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.
Trouble, with a capital “T”By Michael J. RooneyReal Estate Law, August 2007There can be some serious pitfalls facing a lawyer who neither knows nor clarifies who the client is and what that client really wants to accomplish.
Approaching the total client in general practiceBy Patrick E. WardGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, July 2007Each person is the composite of the many parts which force or shape that person’s behavior. While respecting the role of free will, perceptions of options often narrow the field of choices and effectively dictate action taken.
E-mail etiquetteBy Maxine R. WeissYoung Lawyers Division, February 2007In today’s world of technology, many of us have fallen into the habit of e-mailing with our clients and opposing counsels.
Practice Tip: Know your client before you meet—Intake forms fill needBy Lisa OliveroGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2006Over time the author has developed a short form that she now presents to potential clients when they appear for their initial consultation and before their first meeting.
Managing your relationship with pro bono clientsBy Lindsay Wilson GowinYoung Lawyers Division, October 2006What if a lawyer and her pro bono client, after exhaustive discussion, cannot reach an agreement on tactics or strategy?
Practice Update: Who is your client? What document can you discloseBy Bernard WysockiGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, October 2006From a practical standpoint, it is important when you see a potential third party involvement, to secure written retainer and defining your representation.
Practice tip: The importance of timely communicationsBy Susan M. BrazasGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, March 2006It’s a good problem to have: a staggering number of telephone calls, e-mails, referral letters, and curbside chats with people wondering whether they need a lawyer.
Practice tip: Dealing with difficult clientsBy Elizabeth A. TeagueGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, February 2006They are the ones that make you want to tear your hair out and can break your heart at the same time.
Exceptional client service in law firms: Tips for rewarding and recognizing employeesBy John W. OlmsteadLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, December 2005By regularly rewarding and recognizing your attorneys and staff when they exhibit positive client service behaviors, rather than only noticing and commenting when they do something wrong, you help motivate them to keep up the good work and internalize the behavior.
Exceptional client service in law firms: Tips on creating a client-focused cultureBy John W. OlmsteadLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, December 2005Why don’t lawyers embrace client service and realize that exceptional client service may be the most effective way of differentiating themselves from other lawyers and maintaining a competitive advantage?
Red flagsBy Bernard WysockiGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, April 2005The author describes nine 'red flag' clients-- if you see one coming, run for the hills.
The seven deadly sins of business e-mailBy Eric M. RosenbergYoung Lawyers Division, April 2005Since its inception, e-mail has been hailed justifiably as a productivity tool. But why should it also be productive for the prosecutor or plaintiff as a source of evidence? What can we do as lawyers to stop the creation and dissemination of troublesome electronic communications?
Five ways to make your client feel importantBy Trey RyderYoung Lawyers Division, February 2005Often, clients change law firms because of what they perceive to be rudeness or the feeling of indifference by their lawyers.
Getting and keeping clientsBy John L. NisivacoYoung Lawyers Division, February 2005The Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct contain three rules governing advertising in the legal profession. The rules are set forth below
The importance of being (Earnest)(Ernest) (Honest)By Matt MaloneyGeneral Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, January 2005I have, occasionally, commented about the importance of communicating with clients. I don't mean just talking to them, but trying to insure that they get the message.
Getting and keeping clientsBy John L. NisivacoYoung Lawyers Division, December 2004As you know, attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois are governed, in part, by the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).
Getting and keeping clientsBy John L. NisivacoYoung Lawyers Division, October 2004Although attorneys are busy with their current cases, the importance of generating future business should never be underestimated.
