The seminar was mostly about an attorney’s relationship with other lawyers and the court (e.g., things a young lawyer can do to establish integrity and credibility). That said, there was a great session in the afternoon about “How to Obtain and Retain the Enthusiastically Satisfied Client.” Some highlights that might interest you include:

“Take the initiative and talk about fee arrangements early — most clients and too many lawyers are afraid to talk about fees.”

“Explain, in an understandable language, how the legal process will work so as to minimize the likelihood of surprises later.”

“At the end of the client meeting, be sure that everything is clear and understood — make sure the client has no further questions.”

“Follow up: Being ignored by the attorney after he/she accepts employment is teh biggest complaint of clients.”

“Use your billing to create good client relations. Bills should be prompt and itemized. Avoid surprises in billings.”

I think that a lawyer’s reputation for integrity, civility, honesty, and credibility definitely has an impact on the “moral and social aspects of an attorney’s power and position.” Public perception of lawyers might be considerably different if every lawyer maintains such a reputation.

You may want to contact the firm and see if you can get a copy of the handout materials. You would likely find them very interesting.

The seminar was mostly about an attorney’s relationship with other lawyers and the court (e.g., things a young lawyer can do to establish integrity and credibility). That said, there was a great session in the afternoon about “How to Obtain and Retain the Enthusiastically Satisfied Client.” Some highlights that might interest you include:

“Take the initiative and talk about fee arrangements early — most clients and too many lawyers are afraid to talk about fees.”

“Explain, in an understandable language, how the legal process will work so as to minimize the likelihood of surprises later.”

“At the end of the client meeting, be sure that everything is clear and understood — make sure the client has no further questions.”

“Follow up: Being ignored by the attorney after he/she accepts employment is teh biggest complaint of clients.”

“Use your billing to create good client relations. Bills should be prompt and itemized. Avoid surprises in billings.”

I think that a lawyer’s reputation for integrity, civility, honesty, and credibility definitely has an impact on the “moral and social aspects of an attorney’s power and position.” Public perception of lawyers might be considerably different if every lawyer maintains such a reputation.

You may want to contact the firm and see if you can get a copy of the handout materials. You would likely find them very interesting.

David: You should be pleased to know that there are people out there trying to remedy these problems. Yesterday, I was an attendee at an all-day seminar on advocacy put on for young lawyers by a local litigation firm. The overriding theme of the day was professionalism, professionalism, professionalism. It was very refreshing, and a good step towards turning the tide of lousy conduct between lawyers. You can see an outline of the program here: http://www.grayrittergraham.com/CM/ContactUs/489901.PDF

David: You should be pleased to know that there are people out there trying to remedy these problems. Yesterday, I was an attendee at an all-day seminar on advocacy put on for young lawyers by a local litigation firm. The overriding theme of the day was professionalism, professionalism, professionalism. It was very refreshing, and a good step towards turning the tide of lousy conduct between lawyers. You can see an outline of the program here: http://www.grayrittergraham.com/CM/ContactUs/489901.PDF