Navigate Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are unavoidable in the legal profession. Today we share 5 tips on how to navigate difficult conversations. Whether it’s pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, clarifying unclear instructions, giving upward feedback, or dealing with difficult conversations with clients. How you handle these moments can shape your reputation and influence your future opportunities.
Navigate Difficult Conversations
Here’s 5 ways to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and confidence:
1. Be prepared, but flexible
Think through what you want to say and why. Keep your message clear, concise, and focused on the issue, not the person. The goal is to create a genuine dialogue. Learn to think on your feet, however, preparation is key. Keep the end outcome in focus.
2. Communicate with respect, not fear
It’s natural to feel intimidated when speaking to senior colleagues. But framing your points respectfully and constructively shows maturity. For example: “I’m also working with David on X case that is also due Thursday. Can we look at priorities together?”
3. Focus on facts, not emotions
Law firms are fast-paced environments, and tensions can run high. Stick to objective observations and practical solutions. Avoid blame. Aim for clarity. Focus on the interests not positions.
4. Listen, then respond
Don’t go in with an agenda to win. Listen actively to learn, sometimes the context you’re missing will help make sense of the situation. Respond thoughtfully, not reactively.
5. End with a next step
Whether it’s confirming expectations, proposing a solution, or simply thanking someone for their time, close the loop. A difficult conversation that ends clearly shows you’re serious, respectful, and solution-oriented.
Being junior doesn’t mean staying silent. Speaking up with the right tone and timing shows leadership potential. The more you practice difficult conversations, the more confident and respected you’ll become.
What tips would you share to navigate difficult conversations?
Commercial Awareness question
Last week I asked you a commercial question from Shaun Jardine’s book:
Question: if the client asked for a 10% discount what is the profit the firm receives?
Answer choice:
A: 27 GBP
B: 20 GBP
C: Math is hard, let me go back to the black letter law
Did you calculate the answer?
The correct answer is B: 20 GBP.
Here’s is how:
- The firm provides a legal service for 100 GBP
- Cost to the firm is 70 GBP
- Therefore, the profit the firm receives is 30 GBP
If the client is asking for 10% discount. This is 100 – 10% = 90 GBP. The cost to the firm remains the same. Therefore, 90 – 70 = 20 GBP.
In the coming weeks Shaun Jardine will be making a guest appearance on SQE Journey as Shaun shares more about implementing value based pricing from his book. What questions would you ask Shaun?
