Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012
Law Practice Management Tip
If you want happy clients, try offering solutions
As lawyers, we are risk managers. An important part of our job
is to identify the risks associated with different courses of
action. Our clients come to us because they want to know what they
should do in a particular situation. While offering our clients an
analysis of risk is certainly an important aspect of good
lawyering, most clients also want to know your opinion. That is why
they hired you.
When you consult a doctor about a health issue, you expect the
doctor to present you with the treatment options and the risks
associated with each plan of action. But most of us also want the
doctor to render an opinion of which option is best. You may end up
seeking out other opinions and researching options on your own.
Ultimately, you may decide not to follow the doctor's advice. But
you appreciate the fact that the doctor is trying to help you make
an informed decision by giving you his or her opinion.
People hire lawyers so they can sleep better at night. If all
you do is present your clients with a laundry list of what can go
wrong, most clients are likely to be dissatisfied. They are not
going to sleep better because you have done nothing to narrow their
options. Presumably, you have a lot more experience dealing with
the matter at hand (or at least the legal risks associated with the
particular transaction or controversy).
So let your clients know what you think they should do. They may
not follow your advice, but they will respect you for having an
opinion and they are more likely to turn to you in the future.
Tip courtesy of Stephen Seckler, president, Seckler Legal
Consulting and Coaching.
Published August 16, 2012
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To learn more about the Law Practice Management
Section, which is complimentary for all MBA members,
contact LPM Section Chair Thomas J. Barbar or Vice
Chair Stephen
Seckler.