Lately, it seems that we have one rush job after another. On the one hand, I’m glad we have jobs of any sort, especially after the impact COVID-19 related chaos on the legal system, and as a result, our business. But, it is a frustration that never diminishes when clients wait to the last minute to hire us. We are near the end of the litigation food chain in the mind of many attorneys, especially those with little experience hiring trial consultants. (Attorneys who hire trial consultants often learn the benefits of not waiting to the last minute.) But, here I am again today, waiting to work out details with a new client who first contacted me 6 or 7 weeks ago. They have been generally non responsive since that time, when I sent a proposal. The clock has been ticking. The trial date is fixed, it is unchanged, yet time has elapsed. I know that the attorney is not fully in control of the ticking time clock, his/her client often delays the game significantly. But, our work takes time, rushing it is not optimal for anyone. Years ago, a client remarked after the research, “I wish you had made me do it sooner…” I have always wondered how to make a client do anything! Nonetheless, planning ahead in any business makes sense to me. There is a time to seek information, but there is a time to take action. The clock is ticking.
As usual, David’s post has reminded me of a song. As soon as I read the title, “What’s the rush?” I thought of a song by Leon Russell and Marc Benno called “Learn How to Boogie.” It’s lyrics include:
What’s the hurry?
What’s everybody hurrying for?
Don’t worry
What’s everybody worrying for?
If your world is cloudy
Son you’re through
If you think there’s nothing left to do
One small favor that I ask of you
Learn how to boogie
Learn how to boogie
You gotta learn how to boogie
Rock and roll will satisfy your soul
I agree with David; it is frustrating that the majority of Magnus’ cases are now “rush jobs” caused by procrastinating attorneys who are hoping their case will settle or continue so that they don’t have to go to the courthouse. But, I learned long ago to take this sort of thing in stride. How? I learned how to boogie! Yes, knowing how to boogie has taken me a long way. I boogie when I am in a hurry; I boogie when I am working on a client’s case; and in general, I try to boogie through life. I have a little sign on my refrigerator that says “Boogie for a better brain.” A little boogie goes a long way to get the job done. Try it!
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