Client Relations From An Associate’s Perspective

While every client and every case is different, by following these simple steps, you can establish and strengthen your relationship with your client.

Usually, client relations are left for partners to handle. But, even associates have to manage and communicate with the client from time to time. In private practice, the client is the ultimate boss. They are paying the bills and they are the ones who ultimately win or lose. Thus, I outline below some aspects of client relations that I find helpful.

Know Your Client

At the beginning of any engagement with a new client, you should know as much about your client as you can. It’s always helpful to do some research on your own client before you start doing substantive work. This may include learning about your client’s personal life, business, or whether or not this is their first experience with lawyers and the legal system. Having a good background story for your client will help you better represent their interests later down the line. You can accomplish this with a simple call or email, or you can take your client out for lunch to establish a solid relationship.

Know (and Manage) Your Client’s Expectations

From the start of your relationship with the client, you should know what their ideal expectation is for their case or issue. This will give you a good idea as to how to begin work on their case. Also, many clients automatically believe that their position is correct and that they are entitled to millions in compensation. But, it’s your duty as the client’s lawyer to temper your client’s expectations. Even if your client has a very strong case, it’s always prudent to manage their expectations, especially as you have not done the work yet to confirm the strength of their case.

Know Your Client’s Budget

Knowing what your client can or cannot afford is extremely important. This often depends on what type of client you are representing, and the type of case that is being brought. If your client is a business, it may have more money to spend on legal representation than an individual. But, each person or business entity is different and each case is unique. It is paramount to know your client’s budget and establish a plan as to how much you are expected (or allowed) to bill on the matter.

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Keep Your Client Updated

Keeping your client updated throughout your engagement seems obvious. But often times, in the midst of doing a lot of work for the client, as well as working on many other cases, it’s easy to forget to keep your client updated. That’s why it is good practice to set reminders in your calendar to contact the client and inform them about developments in their case or what you are working on at that moment. Don’t just update your client after major events. Get in touch with your client on a regular basis so that when the monthly bill arrives, the client isn’t shocked as to what you’ve charged and what you’ve been doing on the case. Keeping your client updated on a regular basis will also make it easier to give your client the good (or bad) news at the end of the case. If you have been in regular contact with your client throughout the case, then you will be in a better position to explain to them what’s happened regarding any settlements, decisions issued, and what impact those might have on the client at the conclusion of the engagement.

While every client and every case is different, by following these simple steps, you can establish and strengthen your relationship with your client. And maybe sometime in the future when you’re a partner, that same client will remember how well you treated him or her, and that client will come to you for more business. Don’t forget to follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to help yourself and your firm in the process.


Peter S. Garnett is an attorney at Balestriere Fariello who represents clients in trials, arbitrations, and appeals. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and contract disputes from pre-filing investigations to trial and appeals. You can reach Peter at peter.s.garnett@balestrierefariello.com.

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