Sole Practitioner vs. Law Firm—Which Should You Hire?

Have you ever considered working with a law firm over a sole practitioner when looking to hire a personal injury attorney? This may seem like an insignificant detail, but in America's meticulous legal system, it's something worth taking into account. In this article, we'll discuss the differences between a sole practitioner vs. law firm and the pros and cons of working with each one. This insight will allow you to make informed decisions next time you need a personal injury lawyer instead of relying on the limited information you might find online.

Difference Between Sole Practitioner and Law Firm

Regardless of the industry or profession, running a one-person office, let alone a law practice, is not easy. Most attorneys who work for themselves and by themselves are working around the clock. You might get a referral or come across excellent reviews online for a particular attorney, but keep in mind if you're reading a review on Avvo, you may not even realize that the attorney might be a sole practitioner. A sole practitioner might have a receptionist or assistant, but as the name suggests, they run their legal practice solo. On the other hand, a law firm might only have one attorney but could employ other professionals, such as paralegals, law clerks, legal secretaries, and office managers. Now that you have a better understanding of a sole practitioner vs. law firm, let's explore them both a bit more.

Even though both types of lawyers have the same intention and aim for a successful outcome all the time, it's essential to know a few details when hiring one. There is no right or wrong type of attorney to work with, but if you need to file a personal injury claim, taking note of the following points could help determine which personal injury attorney you want to retain.

Pros and Cons of Sole Practitioner Attorney

Pros: Cost usually isn't a contributing factor when choosing a personal injury lawyer since most don't charge upfront and instead use a contingency fee—usually between 33%-45% of the settlement or lawsuit. However, depending on how much your case is worth, a sole practitioner might be more willing to take on much smaller cases in the event a law firm declines.

Cons: Even though a sole practitioner might be willing to take smaller cases, their time is limited. You may have an interruption in service if your attorney goes on vacation or needs to take personal time off. Further, if they experience any challenges, such as an illness, accident, or family emergency, your case could get delayed, especially if a court appearance is missed or postponed.

Pros and Cons of Law Firm

Pros: A personal injury law firm usually has a full staff with more than one lawyer. And since two heads are better than one, having various attorneys means more resources, as well as sharing of skills. Additionally, having paralegals, office managers, and other staff members within a firm allows attorneys to give clients their full attention instead of focusing on the day-to-day tasks of running a business. Furthermore, client cases always stay on track, as one attorney can easily take over a colleague’s case if needed.

Cons: Clients might face challenges such as a lack of attention if they opt to work with much larger firms. The larger the firm, the more difficult it might be to receive personalized service from your dedicated attorney. In addition, if you're trying to file a claim where you may not even need a lawyer, such as in small claims court or for a civil case, a law firm might not be the best choice.

How To Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury laws are rather complex and require experienced legal counsel when trying to file a claim and receive fair compensation for your injuries or loss. Most personal injury firms in California offer free consultations and can walk you through the basics of your claim. Regardless of what you think your case is worth, contact multiple attorneys to discuss your situation.

At Yepremyan Law Firm, a trusted legal team of attorneys, along with our caring and supportive staff is available to answer any questions you may have regarding your case. As a Los Angeles personal injury firm, we represent clients throughout Southern California and offer 24/7 support. Contact us for a free case evaluation and let us know how we can help. We work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. No recovery, no fee![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.