Reality checks; lawyers must manage client expectations by being upfront about what is possible and what is not
Article Abstract:
Experts believe that litigants are starting to dispense with lawyers and act pro se partly because lawyers do not concern themselves with client expectations. Legal services were in the past valued highly enough that lawyers could overlook public relations concerns, but this is no longer the case. Peter Turai believes that clients judge lawyers based on how well they feel they are treated rather than on the lawyer's technical skills. Opinions differ about which type of client billing is best.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1997
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Just say no to problem clients; adequate screening upfront can prevent dissatisfaction later on
Article Abstract:
Sole practitioners need to be careful about taking new clients and not let the pressure of unpaid bills force them to accept bad clients. Intuition is part of choosing clients but red flags include clients who have gone through many lawyers and those who claim to be pursuing an action only on principle. Lawyers also need to consider whether a potential client will respect the lawyer's other commitments.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1996
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Solace for stressed solos; bar's counseling group gives lawyers a place to talk out their frustrations
Article Abstract:
Sole practitioners feel a different job stress from lawyers in other specialties, and more bar associations and legal assistance programs are helping them deal with this stress. Such groups help relieve the isolation felt in this work, and talking feelings out with other lawyers going through the same situations can help.
Publication Name: ABA Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-0088
Year: 1999
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