawyer interact can have a dramatic effect on the bottom line of your bill.
We’re working hard to improve efficiencies and eliminate unnecessary costs:
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Most lawyers charge you for units of 6 minutes or part thereof. At Birman & Ride, unless you're buying a fixed price service, we charge by the minute. You pay for only what you use.
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Using ContactsLaw - our state of the art legal practice management software - our administrative nerve centre (we call it the Registry):
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records comprehensive contact details for every entity and individual relevant to your affairs enabling us to quickly search our powerful relational database for the information we need to automatically telephone, email or create documents relating to any contact without rekeying data such as name, address or telephone numbers; and
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scans, registers and catalogues every email, letter and document that we receive or generate in relation to your affairs – and electronically distributes each item to you and the relevant team members. You are always kept up to date and in the loop.
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Because ContactsLaw automatically times and records details of our work as we do it – every bill that you receive from us is fully itemised. It’s easy to see what you are paying for.
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We use email wherever possible: it’s faster, cheaper, environmentally friendlier and more reliable than any other method of communication.
We advertise direct telephone numbers for all team members to make it as easy as possible for you to talk us.
Things you can probably do yourself
Establishing the facts is exacting and time-consuming. We need to review the relevant documents and (usually) obtain a statement from you.
In doing so, we will charge you at our hourly rates for the following work, some of which you can probably do yourself:
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Prepare a lever arch file containing photocopies all of the documents relevant to your case (including emails, agreements, correspondence, notes of telephone discussions and diary/calendar entries) ordered chronologically – earliest document first.
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Prepare a summary list of each document (preferably in a Word or Excel table) with the date and meaningful description cross-referenced by number to the bundle of documents. Ask us for our preferred formats.
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Prepare a chronology of significant events.
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Prepare a list of the names of relevant persons and companies, their addresses and other contact details.
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Prepare an objective statement of the relevant facts – preferably using Microsoft Word. Be as chronological as you can; number each paragraph; stick to the known facts (not your beliefs and opinions); avoid emotive language – a good test is to omit all adverbs (ie words ending in ly).
Save money and the planet...
Please communicate with us by email.
Wherever possible:
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email multiple documents as individual attachments;
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quote our file number in square brackets in the subject line of your emails to us – eg [1234.3];
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describe the contents of your email in the subject line;
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rename attachments to describe them meaningfully; that you attach to your emails;
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omit unnecessary attachments such as banners and logos;
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do not acknowledge emails from us unless there is a reason for replying – emails that do no more than say “ta” or “thank you” waste time – therefore money;
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observe netiquette at all times.
Pay your bill online
For your convenience we accept online payments by VISA or Mastercard via our secure website. Alternatively you can pay by EFT using internet banking.
In some cases we offer a discount for prompt settlement of accounts if paid online.
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Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself
It is unethical for lawyers to communicate directly with other lawyers’ clients – and there are good practical reasons for this rule. There’s no bar to you continuing to communicate with your adversary, but it generally makes sense to leave the talking to us. That way the right hand knows what the left hand is up to.
Occasionally, you may want us to draft documents for you to present as your own; and in some cases a particular strategy may call for you to communicate directly with your opponent – at least on a limited basis.
We’re here to help... that is, to help you to make the decisions
In a good professional relationship, clients instruct their lawyers – not vice versa.
We’re here to tell you what you need to know about the law and to explain the options available to you in an objective and non-judgmental way.
If we feel strongly about a particular course of action open to you we will probably say so – but at the end of the day the choice is always yours.
Don’t shoot the messenger
A good lawyer is not afraid to give unpalatable advice.
It’s far easier to tell clients what they want to hear than what they need to hear. By all means get a second opinion. But at least accept that when you are told something that you don’t like, your lawyer is probably doing the job properly. He/she might even be right!
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing...
Some clients spend a lot of time telling us about the law.
Fascinating as this may be, we charge by the minute for listening. We don’t claim to have a mortgage on all legal wisdom, but our core business is selling advice - not receiving it. In any event, why hire lawyers to tell you what you already know?
Don’t call us, we’ll call you
Of course, we welcome your calls at any time. But bear in mind that we charge by the minute. You don’t necessarily need to call us when we send you a copy of a letter or a document. We are just keeping you informed.
If we need your instructions, we will always contact you.
And when you do telephone...
Our advanced VOIP-enabled Avaya telephone system is fully automated and integrated with ContactsLaw. Please:
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avoid the automated menus by telephoning our team members on their direct lines whenever possible;
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understand that if the person you are calling does not answer the phone, he/she is probably in conference or in Court. He/she will try to return your call within 24 hours;
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leave a voicemail message where possible. Our system automatically emails voicemail to the appropriate person, and in some cases also to his/her mobile telephone;
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avoid calling our mobile telephones during business hours: if we can’t take your call on your landline, chances are we’re otherwise engaged;
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if the lawyer you are calling is unavailable, consider whether our Registry can resolve the problem – then select the appropriate option.
Friends in low places
When communicating with us, choose your mark. In descending order of their hourly rates, your options are:
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your file supervisor (usually one of our partners) – best for strategic issues and feedback;
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your file manager - the person with day to day responsibility for the management of your file;
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the Registry (phone 9220 4446) – good for making appointments, tracking down documents and routine queries.
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