Why Law Firms Need to Be FAST to Compete

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There’s no such thing as a “maybe” in intake. When someone reaches out for legal help, they’re making fast, emotional decisions. The firm that makes them feel like a priority—immediately—is the one that earns their trust. If your response time is slow, you’re not just late—you’re forgotten.

Think about this: When someone fills out a web inquiry or calls your firm, do you really think they’re only reaching out to you? They’re sending that same message to 5-6 other law firms. And do you know who usually wins the case?

🚨The first firm to respond.

In this post, I’ll break down why speed is the most critical factor in intake success, and how your law firm can instantly improve response times to win more cases.

The Hard Truth: Clients Choose the Fastest Firm

Let me share a story.

A few years ago, on New Year’s Eve, my house lost heat. No hot water, no warmth—it was freezing. I wasn’t a plumber, and I needed help immediately.

So what did I do? I started reaching out to every plumber I could find (via phone and web).

Some called me back. Others didn’t. And do you know who got my business?

Not the best plumber. Not the one with the best reviews. Not the cheapest option.

🚨 The one who called me back FIRST.

Because when you’re in an emergency, you don’t wait. You go with whoever responds the fastest. And guess what? Your potential clients are thinking the exact same way.

They don’t know how “great” your firm is. They don’t care about your website, your credentials, or your reputation if they can’t even get you on the phone.

By the time you call them back a few hours later (or worse, the next day), they’ve already hired another lawyer.

The #1 Intake Mistake That’s Costing You Clients

Every law firm says they “follow up quickly.” But what does that really mean?

If you’re responding hours later, you’re already too late.

If you’re responding the next day, that case is gone.

If you’re responding within minutes, you’re barely keeping up.

🚨 If you’re not responding within 30 seconds, you’re losing cases.

When a potential client calls or fills out a web inquiry, their attention is on your firm for a very short window of time. And if you don’t respond immediately, they’ll just move on to the next firm.

That’s why top-performing firms don’t wait. They follow up within seconds, not hours.

How to Fix Your Law Firm’s Response Time

Want to win more cases? Be faster than your competition.

Here’s how:

🔹 Answer the phone on the first ring. If a potential client is calling, they’re ready to talk. Don’t make them wait.

🔹 Respond to web inquiries within 30 seconds. Set up automated instant responses via text and email, followed by a personal call within one minute.

🔹 Follow up immediately. If you miss a call or email, don’t wait until the next day. Call back within minutes—not hours.

🔹 Run a 24/7 intake and lead-response process. Clients don’t just need help during business hours. If you’re only available 9-5, you’re losing cases to firms that respond 24/7.

🔹 Prioritize speed over perfection. You don’t need all the answers upfront—you just need to show the client that you’re ready to help.

🚨 Bottom line: If you’re not the first to respond, you’re not in the game.

The Firms That Win, Respond First

Think about the last time you needed an urgent service. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe you needed a doctor.

Did you sit around waiting for someone to “get back to you”? No. You went with whoever responded first.

Law firms are no different. Your clients are choosing based on speed.

So the next time a potential client calls or fills out a web form, ask yourself:

✅ Am I responding within seconds, or am I losing this client to another firm?
✅ Do I have systems in place to follow up immediately?
✅ Am I running my intake like a 24/7 operation, or am I leaving cases on the table?

Speed wins. Always.

If you’re ready to take your intake process to the next level, watch the full episode of The Intake Playbook Podcast above.