A few basic rules of practicing law
Attorneys spend extensive time in classrooms, libraries and lectures learning to become lawyers. Passing their classes, followed by passing the Bar Examination are no easy feats. You can rest assured if someone has a law degree, they have put in the hard work of studying and proving themselves scholastically to hold their degree. There are a few basic, guiding principles that also guide lawyers in their profession.
Show respect for your client’s time
It is no secret that an attorney’s time is valuable, and on occasion, expensive. But attorneys with a client-centered practice are focused on respecting their client’s time as well. Understanding that their clients are facing a lot of challenges and their legal proceedings may just be a small piece of the puzzle, attorneys know they are being paid to handle the client’s needs so they can focus on everything else. Being respectful of a client’s time can look like returning messages promptly, responding to emails in a timely fashion and being on time to each conversation with their client.
Don’t worry about asking your clients direct questions
Here’s the deal, your attorney is going to bat for you. They are sacrificing time, energy and more representing you. They have every right to ask you any question dealing with your case so that they are better prepared to represent you. Your attorneys deserve the truth and the decency to receive answers to any questions they have regarding your legal proceeding. They should feel the freedom to ask direct questions, even when uncomfortable.
You cannot and should not try and “sell” legal services to an unwilling buyer
Some lawyers never have to work a day in their life to get clients, in some specialties they just keep coming. Other attorneys do find themselves trying to land clients, especially on high profile cases. One of the worst things an attorney can do is waste their time trying to pitch a client who is an unwilling buyer. Trying to pitch a client that has no interest in your practice, your time, or your services is simply taking you away from a client who would value your assistance much more.
Don’t feel the need to respond to everything they tell you
Unfortunately, there are a lot of clients who attempt to turn their attorneys into their therapists. Lawyers often find themselves trying to keep their clients on track and on task, focused on the case at hand. It is important for lawyers to remember they are being hired for a specific reason and anything outside of that purpose will derail your potential for success in your client’s eyes.
Not everyone can become a lawyer. Once you have become an attorney it is important you protect yourself and your practice by following simple rules like this to ensure you are being the best you can be for your clients.