Keys to a great client-lawyer relationship
At Graham Stephenson Kennedy LLP, we’ve found the following practices and principles important when building lasting relationships with our clients:
We acknowledge that you, the client, are in charge. However, our relationship must be free and respectful enough so that we do not hesitate to tell you when we think that a proposed course of conduct will not serve your best interests.
We will tell you what to expect from a big picture perspective. As your matter proceeds, we will also tell you how we think another party to a transaction or proceedings is likely to respond to a particular step.
We will give you a meaningful sense and expectation of timing, by explaining when things should happen based on prevailing practice and experience.
We will tell you what's legally important for your case, and equally, what’s not legally relevant. This will save you and us a lot of time, and keep your costs down.
To the extent possible, we try to give you an up-front estimate of costs, recognizing that costs can be greatly effected by the legal positions and actions of an adverse party. We will estimate the cost of further steps as we go along.
Often you will have options as to how to proceed. We will help you analyze the cost-effectiveness of various strategies.
When they occur, we will keep you informed of delays or date changes, and the reasons for them.
In litigation matters, we will clearly explain what your case is worth and the risks of going to trial versus settling.
We will take time to thoroughly prepare you for examination and cross-examination.
If you choose to go to trial, we will be fully prepared.
Of course, the lawyer-client relationship is a two-way street. We have found that our best clients contribute to the success of the relationship by:
Following through on those things they agree to do.
Where applicable and requested, preparing a written summary and chronology of events.
Telling us everything, even the potentially embarassing stuff. It is better to deal with “bad facts” up-front, rather than having those facts come out later and having to retract statements made and positions taken. Remember, as your lawyer, we have a duty to keep whatever you say confidential.
Keeping us informed in a timely way of new developments.
Respecting the time and schedule demands of our busy practice.
Providing requested information promptly.
Letting us know reasonably in advance if you are unavailable for a meeting.
Assisting with research and gathering documents where legal training is not required.
Paying your bills on time.
Expecting us to be courteous, honest, personable, and friendly, but not expecting your lawyer to be your friend.