Boundaries & Red Flag Cases

As a mom, wife, friend, lawyer, mentor for women in law, and law firm owner, I am constantly working on them.

Most of the boundaries issues I struggle with relate to client matters.

I want to take on cases that I shouldn’t, or I haven't been consistent with getting sufficient retainers or payment.

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to take cases you don’t want or aren’t the best fit for you. Maybe the reason is financial, professional, or personal.

Sometimes a client will skate through your normal onboarding process, and mistakes will be made. The important thing is to learn from them. We all make them!

I’ve been practicing law for 12 years. I’ve learned that for each case that comes across your desk, there are some red flags to look out for:

🚩Clients that can’t fulfill your payment obligations.

Lawyers are a dime a dozen. If a client can’t afford to pay you, they would be a better fit with someone else they can afford. I put this first for a reason – get retainers, get a solid engagement agreement, and stay on top of client collections. You deserve to get paid for your hard work.

🚩Clients that are rude and demeaning.

Don’t take rude or demeaning comments personally. THEY ARE A REFLECTION OF THE SPEAKER. Drill that into your mind.

🚩Clients that question your abilities.

Again, don’t take these comments personally. If a client doesn’t have faith in your abilities, they would be a better fit with another lawyer they have confidence in.

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What are your red flags for taking on client matters? Any mistakes you’ve made that we can learn from?