Does it seem that the lawyer or legal department is always blocking your efforts to use plain language for better client service. Cheryl explain how to win them over. Based on an article in Clarity, journal on plain legal writing.
14. Lawyer Attitudes
Lawyers are
• Skeptics
• Pessimists
• Cynics
• Wary
Be prepared emotionally.
15. Lawyers Are Left-brained
Technical competence
Valued over
emotional intelligence.
Accept the lack of rapport,
cold reserve, and
lack of interpersonal connection.
17. Lawyers Want Critical Analysis
• Primed to criticize.
• Not likely to see the positive.
• Trained to expect the worst.
Uncomfortable
saying anything positive.
You must not expect praise.
22. Independent and Autonomous
• Not team players.
• Competitive.
• Profession rewards
individual performance.
23. Lawyers want to control
when and how
they invest time,
complete tasks, and
adopt new techniques.
24. By Nature Adversarial
–Tolerant of conflict.
–Aggressive by training.
–Sensitive and thin-skinned.
• Don’t get defensive or emotional.
• Don’t make it personal.
• Appeal to competitive nature.
25. Crave Structure and Organization
• Hate disorganization,
inefficiencies.
• No patience for the planning.
• Need detail.
• Want clear objectives.
27. Create a Work Plan
Schedules, closure on
decisions, planning, follow
through, and a "cut-to-the-chase”
approach.
Stick to deadlines.
Expect the lawyer to do the
same.
28. Organize Communication Process
Get lawyer involved early in the process,
but get client permission. Mike
Licht, NotionsCapita
l.com photo
29. Protocol of Communication
• Recruit intermediaries.
• Try to connect with the lawyer.
• Be aware:
They hear things literally.
35. Lawyers’ Concept of Justice
Justice means achieving well-defined
and expected outcomes.
Abstract ideal of justice
not a motivator.
Get them to share a goal –
like access to justice.