Eventually paying an overdue account does not automatically restore a damaged professional relationship. If a client pays late, says nothing and leaves you to repeatedly chase them, think very carefully before acting for them again.
Eventually paying an overdue account does not automatically restore a damaged professional relationship.
I say this to my solo lawyer advisory clients - if you have to repeatedly chase a client for payment, think very carefully before acting for them again.
I apply the same rule in my own businesses.
I run both an advisory business for lawyers and a solo law practice.
Clear expectations matter
I work hard to provide a high-quality, personalised and flexible service.
I deal with matters promptly and make my payment expectations clear from the outset.
Of course, things happen.
People can face genuine difficulties.
If payment is going to be late, I simply expect clients to communicate early and honestly.
Repeatedly chasing payment changes the relationship
Where a client pays late, says nothing and leaves me to repeatedly chase them, I will not accept further work, even once the account has been fully paid.
That is not about being harsh.
It is about trust, professional respect and running sustainable small businesses.
For solo lawyers in particular, that matters.
If you have to repeatedly chase a client for payment, think very carefully before acting for them again.
Eventually paying the account does not automatically restore the professional relationship.
