Someone once told me that “being a lawyer is not about people; it’s about paper.”
He was wrong.
While there is indeed a lot of paper in legal practice, the practice of law itself really is all about people. This is especially true of my practice.
A solid relationship with you as my client, aside from just making my work more enjoyable and satisfying, is critical to the quality of the advice I provide and the work that I do. To do my job right, I need to talk to you, to get to know you, to fully understand your circumstances, what you need, what you want, and what you’re afraid of. There are no shortcuts; this is the only way that I can give you the advice or take the steps that are best for you. How can I possibly tell you what I think you ought to do when I don’t know – really know – what you’re about and where you want to go?
I will ask questions (sometimes lots of questions) not to be nosy, but to understand you.
I will talk (sometimes a lot) not to impress you, but to help you understand the issues particular to your circumstances and the options that you have.
I will not simply tell you what to do. I will explain your options and help you to weigh them and choose the one that is best for you.
I will listen to you.
At the end of the day, what’s most important to me, in addition to making sure we get the legal particulars done correctly, is that what we are doing fits what you want and need and that you feel you have been heard and are in control.
-Steve
P.S. If you really want to get me talking, ask about my Vizslas, Gracie and Olive. They’re the coolest, sweetest, most beautiful dogs in the world, in case you’re wondering.
