Many legal matters, even those covered by federal laws and regulations, involve questions of state law and local rules. Moreover, it’s often essential that an attorney be familiar with the local bar, including judges, clerks, and mediators, all of whom may influence the outcome of the case. Here, we examine how local counsel can benefit not only your client but the community at large.
Deep Understanding of Local Laws and Regulations
Every region’s uniqueness is reflected in its laws and regulations. State statutes, local ordinances, and court rules govern all cities. If your client has a legal issue involving individuals, entities, or property in another area, it is vital that you consider retaining local counsel.
An experienced local attorney will have extensive knowledge and understanding of state and local laws, rules, and standards, including civil procedure, discovery, and evidence. Hiring the right firm not only eliminates the need for pro hac vice admission but also bypasses the learning curve an attorney may otherwise encounter. This allows more time and resources to be devoted to successful advocacy for your client.
Strengthening Local Economies
Local law firms play a fundamental role in the local economic landscape. Businesses and services that directly support the local area benefit by hiring an attorney within it. This, in turn, benefits the local legal community in various ways. For instance, it makes it likely that the opposing party will also retain local counsel. Local cases also engage judges and their clerks. All of these effects contribute to a boost in the economy.
When local law firms are retained, they can remain profitable and employ the paralegals and staff necessary for the dedicated legal representation clients deserve. This, in turn, allows law firms to invest in the community by sponsoring events and services throughout the region.
Enhanced Accessibility and Personalized Service
Local counsel doesn’t have to travel far to meet with clients. Even in the age of Zoom meetings and electronic communication, nothing entirely replaces the experience of a client meeting personally with his or her attorney. Your local attorney will therefore have immediate access to the client and can easily schedule consultations and meetings.
Seasoned attorneys are intimately familiar with the values of their own community. This will necessarily shape the client’s individual legal strategy. For instance, a business accused of legal impropriety will not benefit as much from a lawyer who isn’t in tune with the issues that matter to the local community. Law necessarily involves an element of public relations, and the right attorney will understand this.
Local Networking and Advocacy
Local attorneys tend to be plugged into their area’s judicial systems. They understand the personalities, biases, and eccentricities of individual judges. They know and have a personal connection with the local clerks who are responsible for dockets and scheduling. Additionally, local counsel has access to the organizations and businesses that could serve a critical role in the overall representation of the client.
One can never ignore the impact that a case could have on the broader community. An attorney unfamiliar with these norms may win the case but inadvertently damage relationships with key stakeholders integral to the client’s continued well-being. Conversely, a firm with a positive reputation can use its platform to align its community’s values with the client’s interests.
Tailored Solutions for Local Businesses
Every business is different, and that means the legal solution that works for one company might not necessarily work for another. Your business or corporate client deserves zealous advocacy, which requires a customized approach only local counsel can deliver.
For example, if you represent a start-up, you should understand the demands of the local industry in which it operates. By leveraging your local connections, you can help secure funding for the startup while ensuring that compliance and regulatory requirements are met.
In litigation against your business client, the case may be referred to mediation. Even without a lawsuit being filed, a dispute may arise between your client and another party. Who is the best person to mediate the case? Local counsel knows how to find the right mediator for your client’s unique needs.
Local Counsel Ready to Serve Your Client
A locally based attorney will know Massachusetts law and any relevant rules or regulations that could impact your client’s interests. Local counsel can also help align your client’s objectives with the values and expectations of the public.
When you choose local counsel, you also strengthen the local bar and community by selecting a firm with community ties. Finally, local counsel will have unparalleled access to the judicial system, community organizations and businesses, and other parties affecting your client long after the representation concludes.
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