When you need legal help after an accident, choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You may have seen big, national law firms advertising on billboards, TV and social media, promising aggressive representation and record-breaking settlements. But what they don’t tell you is that the attorney you see in the ad probably won’t be the one handling your case.
Large firms often take on hundreds—even thousands—of cases at once, which means they have to delegate most of the actual work. In many cases, this means passing your case off to junior associates or even paralegals who may not have the experience needed to effectively deal with the complexities of personal injury law. If you’ve been seriously injured, the last thing you want is to be just another file on someone’s desk.
So, what does that mean for you, and why might a smaller, local law firm be the better choice? Let’s take a closer look at what really happens when you hire a big firm versus a small firm.
The Problem with Big Firms: Who’s Actually Working on Your Case?
At a big law firm, your case might initially be reviewed by an experienced senior attorney, but after that, much of the work is often handed down to junior associates or even non-attorney staff members. These junior associates are often fresh out of law school and still learning the ropes. While they may be bright and eager, they don’t have the same depth of experience that seasoned attorneys do.
Even worse, in some firms, paralegals—not lawyers—do most of the communication with clients and insurance companies. While paralegals play an important role in any legal team, they are not licensed attorneys and do not have the authority or experience to make critical legal decisions.
This kind of delegation can negatively impact your case in several ways:
- Lack of Experience: Junior associates may miss critical details or fail to anticipate the tactics that insurance companies use to devalue claims.
- Less Personalized Attention: With hundreds of cases moving through the firm at any given time, it’s unlikely that a senior attorney will ever get deeply involved in your case.
- Slow Responses & Delays: When your case is just one of many, it can be hard to get updates or answers to your questions in a timely manner.
- Missed Opportunities for Maximum Compensation: An inexperienced attorney may accept a settlement offer that a more seasoned lawyer would have recognized as far too low.
The Advantage of a Smaller, Local Firm
When you choose a smaller, local firm like Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner, you’re not just another case number. You get real, personal attention from experienced attorneys who are committed to fighting for the best outcome for you.
Here’s how working with a small firm can make a real difference in your case:
- Experienced Attorneys, Not Just Junior Associates: At a small firm, your case is handled by attorneys with years—even decades—of experience in personal injury law. They know the ins and outs of the legal system and understand how to build a strong case.
- Direct Communication with Your Lawyer: Instead of being passed from one paralegal to another, you’ll have direct access to the attorney handling your case. This means quicker responses, clearer communication and a better understanding of your legal options.
- More Personalized Strategy: Every case is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in personal injury law. A small firm takes the time to understand your unique situation and develops a strategy tailored to your needs.
- Stronger Commitment to Clients: Small firms thrive on their reputation and referrals, which means they have a vested interest in getting the best results for their clients. Unlike large firms that rely on high case volume, a local firm values quality over quantity.
The Bottom Line: Your Case Deserves Personal Attention
At the end of the day, choosing the right law firm can make or break your case. If you want personal attention from an experienced attorney who genuinely cares about your outcome, a smaller firm is often the best choice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal injury, auto accident, workers’ compensation or wrongful death case in South Georgia, consider Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner. Our dedicated team is ready to fight for you. Call us today at 912-384-2287 or request a free case review online.