Don’t be a horrible client

Bad clients. No one likes them. So, don’t be one. Here are 10 things 1851’s Franchise Legal Players said make great clients:

Andy Beilfuss, Quarles & Brady: While we appreciate all clients that trust us to handle their legal work, the ones that are truly enjoyable to work with are those that make you part of their business teams. This is mutually beneficial to us and to them because it allows us to understand the business and what they are seeking to accomplish. That in turn allows us to be proactive about avoiding issues, to give business savvy advice, and perhaps even connect clients to someone (usually a non-legal service provider) within our network who can help them advance.

Philip Zeidman, DLA Piper: The cynical definition we always heard was “rich, guilty and scared.” The less snarky and more accurate one is “focused, but with a broad perspective. Respectful of his lawyer, but unintimidated and challenging.”

Adam Siegelheim, Stark & Stark: A client that understands that a successful franchise system is driven by growth of same store sales, not just franchise sales.

Charles Internicola, Internicola Law* Firm: They are "brand builders" intent on doing great things for their customers and their franchise partners.

David Koch, Plave Koch: Trust – that your advice will be solid, that you are looking out for their best interests, and that your billing will be fair.

Fredric Cohen, Cheng Cohen: When I think of the great clients I have been privileged to work with, I can identify clear commonalities: good, smart people who are solutions oriented and who are looking for a partner in achieving a solution to whatever problem is presented or anticipated. A great (and effective) team is one in which every member brings a skillset to bear and appreciates the skills the other team members possess. Simply put, the best lawyer-client relationships are partnerships.

Stuart Hershman, DLA Piper: Intelligence, sense of purpose, vision, creativity, commitment to best practices, conviction and willingness to listen and do things the right way.

Kitt Shipe, Shipe Dosik Law: A great client is devoted to building a great business, and values the contributions that everybody makes towards that goal. When the client values the contributions from their people, from their franchisees, from their lawyers and other outside consultants and vendors, they are a pleasure and an inspiration to work for.

Richard Greenstein, DLA Piper: A great client is always transparent with its attorneys and takes the time and effort to fully disclose information so we are in the best position to play a critical role in their business endeavors and to provide the very best representation. Great clients view the client-attorney relationship as a partnership. I am very fortunate in that almost without exception, the clients I represent exemplify these characteristics.

Lane Fisher, Fisher Zucker: First and foremost, a great client actually listens to his or her counsel, whether or not they like the answer. A great client is a good listener, who understands that the franchise education process is ongoing and participates in multiple educational programs every year. A great client gets out there, is active and takes personal responsibility for protecting the franchise landscape.