This week’s blog theme is communication. Earlier this week I wrote about personal communication. The fine art of actually talking to each other instead of through machines. There is a lot to be gained for all of us in that discussion, but there also are dangers lurking from personal communications gone awry. Not only do you have to be careful what you say to people and how you say it, but you also have to be careful that you are not overheard by those who would use the information to do you harm.
Presumably you know that you should not use the names of your clients or companies you represent in general and casual conversation, and you should never be revealing the details of your representation that are subject to attorney-client privilege at the most and just good sense at the least. And yet, you hear this on airplanes and in train cars every day around the country.
Not only do you hear it, but you hear it delivered at 100 decibels above the acceptable conversational tone either from someone who is visibly upset or someone who wants you to think he or she is VERY important. In many cases, they are lawyers. Resist the temptation unless you want to risk annoying everyone around you and, worse, breaching professional confidentialities. Query who the people within earshot if you indulge in this ill-advised behavior. People from the client’s own shop? Horrors! People from the opposing camp? Bigger horrors. People who might be inclined to hire you but now know that you are indiscreet and untrustworthy. Time to take out a bridge loan!
And it is not always the content of what you say but the way you say it. Recently, one of my friends sent me this e-mail:
At DCA heading to Miami and overhearing a phone conversation. It’s a casual conversation between friends. Young woman, well dressed, beautifully groomed, professional, and every other word out of her mouth is profane. Including the F bomb. I wouldn’t hire her. Hope your readers know they are always on display. Just a thought!
Yes, indeed, you are always on display. This friend is from a family of lawyers, and she works with lawyers in her business every day. She knows what to expect and what to reject!
Be sure you know the same.
