What Your Lawyer Should Know

The forest and the trees
Ties are for wearing in court
Some lawyers have ears too
Bang for your buck
Keeping your eye on the ball
Have cake, eat cake
Where the buck stops

#1 The forest and the trees

Law is mostly about judgment, hard work, and attention to detail. A small neighborhood firm can do this as well or better than big firms in tall buildings with expensive parking.

#2 Ties are for wearing in court

Lawyers don’t have to take themselves seriously in order to take their cases seriously. A relaxed, comfortable office tends to make both lawyers and their clients happier and more efficient.

Lawyers cannot effectively argue for their clients until they listen to their clients. Lawyers should counsel clients wisely as to their options. Clients should remain in the driver’s seat to decide which path to take. Excellent legal work and excellent customer service go hand in hand.

#4 Bang for your buck

The so-called “best” legal approach is often one that the client cannot afford, or that is simply inefficient. A lawyer’s job is to help clients maximize their leverage for the lowest possible cost.

#5 Keeping your eye on the ball

Sometimes the best lawyering is problem solving to help clients focus on what they really want and avoid pointless fights with unsavory opponents. Never get in a mud fight with a pig. You’ll both get dirty and the pig likes it.

#6 Have Cake, Eat Cake

High-octane aggressiveness and high integrity are not mutually exclusive. Cheating is for the lazy and weak-minded. When court is the best option, forthrightness, hard work, and expert tactics are a solid recipe for litigation success.

#7 Where The Buck Stops

Lawyers should set the highest standards for their work and welcome the accountability that comes with it.