5 most common problems in the attorney - client relationship
Even with the best of intentions, there are times when problems may arise in this relationship that will require expert navigation. Below are five of the most common problems in the attorney-client relationship, including tips on how to address them.
Miscommunication:
What is verbally said can and is often misinterpreted against what was meant between an attorney and a client. This common reality can lead to misunderstandings and misaligned expectations. To avoid this, we have seen many attorneys go to great lengths to have clear and open communication from the start. The most effective method by far were the attorneys that established scheduled communication check-ins that would not be cancelled or rescheduled for any reason. This single strategy in addition to being proactive about addressing any issues can and does help prevent miscommunication from becoming a chronic problem.
Lack of availability:
Attorneys are one of two things: Busy or Unsuccessful in their industry. There rarely is anything else. Unfortunately, this can be frustrating for clients when they can’t get in touch with their attorneys when they need them. To avoid this, the most successful attorneys set clear expectations about their availability and confirm in writing to ensure that clients understand that they may not always be immediately available.
Billing issues:
Billing issues are one of the most common and volatile problems in the attorney-client relationship. This is the difference maker in shaping not only the entire experience but also in determining whether future referrals will be made. To succeed in this area, it is important for both parties to have a clear understanding of the fee arrangement and for the attorney to provide regular updates on the status of the case and its related fees.
Lack of trust:
Trust is the foundation of the attorney-client relationship, and a lack of trust can lead to a breakdown in communication which always results in a lack of client confidence in the attorney’s abilities to serve in their best interest. To avoid this, it’s important for the attorney to be transparent and honest with the client, regardless of the information needing to be shared. In doing so, it would also be an appropriate time to advise the client for the need to understand that their attorney is working in their best interest, often easily verified by advising of the options that have been considered when the decision affecting the client was made.
Whether you’re starting a new practice, or just looking to brush up on your law firm business by addressing these common problems, both attorney and client can work together to build a strong and successful relationship. As your business continues to grow, the need for optimization internally will increase as the depth of client relationships also gains complexity. The tools and their implementation are what we provide at ProfitGOLD Group. A complimentary consultation is available to you by clicking the CONTACT US button on the home page of this website.
We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.