Managing Difficult Clients and Colleagues for Seasoned Attorneys

This program provides practical strategies for attorneys facing interpersonal challenges in their legal practice, offering effective techniques for managing demanding clients and navigating workplace conflicts. Designed for legal professionals at all levels, the course addresses common stressors in the legal environment, including difficult client relationships, generational differences among colleagues, and internal team dynamics. Participants will gain valuable insights into improving communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and implementing leadership approaches that enhance both client satisfaction and workplace harmony.

Led by Doug Brown, JD, The Law Firm Leadership Coach and Chief Learning Officer at Summit Success, LLC, this course combines evidence-based approaches with real-world applications. Drawing from his extensive experience in legal practice, business leadership, and executive coaching, Brown presents actionable techniques that integrate ethical considerations with practical management skills. Through a combination of conceptual frameworks and specific tactics, attendees will develop the interpersonal tools needed to transform challenging professional relationships into productive partnerships.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop effective communication strategies for managing client expectations and de-escalating conflicts while maintaining professional ethical standards
2. Implement leadership techniques that bridge generational differences among legal team members and foster a collaborative work environment
3. Apply principles of emotional intelligence to identify and address interpersonal conflicts within law firm settings
4. Create practical frameworks for maintaining professional boundaries with demanding clients while ensuring high-quality representation
5. Integrate ethical considerations into client and colleague management approaches, particularly regarding supervisory responsibilities, fee arrangements, and professional autonomy