Document Drafting for Estate Planning Attorneys

Top Tips for Document Drafting for Estate Planning Attorneys

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Document drafting is the backbone of estate planning, translating your clients’ wishes into legally sound instruments that ensure their intentions are carried out to the letter. 

Whether you’re meticulously crafting each document by hand or leveraging the efficiency of automated software, the stakes are high—errors can lead to unintended consequences that may jeopardize an entire estate plan.

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How Lawyers With Purpose and Its Members Embrace Core Values to Build Thriving Law Firms

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At Lawyers With Purpose, our success is deeply rooted in a set of core values that shape both our personal and professional lives. These guiding principles are more than just ideals—they are the bedrock of our community and the key to building a thriving law firm. Here’s how our unique set of core values—Open, Curious, Aware, Collaborative, Adaptable, and Generous—can drive your firm’s success.

Estate Planning Software

The Benefits of STEPS™

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At Lawyers With Purpose, we are committed to continuously improving our offerings based on member feedback and legal developments. Our new LWP STEPS™ platform represents a significant advancement in estate planning technology, designed to help our members stay ahead in a competitive field. Don’t miss out on the benefits of early adoption—sign up today and take your practice to the next level.

Law Firm Reviews

Estate Planning Marketing: Strategies to Boost Your Law Firm Reviews

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Looking to capture more law firm reviews? If you have a digital footprint, online reviews are needed for the success of any law firm, especially those specializing in estate planning. Service-based businesses often thrive on word of mouth and testimonials and reviews act as positive signposts that you’re a trusted law firm. 

This is because positive reviews can significantly enhance your firm’s reputation, build trust with potential clients, and ultimately attract more business. 

This blog post will provide you with practical strategies to increase the number and quality of reviews for your law firm, helping you to stand out in a competitive market.

The Importance of Online Reviews for Estate Planning Law Firms

Online reviews are a powerful tool for building your law firm’s credibility. Potential clients often turn to reviews to gauge the reliability and professionalism of a firm before making contact. Positive reviews can act as strong endorsements of your services, while negative reviews, if managed properly, can provide opportunities for improvement and demonstrate your commitment to client satisfaction.

Consider the Different Ways to Collect Reviews

Estate planning attorneys serve a diverse range of clients, from those comfortable with digital platforms to others less familiar with navigating the online world. To effectively gather client feedback, it’s important to utilize multiple distribution channels, such as both digital and paper-based methods. 

For instance, attorneys can create review cards for clients to fill out by hand, or generate QR codes that link directly to online review pages. Some clients, particularly those who may not be inclined to leave online reviews, can still provide feedback through traditional methods. Incorporating a feedback section on the firm’s website, utilizing free directory pages like Avvo and Super Lawyers, and offering QR codes that link to a comprehensive review page ensures that all clients have the opportunity to share their experiences. 

Given that many clients, especially those over 55, may not prioritize technology, providing a variety of review options, including paper cards and easy-to-use QR codes, accommodates all preferences and enhances the collection of valuable client reviews.

Encouraging Estate Planning Clients to Leave Reviews

One of the most effective ways to garner more reviews is simply to ask for them. Here are some strategies to encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews:

  1. Direct Requests: After a successful case or consultation, personally ask your client if they would be willing to share their experience. A direct, polite request can be very effective. For example, you might say:
    • “Mr. Smith, it was a pleasure working with you on your estate plan. If you have a moment, could you share your experience on our Google review page? It would help others in similar situations find the right support.”
  2. Follow-Up Emails: Sending a follow-up email is a convenient way to request reviews. Here’s a template you can use:
    • Subject: We Value Your Feedback!

Body:

Dear [Client’s Name],

Thank you for choosing [Your Law Firm’s Name] to assist with your estate planning needs. We hope we were able to meet and exceed your expectations. 

We strive to provide the best service possible, and your feedback helps us improve. Would you be willing to share your experience by leaving a review on [Google/Yelp/Avvo]? 

Here is the link to our review page: [Insert Link]

Thank you for your time and support.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Law Firm’s Name]
  1. Client Feedback Forms: Including a review request in your client feedback forms can be very effective. For example, after a client has filled out a survey about their experience, you can include a note at the end saying:
    • “Thank you for your feedback. If you’d like to share your experience with others, please consider leaving us a review on [Platform]. Your input is invaluable to us.”

Timing and Approach for Law Firm Reviews

Timing is critical when asking for reviews. The best time to request a review is soon after the service has been rendered and the client is satisfied with the outcome. Here are some ideal moments to ask for reviews:

  • After a Successful Outcome: Right after a successful resolution of a case or completion of a service. For example, immediately after signing a will or completing an estate plan, you might say, “I’m glad we were able to finalize your estate plan today. If you’re happy with our services, would you mind leaving us a review?”
  • During Follow-Up Communications: During follow-up calls or emails when you check in with your clients. For instance, you can include a review request in a follow-up email that checks on how they are settling into the decisions made.

Responding to Estate Planning Practice Reviews

How you respond to reviews, both positive and negative, can significantly impact your firm’s reputation. Here are some best practices:

  • Responding to Positive Reviews: Always thank clients for their positive feedback. Personalize your response to show genuine appreciation and reinforce the positive experience. For example:
    • “Thank you, Jane, for your kind words. It was a pleasure assisting you with your estate planning needs. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with us.”
  • Handling Negative Reviews: Address negative reviews professionally and promptly. Acknowledge any issues raised, apologize if necessary, and offer to resolve the problem offline. This shows that you care about client satisfaction and are willing to make improvements. For example:
    • “Dear John, we’re sorry to hear about your experience. We take your feedback seriously and would like to discuss this further to resolve any issues. Please contact us at [phone number/email] so we can make things right.”

Estate Planning: Managing Reviews Across Platforms

To maximize the benefits of online reviews, focus on managing them across multiple platforms:

  • Google My Business: This is essential for local SEO and visibility. Encourage clients to leave reviews on Google. Include a direct link to your Google review page in your emails and on your website.
  • Yelp: Popular for service-based businesses, including law firms. Ensure your Yelp profile is up-to-date and actively request reviews.
  • Avvo and other legal directories: Specifically designed for legal professionals, Avvo reviews can significantly impact your credibility in the legal community. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on Avvo by providing them with easy access to your profile.
  • Facebook: Many estate planning clients use facebook so it’s a good idea to set up your own business profile and start collecting reviews on there too. 

Use Reviews in Marketing Your Estate Planning Law Firm

Leverage positive reviews in your marketing efforts to build trust and attract new clients:

  • Website Testimonials: Feature client reviews and testimonials prominently on your website. Create a dedicated testimonials page or highlight them on your homepage.
  • Social Media: Share positive reviews on your social media profiles to showcase your firm’s successes. Use eye-catching graphics and quotes from reviews to make them more engaging.
  • Marketing Materials: Include excerpts from reviews in brochures, newsletters, and other marketing materials. For example, a brochure could include, “Our clients say: ‘Excellent service and professional staff.’ – Jane Doe.”

Tools and Technologies for Reviews

Several tools and software solutions can help you manage and solicit reviews more efficiently:

  • Review Management Software: Platforms like BirdEye, Podium, and ReviewTrackers can help automate the review request process and monitor reviews across various sites. These tools can send automated follow-up emails and track your firm’s online reputation.
  • Email Marketing Tools: Use tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to send follow-up emails requesting reviews. These platforms can help you design professional emails and track their effectiveness.

Ethical Considerations for Managing Law Firm Reviews

Maintaining ethical standards is crucial when managing reviews:

  • Transparency: Ensure that all reviews are genuine and voluntary. Avoid paying for reviews or writing fake reviews.
  • Compliance: Follow guidelines set by legal professional bodies and review platforms to avoid any conflicts of interest or ethical breaches. For example, always disclose if a review was incentivized.

Measuring Success of Reviews

To assess the effectiveness of your review strategies, track these metrics:

  • Number of Reviews: Monitor the total number of reviews across all platforms. An increasing number of reviews indicates a successful strategy.
  • Average Rating: Track changes in your average rating to gauge overall client satisfaction. A higher average rating suggests improved client experiences.
  • Review Frequency: Measure how frequently new reviews are being posted. Frequent reviews indicate active client engagement and satisfaction.

Get more online reviews for your estate planning practice

Online reviews are a vital aspect of your estate planning law firm’s marketing strategy. By encouraging satisfied clients to leave reviews, responding to feedback professionally, and leveraging positive reviews in your marketing efforts, you can significantly enhance your firm’s online presence and reputation.

Want to join Lawyers With Purpose Membership?

Start implementing these strategies today to boost your law firm’s reviews and attract more clients. If you’re looking for more tailored advice or additional resources, contact us for membership information. 

There are different levels of support available. Whether you’re seeking foundational support, strategic growth, or advanced performance enhancement, LWP offers tiered solutions designed to drive your success.

Explore Lawyers With Purpose Membership Tiers:

  • Tier 1: LWP Legal Foundation – Perfect for those starting out or looking to solidify their foundational practices 
  • Tier 2: LWP Firm Building – Ideal for firms ready to expand their operations and optimize their practice with tailored support.
  • Tier 3: LWP Firm Growth – Designed for established firms aiming for significant growth, advanced coaching, and industry-leading tools.

Contact Us Today to learn more about which membership tier aligns with your goals and to start your journey towards transformative growth. 

Reach out to our team via email or call us at Schedule a demo today by contacting Briana Moriarty at bmoriarty@lawyerswithpurpose.com, and let us guide you to the perfect solution for your practice’s needs.

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Potential Components of a Profitable Estate Plan Maintenance Program

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The TLC™ Estate Plan Maintenance & Fee Guarantee Program offers all of the services listed below. Remember: This information is intended to provide you with an idea of what a maintenance program can offer. Your program must reflect your clients’ needs and your firm’s capabilities.

The TLC™ Estate Plan Maintenance & Fee Guarantee Program EPLC includes:

  • A quarterly newsletter 
  • The hosting of an annual social event 
  • Free review of documents with agents and/or family members at disability and/or death 
  • Invitations to public events sponsored by EPLC
  • Phone calls by clients or their advisors to office staff at no charge 
  • An annual client meeting for groups of clients aimed at keeping client documents current within the changing legal environment 
  • A complimentary meeting for family members to explain the client’s estate plan upon his or her death or disability 
  • “Word processing” amendments to estate planning documents requested by the client 
  • Specialized and Advanced planning workshops offered throughout the year
  • Assistance with funding new assets 
  • An annual trust review 
  • A guaranteed, discounted fee to administer the client’s estate plan after death. For clients who remain in the program, we will guarantee the family (in writing) a fee of 1% rather than the customary 5-7%

As you can see, this is an extensive program. You might also have discerned that the components of the plan involve services that do not cost you a great deal of money or “attorney time.” For example, let’s say a client wants to make a simple change to a will or trust, like swapping out a daughter for a son. You already have the client’s documents in your system, so making a change like that is easy. Or consider the annual client group meeting, where all of the clients’ changes can be made at once. Your staff can handle the vast majority of such changes, as well as client calls, a newsletter, and the program’s various social events.

Your maintenance program provides enrollees with easy access to your firm and a sense of belonging to the “firm family.” It will also provide them with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the plan will work, and that the firm will be there to counsel family members in the event of the client’s incapacity and/or death. All of this sets your firm apart from competitors that do not offer a maintenance program. In addition, your program creates loyalty, a bond with your clients. We’ll talk about the benefits of  that next time.