In "What Did I Do Wrong," an article by Jennifer J. Marrapese, Esq. (a law firm coach and consultant), the author offers "outrageous" examples of attorney behaviors that drive clients away.
When I encourage students to "practice" law in law school, professionalism is the watchword. This article, written for attorneys, highlights ten no-no’s … many of which our students can practice avoiding now.
How about this as an example of professionalism directly applicable to the academic enterprise: "Prepare ahead for a … meeting with a client by anticipating his questions and having the answers ready…."
Several of Ms. Marrapese’s examples deal with timeliness. "I received five frantic-sounding voice mails from my client today. He wanted my immediate help … Unfortunately, I was tied up … and didn’t have time to call him back." Here’s another: "I didn’t do my homework today. I received a message from the client about a matter he had asked me to research a week ago."
Suggestion: encourage your students to practice professionalism, preparedness and timeliness as they work their way through law school, with this objective: entering the professional practice with excellent professional skills and habits. Guess what: their grades may reflect their professionalism. (djt)
