What is a Boutique Law Firm and why should you care?

O*NO! Have you heard of boutique law firms? Did you ever wonder what benefits they offer or how they are different from traditional law firms? 

A boutique (aka ‘bespoke’) law firm is generally a smaller legal practice who specialises in one or two key practice areas for which they are known to have a stand-out reputation. For many clients, a boutique law firm will be a better fit than a larger firm due to their down-to-earth client-centric approach.

How do boutique firms differ from traditional firms?

Top-tier firms are often full-service firms. Their pricing caters to the big end of town. Mid-tier firms usually do similar work but across a narrower range of practice areas. Lawyers working in these firms may have limited client contact compared to lawyers in small-tier firms with greater autonomy and client responsibility. 

Boutiques have the benefits of small tier firms. Boutique firms tend to  be very close-knit, so there is an emphasis on building relationships. They can focus better on the fewer clients they have, and clients get to work closely with a core legal team.

Benefits of working with Boutique Law Firms

Boutiques may niche down to just a single practice area. Lawyers in these teams develop a high degree of expertise and are driven to solving problems in their chosen fields. Focusing on specific industries allows boutique firms to understand their clients’ commercial realities and to deliver on-point advice.

Boutique firms are more likely to embrace a fixed-fee structure, doing away with billing clients hourly as with traditional legal services.

Boutique firms are small business practices driven by entrepreneurs. There is less hierarchy, minimal company politics and this makes for flexible decision-making. Relying on their ability to innovate means boutique firms more adaptable and can meet clients on their own terms.

Takeaway

• Boutique firms are known for their key area of specialisation. Clients benefit from significant accumulated experience in the relevant area.

• Since boutique firms have small teams, they can focus on consistently meeting their client’s needs.

• Boutique firm costs can be kept lower due to fewer overheads, less hierarchy and innovative pricing structures.

Your next steps

O*NO Legal’s founder Kristen Porter was born into the real estate industry and applies her years of experience in commercial and corporate law through the firm’s niche offering.

O*NO Legal specialises in real estate law. Unlike other real estate lawyers we don’t offer conveyancing services. Our focus is on providing commercial services for real estate agents. O*NO Legal is The Real Estate Agent’s Lawyer!

If you would like to find out if O*NO Legal’s boutique commercial practice is the right firm for you — Book a FREE 10 minute call with us today to discuss what we can offer!

Boring legal stuff: This article is general information only and cannot be regarded as legal, financial or accounting advice as it does not take into account your personal circumstances. For tailored advice, please contact us. PS - congratulations if you have read this far, you must love legal disclaimers or are a sucker for punishment.