Maximize Client Contact
Depending upon your place of employment and your practice area, you may or may not receive much client contact
at this stage of your career. However, whatever degree of client contact you do enjoy, here are a few rules to live by:
- Read preparatory materials carefully before the meeting
- Learn about the client’s company and business before the meeting
- Ask the senior attorney what your role should be before the meeting
- NEVER BE LATE
- Listen carefully and take notes (the latter serves two purposes: one to help you remember the discussion in case
you are asked to do any follow up research or work after the meeting, and the other purpose, is to show the client
that you serve a purpose*)
- Follow the lead of your Senior Attorney, if present
- Do not interrupt anyone
- NEVER answer your cell phone or use your blackberry while in a meeting unless it specifically relates to the client
present and your Senior Attorney requested you make the phone call/send the message
- Never pretend to know the answer to a question – always state that you will check and get back to the client after
ascertaining by when they need to know the answer
- Look the part – dress appropriately
- Be respectful
*As a Junior Attorney, you have to realize that the client may view your contributions with some skepticism in light of
your billing rate and cost. Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to always appear busy, useful and engaged.
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