The ABA Journal includes advice what to do when you have to fire a client, usually for not paying legal fees, leaving out important facts and documents, having unrealistic expectations, or being uncooperative or unethical.
Brian Sullivan writes (excerpt)
1. Give reasonable notice of the end of representation [opportunity to hire alternate counsel; termination letter; reminder of […]
Entries Categorized as 'The Practice'
How to fire a client
February 29, 2008
No fair peeking: Attorney-work product off limits
December 22, 2007
The California Supreme Court disqualified an attorney who used opposing counsel’s notes of a meeting with expert witnesses. In Rico v. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the court stated:
Here we consider what action is required of an attorney who receives privileged documents through inadvertence and whether the remedy of disqualification is appropriate. We conclude that, under […]
A life of honor
March 20, 2007
The Grand Rapids Pressnotes the passing of former State Bar president, gentleman-litigator and family man Stephen Bransdorfer, at age 77 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Barton Deiters writes (excerpt):
His skill and willingness to serve was recognized by governors, presidents and fellow attorneys, who honored him with appointments and awards, the last being the Roberts P. […]
A True Professional
February 2, 2007
The Grand Rapids Press notes the passing of retired U.S. District Judge Douglas Hillman, a favorite among attorneys practicing in federal court:
Judge Hillman, 84, who had a passion for training young lawyers, suffered a stroke in 2000 that slowed him down. His health took a turn for the worse last month.
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Judge Hillman will be remembered […]
Document preparation services: buyer beware
January 29, 2007
The State Bar of Michigan obtained a permanent injunction in Grand Rapids (Kent County) against the “We the People USA, Inc.,” and its franchises in the state from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Apparently, “We the People of West Michigan LLC” drafted a defective special needs trust for an elderly individual, and […]
Avoiding the Top 10
January 7, 2007
The ABA includes a pdf paper from the last Tech Show on how to avoid the top ten causes of malpractice. The presenters were Mark C.S. Bassingthwaighte, Risk Management Coordinator, Attorneys Liability Protection Society, and Reba J. Nance, Director, Law Practice and Risk Management, Colorado Bar Association.
CASA Jurist of the Year
November 14, 2006
Judge Patricia D. Gardner received the Michigan CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Jurist of the Year award, recognizing her for exemplifying the best attributes of a Family Court Judge.
The press release quoted one CASA staff member as stating, “Judge Gardner has a wonderful ability to communicate clearly and sincerely to parents and is tireless […]
Civility
September 4, 2006
The American Bar Association’s Section of Family Law has adopted Civility Standards. The Standards address the responsibility of the family lawyer to be civil to clients, opposing counsel, and the court.
I. To Client
1. Treat the client with respect.
2. Try to keep the client on an even emotional keel and
avoid characterizing the actions of […]
From technology in the courtroom to the philosophies of sentencing to dealing with children
July 14, 2006
The Grand Rapids Press reports on the candidates forum sponsored by the Family Law Section.
Elizabeth Piet includes comments from her interviews with two members of the audience (excerpt):
Alan Bedell, 66, of Grand Rapids Township, came into the forum with no knowledge of the candidates but came out impressed with Murkowski’s knowledge and his recall of […]
Congratulations Leslie!
September 2, 2005
The State Bar of Michigan is honoring Leslie C. Curry with an Unsung Hero Award for “[exhibiting] the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.” Leslie is the Litigation Director and a staff attorney for Western Michigan Legal Services of Grand Rapids and is being honored for 25 years of […]
Ability to pay, reality of expectations
July 3, 2005
Law Practice Today focuses on the fit between an attorney and a client.
Dee Crocker writes (excerpt):
The most important rule in getting paid is selecting clients who are willing and able to pay for your time. Otherwise, you may find yourself providing pro bono services on cases that you accepted because you expected them to generate […]
Bad guys go mild, good people go wild?
June 26, 2005
The New York Times shows the mess that sometimes flows from the family to the court and out into the parking lots.
Avi Salzman writes (excerpt):
Mr. Spears said he used to work on criminal cases, but rarely did those clients give him the chills like some of the people in his divorce cases.
“I represented some bad […]
Alberto Gonzales and divorce clients
December 24, 2004
Slate examines President George Bush’s relationship to his Attorney General, passing along some general comments on lawyering along the way.
Dahlia Lithwick writes (excerpt):
One of the most striking legacies of my brief foray into the wonderful world of divorce law was the observation of this difference between wealthy clients and normal ones: The wealthy clients, particularly […]
FTC inaction
May 28, 2004
FTC will not bring any enforcement actions or conduct any investigations against practicing lawyers
Hating justice
May 17, 2004
human desires for dignity, respect and for that simple opportunity to be heard
FTC privacy notice
May 8, 2004
court rejects FTC attempts to apply the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to lawyers
Meetings that matter
February 19, 2004
when you’re in charge, when you’re not
Big ideas for business development
February 17, 2004
making your business development efforts efficient, effective and enjoyable
Rainmakers and the rolodex
February 16, 2004
PRACTICAL TIPS ON PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
Carpe diem
December 29, 2003
While the focus of your preparations may be different, your client deserves your best effort.
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