Practice Management
Practice Management Tip 1: Improving Communications with Clients
Communication is something we do all the time as lawyers, which may lull us into a sense of being very proficient at it. We sometimes forget that while lawyers deal with legal challenges every day, our clients may not. These are some best practices for improving client communication:
- · Avoid legal jargon in client communication, using plain language wherever possible.
- · Regularity of updates goes a long way towards improving communication and also ensures you stay compliant with ethics rules.
- · Get into a habit of anticipating client questions while practising active listening – striking a balance here requires lots of practice.
- · Realise that communication involves a lot more than what was actually said. Non-verbal visual cues from clients are often helpful in understanding their story. And watch your own body language too if you want to come across as empathic and supportive.
- · Send an email that summarises what was discussed and including supplemental information for clarifications and next steps.
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