The Proactive Lawyer
A repository of wild and sometimes crazy ideas to challenge attorneys to create more efficient, effective and energized law practices and client relationships.
Who am I?
"What we have, is a failure to communicate." Strother Martin, Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Let’s face it, lawyers are perceived as a necessary evil. We are disliked, until we are needed.
Tell someone you are a lawyer, and instantly that person has a preconceived image of exactly who you are and what you do. In most instances, their impression is not a flattering one.
Does this sound familiar?
“Oh, you’re a lawyer, you must ___________ [fill in the blank].”
“like to argue, go to court, bill by the word and/or the nanosecond, defend guilty people, be a shark, love money, enjoy screwing others, eat your young" and so on.
In my case, none of these are true. Yet, I spend much of my time educating clients and others as to who I am and how I can help them.
A few attorneys spoil it for the many. As our profession becomes more and more competitive, there is a tendency toward less civility and more combativeness. This results in all lawyers being painted with the broad brush of negativity, hostility and cynicism.
So what can I do to sweeten the sour perception of lawyers? The short answer is, I don’t know exactly, but I am going to try.
I have spent 21 years in private practice as a business attorney, the last 12 managing my own firm. I have helped scores of clients with their business challenges and opportunities. In my work, I have observed what works and doesn’t work, among lawyers, between lawyers and clients, and between lawyers and nonlawyers.
My goal is to help others to build better relationships and stronger practices. I want to improve the profession by encouraging the development of best practices that, when implemented, will slowly improve the public perception of lawyers.
I believe in being practical and concise. I hope I can do some good. If anything I write resonates with you, please write me. I welcome all comments and feedback.
Tell someone you are a lawyer, and instantly that person has a preconceived image of exactly who you are and what you do. In most instances, their impression is not a flattering one.
Does this sound familiar?
“Oh, you’re a lawyer, you must ___________ [fill in the blank].”
“like to argue, go to court, bill by the word and/or the nanosecond, defend guilty people, be a shark, love money, enjoy screwing others, eat your young" and so on.
In my case, none of these are true. Yet, I spend much of my time educating clients and others as to who I am and how I can help them.
A few attorneys spoil it for the many. As our profession becomes more and more competitive, there is a tendency toward less civility and more combativeness. This results in all lawyers being painted with the broad brush of negativity, hostility and cynicism.
So what can I do to sweeten the sour perception of lawyers? The short answer is, I don’t know exactly, but I am going to try.
I have spent 21 years in private practice as a business attorney, the last 12 managing my own firm. I have helped scores of clients with their business challenges and opportunities. In my work, I have observed what works and doesn’t work, among lawyers, between lawyers and clients, and between lawyers and nonlawyers.
My goal is to help others to build better relationships and stronger practices. I want to improve the profession by encouraging the development of best practices that, when implemented, will slowly improve the public perception of lawyers.
I believe in being practical and concise. I hope I can do some good. If anything I write resonates with you, please write me. I welcome all comments and feedback.