The holiday season is upon us and as an attorney, there is no better time to show your clients how much you care. Letting them know that you are thinking of them – even just by sending handwritten note – can go a long way. Without loyal clients, it would be very difficult to have a successful law practice, so it is certainly worth your time to wish them well around the holidays.

You don't need to spend a ton of money to give a thoughtful gift to your client. Here are some ideas for gifts that will be appreciated by your clients, but won't break the bank:

1. Handwritten Note

Sending your client a handwritten note is always a good idea. In a time where most communication is via email or text, it feels especially thoughtful when you receive a note that someone took the time to write out and mail. Also, you don't have to write them an essay – just a few simple lines thanking them for their support is enough to let your clients know you are thinking of them. Handwritten notes are perfect for Social Security disability firms, where older clients will appreciate letters even more than younger generations.

2. Coffee Shop Gift Card

Who doesn't love a free coffee? A $5 gift card to a local coffee shop is a great way to send your clients warm wishes – literally. It is a universally appreciated gift by coffee and tea lovers alike and your client will be sure to think of you as he or she is enjoying the delicious drink. If you want, you can even take this a step further and send your clients two gift cards – one for themselves and one to treat a friend (perhaps a friend who needs a lawyer?). The coffee shop will appreciate your firm's business and may even let you leave a few business cards behind for customers!

3. Custom Calendar

It makes sense that you might want to use a gift as a marketing tool by including your logo and firm information. However, I would urge you to be cautious – you want your clients to know that you put some thought and time into the gift and didn't just slap your logo on a calendar filled with stock photos. Tacky presents won’t even be used, so you’ll waste your marketing dollars on an ineffective product. Work with a local photographer or graphic designer to create a calendar your clients will love and actually use. Your firm name is likely to be brought up to friends and family if they ask your client where he or she got such a unique calendar!

4. Reusable Bag

With more and more cities across America banning plastic bags, reusable bags are something that everyone can use. With this gift, you can show your clients that you not only care about them, but also care about protecting the planet. As with the calendars, be cautious when weighing the pros and cons of including your logo on the bag. It might make sense to instead pick out a color or pattern you think your client might really like and therefore increase the chances that he or she uses it. There are many options available for reusable bags, including ones that come in small pouches so they can easily be carried in a purse or pocket.

Sending clients gifts around the holidays shows you care, which is what clients want most from an attorney. For this reason, a thoughtful gift can help to ensure that your firm is the first one mentioned when a friend or family member comes to your client looking for help.

With that said, if your practice is running slow this holiday season and you are looking for a boost in new cases, give us a call at 617.800.0089 to learn about our legal case leads.