Ipse Dixit: The Difficult Client

• Jurisdiction: United States
• Publication year: 2022

Ipse Dixit: The Difficult Client

All Clients Are Difficult

There are no easy clients. All clients are difficult. Just recognize that from the get-go. Have you ever heard a lawyer, at the conclusion of a matter, say, "Well, that sure was easy"? There's always a problem. The facts. The law. The client. Opposing counsel. The court. Something. Recognize this going in and you will expect it. You may not see it at the beginning, but it's coming. Be ready.

Try to Represent Clients You Like

You may have no choice, of course, but it is difficult to deliver high-quality legal services to a client you don't like. You may have to do it, but it's not easy. Practicing law the right way, and with enthusiasm, is hard enough. As a lawyer, you owe allegiance to your clients, but you will not do good work very long for a client you do not like.

If you don't like the client on Day One, and if you have a choice, don't represent that client. Some people just make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Avoid them if you can. Don't represent them for a little while to see how it goes. It won't go well.

Remember: The Client Is the Reason

The client is the reason you have a job. Make sure everyone around you knows that the client is the reason we are here. If we all remember that, the work is better. When the lawyers and the staff are pulling in the same direction for the client, morale is good.

Remember, we get many of our clients because of prior client word-of-mouth. We want them to say good things about their lawyer, their law firm, and our system of justice.

You Are the Professional

Just because your client wants you to do something doesn't mean you have to do it. Some clients want a "tough lawyer" or a "bulldog." Some clients want to dictate what you do. It's a difficult position to be in, but you are the professional. You have standards of conduct to live up to. You have ethics rules and a Code of Professionalism. Your license is on the line, not the client's.

Be Realistic About the Case

The case usually looks its best on Day One. It's all downhill from there. Investigate the case to see what it really is. Be realistic about the merits of the case and...