Business Etiquette Tips for Legal law firms in India

Legal law firms in India work with a range of clients both in the domestic and the international market. In this scenario, it the professional business etiquette of the lawyers in the legal firm that can set them apart professionally from other legal law firms. Regular practise of proper business etiquette can build trust and respect with your clients.

So, here are some tips for professional business etiquette that can help you acquire a customer or land a big deal:

1. Dressing etiquette

Your professional appearance does make an impression on your potential customer. Ensure that your legal firm has an official dress code for your lawyers. Stick to formal dress clothing including classic suits for men, a two-piece suit for women, dark-coloured formal shoes, and shoes with conservative heels for women. Even if you prefer casual clothing, ensure that it is suited for higher business class meetings. Additional things to avoid are messy briefcases or scuffed handbags.

2. Business Card etiquette

Even in this digital age, a professional business card does positively convey your professionalism to your clients. Be thrifty in handing out your business cards and only to those who ask for it. Carry your business card neatly in a card holder and ensure that you do not hand out wrinkled business cards.

3. Mobile phone etiquette

Your mobile phone etiquette goes a long way in making the right impression on clients. Do not answer any call in the midst of any customer meeting or presentation. Preferably, keep your phone in vibrate mode. Respond personally to every customer call, instead of any recorded voice mail message. Speak slowly with clarity to your business customers.

4. E-mail etiquette

Before sending out your business emails to your customers, ensure that you have reviewed and proof read the contents. Use of capital letters and emoticons in email messages must be strictly avoided. Use your professional email address to only send professional business mails and not for any casual forwarding mails.

5. Cultural etiquette

This is particularly important when dealing with international clients. Use of certain language or gestures may be acceptable in India, but the same may be offensive in other cultures. Ensure that you educate yourself on particular cultural norms before interacting with international clients.

In addition to the above tips, basic etiquette norms like greeting or thanking your customer and being on time for meetings can build trust between trust and loyalty between legal law firms and their customers.

Uday Singh Ahlawat is a partner at Ahlawat & Associates which is a leading law firm in India offering foreign direct investment services and help for setting up business in India.