How to Handle Difficult Clients as a Small Law Firm
Every law firm, regardless of size, will inevitably encounter difficult clients. Difficult clients can bring a variety of challenges, and small law firms in particular can feel the brunt of these challenges as they often lack the resources of larger firms. While it’s impossible to completely avoid difficult clients, small law firms can use a variety of strategies to handle them.
Set Expectations
Before you even begin a project, it’s important to make sure that the client understands what they can expect from you and your team. Provide them with a detailed contract that outlines the scope of the project, expected timelines, and the fees associated with your services. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements down the road.
Professionalism and Courtesy are Important
Always remain calm and try to understand the client’s perspective. Listen to their concerns and try to address them in a constructive way. If the client is getting angry or confrontational, remain calm and be sure to reiterate that you are there to help.
Be Assertive
Don’t be afraid to stand your ground and set boundaries. For example, if a client is asking for more than you can reasonably provide, explain why it’s not possible and offer alternative solutions. This will help to set the tone for the rest of the project.
Walk Away
Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s ok to walk away from difficult clients. If a client is proving to be too much of a challenge, it’s ok to politely decline the project. This will help to preserve your sanity and protect your business from any potential legal issues or damages.
Dealing with difficult clients can be a challenge for any law firm, but it’s especially challenging for small law firms. However, by setting expectations, remaining professional and courteous, being assertive, and knowing when to walk away, small law firms can effectively handle difficult clients.
Interested in learning more? Book a Call with a member of the Contract Counselors team today. Read our recent post on The Power of Networking: How to Expand Your Firm’s Client Base. Check out our other blog posts here.
