Almost every new lawyer will have experience when a client asks a question outside their expertise, and they don’t know how to answer. They may ask you about legislation you are unfamiliar with or obscure caselaw you have yet to deal with.

This moment can lead to a confused and deflating professional response. This can lead to accurate or complete information which is not up to the standard of service that you would like. There are ways to avoid this situation.

A few strategies can help you when you need more time to get the answer right away. They all revolve around tried and true pillars for client interaction. Preparation, communication, strategy, and honesty are key to overcoming these difficult situations and controlling any out-of-scope client inquiry.

A client who seeks legal advice is almost always unaware of the work that goes into winning and preparing a case. You are expected to fill in their knowledge gaps and assure them that you have your expertise. When gaining your client’s trust, you must present yourself as confident and knowledgeable. You must be well-prepared, consider the scope of your job, and act with authority.

Our blog on efficiency explained that “Confidence” is critical to efficiency. Clients today expect legal counsel to provide them with the best advice quickly to minimize costs and errors. You can easily see what tasks have been completed and what are still to be done. You can answer the question ‘why?’ behind each task. .”

How should lawyers respond to difficult questions?

Create a new mentality.

As in many situations, the solution lies in accurately interpreting the issue and approaching it confidently. Every interaction offers a learning opportunity; every uncertain moment is an opportunity for growth. Each perceived failure is an investment into your future success as a lawyer. Your interactions up to this point have been the building blocks that led you to where you are today. You can start to create better future experiences once you have reframed your past mistakes.

Stay curious, find your identity, and take control

Doing your best to help your client will give you confidence that you’re doing your best. Earnest preparation is the best way to gain personal authority in a legal case. The process is as important as its outcome.

Take this advice from the American Bar Association. “Confidence comes as a result of knowing that you know what you’re doing, even when you don’t always achieve the results you want for your clients.” Unfortunately, the legal profession can’t guarantee results. You must only be curious. Be curious instead of being confined by limiting beliefs or negative self-talk. Curiosity is the key to confidence .”

Confidence and communication are key to success when using the best tools for legal knowledge.

When you have the correct tools, becoming an expert in any area of Law is much easier. Practical Law is one such tool. It is a comprehensive resource suite created by more than 300 lawyers dedicated to creating and maintaining timely, accurate, and reliable resources in all major practice fields. With your existing knowledge, you can use this tool to navigate complex and new legal terrain.

Attorney-client interaction reimagined

Imagine yourself answering your client’s question with the correct tools, a confident attitude, and genuine care and curiosity about their case. Now, this interaction is based on a solid strategy rather than the uncertainty that comes with fragmented information. Preparation is essential, and you’re prepared.

It may seem simple, but building trust with your clients will help you grow your business. You’ll be able to build trust by bringing confidence into the room. The results will be immediate.