When I was a college and law student, my brother owned a burger restaurant in Florida. In the kitchen, I frequently heard him shout, “We don’t serve garbage!” to remind the staff that only top-quality food should be served to customers. Later, when I started working at a law firm, a partner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that lawyers should always aim to deliver their best work. After all, clients and others reviewing legal documents rarely consider the time constraints or pressures under which the work was produced. Instead, they judge the quality alone. However, there are times when clients prioritize speed over perfection, and lawyers must be mindful of this preference.
Meeting Deadlines Over Perfection
Speed becomes especially critical when clients face strict deadlines. Whether closing a deal or meeting filing requirements, clients often depend on timely delivery to avoid negative consequences, such as losing business opportunities or incurring penalties. In such scenarios, delivering work promptly—even if it’s not flawless—may be more valuable to clients than polished but late results. Missing deadlines can lead to dissatisfaction and potentially damage a lawyer’s reputation.
Budget Constraints and Efficiency
Budget limitations also force lawyers to prioritize efficiency. Clients often impose spending caps to control costs, expecting lawyers to complete tasks within a specified number of billable hours. Failing to meet these expectations by exceeding the budget can lead to frustration and strained relationships. To avoid this, lawyers should have honest discussions with clients about the time required for a project and explore alternative fee arrangements, such as flat fees, to align expectations. When budgets are fixed, delivering timely work becomes even more important to maintain client satisfaction.
Speed as a Competitive Advantage
Beyond deadlines and budgets, many clients value speed simply because it distinguishes lawyers in a competitive market. While highly sophisticated clients may scrutinize legal work closely, most clients lack the expertise to evaluate it in detail. As a result, the ability to produce quality work quickly can set a lawyer apart.
Lawyers are often juggling multiple cases, which can lead to delays. Some tasks that could be completed in hours may end up taking days or weeks. Lawyers who can consistently deliver faster results without compromising standards may gain a significant edge, earning a reputation for reliability and responsiveness.
Striking the Right Balance
Whenever possible, lawyers should strive to deliver high-quality work, especially when time permits. However, it’s equally important to recognize that in certain situations, clients may prioritize speed over perfection. Understanding these preferences and adapting accordingly can help lawyers better meet client expectations while maintaining professional integrity. By balancing efficiency with quality, attorneys can strengthen client relationships and stand out in the competitive legal landscape.
