You, lawyers, are human… And so are your clients.
They are all different and do not have the same expectations and personality traits.
Here are 7 client profiles you may come across or have already come across as a lawyer.
The Mr. “I know everything”
His profile
“I saw that Marie-Chantal had the same problem as me, she just had a fine to pay, I think I can get away with the same thing. You just have to file an appeal, but you already know that, right?”
The type of client you prefer, without a doubt... He knows the law better than you - despite your 8 years of study - and has already obtained all his information from forums, sometimes exploring the darkest corners of the Internet.
How to handle it
Keep your cool. If he starts asking you questions in an inquisitive manner, don't fall into his trap! Answer his questions straight away, he will follow them faster and faster until he no longer has any in reserve. Point out its contradictions diplomatically. You will then be able to savor your victory by knockout and highlight your expertise as a lawyer.
The one who thinks he's in an episode of Suits
His profile
“So, where is your sexy secretary? I’m still waiting for my whisky,” he says with a firm wink, a little smile tugging at the corner of his lips. And no, you are not at the local bar, but in your office, behind your desk.
Your client seemed surprised when he saw that you didn't have slicked back hair or a €3000 suit (or a silky blow-dry and a pair of Louboutins) but he still expects you to find the solution to his questions in less than 5 seconds, watch in hand.
How to handle it
First option, you can get into his game and recite the best punchlines from Suits or Ally McBeal if you have them in mind. We give you one from Suits as a cheat sheet: “anyone can do my job, but no one can be me”. Don't thank us, it's a gift!
Second option, tell him things as they are: real life is not like in American series but that does not prevent you from being competent in his dispute even if you do not drink alcohol all day long in your office overlooking the heights of New York.
Besides, you don't even have an office in New York when you think about it, you prefer the calm and greenery of Aurillac.
The optimist
His profile
He trusts you and doesn't hide it from you. If he chose to use a lawyer, it is to win his case, no other outcome is possible in his mind. For the Optimist, the lawyer can only win because he is there to represent him and protect his back, right?
How to handle it
Always friendly, the Optimist will not hesitate to call you regularly to find out about his file. Don't hesitate to talk to him about your chances of success if they are minimal... He will be able to prepare for possible defeat more easily.
The pessimist
His profile
If he called on you, it was only because his mother brought him by force to your office, nothing more. He thinks his case is a lost cause, and he will not hesitate to make you feel it from the first minutes by refuting everything you say.
How to handle it
The Pessimist will push you to your limits by shaking his head at each of your interventions, but don't give up. Do your job as a lawyer and answer his questions calmly. He will end up letting his guard down sooner or later in the face of your professionalism and you will be able to move forward together. If you assure him of victory, there is no doubt that you will feel a real difference in his behavior.
On the other hand, it is not certain that he will come back to you in the event of defeat.
the psychopath
His profile
He rocks from side to side in his chair – if he does it back and forth, that works too – staring into space. His approach technique changes depending on the day (full moon or not). It should also be noted that he came for legal advice, and not because he had a problem, which is rare enough to be noted.
But his questions are surprising to say the least: “If I use a knife to make small holes in my partner's skin, how much do I risk?
Not to kill it, no, just to make small holes…” but also “what if I set up a holding company with the funds of investors working in Orange to buy Free before selling it to the State? Can the competition authority worry me? Yes, we too are still looking for consistency.
How to handle it
Call a psychiatric hospital. Quickly. Or, think that if your answers are relevant, you will gain a loyal customer.
The old school
His profile
He is an old man, quite traditionalist, who generally does not understand why you send him documents by email because “you understand Master, in my time, we sent everything by mail and we had no problem if your Internet was crashing”. He also has a little paternalistic side that annoys you.
How to handle it
Keep smiling, grit your teeth and explain that you are following the procedure. These types of clients like things to be done according to the rules, so be patient and take the time to explain everything to them.
The former lawyer
His profile
He somewhat resembles the profile of the “know-it-all” gentleman except that he, for once, really knows a lot of things. He is perhaps the most annoying of all, because he comes to see you only because he cannot represent himself. You feel like you're seeing yourself 30 years from now, and you don't really like the arrogance that comes from the character... Oh my god, is that what people see when they talk to you?
How to handle it
If he comes to see you, even if it's just representation, it's because he still has a problem and needs you. Listen to his problems, let him talk, but show him that you have character and that you don't always agree with what he suggests, he will respect you even more. And then, who knows ? Maybe he, like you, will learn things from each other.
Tell us in the comments which one you prefer, or which one we forgot! Don’t hesitate to tell us about a customer experience that left a mark on you, made you smile or made you angry.
