Dealing with the Difficult Client, Difficult Opposing Counsel, or Difficult Pro Se Party

Dealing with the Difficult Client, Difficult Opposing Counsel, or Difficult Pro Se Party – Part II of II

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

Strategies for Effective Communication

Seek first to understand before trying to be understood. Analyze the situation. What is really going on? Try to put yourself in the other’s shoes. Once you are in dialog, ask probing questions and carefully listen to fully understand. Active listening skills will help here. This stage involves sorting out emotions from the facts.

Adjust your communication style. This strategy involves understanding your communication style and that of the other person and . . .

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Critical Case Comment – Frontloading Attorney’s Fees

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Nothing prohibits the confirmation of a Chapter 13 plan which frontloads the payment of attorney’s fees ahead of payments to secured and other creditors.

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From the Editor

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Passing of the Honorable Randall L. Dunn

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