As a solo practitioner attorney, I know what
it means to run a business. Therefore, I keep these principles in mind
when working with my clients:
Prevent legal problems whenever possible. If problems already exist,
then solve them in a cost-effective manner. Business owners appreciate
practical solutions tailored to their specific
circumstances.
Keep the client
informed as to the cost and likely result of legal services in advance.
I explain various options and discuss potential outcomes. While we lawyers
never like to be pinned down, I try to tell clients something more specific
than "it could go either way."
If I do not have
the type of legal skills a client needs in a situation, then I will
tell the client that and provide a referral to a lawyer who can handle
the matter.
Lawyers should not
be a "necessary evil." They instead should contribute to the
client's decision-making process and help improve the bottom line by
identifying pitfalls and by helping to resolve disputes at an early
stage. If a business owner hesitates to pick up the telephone to talk
to his or her attorney, then that owner is working with the wrong attorney.
I encourage my clients
(especially new ones) to ask me "how much will this cost"
and "are there other [less expensive] options." This is the
type of question that I would ask if I were in their place. I never
hesitate to discuss fees and financial constraints. I also am pretty
good at coming up with a budget and sticking to it.
