5 types of problem clients, and how to deal with them.
After writing the last article series about finding the right lawyer, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss finding the right clients – specifically identifying and dealing with problem clients. First, let’s all agree that 99% of all clients are perfect partners who understand how to maximize the value of the attorney-client relationship. It’s the 1% that keeps us up at night, and sometimes makes us chuckle.
On July 19, 2013, Douglas Chandler of Chandler Law gave a presentation to the attorneys of Miller & Martin, a 120-lawyer firm with offices in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville. Topics presented as part of the firm’s in-house training series, Miller & Martin Academy, included legal ethics and loss prevention.
Part 2 – Negotiating the relationship with your new attorney.
In Part 1 of this series, I reviewed the steps associated with identifying and choosing an attorney qualified to handle your specific situation. Once you’ve decided on the best attorney for your needs, you will need to agree on and formalize the terms of your relationship, preferably in writing.
Document helps lawyers effectively and efficiently respond to Georgia State Bar complaints
On June 1, 2013, Douglas Chandler of Chandler Law published his latest white paper: How to Deal with State Bar Disciplinary Matters. The white paper presents recommendations for reacting to every stage of the Bar complaint process, from initial notification through the public Formal Complaint stage reviewed by the Georgia Supreme Court.
On March 28, 2013, Douglas Chandler of Chandler Law and Aubrey Smith of ProAssurance presented their risk management CLE seminar to the members of the Appalachian Bar Association in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
On March 6, 2013, Douglas Chandler of Chandler Law LLC was invited to present to the Fulton County Business Court Judges and Staff Attorneys on the topic of Legal Malpractice. The goal of the interactive presentation was
What to expect if the complaint against you ends up in front of the Georgia Supreme Court.
Part 1 of this series discussed the initial response to a Bar complaint, and Part 2 covered what to expect if the complaint is assigned to the Investigative Panel. Part 3 reviewed ways to minimize the chances of receiving a Bar complaint. This final installment covers what happens if a bar complaint makes it to the big show – the Georgia Supreme Court.
Part 1 of this series discussed the initial response to a Bar complaint, and Part 2 covered what to expect if the complaint is assigned to the Investigative Panel. In Part 3, let’s look at ways to minimize the chances of receiving a Bar complaint by learning from other attorneys’ experiences and mistakes.
Investigative Panel Review
Part 1 of this series discussed the initial response to a Bar complaint, and provided some practical advice for improving the chances of success and minimizing the potential damage to your practice, lifestyle and reputation. Part 2 covers what to expect if the complaint is assigned to the Investigative Panel.
Responding to Bar Complaints.
Receiving a Bar complaint can be one of the most traumatic experiences in an attorney’s professional career. I’ve spent a lot of time writing about how to avoid Georgia State Bar complaints, but what do you do if you receive one? How you respond, and the type of assistance you seek, is absolutely critical in minimizing the disruption as well as disposition.