5 Ways To Communicate With Your Client Better

While a lawyer’s life is based on consultations and writing applications for relief, communication skills is an aspect which a lot of lawyers overlook. What many do not know is that this, too, is a major foundation of law practice. Here are some ways for you to communicate with your client better:

Speak Plainly

When you tell your client that his case is “bound for certiorari,” or if you say that she is entitled to “support pendente lite,” your client will not understand a thing. One communication skill that lawyers brush aside is that they speak a language that is not so conversational. Even in the midst of law school, you might not notice, but your mother tongue is turning to the language of the law rather than what you grew up in.

Your client, however, as a matter of right, is entitled to understand the proceedings of his or her case in full. This might also be hard for you, but when talking to a client, explain the legal proceedings and implications as if you are speaking to a child. Be mindful of terms and phrases which while you might use day to day is not really that common, especially for lay people.

Stop Acting Like A Lawyer After Delivering Bad News

Your client comes to you because he is in trouble and as counsel, you have to master the art of delivering bad news to someone to whom you have been obligated to liberate. However, this profession is unpredictable and you will have to deal with frustrated clients on an almost day to day basis. When you deliver bad news and a client gets a rush of sudden anger or extreme frustration, this can mean that his blood pressure and adrenaline levels will rise. You cannot expect your client to be logically sound at this point.

So when you tell your client that the motion for reconsideration was denied, or her claim dismissed and if the settlement offer was way lower than what was expected, do understand that emotions will be very strong at this point. When you get there, just stop explaining and reasoning like a lawyer. Instead, consider how to calm your client and allow him or her to regain balance.

Listen Intently and Attentively

As a lawyer, you are not only paid to talk. A more important part of your job description is to know every nook and cranny of your client’s situation so that you would be able to better formulate what applicable laws and jurisprudence are available for you to successfully argue for your client’s case.

Your client is paying you for your time, so when you are with him, give him all of your focus and undivided attention. Your receptionist can hold the calls for you and you can meet in a place wherein you can talk in private. Of course, you will not know everything that your client will ask you and it is perfectly normal to follow up for a legal opinion.

Invest In Your Front Office

Your client’s experience begins from the moment he thinks of getting you as a lawyer. Once in touch, how you entertain your client from then on should be done seamlessly and very conveniently. It is very important to set a positive but competent tone right from the start by ensuring that all your client’s interactions are pleasant.

Your client should feel welcome from the very start so it is important that you attend to the small things such as the welcoming receptionist, comfortable reception areas wherein you can provide coffee, food and good music and a lot more.

Do Not Lead Your Client to Unreasonable Expectations

There is no such thing as a petition, claim, complaint, a motion that is infallible no matter how meritorious such may seem in how you know the law. However, a lot of lawyers are too pressed in giving their clients hopes that get too high and unreasonable. While they think that this is business, this is actually giving hopes that are too high.

A lot of law schools teach the three big “L’s” in law and these are law, logic and language. These are indispensable elements in the career of a lawyer and each should be developed as much as the others. Do you have any other tips in mind which you would like to share with rookie lawyers? Share with us your nuggets of wisdom in the comments below.