Our Cases Keep Us Up At Night

Author’s Note: Moving forward, I will attempt to draft these Articles in the first person. As professionals, we’re usually taught to embrace the use of the plural when speaking and writing by using “we” rather than “I.” However, I hold all of the  responsibility for The Donaldson Law Firm, PLLC, which includes all of the content on this website so, from now on, I’ll use “I” rather than “we” because I’m not a fan of refusing accountability.

My cases and files keep me up at night. I’m sure a lot of readers may not believe me when I say that. It’s understandable. In this day and age, no one ever seems to want to accept accountability for those matters over which they have authority. Problems and issues that arise always seem to be the result of some outside or external influence over which the person holding the responsibility is allegedly unable to control. The sitting president or CEO blames his or her predecessor. The contractor blames the guy who previously did the work. The corporation blames the government oversight agency. The list goes on and on.

Local professionals and service providers? We don’t really have that luxury. If bad service is provided, it’s too easy for clients to leave negative reviews online that quickly lead to a poor reputation and, as a result, a loss of business.

And that’s why the outcome of every transaction and every case is my primary concern with every client I have – because all of the accountability sits with me. I think most good lawyers (as well as other professionals) turn away more business than they accept because the outcome is more important as compared to the retainer check. If I signed up most of the clients who called for a consultation, my business account might grow faster than it ever has, but how long would that last if most of those clients ended up in a place where their desired outcomes weren’t met?

My point is, the primary goal is always to help clients gain the solution they’re seeking whether it’s the purchase or sale of a single-family residence or being appointed guardian for his or her elderly parent. And when those goals are challenged, whether it’s by an adversary attempting to frustrate the process or a change in the law, that keeps me up at night. My clients look to me to fix things they’re unable to fix themselves, and rightfully so. That’s my job and I am always genuinely concerned about my clients’ outcomes.