The common authorized assistant works for 2 or three attorneys. Amongst different issues, our job description contains drafting/enhancing/formatting/reviewing paperwork, acquiring information from varied sources, disseminating documentation to all required events, electronically submitting paperwork with the court docket, realizing native/state/federal court docket guidelines, sustaining/organizing consumer information, scheduling appointments/hearings/depositions and interfacing with purchasers. In smaller companies, it’s normal that authorized assistants put on further hats akin to receptionist, bookkeeper, workplace supervisor, advertising supervisor and numerous extra. Our days are spent consistently evaluating the place in our precedence listing every new process should fall and engaging in these duties accordingly. To say we’re loopy busy is a large understatement.
Regardless of all of our duties, purchasers are inclined to take our time with no consideration in a wide range of methods with out realizing how disrespectful such an angle could be. Following are my private high 5 (in no specific order):
- Pointless Chatting
Shoppers take pleasure in chatting about issues unrelated to their case by way of e mail, on the telephone and in individual; nonetheless, we aren’t your good friend or counselor. Whereas some stage of chatting is appropriate, even obligatory, to take care of a pleasant working relationship, there are a lot of circumstances the place it interferes with our job efficiency. Idle chatter lasting longer than a few minutes is a waste of our time, which we by no means have sufficient of. Asking for our recommendation/opinions in your private points and/or using us as your sounding board is inappropriate. Save all that to your BFF or therapist.
- Being Unresponsive
After we ask you for added data or documentation, it is as a result of we’d like it to maneuver your case ahead. Forcing us to repeatedly chase you right down to receive data or documentation is irritating and a waste of our time. The earlier you get us what we’d like, the earlier we will get your matter resolved.
- Being Unprepared and/or Disorganized
Full any obligatory kinds earlier than arriving at your appointment with us. Do not carry us containers of paperwork that’s espresso stained and disorganized. Evaluate any paperwork you are coming in to signal earlier than you arrive so you will get any revisions made or questions answered forward of time. If a notary is required, they may want your identification – be certain to carry it with you. Assist us be extra environment friendly – your pockets will thanks.
- Complaining and/or Being Impolite
Do not gripe at us about your legal professional, case or listening to disposition. Watch your language and tone. Do not name us and/or your legal professional names. DO NOT YELL. Want I say extra?
- Unreasonable Expectations
Yours isn’t the one case we’re engaged on. We do take lunch. Calling us a number of occasions per day for a similar cause will solely infuriate us. We are going to name/e mail you again as quickly as we’re in a position to. Do not name us simply earlier than our workplace closes and count on us to drop the whole lot to deal with one thing for you – notably if it means we should forego our private plans and keep late to perform it.
Take into account that we do not like shedding both – we’ll do our greatest for you. You may have positioned your belief in our legislation agency for a cause. Allow us to, and assist us, do our job. Respect is a two-way avenue and a little bit widespread courtesy goes a good distance. Some gratitude would not damage both.
© 3/6/2018 Hunt & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved.