AN APPEAL TO REASON

By the time I get involved in a case, the client has been through at least one, if not more, attorneys. Not only do I learn about the case, but I also hear about the relationship between the client and his or her attorney. Sometimes I feel like a janitor coming in after a big party and I have the task of cleaning up after the festivities are over. Or perhaps not quite over.

It wasn't too long ago that plaintiff's attorneys were concerned about their negative image with the public. The public perception of trial lawyers is generally not positive. Most of the people I talk to are angry and have lost confidence in their attorneys. It would be easy to say that they are just sore losers but I am not so convinced.

If trial lawyers are interested in improving the image of their profession, they can start with the simple things. Such as returning a phone call. That is the number one complaint that I hear. Average joes simply cannot reach their lawyers. It doesn't matter that they leave voice mail messages, fax notes, or send emails. Their lawyers are too busy.

The second major complaint is that their lawyers just don't care. That indifference can be demonstrated by a lack of preparation or by ignoring the client's efforts to provide information or evidence. Clients understand they are engaging in a business transaction but they just don't want to feel like a product.

Our image with the public could improve a couple of notches just by doing a few simple things. Return the phone call within 24-48 hours. If you can't, have your staff do it. When you talk to your client, show some concern. You might learn a few facts about the client and his or her family. Just because we are in business doesn't mean we shouldn't show a little compassion. Listen to what your client has to say. Sometimes their explanation will fill in the blanks or shed light on areas that cause us concern. After all, they lived the case.