Lawyers Who Treat Their Clients Transactionally Demean Their Clients

 If there is one common trait I see in successful lawyers, it is that they care about their clients. That concern is what drives the lawyer, energizes the lawyer, and makes the lawyer the advocate all clients deserve. In my case, I am talking about normal people. Individual people who are hurt and don’t know where to turn. They need someone on their side, and sometimes they’ve never had someone on their side.

The relationship between the lawyer and the client transcends that of privileged communications, and, I believe, is a sacred trust. You are doing all you can to stand up for your client and fight back.

 And it is a battle—especially in the litigation context. This is why lawyers must care and see their clients as people—not as business transactions.

If there is something people want. Sometime that they crave. It is authenticity. That’s why it is vital for lawyers not to reduce what they can do to slogans that sling around weighty concepts such as “justice,” “equity,” and “fight.” Not unless you plan to be fully invested in your client’s case.

 How do you become fully invested in a client’s case?

 I believe it starts with meeting with the client. Taking notes. Preferably paper notes. And you must review them, think about the case, and view the case as a grand narrative that you refine over time.

 You strive to know your client. Trying to understand. As Atticus Finch said, “climb in their skin and walk around.” You cannot do that if you treat your client transactionally.  

 Lawyers who fail to do these things are just used car salesmen, in my opinion, and they are no different than any other sales profession.

 Why take this approach?

 Because clients are worth it. We wouldn’t be lawyers without them. They deserve more. They deserve better. And they need someone who is going to do their best, fight hard, and even sometimes lose. Listen to what Gerry Spence says. But you must do your best. You cannot do that if you don’t care. If you treat your clients transactionally, then you don’t care. And you shouldn’t be an advocate. You aren’t really an advocate.

 You should find another profession.

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