"x x x.
10 Bad client warning signs
If you can recognize the warning signs, you can stop bad clients before they enter your practice. Bad clients:
1. Are overly concerned about the fee, ask about the fee before you discuss their legal problem, won’t talk to you about their budget or don’t know what it is
2. Have tunnel vision about the matter and don’t want to listen to new ideas, aren’t interested in other options, or can’t face reality about their role in creating the situation
3. Have over-exaggerated expectations, particularly for their budget or time limitations
4. Need everything in a rush
5. Don’t keep the initial appointment, show up late, or fail to call when they say they will (particularly in combination with the previous warning sign)
6. Don’t listen or don’t understand simple initial instructions
7. Take a long time to return your retainer agreement or to provide requested documents or materials
8. Have fired (or been fired by) several lawyers before you
9. Don’t exhibit an understanding of the issues involved, even after you explain them
10. Bully or disrespect you or your staff
2. Have tunnel vision about the matter and don’t want to listen to new ideas, aren’t interested in other options, or can’t face reality about their role in creating the situation
3. Have over-exaggerated expectations, particularly for their budget or time limitations
4. Need everything in a rush
5. Don’t keep the initial appointment, show up late, or fail to call when they say they will (particularly in combination with the previous warning sign)
6. Don’t listen or don’t understand simple initial instructions
7. Take a long time to return your retainer agreement or to provide requested documents or materials
8. Have fired (or been fired by) several lawyers before you
9. Don’t exhibit an understanding of the issues involved, even after you explain them
10. Bully or disrespect you or your staff
x x x."
