POSTED BY
DEAR BAR REPRESENTATIVE,
I have a client who continues to harass me even after I have fully completed their case and is threatening to report a frivolous claim to the bar. Is there a preventative measure I can take as far as write a letter on my behalf and explaining the circumstances? In addition, I have written several letters to the client explaining that I no longer represent them because they case is closed and no further action is necessary. Is it ethical to write a client a cease and desist letter to end harassment?
RESPONSE
DEAR ATTORNEY,
There is nothing really for you to do until a claim is filed.
You can inform the client only to contact you in writing by mail. You may block emails and not take phone calls.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Laws, Resolutions and Policies Instituted Across the U.S. Limiting
Laws, Resolutions and Policies Instituted Across the U.S. Limiting
Enforcement of Immigration Laws by State and Local Authorities
http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdf
Enforcement of Immigration Laws by State and Local Authorities
http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/LocalLaw/locallaw-limiting-tbl-2008-12-03.pdf
A note on how to deal with difficult clients
Contributed by:
1. In the initial consultation set down the rules with the client, on expectations, and ground rules.
2. Make sure your client agreement outlines how payment will be accepted and your right to withdraw if you haven't received payment, if the client does an action to hinder and delay their case, if client harasses you, ect.
3. Let the client know your boundaries, i.e. office is open mon-fri from 9 am - 5pm. This kind of gives them an idea that they will most likely not reach you on a sunday.
4. Be careful what clients you give email access to. Most of my clients have been great with it, but some clients may abuse this access and email you constantly and that becomes a hindrance.
5. Document all communications with client, including, letters, phone calls. Be careful the information you place in them because a nasty client may use this information in a complaint down the line.
6. If you are noticing a problem with a client do not ignore it. Consult with your bar handbook and find out what are your remedies. Also look at your client agreement. If the action is covered in your agreement, you may have a valid point to withdraw.
7. Always get at least 50% up front before commencing services. This will avoid delays in gathering or preparing for the client's case.
8. In addition, consult with your colleagues on rates and on how to deal with such clients.
9. Stand your ground and be firm. If you let your client's irrational behavior slide, in the end you will be suffering the most.
10. In the end if its too much to deal with, plainly withdraw by giving your client, the court if necessary notice.
1. In the initial consultation set down the rules with the client, on expectations, and ground rules.
2. Make sure your client agreement outlines how payment will be accepted and your right to withdraw if you haven't received payment, if the client does an action to hinder and delay their case, if client harasses you, ect.
3. Let the client know your boundaries, i.e. office is open mon-fri from 9 am - 5pm. This kind of gives them an idea that they will most likely not reach you on a sunday.
4. Be careful what clients you give email access to. Most of my clients have been great with it, but some clients may abuse this access and email you constantly and that becomes a hindrance.
5. Document all communications with client, including, letters, phone calls. Be careful the information you place in them because a nasty client may use this information in a complaint down the line.
6. If you are noticing a problem with a client do not ignore it. Consult with your bar handbook and find out what are your remedies. Also look at your client agreement. If the action is covered in your agreement, you may have a valid point to withdraw.
7. Always get at least 50% up front before commencing services. This will avoid delays in gathering or preparing for the client's case.
8. In addition, consult with your colleagues on rates and on how to deal with such clients.
9. Stand your ground and be firm. If you let your client's irrational behavior slide, in the end you will be suffering the most.
10. In the end if its too much to deal with, plainly withdraw by giving your client, the court if necessary notice.
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