The Lost Art of Personal Connection in Legal Practice: A Reflection After 50 Years

January 22, 2025 at 15:21 PM EST

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Originally Posted On: https://bixlerhowland.com/the-lost-art-of-personal-connection-in-legal-practice-a-reflection-after-50-years/

The Lost Art of Personal Connection in Legal Practice: A Reflection After 50 Years

In today’s world of automated phone systems and digital gatekeepers, something as simple as answering your own phone has become a remarkable differentiator in professional service. This truth hit home recently during a lunch meeting with a long-term client and our spouses.

As we were wrapping up what had been a delightful meal, my client – herself a former legal assistant with extensive experience in the field – made an observation that stopped me in my tracks. “You know,” she said, “I’ve worked with many lawyers over the years and been represented by several others, but you’re the only one who actually answers his own phone.” Her gratitude for this simple act of accessibility was both touching and telling.

This comment crystallized something I’ve long believed about the practice of law: personal connection matters. After half a century in the legal profession, one might expect my enthusiasm for client interaction to have dimmed. Yet it’s precisely this direct engagement with clients that continues to fuel my passion for the work. While I’ve had receptionists in the past, I’ve found that maintaining direct contact with clients isn’t just good service – it’s good practice.

The current trend in legal services seems to be moving in the opposite direction. Turn on the TV or radio, and you’ll hear advertisements boasting about streamlined processes where clients never need to meet their lawyer in person, instead dealing exclusively with “case managers.” While this approach might appeal to some, it represents everything I’ve chosen to avoid in my practice.

In our firm, we’ve taken a deliberately different approach. When you call my direct line (502-694-9960), you’ll speak with me – not a case manager, not an assistant, but your actual attorney. Of course, we maintain additional support (my assistant can be reached at 502-582-3711), but the principle remains: direct access to your lawyer shouldn’t be a luxury.

Furthermore, we believe in the value of face-to-face meetings. Every client deserves the opportunity to sit down with their attorney, share their story, and develop a personal connection. It’s why my direct number is prominently displayed on our website’s banner – we want clients to know they can reach us.

The modern legal landscape often reduces clients to case numbers and statistics. But in our practice, we see things differently. Each client is a person with a unique problem requiring a thoughtful solution. When you call, you’ll find no labyrinth of automated menus or layers of gatekeepers – just direct access to your attorney.

I pride myself on returning missed calls the same day, or at the very latest, within 24 hours. In our practice, the only “case managers” you’ll encounter are experienced attorneys who understand the importance of personal connection in legal representation.

After 50 years in practice, I’m more convinced than ever that this approach isn’t just about providing better service – it’s about preserving the human element in legal practice. In an increasingly automated world, sometimes the most innovative thing we can do is simply pick up the phone.

Are you tired of feeling like just another case number? Experience the difference personal attention can make in your legal representation. Call my direct line at 502-694-9960 today to schedule a face-to-face consultation. Let’s discuss your situation together and develop a strategy that works for you. Because at our firm, you’re not just another case – you’re a valued client deserving of direct access to your attorney.

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The Lost Art of Personal Connection in Legal Practice: A Reflection After 50 Years

Photo from Unsplash

The Lost Art of Personal Connection in Legal Practice: A Reflection After 50 Years

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