CHAPTER II
THE LAWYER IN MAIDEN PRACTICE
1. Solo private practice
Advantage of being his own boss
Difficulty in attracting good paying clients
2. Assistant or associate in a private law firm
3. Joining a corporate law department
Offers a high salary, fringe benefits and perks not usually enjoyed from
a private law firm
4. Charting an ideal law office
Consider essential factors that may be of help in upgrading an ideal law
office
5. Library, equipment, staff, billing
An ideal law office must a library, this is indispensable
Should be equipped with clerical requirements
Billing is second to none in the operation of a law office. No lawyering is
sustainable except from the fees that are paid by clients.
6. How to deal with client
Frankness and tact
Business-like approach
Attorney-client relationship
Every delay in the outcome of the case, should be explained to the client
Be there when your clients wants you
Good human relations, a lot of psychology and tact and diplomacy
Treat the client with cordiality and compassion, with sincerity and honest
intentions, and with spirit of not giving up
7. Make the client happy and comfortable
Place the welfare of client and the interest of the smooth administration
of justice above self; by avoiding unnecessary delays; by being always
available
In fixing the amount of attorney’s fees the following should serve as
guidelines:
a.) The value of litigation involved;
b.) The professional standing of the lawyer in the community;
c.) The difficulty of the issues involved.
8. Sustaining a law practice; specialization
A new lawyer should strive to maintain their patronage while attracting
some more clients
It is at this stage that the new lawyer ought to establish a reputation of
professional responsibility and honesty
9. Norms of conduct for successful lawyering
a.) Remember whom you are working for;
b.) Define the relationship;
c.) Keep in touch;
d.) Keep at least two docketing systems;
e.) Accept phone calls;
f.) Promptly return your phone calls;
g.) Spend time with your staff;
h.) Paper the worlds;
i.) Send out an evaluation sheet.
10. Random criteria for obtaining clients
a.) Reputation for capability as a lawyer 26%;
b.) Reputation for trustworthiness 23%;
c.) Personal acquaintance with lawyer 20%;
d.) Referral by neighbor or friend 13%;
e.) Participation in civic, religious, and community activities 3%;
f.) Referral by another lawyer 2%;
g.) Lawyer’s political activity 1%;
h.) Lawyer’s appearance and conduct in court 1%;
i.) Other reasons 3%.
11. But reputation only come later before clients
12. Find time for speaking engagement
13. How to hold a client
Giving of sound advice, drafting valid documents, win your client’s cases
by adopting a correct theory and backing of the law that is applicable to
his problem
Characteristics clients look for outstanding lawyer:
a.) Friendliness
b.) Promptness
c.) Courtesy
d.) Respect for clients
e.) Businesslike attitude
f.) Consideration in keeping clients informed
14. Standards that lawyers expect from clients
a.) Prompt and thorough communication to keep the client fully informed on
the progress of his legal matters
b.) Prompt handling of client’s work
c.) Honest and straightforward dealing with the client, including careful
evaluation of the case, a full explanation of the particular problems and
procedures involved, and a frank and early discussion fees
d.) A courteous and sympathetic attitude toward the client, evidencing a
personal and sincere interest in the client’s problems
e.) Competence and diligence in handling a client’s affairs
15. Look as effective as you are
16. Whether you win or lose case, don’t lose your client
