The Velvet Voice Chronicles: Taming Toxicity in Legal Practice (Because Billable Hours Shouldn’t Feel Like a Marathon)

Dear readers,

Hello and welcome to another edition of The Velvet Voice, Thy legal muse where I, your favorite lawyer talks to you about the ins and outs of being a lawyer, staying compliant with the law and takes you throgh my personal experiences of being a business lawyer in the 21st century.

Toxic Clients. Ooooh what a nightmare.

I mean, have you ever dealt with a toxic client, let's be honest, surely once or twice in your life, you've had that client who never seems to calm down unless you talk and talk and re-think strategies.

Today I'll be talking about my five pro tips for dealing with toxic clients. Listen up and use them next time you're going through a difficult case and just need to move on.

1. Listen and Listen again

This is the first rule of handling clients and yet the most overlooked. Most of us listen to hear what the clients are saying but not to really understand what they are going through. You must understand that three main things go through a clients mind when something goes wrong Fear, Anger and Confusion. Mixing the three together, makes an explosive cocktail that can only be understood by listening and showing empathy.

2. Document Everything

Document everything and I mean everything, make sure you keep comprehensive records of your conversations, correspondences and that you are all in loop of ongoing projects. This will prevent any he said- she said occurances and ensure you are on one page with what's going on

3. Offer Alternatives

Yes you have a solution and no it did not work out, offer your client alternatives to the solution and proposed road maps on getting there. People come to lawyers for expertise yes, but providing the right solutions matters too. What solution are you offering?

4. Be aware of your personal and professional boundaries

Sometimes, you might get pushed to the edge when a client is really frustrated. Set boundaries for what is and what is and what is not acceptable and ensure you speak firmly but calmly to your client on the same. It's okay to feel threatened, after all you're human too, but set boundaries and if it does not work out ensure your boundaries are respected

5. Know when to Walk Away

At the end of the day, if nothing seems to be working out no matter what you do, walking away may be the best way forward to secure the remaining part of the relationship you have built and your business integrity.

Toxicity is not a fun endeavour and should highly be discouraged. Boundaries also show clients what will and what will not be accepted in the undertaking of their work.

Stay vigilant, stay resilient, and may your legal journey be as smooth as a well-crafted contract.

Yours in jurisprudential camaraderie,

The Velvet Voice