The legal profession is commonly associated with hard-nosed, adversarial negotiations and bitter court battles. Consequently, clients often suppose that their lawyers should maintain an antagonistic relationship with counterparts they’re up against, proposing that this hostility will maximize results. However, such an outlook overlooks the value of maintaining good rapport with opposing counsel, despite the potentially contrary perceptions it could inspire in clients.
Lawyers engaged in contentious matters must realize that opposing attorneys are not an extension of the party they represent; they are professionals doing their job. This professionalism calls for dignity and respect that should override personal dislikes and disagreements. Targeting an opposing counsel with derision or irritation due to client pressure is simply misguided.
Above the Law contributor, Jordan Rothman, shares examples from his own career where he attempted to maintain positive relationships with opposing council. Rothman’s experiences range from organizing social encounters during away mission related to work, often involving opposing counsel, to navigating a bitter family dispute where the client directed significant ire at the opposing attorney. These instances underscore the reality that satisfactory resolution of legal matters is frequently facilitated by maintaining healthy interactions with adversarial attorneys.
While image and perception can indeed influence how a client views such relationships, it must be the lawyer’s prerogative to cultivate goodwill among professional adversaries. Not only can this potentially lead to favorable outcomes for their client, but it also upholds the core values that guide the legal profession.
In conclusion, clients should refocus their expectations, recognizing that a lawyer maintaining strong ties with opposing counsel can indeed be beneficial. Mutual respect among legal professionals can contribute to obtaining favorable results and can avert the unnecessary negativity that can plague adversarial encounters.
For a deeper look into Rothman’s experiences and thoughts on the matter, click here.