Practicing with Empathy
When clients contact a lawyer, they often need help with the worst problem they have ever faced.
Many lawyers cannot think like a client—they get (and stay) straight to business and don’t take the time to explore the client’s needs, expectations, and questions. Some lawyers take their own legal knowledge for granted and don’t take the time to explain or answer questions.
All people—especially those facing criminal charges need their interactions with their lawyers and the legal system to be more straightforward, intuitive, and pleasurable. This means taking the time to learn about the client’s problem, not just its logistics, but also how the client feels about it.
I take the time to consider the client's needs and explore what is legally feasible.
In doing so, practicing empathy becomes a fundamental aspect of my role as a criminal defense attorney. Empathy in legal practice, however, doesn't just imply understanding the emotional turmoil that my clients face. It's a holistic approach encompassing various facets of the attorney-client relationship, ultimately leading to a more client-centric practice.
Empathy involves active listening. Listening to my client's stories, fears, and hopes is critical to my practice. It's not merely about collecting information to prepare a defense strategy but more about truly understanding the human story that underlies each case. This understanding leads to a deeper connection and builds trust, both vital for adequate representation.
Communicating with compassion is another crucial component of practicing empathy. When explaining the legal process and potential outcomes, I ensure to speak in a language my clients can understand. Legal jargon, while familiar to attorneys, can alienate and intimidate others. By breaking down complex legal procedures into comprehensible terms, I'm reducing unnecessary stress while empowering my clients with knowledge.
Moreover, empathy compels me to respect the individual's dignity, regardless of the charges they face. I remind myself that everyone has the right to legal representation, and it's not my role to pass judgment. Every person has their story and circumstances that have led them to their present situation. Keeping an open mind and an empathetic approach allows me to see my clients as human beings deserving respect and justice rather than as 'criminals'.
Practicing empathy also involves understanding the fear and anxiety associated with the potential outcomes of the case. The ability to foresee these feelings and provide the necessary emotional support, in addition to legal advice, is something I strive for. This extra layer of understanding and support often makes clients feel more comfortable, confident, and prepared to face legal battles.
Using empathy in legal practice isn't just beneficial for the clients. For attorneys, it can help maintain perspective, increase job satisfaction, and even prevent burnout. Connecting with our clients on a human level is a constant reminder of why I entered the legal profession in the first place - to help people navigate through their most challenging times.
In conclusion, empathy is more than a skill or a tool to wield; it is an attitude that requires cultivation. Law practice is not just about the letter of the law but also about understanding and relating to our client's experiences.
