Law Practice Management Tip - June 2008

Management Tips are provided by the State Bar of Texas and ABA Practice Management Advisors. The tips are not meant as legal advice, nor binding on the State Bar of Texas or the ABA.

Did you know that it is a good idea to provide your client with a "We Do-You Do List?" The list describes the obligations of the law firm and the client during the course of the matter.

Examples are:

We Do Items

• Take your calls
• Do our best to advocate your case
• Do our best to solve problems as they come up
• Advise you of the maximum settlement for your case
• Tell you whenever the other side makes an offer of settlement

You Do Items

• Be honest with the Court and us
• Be reasonable in the number of calls you make to us
• Read what we send to you
• Follow all Court Orders
• Pay your bill

Your experience with many clients will fill in many more items. Putting what you will do in writing reassures the client and highlights everyone's professional obligations.