Why Clients Reach Out: A Surprising Call
A client called me the other day with a question that surprised me. She had heard some rumors about someone she had bought a business from and wanted my advice. I told her to just call the person and sort it out directly. Initially, I wondered why she had contacted me, as she is an extremely competent individual. Then I realized she was doing exactly what lawyers want clients to do: call us.
Sometimes, the best advice an attorney can give is: “You can handle it on your own.” I ended up telling this client that she wouldn’t make things worse by trying to resolve the issue herself.
When Legal Guidance Can Be Simple
Often, you hear lawyers advising, “Don’t talk to anyone without your lawyer present.” While it’s good to check in with your lawyer, sometimes you can handle things on your own.
A lot of times, people act on their own and then ask for legal help afterward, such as asking a lawyer to review a contract they’ve already signed or helping with a situation after they’ve confessed at a police station. However, some of the best advice you can get from your lawyer is that it’s okay to go ahead and try to handle it on your own—you likely won’t make it worse.
It’s also important to know that many lawyers don’t charge for brief consultations. If you call and say, “Hey, I have a situation and I’m wondering what to do,” and all it takes is five or ten minutes of guidance, it shouldn’t turn into a billable project.
Lawyers should encourage these calls because they foster a partnership with their clients.
The Power of a Brief Consultation
You shouldn’t have to worry about getting billed for a brief conversation. Instead of turning to the internet for advice, you should feel comfortable using your lawyer as a resource. Your lawyer knows you, understands your context, and can ask questions that the internet can’t.
If you’re starting a new relationship with a lawyer, ask about their policy on brief consultations. It’s reasonable to expect that you can ask quick questions without being charged. You should feel free to call your lawyer without worrying about the cost. If you want to feel comfortable calling your lawyer, make sure to clarify this from the beginning.
That’s my tip – regardless of the type of lawyer you’re working with, it’s a fair question to ask about brief consultations.
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