A Work in Progress and in No Particular Order
I.
THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD
If it isn’t written down, it never happened.
II.
ABSOLUTE TRUTH:
Be true to yourself, Be true to others. Excepting areas of confidentiality & privilege, be as open and honest as is possible.
III.
PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN
As much as is possible, be deliberate and be proactive. Reactive thought and action lead to carelessness, and carelessness leads to mistakes.
IV.
EXPECT DELAYS
Nothing in this world moves as quickly as you would want or would like: Everything takes longer than you think it should.
V.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE . . .
Where possible, ask for help. When possible, give it in return
VI.
COMMUNICATE & COLLABORATE
Client communication is key: A client who gets talked to is a client who won’t complain.
VII.
DEMAND EXCELLENCE
But realize that you can only demand it from yourself, you can only ask for it from others.
VIII.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RITUAL
Where possible, when possible, seek routine. Routine allows for natural rhythm, and, depending on personality, maximizes efficiency
IX.
ETIQUETTE’S LIMIT
Make no apology where none is called for.
X.
YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN
It is simply impossible for everything to receive equal attention at all times. Accept this. Deal with it. That said, knowledge and management of tasks and their placement on the urgent / importance axis will allow you to maximize your efficiency.
XI.
THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Build in ‘recharge time’ into your life. For me, it needs to be regular and away from the city.
XII.
CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The sad fact is that people’s opinions of lawyers and how lawyers should act are largely based on what they see on dramatic television. Therefore, dress, speak, and act accordingly. This does NOT mean that you run around saying “Denny Crane” to people. However, this is a profession, and you should at all times appear, speak, and act professionally.
XIII.
UNDER-PROMISE, OVER-PERFORM:
Clients will latch on to even the most innocuous of commitments that you give them, and even the most minor of broken commitments will create conflict between you and the client. Therefore, be vague and general in your promises, but exacting and specific in your performance. Delivering on your commitments and more will only enhance your reputation with the client, and will therefore greatly enhance their likelihood of paying you!
XIV.
IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S BUSINESS
Clients, generally speaking, like frank talk about fees. Be explicit, be professional, and demand to be paid what you are worth. The sad reality is that not every potential client can afford to hire you. Taking a case for less than what you deserve, or worse, less than what you need, will only create stress and conflict between you, the client, and the court.
XV.
IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S BUSINESS (again)
Carrying a client who refuses to pay according to whatever terms of a payment agreement have been worked out is not worth your time, generally speaking. Failing to pay the attorney with whom they have entrusted their particular legal problem is a clear sign of just how much (or how little) value they put on the issue.
XVI.
IT’S NOT BUSINESS, IT’S PERSONAL
Obviously, keeping the preceeding rules in mind, you cannot expect the client to put paying you above paying for the necessities – Food, Clothing, Shelter, and Transportation [this is a necessity, I don’t give a damn what that fool Maslow says] – but the client must understand that you are the first of the rest. Dinners out, the cable bill, even little Johnny’s birthday present should all come after paying the lawyer.
I.
THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD
If it isn’t written down, it never happened.
II.
ABSOLUTE TRUTH:
Be true to yourself, Be true to others. Excepting areas of confidentiality & privilege, be as open and honest as is possible.
III.
PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN
As much as is possible, be deliberate and be proactive. Reactive thought and action lead to carelessness, and carelessness leads to mistakes.
IV.
EXPECT DELAYS
Nothing in this world moves as quickly as you would want or would like: Everything takes longer than you think it should.
V.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE . . .
Where possible, ask for help. When possible, give it in return
VI.
COMMUNICATE & COLLABORATE
Client communication is key: A client who gets talked to is a client who won’t complain.
VII.
DEMAND EXCELLENCE
But realize that you can only demand it from yourself, you can only ask for it from others.
VIII.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RITUAL
Where possible, when possible, seek routine. Routine allows for natural rhythm, and, depending on personality, maximizes efficiency
IX.
ETIQUETTE’S LIMIT
Make no apology where none is called for.
X.
YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN
It is simply impossible for everything to receive equal attention at all times. Accept this. Deal with it. That said, knowledge and management of tasks and their placement on the urgent / importance axis will allow you to maximize your efficiency.
XI.
THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
Build in ‘recharge time’ into your life. For me, it needs to be regular and away from the city.
XII.
CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN
The sad fact is that people’s opinions of lawyers and how lawyers should act are largely based on what they see on dramatic television. Therefore, dress, speak, and act accordingly. This does NOT mean that you run around saying “Denny Crane” to people. However, this is a profession, and you should at all times appear, speak, and act professionally.
XIII.
UNDER-PROMISE, OVER-PERFORM:
Clients will latch on to even the most innocuous of commitments that you give them, and even the most minor of broken commitments will create conflict between you and the client. Therefore, be vague and general in your promises, but exacting and specific in your performance. Delivering on your commitments and more will only enhance your reputation with the client, and will therefore greatly enhance their likelihood of paying you!
XIV.
IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S BUSINESS
Clients, generally speaking, like frank talk about fees. Be explicit, be professional, and demand to be paid what you are worth. The sad reality is that not every potential client can afford to hire you. Taking a case for less than what you deserve, or worse, less than what you need, will only create stress and conflict between you, the client, and the court.
XV.
IT’S NOT PERSONAL, IT’S BUSINESS (again)
Carrying a client who refuses to pay according to whatever terms of a payment agreement have been worked out is not worth your time, generally speaking. Failing to pay the attorney with whom they have entrusted their particular legal problem is a clear sign of just how much (or how little) value they put on the issue.
XVI.
IT’S NOT BUSINESS, IT’S PERSONAL
Obviously, keeping the preceeding rules in mind, you cannot expect the client to put paying you above paying for the necessities – Food, Clothing, Shelter, and Transportation [this is a necessity, I don’t give a damn what that fool Maslow says] – but the client must understand that you are the first of the rest. Dinners out, the cable bill, even little Johnny’s birthday present should all come after paying the lawyer.
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