A couple of weeks ago, the OBA held its semi-annual, full-day workshop, "Launching Your Law Practice." The first session, led by Kenton Brice, director of the law library and associate professor at the OU College of Law, focused on designing a client-centered law firm. It was an excellent reminder that we have valuable resources for lawyers who want to explore this topic further.

Running a solo or small firm often feels like a balancing act between practicing law and managing a business. The most successful lawyers share one common approach: They intentionally design their practice around the client’s experience.

Books like The Client-Centered Law Firm by Jack Newton highlight that better service and profitability begin with empathy. By using design thinking, lawyers can map a client’s journey from first contact to case completion, identify pain points and make small but meaningful improvements. Whether it’s improving communication, simplifying intake forms or streamlining billing, every adjustment reduces friction for clients and stress for the lawyer.

Client-centered design also incorporates Lean Six Sigma principles: minimizing waste, standardizing processes and continuously improving in pursuit of excellence. It is not about adding more technology but about creating a practice that operates efficiently because it is built around what clients truly need.

For more ideas, explore the OBA Lending Library’s collection, which includes The Client-Centered Law Firm mentioned above as well as Design Your Law Practice by Catherine Sanders Reach, Jessica Bednarz and Juda Strawczynski.