A Thoroughly Modern Practice
When family law specialist, Marc Chaudhuri, launched his practice in Newbury, Berkshire in October 2006 he had a very clear idea of how he wanted it to be. A top priority was to be friendly and approachable. He explained, "Consulting a family lawyer is all to do with your emotions, whether it's about splitting up from your spouse, contact with children or financial disputes. It's also important to me to be open with everyone - today's family isn't just Mum, Dad and children, it can be unmarried parents, couples without children, couples of the same gender and extended families."
Marc's attitude to accessibility is illustrated by his novel way of promoting his fledgling firm - he struck a twelve-month deal with local radio station Kick FM and goes on air once a fortnight as their 'legal eagle' answering questions from listeners on family law. The valuable quid pro quo is that his firm, March Solicitors, receives a mention on air every hour to promote the slot. "I've secured extra work through the radio show and now some of my competitors are sniffing around, so I'm glad I'm locked in for a year," says Marc.
A key aspect of Marc's modern approach is his reliance on outsourcing his support requirements to third party service providers. His legal accounts are supplied by Pinpoint, while document production is turned around fast from sound files sent for transcription from his digital dictating machine via his computer and Vodafone 3G card. "I think the days of having a bookkeeper, receptionist and secretary in-house from the outset are over", he says. "While I can see their value, and I won't say I'll never have them, as a start-up firm it's not something I need straight away. Because I spend so much time in court and on the move, I use an excellent telephone answering and messaging service and virtually carry my office with me. My laptop with built-in 3G card enables me to work anywhere there's broadband reception." Vodafone is currently the only company offering wide-cover, resilient, high speed 3G connectivity.
March Solicitors is using Pinpoint Interactive, the latest web based .NET application and, according to Marc Chaudhuri, its best feature is its ease of use. "I had an on-site project meeting and after 3-4 days and a few telephone calls to check I was on the right track, I was a 100% relaxed user. As long as I keep on top of the input of information, there's not much more I need to do. At the end of the quarter Pinpoint even asked for a copy of my VAT return form which they returned to me with the figures filled in; all I needed to do was copy the information onto the original form and send it off to HM Revenue & Customs. My accountant would have charged me for that service so it's great for keeping my overheads down. All my month-end reports come neatly bundled and when it comes to my annual audit I'll just hand over the box file and my accountant will have everything he needs. "Setting up a new matter takes literally minutes and time-recording is about as user-friendly as you can get. Because I'm on the move with my laptop in front of me all the time it's so easy to record time as I go along. Where lost profit occurs is where time spent is not recorded, becomes time forgotten and then time not charged," Marc added.
With all monthly targets exceeded, the firm's business plan includes recruiting a law school graduate as Marc's assistant, with the opportunity to learn everything about the day-to-day running of the firm, from preparing bundles to seeing clients.
Marc Chaudhuri concludes, "I have no wish to create a hierarchy. To be honest, with the service that I get from Pinpoint and my other suppliers I can't foresee ever taking these functions in-house. I would like a flat structure, as far as possible, where everyone knows what's to be done and is striving for a common goal - to provide the best possible service."
So what's the future for March Solicitors? They're lean and they're keen - it must be a bright one.
Marc Chaudhuri can be contacted via www.marchsolicitors.com
