Navigating attorney-client relationships as a young lawyer can often feel like a juggling act—trying to prove your skills and maintaining professional boundaries. As a young lawyer, you are faced with these challenges and many others every day, including challenges that law school and the bar exam did not prepare you for—how to manage difficult clients. As you progress through your legal career, you will learn that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to every scenario. There will be times when the attorney-client relationship may seem effortless. But what happens when you have a very demanding client? Or a client that has set unreasonable expectations? Clients may request, knowingly or unknowingly, actions that conflict with ethical or legal standards. You may be faced with a client who acts unethically. You may not know how or if you should address these issues as there is no how-to guide. Aside from remembering your ethical duties as an attorney, when faced with these challenges, explain to your client in simple terms how such actions are inappropriate and violate professional obligations. Give them an example of the possible consequences of these actions and then provide alternative strategies to achieve your client’s goals with an emphasis on being committed to your client’s objectives. Your role as counsel includes the need to juggle both of these tasks in addition to providing excellent legal analysis.

Effective client management does not only include your knowledge of the law. It includes how you communicate with your client, helping to set reasonable expectations, and gaining your client’s trust. Whether you represent an individual or an entity, these tips will help you build a successful client relationship that serves both you and your clients.

Communication