Any tips of dealing with clients who have insanely unrealistic expectations in terms of case value?

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Just be totally honest and confident in your explanation. Pull verdicts and settlements in the jurisdiction and show it to them if you need to.

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I deal with this all the time. Best tip is to just be honest. Tell them that you won’t be able to get them that much and why. I usually look up some quantum in the jurisdiction and use it explain why it’s just not possible based on their case. Sometimes they get mad but most of the time they become reasonable after talking to them. It can take multiple times before they finally come around. Keep it simple and polite no matter how hard it is.

100% agree, verdicts and settlements are the way to go. Also this is a very fact specific question. Sometimes I just show them their medical records to contradict what they’re telling me and that can help manage expectations and show you’re very familiar with their case as opposed to just trying to settle it to get out. Another way to do this is entice your client to a proposal for settlement lower than they would like for the possibility of collecting massive attorneys fees after. You’re more likely to settle and if not, and the number chosen is reasonable, you may just pop the case for much more than the case is worth.

All of the above. Also, I try to manage expectations from day one. Each offer/counter exchanged requires another round of discussions and explanations to the client so might as well keep managing expectations and getting them fully on board with your strategy and reasoning. I find they feel involved in the process of negotiations when they understand the goals and the path necessary to reach them.

My county publishes verdicts in tried cases. Also, there are many available verdict and settlement publications.

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