Lawyer-Client Communication | They Don't Teach You That In Law School

From navigating the temptations (and pitfalls) of using your personal cell phone for business to setting clear expectations with clients—especially when things move slowly, like in appellate cases—we get real about the day-to-day struggles of keeping clients informed without burning out.

We discuss why establishing boundaries from the start is not just practical but essential, and how maintaining professionalism with friends and family as clients can be a minefield if not handled properly.

Whether you’re in law school, thinking about practice management, or just aiming to survive your legal career without drowning in missed texts and client frustration, this episode is packed with honest insights, actionable tips, and the kind of advice every law student wishes they’d gotten sooner.

So grab your notebook—because these are the lessons they don’t teach you in law school.

Here are our top 3 takeaways:

Set Communication Expectations from the Start

Make it clear to clients how, when, and where you’ll communicate. This prevents missed messages, unrealistic demands, and misunderstandings.

Keep Client Communication Organized and Secure

Avoid mixing personal devices with client business. Use law practice management tools (with secure messaging) to ensure everything is confidential, logged, and accessible when you need it.

Treat Friends and Family as Clients—Professionally

The temptation to “bend the rules” for those you know can backfire. Use the same intake and communication protocols for everyone; it ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

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Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com