1. Start with the Richmond service area, not a population forecast
The Census record describes Richmond city, California, within Contra Costa County. It does not establish how many people call a law firm, which practice areas they need, when they call, or whether they will retain counsel. A population estimate should therefore help define the conversation’s geographic scope, not justify an assumed capacity plan. Ask whether your firm serves Richmond alone, other parts of Contra Costa County, or a wider California market, then decide which callers the answering path should recognize and which matters fall outside your scope.
Recommended approach
Bring a current description of your service area and practice areas to the consultation. Review how the system would respond to an in-scope Richmond caller, a caller from elsewhere in Contra Costa County, and a matter your firm does not handle. Do not use the city’s population as a substitute for your own phone records.
