Laserna Cueva-Mercader Law Offices : Top 5 Ways to Avoid Legal Malpractice - Professional Responsibility

Thursday, August 11, 2011

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Communicate. Communication is essential and whenever possible should be put in writing. Creating a paper trail of conversations is not only helpful for your legal relationship but also for your legal protection.
Meet expectations. The last thing you want and the easiest way to be charged with negligence (even if it is not true) is to fall short of your client's expectations regarding their case and your services. In order to maintain the same goals, you need to be in control of their expectations. As the expert you can be optimistic but that should not come at the expense of realism.
Inform. Along the same thread as communication, keeping the client informed along the way not only allows for maintaining expectations but also showing your continued work.
Know your limits. Knowing what you don't know may sound like a silly concept when it comes to taking clients. But the reality is that you need to make sure you are taking cases that you can handle are or comfortable with. Whether it is the area of law or the nature of the case that is unfamiliar, better to refer it out than have a case you can't handle.
Stay organized. From court deadlines to client demands, there is a lot on your plate and it is easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Maybe your client's case is not your biggest issue but it is to them. Staying organized and aware of your obligations will ensure that they feel important and you stay on track.

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