Interview with Peter Levine: Jurors & The Unlikable Client
The jury is like a giant fishbowl. Things appear larger and out of place. Clients are highly scrutinized by these 12 strangers in a box, and quite frankly, how they make their decisions is sometimes pretty foreign to us, as trial lawyers.
Sometimes, they make it very clear by telling us after they reach their verdict when, for instance, we see them in the hallway; and sometimes, they don’t. Either way, we always strive to have a client that connects with the jurors in a human way – and that can sometimes be difficult if we have an unlikable client.
At a glance, it seems like a harsh label. But we’re actually discussing this from the point of view of jurors. This is very important if you’re going to go to trial because the perceptions of jurors can seriously impact a case. Therefore, we never intend to offend people by saying that they’re unlikable. It’s just how lawyers describe it.
In this episode, Peter Levine joins today’s conversation as we discuss how to deal with an unlikeable client and how you can help them connect with the jurors. Peter is a longtime lawyer who has done all different kinds of law as well. He has a lot of experiences to talk about, specifically about the different ways to help deal with the unlikable client.
At the end of the day, uncooperative clients will test your maturity. It’s important to maintain that level of civility and respect – and this will only make you a better lawyer.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is an unlikeable client?
- The characteristics of an unlikeable client
- The difference between the best client, an unlikeable client, and a dangerous client
- Showing maturity and creating healthy boundaries as a lawyer
- Looking for ways to love the client
- The importance of keeping the client in the loop on everything
- Tips for adjusting expectations
- Considering the personality match
- Why you need to keep in contact with your client – and how
- Maintaining a level of respect
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Supporting Resources:
Peter Levine
5454 Wilshire Blvd #1250
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Learn more about toxic clients from Ernie Svenson’s LawFirm AutoPilot Episodes 200 and 201.
If you have a question or a topic you’d like an episode on, please email me: elizabeth@larricklawfirm.com
Episode Credits:
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