How do you explain to your clients WHY their case is taking so long?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

The first half of this is managing expectations before things take long. Under promise, over deliver. Example: In a perfect world records requests take about a month. But in a realistic world it can take several. I tell them upfront what to expect time wise. But, I make sure they know we’ll be following up diligently.

Also, get them involved wherever possible. When a client has homework they’re less likely to be reaching out to your for status on things and it can also help keep things organized and moving forward.

like

I used to play Goldilocks and the three bears: “If you want, I can probably settle your case for $500.00 tomorrow. If you are looking for $1 billion, the defense will probably keep you in court for the rest of you life or you will never see it. Your case has a value between the two and will take some amount of time between the two. I understand you want it done quickly. But if you want it done right so as to maximize its value, that will take time.”

likesmart

I have to say something like this my clients at least once a day. It's the only thing that seems to get through to them most of the time.

I set the stage early and explain that it can take a long time for reasons that are out of my control - i.e. doctor’s offices processing Authorizations, defense counsel dragging their feet, courts being overloaded,etc. i do let them know that i will do everything to move the case as fast as possible and as is practical on my end. Saying this from the beginning is critical.

like

I agree with all of the above. I also tell them from jump that litigating an issue does not speed things up, that it's a marathon, not a sprint to settlement (or whatever resolution you're seeking), etc. Some are more high maintenance than others, but putting in the time to manage expectations is usually rewarded.

like

I think it’s important to give updates even if there is no update. For example, client X this is your weekly/bi weekly update. We requested/sent this motion we are waiting for an answer. No action is needed from you at this time.

This way they know work is getting done and that it’s a waiting game.

Keeping clients in the loop is just as important as managing their expectations from the outset.

like

Related Posts

Trying to explain billable hrs to hubs. I billed 160 this month, which he said “is only 40 hr weeks” (true) - but how many hrs do you figure you “work” or are in the office to bill 150?

like

Recs for barber for asian hair? Thanks in advance.

like

Looking for a Senior Graphic Designer- for a financial firms brand relaunch. They are doing contract to hire- $50hour for contract and $100k after conversion.
Remote now but will need to go into an off 3 days in the future
Looking for someone ASAP!

DM me if interested!

like

Looking for an investment advisor who is 1) a fiduciary 2) has a CFA/CFP/CPA or some combination thereof. No exceptions. DC/Baltimore area.
TIA.

like

What is the salary range at Deloitte for Consultant in GPS?

like

Hi , I recently started preparing for " data analyst" course. I have masters degree in computer science and 2 years experience as business analyst. Currently I'm on a career break of almost 7 years and trying to get back into IT as a data analyst now.
I started doing a course on coursera " Google data analytics certificate " . I'm not sure how to get back into job market. Please suggest any courses or road map to entry level data analyst jobs?

like

Should the Rec letter prompts be written within a singular cohesive letter or can they just be separately submitted? Asking for a reccomendor lol

like

If an employee files a complaint about workplace behavior, do you treat them differently? I'm faced with reporting an SM for bullying and finding it near imposible to believe that it won't (cont'd)

like

Virtual mock draft. 12 teams. (You put down your pick number (e.g. 1.12), player name, optional commentary why you picked him)

like
like

Hii! Looking for compensation range for a mid level researcher in San Diego, California!
Do all companies provide a sign in bonus? What’s that like?

like

I am due to join pwc IAC very soon. But while verifying my background, they tried calling my ex employer who didn't answer their calls or mails. It was a small firm with no specific HR department.
I forgot to take my relieving letter from him.
They have given me a partial go ahead to join contingent on the fact that i get the document from him.
I tried contacting him over calls and whatsapp but he didn't answer it as i didn't leave on good terms with him.
What is the way out? Please help

likefunny

Random, but valid/persistent thought.

After 2 years of a pandemic and working independently for many years, I am not feeling interviews AT ALL. There are points in the interview where I want to just say "Look! Either hire me or don't".

How can I get over this feeling? I'm over the whole "stand in the line of fire to prove how good I am" bs. Any recommendations for getting over this or possible industries to pivot into to avoid bs interview processes and ghosting?

like

I've noticed that my coworkers tend to work more on their own than with others, even when they're all in the office. Is this normal? I feel like it would be helpful for everyone to talk about their projects more often—I mean, what if someone else has solved the same problem you're trying to solve already?

like

8 YOE in Ariba and sap mm. What’s the average pay for scon in ariba team at pwc.

like

can we change our team to different team in PwC. Company achi hai par kaam team mei bahut zada hectic hai yaar. health ki to lag gayi

like

I used to get lit on LITS (Long Island Iced Tea) ummmm you didn’t use lit correctly. But I’m starting to use the word extra correctly. LOL #facepalm

like

I am a newly graduated fresher mechanical engineer working in an electro mechanical company at Dubai, My current salary is 2500 AED, I would like to know about your comments and suggestions regarding my career which could help me through my future ventures.

like

Best dance club in Montreal

like

Additional Posts in Personal Injury Lawyers

What do you guys send as gifts to referral sources for attorneys and/or former client referral sources?

*Assume in my jurisdiction there are no ethical issues associated with this

likehelpful

I give my cell phone to all clients routinely. However, there are always 1 to 2 clients who abuse this and it seems as soon as their cases are over I find a new one and it is making me rethink. I hate to do this because 98% do not abuse it and I like being connected to my people. Thoughts??

like

Has anyone ever dealt with Geico UM case where they insist that a release needs to be signed? Geico extended our client’s policy limits but wants him to sign a release. We offered to sign an acknowledgment of receipt of funds but Geico said without a release signed, they will not issue payment.

like

Currently at a medium sized firm but want to make the jump to big law - doing Plaintiffs PI and just need some advice on how to make myself more attractive to larger firm.

like

When y’all have bench trials, what are typical awards?

Here in my jx, in little league/entry level court, it’s pretty typical judges award 2x the medical bills.

like

3P Policy Limits: $100k
Liability has been accepted
Property Damage: $10k
Current Medical Bills: $65k
MRI findings (lumbar): 4mm
Client has received 3 injections and a surgery rec for laser discectomy

Sent 2 policy limits demands. Adjuster offered $60k both times because they don’t see a “causal relationship” without offering us any articulated supporting facts.

The insured is a Radiologist, he appears to own a home valued over $2M.

Is this policy open? Best approach? Thoughts?

like

I’m a 3L applying in NYC for post grad employment. Which plaintiffs PI/Med firms have the best opportunities for a junior? Everything I find, including my past summer job, is a small shop with 3 partners max and a handful of established associates. I would really like plaintiffs side.

likesmart

What % of settlements do you take home as an associate? Trying to gauge what I should be seeking in my next contract. Currently at 3% split prorated with all handling attys. Is this normal?

like

Plaintiffs lawyers, we are looking to hire. What do you pay your legal assistant? (Please include state/ city and their years of experience and how many attorneys they work for) thanks!!

like

Thinking about starting my own plaintiff shop. What’s the best way to generate clients with a low marketing budget?

like

I’ve done PI work my entire career for over 10 years. I’ve worked in state and federal courts and I’ve traveled around the country doing MDL work and bellwether trials. I’ve had a lot of success making the idiots I’ve worked for wealthy, but I’m still waiting for a moment where I enjoy what I’m doing. I feel stuck working in dysfunctional plaintiff firms/cultures. I hate this profession/career more and more each year. Has anybody been successful breaking off on their own in recent years? Advice?

like

What’re the primary differences in PI when practicing in NJ v. NY? Benefits? Drawbacks? Which do you prefer?

likehelpful

Definitely going to be a noobie question!

My client's medical provider asked for his PIP ledger: how do I get that? Just send a LOR to the carrier and ask?

like

Hi everyone - I'm contemplating an offer from a large PI firm. I'm a little more than halfway through completing my 2nd year of practice, and I'm currently at a small firm with a low salary that's just no longer cutting it.

The offer from the large firm is for a pre-suit position, base salary of $100K - is this salary pretty standard for this kind of position?

Any insight is appreciated, thank you!!

like

Anyone know a Connecticut or 2nd circuit case for this rule? I can’t find one to save my life. A defendant generally is liable for all harmful results that are the normal incidents of and within the increased risk caused by their negligent acts. If a defendant's negligence was a substantial factor in producing the plaintiff's injuries, the element of proximate cause has been satisfied and the defendant would not be relieved from liability for those injuries even though another force concurred..

like

Chicago attorneys: what is the base salary of a 3 year associate? What % of fee do they get on cases they bring in? Do they get paid any money on cases they’re working on but didn’t bring in? I know it varies, looking for info based on personal experience/knowledge.

like

I need a laugh. Tell me about your most entitled client.

Mine called my personal cell phone on Christmas Day to ask me the status of her case while I was in the middle of watching my kids open presents. I’d just talked to her the week before and told her that the defendants had 30 days to respond.

like

What kind of split does your firm give you for bringing in cases? Trying to negotiate with my firm for an increase. Currently, I get 15% plus my base salary.

like

Any NY state plaintiffs lawyers regularly handle $25k policy MVA cases? Any tips for profitably handling these? Thanks!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal