Client Psychology for Lawyers: How to Manage Difficult Clients

The foundation of any strong law practice is the ability of the attorney to create effective relationships with clients. Yet deal- ing with clients effectively requires more than performing du- ties competently and keeping clients properly informed. Each client is different and each has his or her own needs, desires and predispositions. Compounding client differences are the often emotionally-charged situations that bring the client to the attorney in the first place. To more effectively manage the attorney-client relationship, attorneys need to understand the psychological background of their clients and adapt their inter- actions to suit each client's psychological needs. The result will be higher productivity during your clients' bill- able hours. You'll have the tools you need to avoid backlash from the emotionally unsatisfied whose negative opinions could tarnish the reputation of your practice. When client in- teractions are more fluid, burnout is much less likely. Plus, your client roster can grow! • Learn best practices for managing difficult clients, including the angry client, the legal dogmatist, the psychopath, and many other "difficult" client types. • Get practical strategies for strengthening and enhancing communication with clients who do not easily accept, or un- derstand, information. • Learn the best approaches for working with clients who are under strong pressure, suffer from trauma etc.