I saw a post recently praising Scrivener, my favorite long-form writing app. The poster said, “The best tools get out of the craftsman’s way and make the job easier.”
True.
What’s also true is that the best clients get out of their lawyer’s way, making their job easier.
But not all clients do that.
As you undoubtedly know, a big source of friction between client and lawyer are disagreements about how the matter should be handled. Especially with a client who wants to micromanage their case.
Is there anything you can do to help your clients get out of your way and let you do your job?
Sure.
Have a heart-to-heart talk with new clients before you do the work.
Explain that they will make the big decisions but you need to be able to handle the day-to-day strategy and other things lawyers do. Explain why this is important and in their best interest. You might give them an example or two of previous engagements to illustrate.
While you’re at it, explain your policies about other things that tend to cause friction, like fees and billing and updates.
Tell them when updates will be provided, how billing is handled, how long things should take, and what to do when they have questions.
Get them to tell you they understand and agree.
Put these “agreements” in writing–in your retainer agreement or in a separate document that both of you date and sign. You can use a standard checklist and leave room to write in things specific to the case or client.
This won’t eliminate all points of friction but it should go a long way towards reducing them. And, if there’s a problem, you’ll have something in your file that can help resolve it.
Managing your (new) client’s expectations this way will also help you deliver a better experience for them.
If they’re expecting monthly updates, for example, and you provide them more often, or if they expect to be billed for something and you absorb the cost, you’ll have some happy campers.
Happy campers who get out of your way and make your job easier.
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