Clients want solutions and options, not just “No, it can’t be done.” Tailor solutions which are pragmatic, fair to all concerned, and build goodwill. Help clients do the doable within the law. Exceed their expectations. Strive for a KISS solution – Keep It Super Simple.
ETIQUETTE, CODE AND PERFECTION FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION
BANTER IN COURT
Hi Everyone,
The business of the Court is serious business and it is not often that humour or outright laughter enters the courtroom. However, banter and humour increasingly find their way into the courtroom.
Some Judges use pun and humour as a means of relaxing the often stiff courtroom atmosphere and/or as a stress reliever. And it works. Lawyers generally are known for having a highly developed sense on humour and it is sometimes enthralling watching a duel of wits and pun between the Bench and Bar in Court.
Lawyers who practiced in Lagos in the Eighties and Nineties fondly recall the courtroom escapades of the late Justice Abiodun Kensington of the Lagos High Court who elevated courtroom banter, and even irreverent language, to a new level. Continue reading “Mea Pereruditus Amicus: Chapter 4”
Clients will always remember the last matter you handled for them. If you want to keep the clients, make sure that it was a positive experience for them. If it was a bad experience, you can be sure that they will never forget, and may not forgive.
Know and always use the client’s full name, including the client’s contact person’s full name and title, plus client’s most current and complete address. Keep your databases of this information current.
ETIQUETTE, CODE AND PERFECTION FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION
BY: Omolabake Adetunmbi (Mrs)
ADDRESSING OTHERS
Hi Everyone,
In the course of appearing in court or before tribunals Counsel often have to address other people apart from the Judge. Counsel addresses opposing counsel or sometimes other counsel on the same side. Likewise, Counsel have to address and relate with court staff and also address witnesses in the course of trial.
Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, RPC provides as follows:
(1) Lawyers shall treat one another with respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, and shall not allow any ill-feeling between opposing clients to influence their conduct and demeanor towards one another or towards the opposing clients.
(2) Lawyers shall observe among one another the rules of precedence as laid down by the law, and subject to this, all lawyers are to be treated on the basis of equality of status.
Counsel should always address other counsel as: Continue reading “Mea Pereruditus Amicus: Chapter 4”
It is unpardonable to misspell a client’s name. And to pronounce his/her/their name as the client would.
Clearly identify exactly who your client is, and who is not your client. This sounds obvious but it is not always so. Correct and early identification is crucial for your duties, conflicts of interest, reporting channels, billing and knowing to whom you are responsible and who owes you your fees and reimbursables.
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