How to be a considerate advocate without ever representing a clientBy Jennifer A. HaaseYoung Lawyers Division, April 2016It is never easy to deliver bad news to a client, but what if you must explain the person's case won't move forward before you even form a relationship?
31 ways to dramatically increase trustBy Trey RyderLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, December 2015Make sure your actions build your credibility, ideally, to the point where your clients trust you without question.
Communication etiquette as a young lawyer—ResponsivenessBy Vincent A. OppedisanoYoung Lawyers Division, October 2015Developing a good sense of how to best reply to different communications will help you in your practice in a number of ways. Here are a few rules and general guidelines that should help.
My former client called and wants his file—What do I have to give him?By Joseph HarvathLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2015The question of whether a client is entitled to receive his or her file relating to the representation by an attorney is a fact specific question, depending on the types of documents sought, whether the attorney has a lien on the property, and whether the attorney should exercise the lien.
Why do clients engage estate planners?By Alan R. PressTrusts and Estates, November 2014Earlier this year, Wealth Counsel and Wealth Management.com released their 7th Annual Industry Trends survey. View some of the highlights here.
My attorney won’t tell me what I should do!By Curt W. FergusonAgricultural Law, November 2013An attorney should not tell you what you want to accomplish, but should advise you how to accomplish your goals. It’s an important distinction to understand.
Client first aid: Look, listen, and feelBy Katherine A. ChamberlainYoung Lawyers Division, October 2013The author shares her own system for client intake and management.
Ensuring client confidentiality with best practicesBy Vincent IncoperoLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2012As a prudent professional, are you aware of your professional and ethical obligations regarding the way that your practice handles personally identifiable information?
Preparing a will for a client with communication challengesBy Gerry W. BeyerTrusts and Estates, April 2012This article reviews a variety of communication challenges and recommends techniques to reduce the likelihood of these challenges playing a part in setting aside the testator’s will.
Managing expectations—Ours (The lawyers) and theirs (The clients)By Sandra CrawfordWomen and the Law, September 2011The book, The New Lawyer, How Settlement is Transforming the Practice of Law, can serve as a starting place for any lawyer wishing to examine where she fits into the conflict resolution continuum.
So your client has given you physical evidence of a crime…By J. Randall CoxTraffic Laws and Courts, May 2011On the one hand, the delivery to the attorney is a communication which the attorney is required to protect. (Rule 1.6) However, an attorney is not to unlawfully obstruct another party’s access to evidence. (Rule 3.4) How is this conflict resolved? The courts of Illinois do not appear to have directly addressed this.
Key strategies for generating profitable new clientsBy Byron G. SabolRacial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, February 2011Clients do business with, and refer business to, lawyers they know, like, and trust. By focusing marketing efforts on the strategies outlined in this article, women lawyers will become better known and liked by clients.
Key strategies for generating profitable new clientsBy Byron G. SabolWomen and the Law, October 2010Clients do business with, and refer business to, lawyers they know, like, and trust. By focusing marketing efforts on the strategies outlined in this article, women lawyers will become better known and liked by clients.
Win or lose, the client may not always be rightBy William A. PriceAdministrative Law, May 2010He may have been a fourth-century Roman historian, but Ammianus Marcellinus' views of lawyers and clients is still relevant today.
Problem clientsBy Michael J. MeehanLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, March 2010It is easier to decline a problem client than to terminate the attorney-client relationship. By identifying these problem clients at the outset, you can be a happier lawyer and have a more productive practice.
Where have all the clients gone?By Donald E. WeihlLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, December 2009Have your clients stopped calling? Is your daily mail just bills?
Just answer the questionBy Willis R. TriblerBench and Bar, September 2009The author suggests that you keep People v. Harris handy for use whenever a client wants to “tell my story in my own words” or shows a tendency to give rambling or overbroad answers.
Some things I learned along the wayBy James E. BuchmillerGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, September 2009The author's list of things he's learned that books couldn't teach him.
Dealing with a difficult clientBy Ryan BradleyYoung Lawyers Division, December 2008The practice of law is difficult and challenging even while working with the best clients.
Difficult Conversations—Applying the principles from the best-selling book to the practice of lawBy Kim L. KirnWomen and the Law, October 2008The practice of law is filled with difficult conversations: telling someone who has been severely injured that their case is worth less than they think; explaining child custody rules to a divorcing spouse; and explaining to the senior partner who hired you why you have decided to leave your law firm.
You want it when?By Donald E. WeihlLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, September 2008Specific strategies that will permit breathing room without causing the client to feel the attorney is being unresponsive.
Making it rainBy Jean A. KenolYoung Lawyers Division, June 2008One of the most intimidating and daunting thoughts for any lawyer who decides to embark on a solo or small practice is wondering where the clients will come from.
Client communication should start at the beginningBy Timothy J. StormGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, May 2008Communication lies at the heart of much of what attorneys do with, and for, clients.
Resolutions for 2008By Mary A. CorriganLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2008Although 2008 is already underway, it is not too late to implement some resolutions for improvement of your law practice.
Hello, young lawyersBy Rory WeilerFamily Law, October 2007Experienced practitioners will agree that one of the most overlooked elements of the practice of law, and certainly one topic none of us heard much, if anything, about in law school is the art of client selection and management.
