ESQ. BLOG: The Plight of the Culturally Incompetent Lawyer

Thursday, December 23, 2004

The Plight of the Culturally Incompetent Lawyer

Lawyers deal with issues of culture everyday. The manner in which clients communicate, keep appointments , follows-through, interact with authority and the judicial system are all related to culture. A few states have mandated diversity training as part of CLE requirements. Although a step in the right direction, there's still alot more to be done.

At some point, as a profession, lawyers will need to consider the impact culture has on attorney client relationships and the way the legal system currently operates.

The challenge is for lawyers to properly read culturally relevant behavior and communication as a means of delivering the highest quality of service to clients. The failure to properly read and respond to cultural issues and difference can create serious problems in maintaining a successful relationship with a client.

When has culture had an impact on your relationships with clients? Would love to hear from you. Feel free to fill in your comments below.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Jatrine

# posted by Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, Esq., CPCC @ 2:25 PM

Comments:

I deal with cultural issues all the time as a public defender. It comes into play when dealing with the family as well as the defendant. Issues of respect are chock full of cultural implications.

# posted by