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I can almost hear the teeth grinding. Something absolutely, positively has to be filed, recorded, delivered, picked up . . . something. But it didn't happen: wrong time, wrong place, just
plain wrong. It's pretty easy to just blame the runner or the secretary or the process server or the copy shop or whoever else.
But let's consider the possibility that the problem
is in the instructions. The most frequently expressed complaint in the working relationship between the lawyer and the legal assistant is the quality of communication -- something that is
inherent to how well we work together. Obviously, this extends to our relationships with those to whom we delegate tasks.
So, just how good are we at communicating what really needs to be done? It sounds pretty simple.
A. Just tell them what you are going to tell them.
What is the purpose? Why is it important? Our deadline is today so this must be filed with the court in Provo today.
B. Then tell them in detail.
What is it? How does it work? This is an answer to a complaint with a counterclaim. You will need this check to pay the filing fees. I need the receipt for our files. These are the
directions to the courthouse. These are a couple of tips for dealing with the parking problems.
C. Have them confirm the instructions verbally.
You need this
filed today at the courthouse in Provo. There is plenty of free parking in the lot on the north side. I have the check for the filing fee and I will bring the receipt back to you.
D. As confirmation, briefly review your instructions.
That's right. This has to be filed today in Provo and I need the receipt. Do you have any questions?
The last item is particularly important - be open to answering the
questions. That little pause may be all it takes to get it done right, on time, the first time.
Like I said, seems simple. Now take a deep breath and give it a whirl.
What We've Been Up To: The Legal Assistant Division Highlights
The Legal Assistant Division has:
- Presented 2 Brown Bag CLE events in Salt Lake City
- Presented 1 Brown Bag CLE in Ogden (the first ever for legal assistants)
- Scheduled Brown Bag CLE in St. George
- Presented 1/2-day CLE on November 22, 2002, on issues relating to delivery of legal services
- Scheduled full day CLE for June 20, 2003, in conjunction with LAD Annual Meeting
- Encouraged participation of membership in "Dialogue on Freedom" project
- Worked with Bar practice sections to enable LAD members to participate in CLE events; LAD members are now included in CLE event mailings from the Young Lawyers Section, Litigation
Section, the Family Law Sections, and the Business Law Section. In addition, LAD members are now eligible for non-voting membership in the ADR and Collections Sections, and in the
Franchise Law Section (subject to the approval of the chair)
- Appointed a director (Robyn Dotterer) to work with the Young Lawyers Section on CLE events, community projects and a possible joint article for the Bar Journal
- Appointed a director (Tally Burke) to actively participate on the Bar Mid-year and Annual Meeting Committees
- Will sponsor one full track of CLE at the Mid-year meeting in St. George
- Arranged for inclusion of LAD members in the upcoming issue of The Professionals Directory published by the Lorraine Press/Intermountain Commercial Record
- Published an article in each issue of the Bar Journal
- Appointed one delegate (Deb Calegory) and an alternate (Ann Bubert) to the Delivery of Legal Services Committee
- Appointed three directors (Denise Adkins, Sanda Kirkham and Danielle Davis) to the Governmental Relations Committee
- The Division has 126 members - 113 in Region II, 2 in Region I, 2 in Region III and 9 in Region IV
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