No matter what brings you into my office, whether it’s a business succession dispute, a disagreement regarding a trust or wills, or even a real estate matter that requires mediation services, I believe that compassion is an integral part of our relationship. Lawyers are often stereotyped as individuals who don’t possess emotion or people who keep feelings out of it. While this is important in certain scenarios in the courtroom and other PR instances, a lawyer who practices compassion (along with law) will find more success in the courtroom and with their relationships with their clients, than a lawyer who doesn’t.

I understand my clients

Compassion, or the ability to recognize suffering or difficulty in others and be sympathetic, allows me to understand my clients on a deeper and more meaningful level. When a lawyer is able to truly feel for their clients, they will be able to unlock more of what they are going through which helps with understanding their point of view and perspective regarding their case.

Compassion establishes trust

It’s difficult to build a relationship with someone who keeps their feelings at bay. While there is a place to draw a line, being able to relate and empathize with a client will show them that you can be trusted and that you have their best interests in mind. Relationships are built on trust and compassion aids with creating that bond.

It helps with building your case

Compassion is not restricted to a specific side. Not only can an attorney benefit from practicing compassion with their own clients, but having compassion for the other side can be equally as beneficial. That doesn’t mean that you believe the other person or take their side, but it means that if you can try to understand what the other side is feeling, it can help tremendously with building a strong and winning case.

Compassion gives you perspective

When you are able to see all sides and understand the points of view of all parties, you will be able to focus more on how to get your client the best results. While many rules in law are black and white, the details of a case are not always so firm. Being compassionate is a tool that you can use to see the larger picture, which only enhances your strategy in and out of the courtroom.

Compassion provides motivation

Many of us are familiar with a lack of motivation when it comes to our roles at work or a personal commitment that we have on our schedule. If an attorney is ever lacking in motivation, compassion is something that can help boost inspiration. When you completely understand and empathize with your client, it is much easier to get up in the morning and fight for them. Because I feel for my clients, I am able to put my all into fighting for their rights every day, without hesitation.

Can compassion co-exist with the rules of law? I believe that compassion not only plays an integral role in law, but that it enhances the experience for the client and the overall result of the case.

At Hartmann Law, we focus on being compassionate and approachable, while maintaining the utmost professionalism. We fight for our clients with everything that we have, and we strongly believe that compassion and law belong together.