How to Find an Answering Service for Law Offices

Lawyers are often thought of as daytime workers. For many lawyers hours are extended when you consider legal emergencies. Someone may be taken to jail and need a lawyer in the middle of the night. There are tips for lawyers to find an answering service that specializes in law offices. The receptionist should be knowledgeable about how to judge a legal emergency. A law practice can benefit from answering services if messages get relayed promptly.

1. Ask other professional lawyers what answering services they may use. Be ready with questions about the specific services that are offered.


2. Search the Internet for answering services that specialize in law firms. Going with a service who knows the terminology will help your business run smoother.


3. Look up answering services in your local telephone directory. Ask if they are equipped to handle law practices.


4. Have a list of questions ready to ask potential answering service companies. Will they answer with your practice’s name? Can you personalize the way you want your calls handled?


5. Find out how the employees are trained. Are they knowledgeable about legal emergencies? Will they have some basic knowledge of how to handle and prioritize certain calls and emergencies?


6. Inquire how long it takes for the service to get the message to you. Some answering services handle many different businesses. There are sometimes missed calls or delays in relaying information with some services.


7. Call the service and ask for a message to be placed to a business that this answering services works for. You should be able to get recommendations about the quality of their service.


8. Check out the references. Make sure these are legitimate ones. Inquire about the customer service level, professionalism and knowledge of the telephone receptionist.


9. Have others check out the services by calling to see if the company lives up to their promises.


10. Make sure there is a period where you can evaluate the service. A reputable answering service should not balk at this request.