The world is wandering, what is the deal with Kanye West’s last five family law attorneys. Why would an attorney walk away from a client that has the deep pockets to afford his/her retainer fee? Why drop a client that has the potential to cover your overhead expenses for at least a year and more?
Contrary to popular beliefs, all lawyers don’t chase after every client. Just like you have a vision of your ideal soulmate, attorneys have a vision of their ideal client. You may get into a relationship because of money, but money will only take your relationship but so far. The same is true with the attorney-client relationship.
Here are five reasons lawyers want OUT of the attorney-client relationship they are in:
Clients who don’t listen to your advice. A wise man once said: “Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” It’s so frustrating to have years of practical legal experience, earned a juris doctor upon the completion of three years in law school, and passed the bar exam, yet have a client who does the opposite of what you tell them. If your client believes and acts like he knows more than you about the law, then he doesn’t need a lawyer. He needs a fan.
Unethical clients. There are clients that believe that “by any means necessary” includes your bar license. They want you to do whatever it takes to win no matter who it hurts. I want to win, but not at the risk of losing my soul. I’m not willing to sacrifice my reputation and career to make anyone happy.
The MIA client. There are clients that don’t want to be found by anyone, including their own attorney. Such client is absent and delays the process. That type of client needs to be alone at the table in the courtroom.
The client doesn’t have the money to pay you. Yes, it’s true, attorneys want to get paid. There is a distinction between free legal services versus unpaid, earned legal services. Attorneys abhor the latter. We want to make the decision on pro bono services and don’t appreciate anyone taking that right away from us.
“Can’t we all just get along” doesn’t seem to work with our client. Great relationships involve good chemistry. Some people just don’t mix. As an attorney, you don’t know people until you see them deal with stress and their ex-spouse.
I don’t know the underlying reasons Kanye West and his attorneys parted ways. But what I do know is that all money is not good money. Some relationships costs more than what it’s worth. Before you select an attorney, make sure it’s a good fit and you and your attorney are willing to go the distance. Switching attorneys often is not wise. It inherently signals to the judge that you may be the problem and not the other party.
Therefore, enter into the attorney-client relationship wisely. Pick a lawyer like you would fruit. And remember, the attorney-client relationship is a real RELATIONSHIP with expectations. It requires your cooperation, your participation, and your commitment to seeking justice.
