Can't we all just get along?

Sarah D. Mann//August 12, 2013//

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Opposing counsel called me recently to discuss a settlement agreement reached by our clients. As we were concluding our conversation, he thanked me for my civility in handling this case.

Although we had our respective sides to advocate and although it would be an understatement to say that there was bad blood between our clients, we handled ourselves with complete respect and courtesy. By doing so, we were able to bring the case to a conclusion less than two months after suit was filed.

We both agreed we reached the best result we could have hoped for and that our clients were well-served by our commitment to put our egos aside and try to resolve this case as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, I also have had the complete opposite experience with other opposing counsel. I’ve encountered some attorneys who seem to be difficult for the sake of being difficult. Others think that working with opposing counsel to bring a case to a resolution is a sign of weakness or somehow compromises their position.

Yet most lawyers don’t bow down to a bully attorney. That difficulty only drags things out and often doesn’t change the outcome.

In those instances, I’ve found myself shaking my head, thinking, “If we could just stop with the charades and posturing, we might actually get somewhere.”

Have you ever experienced a needlessly difficult attorney? How did you handle it?