Remembering civility during client interactions: A guide for personal injury lawyers

In personal injury litigation, our clients are more than just plaintiffs -- they are individuals navigating trauma, loss, or upheaval. As their advocates, we owe them not only strong legal representation but also patience, compassion and civility.

Understanding the client's perspective

Clients often come to us during the most difficult times of their lives. Litigation is unfamiliar and intimidating, filled with depositions, medical appointments and courtroom appearances. A calm, civil approach reassures clients and helps them feel heard.

Civility in depositions

Preparing a client for deposition requires more than strategy; it requires teaching composure. Clients should:

• Answer truthfully and clearly.

• Avoid sarcasm, exaggeration or arguments.

• Remain calm under adversarial questioning.

Civility preserves their credibility and helps judges and jurors view them as trustworthy and relatable.

Interacting with doctors and experts

Medical experts and treating physicians are vital to a case. Clients must treat them with respect, even in frustrating moments. Negative behavior can find its way into records or testimony, damaging credibility.

Civility in the courtroom

Client demeanor in court matters. They should:

• Treat judges, staff and jurors with respect.

• Avoid visible frustration or side conversations.

• Dress appropriately and arrive on time.

Jurors notice everything -- courtesy and composure build trust.

The lawyer's responsibility

Civility begins with us. Clients may repeat questions, forget instructions, or struggle with fear and grief. We must respond with patience and professionalism. For clients dealing with catastrophic injury or loss, civility also means allowing space for emotion, vulnerability and imperfection.

Conclusion

Civility is not weakness -- it is strength. By modeling and teaching civility, we improve our relationships, enhance credibility and honor the dignity of those we represent. For clients enduring trauma, how we guide and treat them matters as much as the legal outcome itself.