Dealing With The Difficult Client, Difficult Opposing Counsel, Or Difficult Pro Se Party – Part I of II

By Margaret Dee McGarity, Bankruptcy Judge, Eastern District of Wisconsin

First Things, First.  The first step in dealing with difficult people is to understand how you react to different kinds of challenging personalities.  Here are some typical reactions and more positive ways to respond:

Outrage.  If your blood pressure rises every time you interact with difficult people, think of them as a hassle, not a horror.  Be assertive, not aggressive.  Stand up for yourself by sticking to the facts without getting personal.  Remember, if you respond with anger, you will become the difficult . . .

It looks like you are not signed in or registered! This content is only available to members.

Or sign in below:

No Author Biography has been linked to this Article.

Related Articles

May 31, 2020
(Reprinted with permission: https://www.dailyjournal.com/) By M. Jonathan Hayes, Resnik Hayes, Moradi LLP (Los Angeles) I met with my best friend Jim King, consumer bankruptcy attorney extraordinaire, during the Thanksgiving break in 2014, several weeks before his untimely death. We met at his office in Glendale to do his oral history. Somewhere in there I told him he could borrow my...
Members
Consumer Bankruptcy Education
November 10, 2024
You may have seen notices that courts across the country have received reports of suspicious emails going to attorneys and law firms purporting to be NEFs. These emails are fraudulent and did not come from the Court. Please do not click on any links or files contained within these emails.   Please note that a few courts have reported the phishing emails...
February 16, 2020
Although she steps into very large shoes, Julie Philippi is a welcome addition to the Chapter 13 Trustee fraternity. Ms. Philippi was appointed as the Chapter 13 Standing Trustee for the Western District of New York on January 1, 2020. Those large shoes were left by retiring NACTT icon, Albert Mogavero. “Al” served as Standing Trustee for 42 years (yep,...
Members
September 15, 2019
By Jan Hamilton, Chapter 13 Standing Trustee (Topeka, KS) “I do not suggest my thoughts here are anywhere close to exhaustive. . . . Of course, my thoughts may be off mark on one or more items, but the discussions need to start somewhere, so here we go…” See also: 2019 Legislation Affecting Bankruptcy Practice – Overview
Members
moran_cathy
July 17, 2022
Mention keeping time records to a bankruptcy lawyer and you’re likely met with expressions of utter revulsion. All too many assert that the major appeal of being a bankruptcy lawyer is precisely that they don’t have to keep time. Between flat fee deals with clients, and no look fees in Chapter 13, they feel liberated from the clock and the...
Members
davis26
June 4, 2023
Can a debtor provide for a non-debtor’s loan under § 1322(b)(5) even if the plan does not address a non-monetary default on the claim? In re Lazaro suggests the answer may be “yes.” In that case, the Court held not only that the Debtor’s plan could provide to cure a monetary default on a loan taken out by the Debtor’s...
Members
IMG_7573
May 11, 2025
In his indubitable yet fun style, Attorney Bruzek, brings subscribers a resource to flag for later reference.
Members
Munoz Katherine headshot 2 26
July 12, 2026
Intern Munoz brings readers an insightful look at the process of becoming a Tom Vaughn Intern and how a young law student thinks about her future career.
Copy of Hildebrand-2016
March 1, 2026
Property inherited by a Chapter 13 debtor more than 180 days after the filing of the petition is property of the estate under § 1306 and may be considered in properly filed motion to modify as a method to fund increased plan payments.
Members
BBurden pic 0002C_1
June 29, 2025
Bankruptcy professionals must weigh when to litigate, compromise, or concede in resolving disputes. The key is to choose a path based on clear judgment rather than emotion or ego.
Members

Looking to Become a Member?

ConsiderChapter13.org offers a forum to advance continuing education of consumer bankruptcy via access to insightful articles, informative webinars, and the latest industry news. Join now to benefit from expert resources and stay informed.

Webinars

These informative sessions are led by industry experts and cover a range of consumer bankruptcy topics.

Member Articles

Written by industry experts, these articles provide in-depth analysis and practical guidance on consumer bankruptcy topics.

Industry News

The Academy is the go-to source for the latest news and analysis in the Chapter 13 bankruptcy industry.

To get started, please let us know which of these best fits your current position: