Contrary to popular belief, we lawyers are not all horrible people. I am not quite sure why attorneys have such a bad name in the community. Of course, there are lawyers who overcharge, are rude, don’t return calls and are downright arrogant. However, I am sure you could say this of many professions. So why do we have such a bad rap?

I, for one, know that I am far from perfect. However, I am honest and work hard for each of my clients. I will charge you a fair rate and will tell you up front how you are going to be charged. I will further put the fee proposal in writing and ask if you have any questions. I then ask that you sign the fee arrangement, indicating that you have agreed to and understand the same. I return phone calls promptly. If I am out of the office for an extended period of time, or am unable to return your call promptly, my paralegal might return your call. If she cannot help you, then you will hear from me. I will be tough with opposing counsel, but not rude. Simply because we want to be aggressive, does not mean that we should lose civility or our manners. It always pays to be cordial. I will not waste your money and will tell you what legal work is necessary and what would be a waste of your funds. 

There are many lawyers out there who follow these guidelines. They are honest, hardworking and want to keep their clients happy. What can you do as a lay person to help stop these horrible rumors? 

1.         Don’t take the situation at hand out on your lawyer. It is not their fault that you were hurt in an accident, that someone owes you money in a business dispute, or that you have to incorporate to protect yourself. Yes, having to go to a lawyer will cost you money, but it is the lawyer’s job to assist you. Try not to take your frustration out on them.

2.         Be honest with your lawyer. Don’t mislead a potential attorney as to your intentions. If you plan on using a particular attorney, yet only want the so-called “second opinion” from another attorney, be honest. That attorney will respect your decision and may or may not charge you a consultation fee. Don’t pretend that you plan on using an attorney that you don’t.

3.         Listen to the proposed fee arrangement. Read the fee letter that you signed. If it states that you are to be charged on an hourly basis, expect that you will be billed for everything a lawyer does on your behalf. You will be billed for phone calls. Even if they are just to check on the status of the case, you will be billed for them. If the work is to be done on a flat fee basis, a percentage or a contingency basis, you should be able to call the lawyer as often as possible without incurring additional fees. Know your fee arrangement.

4.         If your attorney is not present in the office and the matter you are calling on is urgent, ask to speak with their secretary or paralegal. However, don’t become angry with the support staff if they cannot help you to your satisfaction. Your counsel should then return your call in a timely fashion.

5.         As with any relationship, one should respect and even sometimes like their attorney. I know some believe that as long as their professional is competent, whether that be their attorney or physician, that is sufficient. I am of a different viewpoint. I need to not only respect, but like, the people I deal with. It is such a pleasure dealing with clients whom I respect and like and from a personal standpoint, I can actually say that I truly admire my pediatrician, OB/GYN, primary care physician and financial advisor. Life is too short to deal with people, although they may help us, whom we find unpleasant.

So find an attorney you are comfortable with and try to follow the above rules. We are really not that bad.