Big Law Life #56: Navigating Difficult Client Relationships in Big Law
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:
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0:00 Introduction: Managing client expectations and setting boundaries
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1:20 Common frustrations in client relationships: The stress of meeting high demands and client conflicts
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2:43 The importance of engagement letters and billing guidelines in setting client expectations
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5:22 Addressing surprise costs: Transparent communication about fee changes
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6:21 Staying professional under client criticism: Shifting focus to facts over emotions
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8:21 Case study: Escalating client issues when partners are unresponsive
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10:12 Listening to difficult clients: Understanding their frustrations beyond the surface
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13:17 Knowing when to withdraw from challenging client relationships
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14:29 Helping clients navigate their own internal organizational challenges
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16:11 Building trust by aligning legal strategies with business concerns
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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:
laura@lauraterrell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/
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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast