Practice Management

Simple Justice for Clients and Customers?

By Dan Hull

If we were to stop worrying so much about the young lawyer, and worry a little more about the client who is subsidizing the young lawyer's education, would that be wrong?

--Scott Greenfield, "Simple Justice"

The Value Movement gets a boost? Hopefully, there's this silver lining in the Down Economy: a renewal of the notion that workplaces exist to serve and give value to Customers and Clients, and the companies organized to help them. Not to serve and cater to Employees. As we see it--and most states have traditionally seen it--it's a privilege to work. Not a right. And it's a special honor to learn and practice the law.

1. Another really radical idea: Employees--no, not just associate lawyers, but all employees--should treat Employers themselves as valued customers and clients. How an Employee treats you--the Employer--gives you a preview of how he/she will treat your best client.

2. If they can't or won't, those employees should just leave. They are of course free to start their own "businesses" which cater to the needs and desires of their employees, and make a go of it. We suggest relocation to Europe, Mexico or maybe the former Soviet bloc nation Borat came from.

3. Is is okay now to start talking about how Employees should conform to Employer requirements--and not the reverse?

4. Are you, the Employer, hiring and retaining Looters and Watchers--or Producers and Doers?

5. Are you off your knees yet, Employer?

6. By the way, what has your Employee done for you, the Employer, lately?

Did you hire this man?

Full post as published by What About Clients? on September 26, 2008 (boomark / email).