1) Be more cynical with friends.
What happened? A couple of weeks ago, a guy I’ve known since summer 2000 decided to return (i.e., dump in my lap) 3 cases I referred him over 6 months ago, because they required more time than I had to give them. He did virtually nothing to move them forward, and now the clients are pissed off that they haven’t had their day in court or received a settlement check. I have less time now than I had in September when I sent them to this dude. His explanation: “I don’t have time for these files any more.” Well, no shit.
Lesson learned: Always withdraw from a case I refer to someone else instead of just handing the file to someone and trusting him to work the case and do what we’ve agreed to do over a handshake while the client is still technically “mine.”
2) Don’t trust an opposing counsel to operate his phone correctly.
What happened? Well, this guy who introduced himself when he first appeared on the case by talking about how important his (actually “our,” as he goes where I do) church is to him has an asshole for a client (who, incidentally, used to be my client when I did defense work), and his client decided to cancel a surgery 2 days before it was to occur when the doctor, surgery, payment, etc. had all been previously agreed upon. So, I filed suit, and we were a few days from a hearing in front of the Judge over it, but opposing counsel wanted to ask for a continuance; I refused to consent; we scheduled a conference call with the Judge. I called him to initiate the call, and before I could volunteer to do so, he said, “Okay, hold on for a second, and I’ll get the Judge on the line.”
Silence. For a good 45 seconds or more. And then, “Okay, Mr Muskrat, do you have anything to add?”
What I said: “What? You mean you’ve been talking to the Judge already while I thought we were both on hold? What’s that about?”
What I should have said: “You’re a mother fucker, you know that? What kind of ex parte bullshit have you been spouting for the past 45 seconds while I sit here listening to your shitty ass elevator versions of Hall and Oats B Sides for hold music?”
He then said something about a “phone glitch,” and gave his summarized version of what he’d said while I was on hold (look at the link to “ex parte” above if you don’t know what an enormous wrong it is to talk to a Judge without opposing counsel present or privy to said communication. Or, watch some old “The Practice” episodes), and the Judge granted his continuance. We’re supposed to go to court Thursday–also the day I fly to New Orleans for Mom 2.o.
Lesson learned: This guy was full of shit. He knew exactly how to operate his phone and what he was doing. I called Comcast (we have new phones and a new phone system) immediately to figure out how to conference in a party while I’m on the phone. I will never trust an opposing attorney to do it again. Ever.
3) Never trust an opposing attorney to put in writing that which you have agreed to verbally.
What happened? Twice this year, opposing counsel have tried to sneak provisions or changes into a document we’ve agreed would reflect an opposite fact or conclusion. Once was in a settlement document, and I took him to court over it and won assessed attorney’s fees and penalties. Another was regarding a supposedly agreed upon change in my client’s treating doctor, but the filed agreement reflected someone else. The deposition is tomorrow. Both were missed because I trusted them to actually put in writing what we agreed to within a few hours of the documents’ filings, so I didn’t look at them as closely as I should have.
Lesson learned: Even though I have over 100 cases in litigation and hardly have time to focus on anything during the day, I gotta read everything meticulously and trust no one to put into writing that which he/she has just committed to put into writing. Because people lie.
Other than the few instances outlined above, all is great!
Yeah – sad to say, people need to prove themselves to me to be trustworthy. I don’t just hand it out to anyone.
@SL, Here’s irony–I tend to dole it out more with fellow members of my profession than I do with neighbors, family members, etc. I should probably shift that balance.
Ah yes. Work lessons. In many ways, the ones I’ve learned have been far more painful than life lessons. Probably because I’ve made the massive mistake of trusting that others are operating on the same level of professionalism that I do.
Sadly, it’s a mistake I continue to make. Maybe because I’m stupid, but probably because I’m in denial.
@Dave2, Not stupid. Just…holding others to the standards you have for yourself. It’s sort of like the Golden Rule in a way.
Have you thought about hiring a paralegal at least part time? I hope you have a growth plan for your firm and you’re looking to hook up with others who do have the same level of professionalism as you do. I’ve had some really bad relationships with attorneys lately (bankruptcy issues) and even after interviewing five I still got stuck with an idiot. From your blog, I could tell I wish I’d had someone like you. Your going to grow and you need a plan if you don’t have one. You just had some growing pains. Fortunately, you learned from them so you can definitely cut yourself some slack. I think that’s what life is supposed to be about anyway – lol.
@LS, Yes! I did in October, and she’s great. 1 full time, and 1 part time. However, my caseload has doubled since then, so it may be time to get more help.
If I could read legalese, I would totally work for you…from afar.
I could use the help!
You trusted other lawyers on several occasions. Lesson: You’re a serial schmuck.
I say that with affection and respect.
@HH, Yes. I mean NO. I do have a habit of believing others in the profession are honest, despite what non-lawyers say about them.
Hey, there are plenty more mistakes to make. So long as you don’t repeat these, you’re good!
@Russ, That’s encouraging. Thanks.
Wait… you’re saying lawyers can be dishonest?
Well, this changes everything!
@SF Dad, Every once in a while. Not often.
Hall ‘n Oats B Sides. I can always count you Muskrat for a mid-day giggle.
My work lesson was trusting a colleague NOT to take credit for the work I did on a project. I put in the two weeks for work, he put in the 10 minutes at the end. He got the “great work” commentary afterward, I got the “We’ll call it a team effort”. Lame.
Thanks for the lessons Muskrat. They help us all.
Jason
The Cheeky Daddy
@Jason, I’m glad to educate. And I hope you pooped in that guy’s office.
I spend most of my comments giving you shit, because that’s how I express my guy love, but good on you Muskrat.
@FW, Um, thanks?
Reminds me a little bit about why I don’t want to be a lawyer.
The diplomas looks impressive on the wall, though.
@feefifoto, It’s fun sometimes, though!
Sometimes people for lack of a better term…suck. And it is usually not how we want them to.
@Jack, Especially in the office environment.
Great blog with tons of useful information. this is great thanks for the tipps..i just started a new blog make sure to check it out.
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