choosing clients wisely
This article from the ABA’s New Lawyer highlights an important client-relations skill that law schools don’t teach: how to assess whether or not you should be handling a particular case. According to the piece, the right “fit” between lawyer and client is just as important a consideration as familiarity with the area of law involved. Only by making self-evaluation an integral part of the case assessment process, can lawyers learn “when to keep a case, when to refer it, and when to say I can’t help you.”
Boy, this could not be more true. Lawyers are motivated by different things. Some are driven by any client with a checkbook while others try to help anyone with a problem. Both can get you in trouble.
Many times I felt sorry for people and tried to work miracles for them, whether it was going to be profitable or not. It was not fair to the client as it often got their hopes up unfairly and it was not fair to my family or my other clients for the time it was taking.
In other cases, I may have said I am not sure I like doing the type of case or that I am going to get along with the client but the work was going to pay well. Another big mistake for both the client and I.
The best question my partner asked when we were screening new cases was would I be thrilled to be sitting at the table with my client at trial and would they be thrilled with me. If there was any hesitation we were probably not meant for each other.
By the way Arnie, you are a credit to our profession publishing this blog. It is going to serve you and practicing lawyers very well. My guess is your loving it.
Stay well.
- Kevin