Just A Few Reasons a Lawyer Should Fire the Client

I’m a big fan of Seth Godin’s blog found at sethgodin.typepad.com.  Seth talks in this post about an unreasonable customer and the reasons why you should consider firing a customer or, if you happen to be a lawyer or law firm, a client.  Here’s his list:

• He willfully corrupts your systems at a cost to other customers
• Your employees are prevented from doing their best work in the long run
• His word of mouth can't be changed or doesn't matter
• He distracts you from delighting customers that are reasonable

I also found Seth’s comments about tolerating certain problem clients to be interesting.  That list is found here:

• You promised you would
• She helps you raise your game
• Her word of mouth is very powerful
• The cost of frequently figuring out which customers to fire is too high compared to the cost of putting up with everyone

I have to say that bad clients typically don’t make for good word-of-mouth marketing for any attorney.  If a client is really a pain in the ass, you’re probably good than harm by sending them on their way.