The Business Client's View of What they Want in a Lawyer Panel Discussion
The Washburn Business Law Society hosted a panel discussion, "The Business Client's View of What they Want in a Lawyer," on Friday, October 20, 2006. Panelists were George Hersh, Jr., who has owned and managed businesses in industries ranging from construction to moving (seated left in accompanying photo); Helen Crow, a long-time Topeka, Kansas realtor; and Bob Schuster, manager of the Topeka and Wichita offices of Kennedy and Coe, LLC.
Among their many questions, students asked the panel to discuss what they have or would do if their attorney missed a deadline or failed to deliver on a promise. Schuster responded the attorney should "promise long and deliver short," meaning that if you, as a lawyer, have any question about how long a certain task will take, it is better to over estimate and deliver before the stated time rather than later. Additionally, if a lawyer is asked to do something out of his area of ability, Schuster expects the lawyer to communicate that as soon as it is known so they can work together to locate the needed expertise. Crow observed that people's lives are affected by promises not being carried out. When someone makes a promise that a task will be done on a certain date, others can and often will rely on that promise.
In response to a slightly different question, Hersh commented that he either has full confidence in his attorney to represent him and tell him the truth or he does not use them. These responses all show exactly how important it is to form a strong relationship of trust between the lawyer and client.
The panel was also asked to provide closing advice to the students. Schuster started by discussing the necessity of experiences. He advised that students should acquire many life experiences, investigating different aspects of their professions so they can make an informed and educated decision about what they enjoy doing. Then, they should apply that to the legal profession and their job choice.
Crow followed up by explaining that professionals need to know what they do not know. She said that professionals must be able to understand that they cannot know everything, and knowing when you do not know the answer has value. Hersh discussed respect, providing an example from his moving company. Whenever a new mover starts with his company he explains to them that no matter where they go they must respect their customer and the customer's items. Not everyone has the same items and not everyone can afford the most luxurious items, but what they do have is everything they have worked for their entire life. Therefore, it means everything to them.
The Washburn Business Law Society was honored to host George Hersh Jr., Helen Crow and Bob Schuster and greatly appreciates the time they spent with students.
