Is it better to hire a big or small law firm?

Burger Law is a reputable St. Louis personal injury law firm that many people and families with personal injury and wrongful death claims have trusted with their very lives. Over the years we have helped our hundreds of clients recover more than $170 million in damages—money they were entitled to but we had to fight for nonetheless. It often takes the aggressive hard work and unwavering dedication of a St. Louis personal injury law firm like Burger Law. Our small but powerful, well-regarded law firm will take on your case and demand the compensation you deserve. Begin working with our law firm today by calling us at or filling out a form here today.

Is it better to choose a big law firm or a small law firm?

Hiring a law firm for any legal matter is a major decision. Your decision should be a carefully weighed and educated one. It is important that you do your homework and consider all the factors when it comes time for you to hire a law firm for your personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer is not a one-size-fits-all solution; the best law firm for you might not work well for another individual. Your choice of a law firm should be based on your assessment of all the characteristics of each choice. One of the factors you will have to think about when you hire a personal injury law firm in St. Louis is whether you want to choose a big or small law firm.

Part of your choice of a law firm will simply come down to preference. It is not that large law firms are inherently better than small ones or vice versa. Firms of all kinds come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. You will have to determine whether it is better for you to hire a big or small law firm based on those facts.

Advantages of large firms

Big law firms are good at handling large cases. Big cases may require extensive resources and can benefit from the combined work of a team of several lawyers and paralegals. Large law firms also often have brand recognition and an established reputation in the legal field. Because large law firms have large teams, if one lawyer is not familiar with a certain law or legal procedure, it is likely that another lawyer on the team will have that specific knowledge.

Disadvantages of large firms

Some common disadvantages of choosing a large national or international law firm are:

• High overhead and higher subsequent fees
• Less efficient processes
• Less personal treatment
• Could be less dedicated or motivated to win your case
• You may be passed from lawyer to lawyer
• Though the firm has a reputation and experience, you are often assigned to a new and inexperienced lawyer
• May be difficult to reach your lawyer or feel that you are heard
• May use cookie-cutter approaches that may not work for your specific situation
• Often use a ‘churn and burn” approach where they take on as many cases as possible and finish them as quickly as possible, regardless of the outcome

Advantages of small firms

Small law firms can be great for personal injury cases in St. Louis because of advantages like:

• One designated lawyer or a small team dedicated to your case
• Creating personal relationships with each client
• The lawyers are all experts in the field of practice
• More closely tied to and identified with their community
• Have more to lose and gain in their reputation and will be more motivated to give their best to each client in every case
• Lower fees
• A tailored approach
• More time and effort dedicated to your case
• Good communication and the ability to reach your lawyer directly
• Focus placed on customer service and the client’s experience throughout the case

Disadvantages of small firms

Depending on the precise size of the small law firm in question, one disadvantage may be the resources the firm has. Personal injury claims are typically represented on a contingency basis and the law firm you choose will have to finance the case themselves as they will not charge you anything until they win your case. For very small firms, it may be difficult or impossible to agree to complicated and difficult cases that are likely to draw out.

Small law firms can only take on so much at a time, as their team is limited. They may be forced to be selective in taking new cases and this could be a disadvantage if the firm you want to hire is not able to accept your case at the time.

It is important to note that small firms are still law firms. We are not referring to solo lawyer practices. One-person practices have some additional challenges as they relate to the resources and manpower at their disposal.

Hire a St. Louis Law Firm | Burger Law

While Burger Law is a relatively small law firm, we are still large enough and have enough resources to properly fight for your recovery and have the capacity to represent you in your difficult or complicated personal injury case. We have a team of some of St. Louis’ most talented lawyers and paralegals who will be personally dedicated to your case and will not stop fighting until you get the compensation you deserve. When you choose to hire our law firm for your personal injury case in Missouri or Illinois, you truly get the best of both worlds. Enjoy a strong and skilled team with substantial resources that is deeply committed to winning your suit and supporting you through the process. Hire us for your personal injury claim by calling us today at or filling out a form here.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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