10 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Hate Lawyers
Would you believe it, another group of people that hate lawyers…
We had hoped that the whole MPs expenses and bankers bonuses thing would have taken the wind out of the lawyer hate vibe. Maybe even increased lawyer popularity; ok stick to reducing the hate. But unfortunately not. This chap Scott Edward Walker (a lawyer) advises startup businesses and guess what; lawyers are not high on their Christmas cards list or their first choice of invites to a 3D screening of Avatar. Here’s (the shortened) why:
#10 – “Because they don’t communicate clearly or concisely”
Lawyers love speaking legalese and hearing themselves talk.
#9 – “Because they don’t keep me informed”
Lawyers often keep their clients in the dark.
#8 – “Because they are constantly over-lawyering”
Corporate lawyers often have a one-size-fits-all approach to deals.
#7 – “Because they have poor listening skills”
While lawyers love hearing themselves talk, they are often not very good at listening.
#6 – “Because inexperienced lawyers are doing most of the work”
This is the dirty little secret at most law firms, particularly large ones.
#5 – “Because they spend too much time on insignificant issues”
Lawyers are notorious for failing to prioritize issues
#4 – “Because they don’t genuinely care about me or my matter”
Too few lawyers are passionate about the practice of law.
#3 – “Because their fees are through the roof”
As I discuss in the introductory video on the home page of our website, the traditional law firm business model is broken.
#2 – “Because they are unresponsive”
We’re all busy, but that’s not a viable excuse for failing to promptly return a client’s phone call or email.
#1 – “Because they are deal-killers”
Lawyers are often viewed as deal-killers because of their failure to set a positive tone and their annoying habit of raising all sorts of reasons why a particular deal won’t close or why a particular idea won’t work. One of the better lawyers I worked with at a firm often said: “Good lawyers are able to identify significant potential legal problems; great lawyers provide solutions to those problems.”
The full article can be found at Venture Hacks which is an advice blog for startups.
March 1, 2010
This might even be funny if it wasn’t so bang on
March 1, 2010
Isn’t there a bit of the playground thing going on too – lawyers are like prefects, entrepreneurs are the class rebels. One will never ‘get’ the other and the rebels never like the prefects interfering with their fun.
March 4, 2010
There is mutual dislike wherever you get competitive, ambitious types together. Entrepreneurs v Lawyers. Lawyers v Bankers. Bankers v Hedge Fund Managers. Lawyers v Lawyers. Who really cares what any of the others think. If you are happy in your job count yourself lucky whatever you do.