There’s still an ongoing debate as to whether non-attorney partners should own law firms around the world. Of course, there’s the assumption that a law firm that you go to would be owned by someone who is qualified as a lawyer, but this is increasingly becoming not the case, and it’s important to decide how you feel on the matter.
To help you make this decision, whether you’re thinking of working/owning a law firm or using one under a certain type of ownership, today we’re going to explore the pros and cons of non-attorney owner law firms and what it’s really all about.
The Pros of Non-Attorney Law Firms
Lower Costs
Typically speaking, a law firm not owned by a trained and qualified individual tends to be cheaper than those that are. This is simply because the individual running it hasn’t had the huge fees to pay with their education and can pass these savings onto you and can be incredibly competitive compared with other law firms.
More Variation in Available Services
When you choose to work with a law firm that’s qualified as an attorney, the chances are that the law firm will specialise in a selection of services which is dedicated to whatever they specialised in. While this can be great if you’re after these services, if you’re not, you may be left looking for another firm which can be very expensive, especially with an evolving case.
However, with a non-attorney law firm, these services tend to offer more and more services to what’s available and can offer a greater variation, meaning one law firm can handle all your legal needs.
More Opportunities for Growth
Hand in hand with what we’ve said above, if you’re running an alternative law firm, you’ll be able to expand out into many different areas and won’t be restricted to just one area of law. You can do this by earning qualifications or by hiring specialist lawyers to work for you. The opportunities for growth are endless.
The Cons of Non-Attorney Law Firms
Lack of Experience
Of course, the biggest disadvantage of using or working within a non-attorney law firm is the lack of experience the owner has. Without being trained in the law, there is a real chance the owner knows nothing about law and may not be able to give you all the help you need. Of course, for the sake of their business, you can assume they’ll do the best they can, but this cannot be guaranteed.
May Cut Corners
Same as the above, there is an idea that some law firms owned and operated by a non-attorney may cut corners with their practices and may not practice as a trained legal expert would. Of course, there are certain processes that need to be carried out by an individual who’s authorised, but this is something you may want to consider beforehand.
Summary
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to non-attorney owned law firms, and whether you choose to work with one as an employee or customer is entirely up to you. Bear these points in mind, take some time to think about your decision, and you can be sure you’ll make the right decision for you.
