How do you deal with rude paralegals from opposing counsel? Dealing with a plaintiff’s counsel who is unnecessarily rude and combative in her emails when it comes to scheduling.

I tend not to lower myself and I usually go in the other direction. I start writing emails that sound like they were composed by a Victorian gentleman who simply refuses to be discomposed. Politeness can throw people off their game. I'm also aware that some people are oddly brusque in emails, which may be a symptom of people simply never having learned how to properly engage in business correspondence.

Keep an eye on it and see whether it crosses the boundaries into complete unprofessionalism. Also ensure that both your colleagues on your side and your opposing counsel (the attorneys) are cc'ed on all communications with the paralegal.

If she reaches a point where her rudeness interferes with your ability to work with opposing counsel, then you check in at the partner level at your side (assuming a partner is closely supervising your matter) and then raise the issue with your counterpart (associate level attorney) at opposing firm, cc'ing any supervising partners on your side, advising that the paralegal's communications have become an issue.

A lion doesn’t care about the opinions of sheep.

I’d say that you are only authorized to communicate with the attorney of record on the case.

I generally try to understand what the bother is by picking up the phone. I’ve found that being personable on a conversational level on the phone will translate into emails. If the person is super closed off to it, I tried.

As we do with anyone else: With objectivity and kindness, with facts and a spirit of bridge-building. Rude is their side of the street… I do not cross the street. Copy attorney on all correspondence.

They're probably on a power trip and don't have anything better going on in their lives.

Not worth elevating it to an attorney. Nothing good can come of it.

But being passive aggressive feels good. Just respond pretending they weren’t rude. And sign every email “Best!”

I don’t even know how to deal with my own rude paralegals

Kill them with kindness. "Thank you so much for all your courtesies." I've also found that the staff is a reflection of the attorneys. If the attorney is unprofessional and rude, it trickles down.

Are you 12 years old?

I would reply in the email to OC and be like wow, I instruct my team to treat you with respect, I thought you would do the same with your team.

I'm curious for an example of her rude behavior. I've seen mention of tone, however, you're the one reading it and putting inflection and emotion on it. It is very possible that the paralegal is juggling 100 other things, deadlines, scheduling, clients, phone calls, etc. And you would rather not give dates of availability and instead write 3 emails about what led us to this point of impass. I am speaking from personal experience with a dodgy defense attorney. QTIP= quit taking it personally. Also, most paralegals are told to respond or schedule, but their attorneys won't approve dates or provide the full information needed to respond completely. Also, also... you could just settle.

Ignore

One should keep in mind a rule I learned in my fraternity house. It is impolite to invite abuse and not welcome it into your home.

In other words, start handing it back and in spades.

I have only had one person who was blatantly rude and would directly lie to the court and everyone else about availability, etc. Literally once made up a schedule for her attorney which was deceptive showing every bit of his time being used. What she apparently didn't know is that i had the same attorney in a different case, different paralegal with court dates she was not aware of and not reflected in her calendar and why the final had to be pushed for as i remember 3 months past the days provided by the court.

I learned that she worked from home and that she was probably more a reflection of her attorney and his true colors. Even though he was aware, he kept her on. I will give credit that she was a good paralegal, but definitely unethical imho. I did not bring this to the courts attention. It was brought to her attorneys attention and the date was set.

At the end of the day, it made a stressful situation worse on everyone. I accept that she is who she is and i was firm, fair, friendly in our communications. Being rude is who she is, and what a miserable life she must have. I am happy and at peace.

As someone who has dealt with my fair share of different personalities, I nip it in the bud immediately. I do understand that some rudeness may come from that office's environment a pressure. If it is repetitive I give a warning that we must remain civil to get the job done. After that, I refuse to speak with them until their attitude is adjusted (this works well if there is a deadline). As I'm not attorney I do have some leeway. I have only had to cut off one paralegal and one combative attorney. Just a different perspective.

I call them out - tell them to stop being rude.

Sometimes the legal assistant is just the way the attorney wants them to be.

Paralegals: Our company - Answers Investigation - are Process Servers and Private Detectives. While we are not legally qualified, we have enough qualification plus decades of experience to have a good working knowledge of the law.

Most Paralegals are fine and appreciate our help. Some, however....

The number of times we end up pointing them in the correct direction of Service Directions, or how to do something legally. No, we cannot enter someone's private property. No, we will not serve someone in a local pub, or anywhere likely to cause an issue. Yes, that IS the correct Statement of Service.

Often met with rudeness and arrogance.

We just deal with it calmly, and address responses by copying the Instructing Solicitor