How to Be Successful Working with Partners in the Firm
When a litigation support professional is in a situation to provide information to a partner in the firm, there are a few key strategies that will help make that exchange more successful.
- The partner is interested in the bottom line. Convey your main points in a concise and succinct manner.
- Do not use fancy technical terms. Use simple and easy to understand terminology to avoid confusion.
- Don't get caught up in all of the tedious details — less is more in this situation.
- Partners are decision makers. They need just enough information to make the necessary decisions.
- Speak with confidence and make your recommendations. You are an expert in your field and provide an important role on the legal team.
- Give the partner multiple opportunities to ask any questions they might have. Do not ramble in your responses.
- If there are costs to discuss, bring a simple chart in paper form as a handout for the discussion.
- Don't be afraid to say “I will check into that and get back to you”. Don't feel pressured to provide an answer on the spot if you're not ready.
This can require practice and a certain level of preparedness, but ultimately the partner will come to rely on you for your expertise and recommendations.
If you have any follow-up questions or other suggestions to share, please consider leaving a comment below so that everyone can learn.
All good points. Except for number 7 (since I haven’t had much to do with costs in my positions in the past), I have been practicing these for a while now, without thinking about it much. Thanks Amy!