For many, if not most, the law can be, well, a bit intimidating. Perhaps it’s all the TV shows that depict drama within and between firms and cases and attorneys themselves. There have been so many successful TV series in this vein. On one hand, it can make the process more human, more approachable. But it can also intimidate and make those who may need an attorney think twice.
So, what are attorneys to do about this situation? As it turns out, quite a bit. The law, as practiced in the late 2010s, is more approachable. It’s more human, if you will. At least on the day to day level. The focus is on the more typical events of a persons life, like real estate transactions, family law, etc. If you bring up immigration or many other types of law, well, that’s intimidating and frankly, in many cases, it should be. Troubled times. But for the purpose of this discussion we will focus on the less meaty and potentially more common needs. Attorneys must take the mystery out of the process. Become more transparent. Show their more human side. And, most importantly, show the more human side of the law.
So, it all starts with the first step. What can you do to make the law and lawyers more approachable? Well, that’s not going to happen overnight. But you can make a difference every day. Participate in local pro bono events. When you interact with clients or potential clients, remember that they may be hesitant or nervous. I’m not saying we treat the law like the local coffee shop, but making the process more comfortable, maybe a bit less formal, can help.
Making the law more approachable can only increase the comfort level of potential clients. And that means more clients. And that means more justice. Isn’t that what it’s all about, anyway?