Communication is the key to happy clients

Happy New Year, even during the holidays we know communication is the key to happy clients

While most lawyers do enjoy having a life outside of the office and would like to put their work aside, even if just for an evening, sometimes lawyers can put work off too long. Minor things like responding to emails and returning phone calls can be problematic. Kristen D. Hardy hits on this “Email Decorum: No Excuses” an article appearing in the July/August 2018 issue of Wisconsin Lawyer. As Ms. Hardy points out, we are as connected as ever, but often times it does not seem that way because of such lapses in communication. Obviously, we are all looking to create a perfect work-life balance, but sometimes putting off tasks can turn into forgetting to do them altogether. Even today and tomorrow during this new year holiday, if an email comes in, it will be answered.

While such absentmindedness can seem like a normal personality quirk, in a professional setting it is not. Even if the messages are not pressing, or at least do not seem important, untimely responses are still frowned upon. This can be dangerous because such forgetfulness can turn into habits and regularly failing to respond to emails and phone calls will earn you an unwanted reputation. It’s especially difficult as an attorney and as a litigation attorney in particular because communication is such a big part of what we do. Although it seems simple, and almost commons sense, responding is a huge part of effective communication. Whether it be contacting clients, other attorneys, witnesses, court staff, or any number of other people relevant to litigating a case, being reachable and timely is incredibly important.

Most of us have also been on the other end of that, having sent an email, made a phone call, or tried contacting a client or attorney only to have to follow up time and time again. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when there is a need to move the matter along. Therefore we are aware of the importance to respond timely to emails and phone calls, even if your response is just to acknowledge receipt and let the other person know that you are aware and will respond in time. Timely responses help with more effective communication which can create better relationships in an industry that thrives on good relationships.

The attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler and Associates are capable communicators and always quick to respond to your legal needs. Contact our Milford office at 248-676-1000 for information as to how we can address your specific needs. We help clients throughout Southeastern Michigan, including Genessee, Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, as well as Mid-Michigan in Clare, Gladwin, Ogemaw, and Roscommon Counties. Our experienced attorneys have counseled such clients in Milford; Hartland; Highland; White Lake; Commerce; Walled Lake; Waterford; West Bloomfield; South Lyon; New Hudson; Brighton; Howell; Ann Arbor; Holly; Fenton; Flint; Linden; Clarkston; Houghton Lake; Higgins Lake; Roscommon and many more local communities.