Managing Difficult Clients and Colleagues with Confidence For Young Lawyers

This program addresses the unique interpersonal challenges faced by early-career attorneys as they navigate the complex human dynamics of legal practice. Designed specifically for associates, junior partners, and mid-level attorneys, this course goes beyond basic communication tactics to provide strategic frameworks for building professional influence and credibility. Participants will learn effective approaches for establishing authority with skeptical clients, presenting innovative ideas to senior colleagues, and ensuring their contributions receive appropriate recognition within their organizations.

Led by Doug Brown, JD, The Law Firm Leadership Coach and Chief Learning Officer at Summit Success International, this course offers practical solutions to common scenarios that challenge young lawyers. Drawing from his multifaceted experience as a practicing attorney, business strategist, and academic leader, Brown provides actionable frameworks that help emerging legal professionals transform difficult relationships into opportunities for career advancement. Through targeted strategies that balance adaptation with authentic self-advocacy, attendees will develop the interpersonal leverage points needed to navigate firm cultures while maintaining their unique perspectives and establishing their professional value.

Learning Objectives:

1. Implement specific techniques to establish professional credibility with demanding clients despite limited years of experience
2. Develop strategic frameworks for presenting innovative ideas to senior attorneys in ways that minimize resistance and build collaborative relationships
3. Analyze organizational dynamics to determine when to adapt to existing firm culture and when to respectfully advocate for contemporary approaches
4. Apply practical methods for increasing the visibility of professional contributions without appearing self-promoting
5. Integrate ethical considerations regarding supervisory relationships and professional responsibilities into strategies for navigating challenging workplace dynamics