One of the most challenging aspects of legal practice is managing difficult client relationships in a high-stakes environment. In today's episode I'll share how to navigate the tough moments when you may be struggling to work with clients that can frustrate your attempts to engage and deliver your best work.

At a Glance:

• 0:00 Introduction: Managing client expectations and setting boundaries

• 1:20 Common frustrations in client relationships: The stress of meeting high demands and client conflicts

• 2:43 The importance of engagement letters and billing guidelines in setting client expectations

• 5:22 Addressing surprise costs: Transparent communication about fee changes

• 6:21 Staying professional under client criticism: Shifting focus to facts over emotions

• 8:21 Case study: Escalating client issues when partners are unresponsive

• 10:12 Listening to difficult clients: Understanding their frustrations beyond the surface

• 13:17 Knowing when to withdraw from challenging client relationships

• 14:29 Helping clients navigate their own internal organizational challenges

• 16:11 Building trust by aligning legal strategies with business concerns

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law. 

For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here! 

For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com 

laura@lauraterrell.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/ 

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast