Douglass Michelle J

Had very little understanding of how to relate respectfully and interpersonally. Is not an active, empathetic listener. Assumes matters without respectful communication, which is counterproductive. Could have possibly prevailed if interpersonal skills were better, and she asked in depth questions. Listening more, assuming less, being familiar with the details of the evidence, as well as building rapport with the client, is essential. An attorney who values their client’s thoughts and ideas. It is better to listen more and assume less. Learning through active, empathetic listening and thoughtful Socratic questioning, which promotes productive dialog, is essential. Thoughtful open-minded communication, engaging the client instead of assuming matters and judging the client, will allow one to connect with people from all walks of life. Earning the client’s trust through respectful, thoughtful communication is invaluable. Being dismissive never works. Trying to intimidate the client doesn’t work either, it only causes resistance. During closing arguments: Accuracy and conviction, in addition to being familiar with the documented evidence and keenly familiar with the client, through productive dialog is essential. Listening actively and communicating respectfully is priceless. Moreover, choosing an appropriate venue, in a vicinage of diversity, which appreciates all perspectives of human beings from different walks of life, helps immensely. It’s important for one to do ones homework when choosing counsel. Bear in mind that one must consider the character of the person one is choosing. If that attorney throws you on the back burner for 4 years, makes decisions without your knowledge or consent, doesn’t respectfully communicate what they’re doing, and acts as if they truly don’t care about the matter for which you’re fighting, than the client may want to consider getting a second opinion when seeking professional counsel. If that attorney waits until trial to communicate it’s too much, and they’re overwhelmed, after accepting the case and having voluminous evidence in their possession for 4 years, than that attorney never had the client’s best interest at heart. The time to determine if a case has merit and is viable is from the outset. If the case doesn’t have merit, reject it. Simple. At the outset, the consultation fee and retainer fee apparently was the main concern, not the injury. In conclusion, hire an attorney who will communicate with you respectfully and be honest with you at all times. One who is adept at case law regarding your issue. One who is an active listener, who truly cares about your life, and your suffering. Not someone who just says they care with their lips but lacks heartfelt conviction. One who values your perspective, treats you with dignity, and will allow you to speak. One who doesn’t take your politeness for weakness. One who is an empathetic listener with excellent interpersonal skills. Not someone who pretends to care for the sake of appearances, in a patronizing way, for superficial purposes. Not someone who feels they can treat you with disrespect or take advantage of you if you may be suffering financial hardship due to injury. One who respects you and doesn’t try to intimidate you. One who understands the fact that you have the right to voice your thoughts and how you feel, without fear, irrespective of who you are or what your financial situation may be. One who listens to you and works with you as a respectful human being. It’s that simple. Active, empathetic listening, thoughtful Socratic questioning, and good interpersonal skills can only lead to productive conversation and improve a working relationship. Then, everyone wins. Something to think about.