How Novice Lawyers Can Prevent These Common Lawsuits
Despite the rigorous training offered in law school and the exacting standards upheld by the bar exam, a lawyer’s first few years in practice will inevitably be a learning experience that includes a few mistakes. Some of these mistakes will be a minor faux pas, but others can be bigger incidents with more serious implications, including lawsuits. Of course, it’s important to keep the latter kind of mistakes at a minimum — but how can civil lawsuits be prevented against rookie attorneys? Read on to learn how new lawyers can prevent the most common lawsuits.
Not Asking for Help
New lawyers often feel the need to prove their professional worth by juggling their workload, overbooking their schedule, and saying yes to every favor. Of course, there is value in working hard and being available, but new lawyers must avoid the pitfalls of overworking themselves and not asking for help. Nearly every law firm employs clerks and legal assistants to help attorneys handle the burden of their caseload. New lawyers should never hesitate to ask for help when it’s needed.
Failure to Admit Mistake
What is the most common complaint against lawyers? Ironically, it may be the failure to admit when they’ve made a mistake. It’s important for attorneys — especially new attorneys — to remember that everybody makes mistakes. The refusal to acknowledge one’s own error will only exacerbate its consequences. This is especially true if the mistake involves a client. Though it may be daunting, attorneys should always communicate errors to clients to avoid further problems. Trying to conceal a mistake from a client can easily result in a legal malpractice lawsuit.
Unprofessional Behavior
Professionalism is important in every industry, but it’s particularly vital for legal professionals who rely on their reputation and presentation to earn clients’ trust. New attorneys, especially, should be wary of any appearance of unprofessionalism as they build their clientele and become established in their legal community. This means maintaining a strictly professional demeanor when dealing with clients or the public. Cases of unprofessionalism have resulted in reprimand from state Bar Associations, and in severe cases, could result in disbarment.
Indulging in Gossip
Gossip is often dismissed as a harmless indulgence, but on the contrary, it can be a source of professional liability for fledgling lawyers. Many new attorneys will quickly learn just how small their legal community is, and talk quickly spread, eventually making its way back to the subject of gossip. If the subject happens to be a client, this gossip can constitute a breach of client-attorney privilege, which can have major repercussions for an attorney. Though it can be entertaining, it’s best to avoid all gossip and engage only in professional conversations.
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