Sometimes, the same passion that drives us to solve our client’s legal problems bleeds into a financial gray area. We all want to get paid, so we offer suggestions for securing funds that the client will use to pay us.
Entrenching ourselves in money problems crosses the line of helpful lawyer and makes us the banker. The client no longer feels responsible for paying the bill because our generosity places that burden on us.
It’s critical that you don’t become the person who owns the process.
It starts simple. We propose opening a new credit card. Declined. Low limit. So, we send the name of a few lenders from our referral network. We bring in third parties and hint that family or friends could help. Eventually, we may start working for free, lending our legal services on a payment plan.
The further you crawl into the financial issues of your client, the more strained your relationship becomes. Ultimately, your effort to help your client pay you becomes an uncompensated loss of time.
You’re a lawyer, not a debt collector. I’ve been in your shoes before, and this is how I’ve changed my system to always get paid and maintain my role as the lawyer.
