In the field of law, The connection with the customer will, although not the primary one, is among the most crucial aspects after organization and excellent presentation.
The relationship between the lawyer and the customer is always one of trust. This is because the client entrusts the lawyer with all his worries, fears, grievances, accomplishments, and grudges, even his wealth. However, sometimes we discover facts that even those closest to the client are aware of. Thus, confidentiality and discretion are essential elements in this relationship.
Anything excessive can cause problems.
The relationship between the lawyer and customer based on empathy was among the strategies I employed and continue to use. However, it’s not as straightforward as it seems since the client was not always created just like you were. Therefore, the need to be cautious is essential and should be the guiding principle of your relationship.
For example, a friend invites you to a dinner party at his home and serves an alcohol-based drink you enjoy, but you’re not familiar with drinking (imagine that old 24-year-old whiskey that you have always thought of drinking in the club).
Suppose you decide to take a sip of the old bottle dog, add Sidney Magal, and the next day, even though you do not have the usual pain (in terms of physical sensation). In that case, your client and colleagues will inevitably think of him as arrogant, regardless of what you’ve said or the impression you gave earlier.
Like the bizarre example above, but not as outrageous – it’s the same as drinking too many drinks, speaking excessively, and interrupting too often. It is important to note that in the relationship between the lawyer with his client, everything that too many hurts.
Keep in mind the two magic phrases: prudence and empathy. What do I think about myself if I was seeing or hearing myself? You can organize an evening with your best family and friends if you’d like. You will be in love but stay away from the client, especially if you’re not close to him.
Communication is the word that is used to describe the process.
Another important aspect is transparency and clarity. Remember what I wrote at the start: the lawyer’s relationship with their client is built by trust. If you are listening to your client’s story, it is not uncommon for specific details not to fit the narrative or even the documents you’re looking at. This is where clarity and transparency are crucial.
The Code of Ethics and Discipline for Lawyers provides that in the relationship between the lawyer and the client, it is essential to inform the client clearly and concisely about the possible dangers of the claim.
While the ethical clause is directed to the lawyer, who will inform clients of the legal risk (loss of suit, deadlines, and appearing in court) that a lawsuit can bring and, by using the power of empathy, it is possible to consider what it would be like if you was me in the client’s shoes? Was I clear about my choices? Was I assertive? Did the customer comprehend my message?
This requirement of providing information works perfectly with trust and transparency, advising the client’s lawyer of any significant developments in the case. It is essential to trust me when I say that this won’t “lock in” the office or bog down the client with information. Strengthens and narrows relationships between lawyers and clients, making them feel more comfortable in addition to being a meaningful (and highly efficient) personal marketing tool and relationship marketing.
The relationship between the lawyer and client has to appear as clear as springwater clean and clear any flaw or shadow should be promptly dealt with or eliminated, or else the relationship is doomed to fail.
A practical tip to improve communication
For those who want to ensure you have an excellent way to communicate with your clients from beginning to end, I’m sharing this article on Aurum’s blog on the manual for clients to law.
In this article, fellow columnist Mateus Terra discusses the importance of an instruction manual for service to align expectations between offices. Additionally, it provides additional benefits for the relationships between the lawyer and the client and provides a unique template that you can adapt to your own needs.
Keep your distance, but keep in mind the some limitations
It is also a common occurrence that, as time passes, we get closer to our clients. We are invited to lunches, dinners, and birthdays, and the relationship develops over time.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless coworkers who have a distinct distinction between them and their customers. Others welcome clients into their life and turn them into excellent friends. There is nothing that cannot be done, and even though it’s beneficial to declare that rules should be enforced, however, lawyers are the ones who have to define their own rules.
Be attentive to your “small favors.” If it’s a product, and you think you have to be charging for the service and cover it, then do the cost. This is why it’s essential to stay clear of client solicitations since they may be seen as favors or an exchange. For example, I pay for lunch for my attorney on the corner of Padova, who drafts the contract on my behalf.
That’s why the relationship we have with our customers is vitally important. However, as I mentioned earlier, in all our professional or personal relationships, we should be aware of the boundaries and mindful of limitations we should not overcome.
My clients are now excellent friends, great clients who have turned into excellent ex-friends, clients-friends, friends of clients, and even a client who, after learning that I was about to go abroad, contacted me to purchase clothing products.
While it’s a difficult situation, with a bit of flexibility, it is possible to take care of the issue and maintain an excellent relationship between the lawyer and the client.
How do you determine limits to your relationship with your clients? Tell us your story in the comment section below!