Attorney Sheryl Dennis Discusses Small Firms’ Competitive Edge in Mass Lawyers Weekly

Small and medium sized firms have a distinct advantage in today’s marketplace, according to Fields Dennis & Cooper LLP managing partner, Sheryl Dennis, who was quoted for a recent article in Massachusetts Lawyers’ Weekly. Dennis discussed the phenomenon of corporate out-sourcing from small firms, the attractiveness of flexible pricing structure, and the flight of larger firms from estate planning and probate practice.

“Wellesley attorney Sheryl J. Dennis is skeptical that big law firms will adjust to the changing marketplace, equating them to ocean-liners unable to quickly change course.”

“[…] They’re just not as agile or adaptable as a smaller firm can be.”

“Big-firm clients find her firm an attractive option not only because of lower hourly rates, but also because of the firm’s openness to alternative fee arrangements, including flat fees for certain matters, and the fact that the firm doesn’t “nickel and dime” them with additional costs for items such as photocopying.”

“We’re undercutting the downtown firms on rates,” Dennis says.

Dennis told Mass Lawyers’ Weekly that Fields Dennis & Cooper LLP is planning on adding several new hires this year, including a new partner from a big law firm. The article also discusses how small firms may be attractive places to work for talent who are looking to gain diverse experience in a more flexible role. Click here for the full article.