Differences Between Local and National Law Firms

There are many differences between local and national law firms. National firms are typically much larger and work a variety of cases across the country. Local firms often work only within a state or metropolitan area and specialize in one or two areas of law. 

For example, local car accident lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona, such as Gage Mathers have deep local knowledge and specialization in personal injury cases. Local and national law firms are further separated from each other in how they handle their cases, structure teams, and apply their knowledge. 

Local Versus National Firm Structures

National law firms are typically larger corporate entities with many layers of staff. They are typically split into teams for specialization, such as criminal, civil, or business law. Prospective clients often need to speak with several lower-level clerks and assistants before being assigned an attorney. 

A national law firm may or may not specialize in a particular area of law or region of the country. For cases in regions where the national firm has no presence, they may subcontract a local attorney to handle the case and advise on policy and strategy.  

Local law firms usually operate out of a metropolitan area but are also generally licensed to practice statewide. Their knowledge is much more specific to state, county, and city-level case law. 

Rather than having layers of staff, a local firm usually has between one and five primary attorneys with a few clerks and assistants. When approaching local firms, prospective clients often have a simple interview with an assistant, then, a meeting with an attorney is scheduled. This can lead to a higher level of client satisfaction in small law practices.

Knowledge of Local Law and Courts

National firms without a local presence can be at a disadvantage in state and local courts. They often have no working relationship with local prosecutors, clerks, and judges. 

This is why they often contract out local attorneys to handle the case on the ground. In some cases, a person could have sought that local attorney personally and paid a lower fee. 

Local lawyers have years and even decades of experience with county and state court systems. They are often on a first-name basis with the opposing counsel and have positive working relationships. 

Additionally, local attorneys know the judges who are likely to handle a case. This means they can tailor their arguments and paperwork to suit a particular judge’s expectations.

Gage Mathers Can Help

With more than five decades of experience in Phoenix and the State of Arizona, Gage Mathers has the necessary knowledge to increase the odds of courtroom victory while maximizing awarded damages. To date, Gage Mathers has successfully recovered more than 275 million dollars for their clients.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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