In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, lawyers must adapt their communication to remain competitive. The legal profession, like many other industries, has experienced significant changes in the way we communicate with clients and colleagues. Although we’re gradually embracing technological tools such as email automation, video conferencing, social media, and client portals, we still lag in our communication styles. Our writing can be dense and needlessly complex, laden with technical terms and abbreviations that make it time-consuming and difficult for our readers to understand.

Additionally, the traditional legal jargon that we have relied on for years can be confusing for clients and may not always effectively convey important information. But using plain language communication strategies can help. And is indeed crucial. As transparency and simplicity become more valued by customers, lawyers must adopt plain language communication strategies to remain competitive. Failure to modernize communication can result in a significant loss of business, as clients seek legal services from firms that offer efficient, effective, and modern communication methods.

In this article, we explore 5 reasons why lawyers need to embrace plain language communication strategies to remain competitive in this modern era.

1. Enhances the Client Experience

Using plain language communication strategies is essential for lawyers as clients prefer simple and easy-to-understand information. Clients want to be able to understand legal concepts without feeling overwhelmed or confused, which helps them feel more comfortable making informed decisions.

2. Increases Efficiency and Productivity

By using straightforward language, lawyers can communicate with clients and colleagues in a more effective and methodical manner, as this leaves less room for complications or misunderstandings and improves workflow and output. 

3. Improves Collaboration

Plain language communication strategies also enable lawyers to collaborate more effectively with their colleagues and clients. By using language that everyone understands, lawyers can work together in a more synchronized way. This collaboration leads to deeper understanding and more creativity, ensuring better outcomes for clients and improved teamwork among colleagues.

4. Competitive Advantage

Lawyers who embrace such strategies can gain a competitive advantage in the legal industry. Clients are more likely to choose a lawyer who uses plain language as it shows that the lawyer is approachable and able to communicate directly with them, building a level of trust necessary for building strong client relationships. With this approach, lawyers can differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract new clients by demonstrating a level of care they may not see elsewhere. 

5. Cost Savings

Plain language communication can also lead to cost savings for lawyers and your clients as it allows you to avoid misunderstandings and potentially costly mistakes.

A better way forward

Modernizing communication styles can enhance the client experience, which is essential for client satisfaction and retention. By adopting plain language strategies, lawyers can help their clients and colleagues understand legal issues, increase efficiency and productivity, improve collaboration, gain a competitive advantage, and achieve cost savings. It is time for lawyers to embrace plain language communication and communicate effectively with their clients and colleagues.

Be sure to check out our next article, From Good to Great: How Human-Centered Communications Propels Success