Published in the Legal Intelligencer
In an article published on 2/5 in the Legal Intelligencer, Ball Janik LLP Associate Brian Tannenbaum advocates for more direct communication, emphasizing the benefits of phone calls for building relationships, improving communication with clients, and developing legal skills. The article also highlights Florida’s new Rule 1.202, which requires opposing parties to meet and confer prior to filing a motion in a good-faith effort to resolve issues raised in the motion. Phone conversations foster stronger professional relationships, minimize misinterpretations, and, unlike emails, allow for immediate clarification and more productive exchanges.
“Clients feel reassured when they hear their lawyer’s voice, and opposing counsel is more likely to engage productively when approached with direct communication rather than an email,” writes Tannenbaum. “For young lawyers juggling heavy caseloads, picking up the phone can be a far more efficient way to handle legal matters [and] senior attorneys often prefer direct communication.”
Tannenbaum advises that young attorneys who lean too heavily on email miss out on opportunities to negotiate, discuss a case strategy, and problem-solve, which are better accomplished over the phone if not in person. Because the legal industry is so competitive, those who proactively make phone calls and seek guidance from experienced professionals will stand out.
“By embracing phone calls and conversations with experienced attorneys, young lawyers can gain a significant edge in their careers,” he writes. “So, the next time you’re about to draft a long email, consider this: Could this be handled more effectively with a quick phone call? Chances are, the answer is yes.”
Read the article in full; click here (subscriber-based).