Let’s face it, most law firms miss calls. Whether it’s after hours, over the weekend, or just during a busy moment, unanswered calls often mean missed leads, and in some cases, missed opportunities for new clients.
That’s where answering services come in.
These services provide real people to answer your phones 24/7, take messages, qualify leads, and even book consultations depending on the plan. They’re especially helpful for solo attorneys or small firms that don’t have a full-time receptionist. And even for firms that do, answering services can fill in the gaps during evenings, weekends, holidays, or high call volume periods.
Here’s why they’re worth considering, and a look at some of the top answering services lawyers are using right now.
Why Answering Services Are a Smart Move for Law Firms
First and foremost, they help you capture more leads. Potential clients aren’t always calling between 9 and 5, and if no one picks up, many of them move on to the next name in Google.
But there’s another benefit you might not have thought about: SEO.
If you have a 24/7 answering service, we can update your Google Business Profile to show that your firm is “open” 24 hours a day. That can actually improve your visibility in local search results, especially when people are searching after hours. Plus, when Google places those automated “test calls” to confirm your business info, someone will always answer which helps your profile stay verified and optimized.
And while some of these services aren’t cheap, they’re usually a lot more affordable than hiring a full-time, in-house receptionist.
Smith.ai
What we like:
This is the service we personally use and recommend. Smith.ai offers 24/7 live receptionists who can handle intake, schedule appointments, and even follow up with leads via email or text. The interface is clean, the call summaries are detailed, and the integration with other tools like CRMs and calendars is seamless.
What lawyers like:
Lawyers love that Smith’s agents sound professional and informed, even when handling legal-specific questions. It feels less like outsourcing and more like an extension of your firm.
Worth noting:
Smith is on the pricier side compared to more basic answering services, but you get more features and customization for your money.
Ruby (formerly Ruby Receptionists)
What we like:
Ruby is a long-time player in the virtual receptionist space and is known for its friendly, polished service. They’re focused on delivering a warm, human experience for every caller, which is a big plus in emotionally sensitive practice areas like family law or estate planning.
What lawyers like:
The mobile app makes it easy to manage calls and messages on the go, and their team is trained in legal intake basics.
Worth noting:
Some users say Ruby can be less flexible when it comes to advanced call handling or integrations compared to Smith or other legal-specific services.
LexReception
What we like:
LexReception is built specifically for law firms, and that focus shows. Their receptionists are trained to handle legal intake, they work with a lot of practice management software platforms, and their customer support is solid.
What lawyers like:
You can route calls based on practice area, urgency, or even by attorney. The reporting tools are also helpful for keeping tabs on lead volume.
Worth noting:
Plans can be a little more expensive than general answering services, but again, you’re paying for industry-specific knowledge.
Back Office Betties
What we like:
Another legal-focused provider, Back Office Betties prides itself on offering “white glove” receptionist service tailored for law firms. They offer bilingual receptionists, appointment scheduling, and custom call scripting.
What lawyers like:
The personalized service and small team feel is a big draw, especially for boutique firms that want something more than just a generic answering service.
Worth noting:
Availability may vary depending on the service tier you choose, and they don’t have as many out-of-the-box integrations as some other platforms.
Final Thoughts
If you’re running any kind of online marketing and want to make sure you’re not missing calls or leaving potential clients hanging, an answering service is a smart investment. It keeps your firm responsive around the clock, boosts your reputation, and can even help your SEO performance.
We work with firms using all of the services listed above, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right setup can make a big impact.
If you’re not sure which one fits your needs, or you want help setting it up alongside your website or ad campaigns, we’ve got you covered.
If your website and marketing aren’t delivering the kind of leads you want, we can help. Schedule a free consultation and let’s talk about how to bring in more of the right clients.
