Three Steps for Effective Communication and Dealing with Sensitive Issues
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Many lawsuits involve very personal, sensitive issues. They can include family law disputes, claims of discrimination and harassment in the workplace as well as personal injury claims. In many instances, an attorney needs to not only to be the zealous courtroom advocate but also a legal and emotional counselor. This task can be difficult work, especially if the lawsuit involves intimate details of the client’s life.
If sensitive, personal issues are part of the case, you will have to talk to the client about them in the most effective way possible. While you need to get facts from your client and their perspective on the matter it needs to be done in a way that’s empathetic, understanding and supportive.
In a Forbes article by Brent Gleeson, he discusses ways to converse very sensitive issues effectively. He gives some advice from Charles Lipcon who is a maritime attorney based in Miami. Examples of some of his clients include victims of rapes that occurred on cruise ships. These people suffered very traumatic, damaging experiences and Lipcon states that it is his job as their attorney to be sensitive to his clients because of the pain they have and are continuing to experience.
Lipcon suggests three steps to listening and communicating more effectively when dealing with sensitive issues.
- Show empathy and listen intently.
- When it’s appropriate, ask questions to better understand the issue.
- Show loyalty and provide guidance.
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