How Do I: Conduct a Productive Client Meeting

When meeting with a client to discuss his case, devise an agenda for the meeting. Make sure to discuss what the client's goals are in the litigation and how much time and money he is willing to spend to reach those goals.  Discuss the various options and approaches to the case, addressing the pros and cons of each and if possible, their likelihood of achieving the client's goals. 

Conduct some fact-finding, learning who the key players are, what key documents exist and who possesses them and what issues and facts may create potential stumbling blocks along the way.  Your role is to facilitate the client in reaching his desired outcome. 

Have the meeting focus on the client - his wants and needs, his goals and concerns, his understandings and possible misconceptions.  Engage in active listening and discuss how you can help him, what his options are, the relevant costs and the potential outcomes.  These early discussions go a long way to setting the tone for the relationship between you and your client.  Take the time to invest in them and build on them during the course of litigation. 

Read more on Frank Ramos' blog, Tips for Young Lawyers. Francisco "Frank" Ramos, Jr. is the administrative partner at Clarke Silverglate in Miami, Florida, where he practices in the areas of products liability, employment, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, class actions and general liability.

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