Your Comprehensive Resource on the Costs of Attorney Answering Services
Introduction
For attorneys, having a reliable answering service is crucial to ensure that no client calls are missed. This guide provides an in-depth look at the costs associated with attorney answering services, the factors affecting these costs, and tips on selecting the best service for your law firm.
Factors Influencing Attorney Answering Service Costs
The cost of an attorney answering service can vary based on several factors, including:
- Service Complexity: Basic message taking versus full legal intake services.
- Call Volume: Higher call volumes generally lead to higher costs.
- Availability: 24/7 services typically cost more than business hours only.
- Additional Features: Bilingual services, appointment scheduling, and CRM integration.
Typical Attorney Answering Service Pricing Models
Attorney answering services often offer different pricing models:
- Per Call: Charges based on the number of calls answered.
- Per Minute: Charges based on the duration of calls handled.
- Monthly Plans: Fixed monthly rates for a predetermined number of calls or minutes.
Below are some example pricing ranges:
| Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Message Taking | $80 – $250 per month |
| Legal Intake Services | $250 – $800 per month |
| Appointment Scheduling | $145 – $350 per month |
Top Attorney Answering Service Providers
Comparing some of the top providers can help you choose the best service for your needs:
- Ansafone: Specializes in legal intake and 24/7 support. Prices start at $140/month.
- Call Experts: Offers bilingual services and CRM integration. Prices start at $150/month.
- Answer United: Provides appointment scheduling and customized scripts. Prices start at $200/month.
Cost-Saving Tips for Attorney Answering Services
Here are some tips to help you save on attorney answering services:
- Select a plan that aligns with your actual call volume to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Opt for providers that offer customizable packages to fit your specific needs.
- Utilize free trials to evaluate the service quality before making a commitment.
- Negotiate with providers to get the best possible rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an attorney answering service?
An attorney answering service is a third-party service that manages inbound calls for law firms, ranging from basic message taking to comprehensive legal intake services.
How much does an attorney answering service cost?
The cost can vary widely depending on the service type, call volume, and additional features. Typical costs range from $140 to $800 per month.
Are there any hidden fees?
Some providers may charge additional fees for services such as bilingual support or after-hours answering. It’s important to review the contract details carefully to understand all potential costs.
The average cost of an attorney answering service is $162/month, with pricing being driven by the law office’s needs. For a busy law office, a missed call is lost billable revenue, and an inbound answering service for attorneys is usually a very affordable solution.
Regardless of complexity, most lawyer answering services charge on a per-call or per-minute basis.
Most inbound call centers use highly customized scripting uniquely suited for criminal attorneys, family law offices, and general practice lawyers. This process allows for shorter calls and better rates on your answering service plan.
Attorney Answering Service Pricing (Average / Month) – Legal Answering Service Cost
- $88 for After hours call support only
- $155 Covers up to 100 phone calls answered
- $75 average price when using busy-no answer (call forwards if not answered in 3-5 rings)
- $149 average cost for answering service for a small practice
- $400+ typical cost for a busy practice with heavy marketing
Simply follow the link below and complete our form for free quotes to compare the best prices.
Calculating The Cost of an Attorney Answering Service / Legal Answering Service
There’s a lot that can go into pricing an answering service for law firms. Here are the primary rate drivers that can help you save money on your plan:
Legal Intake Services: How much interaction will your service provide? From basic messages to total receptionist services the cost can run as little as $80/month to $799.
Number of Legal Calls Taken: The more calls answered by your virtual receptionist the higher the invoice will be. To keep costs at a minimum you can limit the operator’s talk time by eliminating unnecessary questions being asked. On the bottom end expect to pay about $1.65 per call and on the high end about $3.95 a call (for calls averaging 3-4 minutes in duration).
Call Duration: Call centers generally charge in time-based billing increments. Expect to pay at least $1.29 a minute for basic services, and as much as $3.70 for up-scale college-educated agents well versed in legal terminology.
Online Calendars: If a law office needs appointments scheduled via an online calendar the call will last longer and the price goes up about 10%. Using a Google online calendar will generally reduce the price because less staff training is required. A $100 fee is typically applied for training the answering service staff to use complicated in-house calendars for appointment setting.
Want to know what the attorney answering service cost will be for your office? Tell us how you plan to use your attorney answering service and get an exact quote here.
Answering Service Support For:
- Small Law Offices
- Criminal Lawyers
- Person Injury Attorneys
- Bankruptcy Lawyers
- DUI Attorneys
Whether your goal is to grow your practice, increase client satisfaction, or acquire new business, a live attorney answering service can help.
Enjoy 24-hour live support, message taking, live call transfers, and overflow call handling for as little as $1.79 per call. Full legal intake and appointment scheduling have never been easier or more affordable.
