how to address an attorney over the phone

If the caller is requesting information best provided by an attorney, inform the caller that he needs to speak with someone else and ask him to hold for transfer. Contact the attorney to whom you intend to transfer the call, announce the caller by name, disclose the purpose of the call and transfer the call if the attorney is available.

Full Answer

How do you address a lawyer properly?

For use of Esquire (Esq.) in the U.S. when addressing a lawyer or attorney see Esquire. How to Address a Lawyer in the United States How to Address an Attorney in the United States —-Envelope or address block on letter or email on a legal matter:——– (Full Name), Esq. ——– Name of Firm ——– (Address) —-Social/Personal envelope at all other times:

How do you answer the phone at a law firm?

Jan 22, 2019 · If addressing an invitation, letter or envelope to a couple, and the wife is a lawyer, her name is placed before his. For example, "Jane Smith, Esq. and John Smith." Standard protocol addresses the more credentialed individual first. If both have equivalent advanced degrees or both practice law, revert back to traditional formatting.

How do you write a lawyer's name on an envelope?

If your lawyer’s name is Mike Smith, you call him Mike or Mr. Smith. People who call me “counselor” or occasionally use the British terms of solicitor or barrister are, in my humble opinion, putting on airs. They are giving me faux respect. If they really respected me, they’d use my name.

How do I transfer a call to an attorney?

Feb 25, 2014 · Make sure the person who answers has a warm, friendly demeanor. It should go without saying, but all too often it doesn’t. “Hello, [law firm name], this is [answerer’s name]. How may I help you?” is easy and direct, provided it’s accompanied by a pleasant tone of voice. Have your own voice-mail greeting.

The Juris Doctorate Degree

A Juris Doctorate, or J.D., is a law degree, meaning the person has attended and graduated from law school. This is similar to a psychology student attending graduate school to get a Ph.D. in upper-level studies. The J.D. alone doesn't make a person a practicing attorney, nor is getting the J.D.

Practicing Attorneys

Practicing attorneys have taken and passed their state's bar exam. While most practicing attorneys did attend law school and likely have a Juris Doctorate, the J.D. is not noted in correspondence.

References to Business

Lawyers serve many different industries working in a variety of business structures. Some attorneys maintain solo law practices, while others work for corporations or government entities.

What is a phone call?

As you can see, a phone call is what people use when they want to get in touch with an attorney. This means the way you interact with people who call you is very important, yet most attorneys don’t really have the freedom to focus on these skills until it’s too late. Here are some tips for keeping initial conversations with prospective clients ...

Why do prospects call you?

In most instances, prospects are calling you because they are concerned or are facing an issue that is of great importance to them. They want to talk to a person, and they’ll keep calling until they get one on the line. Don’t let it be your competitor.

What is the first contact with an attorney?

Whether you are a client writing a letter to your attorney, a business hoping to sell products, a job seeker, or an organization looking for a speaker, your first contact with an attorney is often the envelope of your letter. By using a combination of traditional and modern addressing methods and conventions, you can put your best foot forward as ...

Where is the return address on a letter?

Your return address will be in the upper left corner of the envelope. The first line is your full name. Do not use initials.

What degree do lawyers get?

Lawyers have graduated law school and received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Attorneys have been admitted to the bar and are licensed to practice law. Many professional people have law degrees but are not working in the legal field. If so, you should follow the rules of etiquette for their chosen profession.

How to fold a business letter?

The standard way to fold a business letter is in thirds. Fold the bottom third first, and top third second. This is so the reader will see your name and return address as soon as he opens your letter. If you are sending a check, business card, or other small enclosure, insert it inside the first fold.

What is the first communication between a prospective client and a law firm?

The initial communication between a prospective client and a law firm is usually over the phone, handled by a receptionist. As a result, it is important that firm's receptionist be professional and courteous at all times. Maintaining professionalism can sometimes be a challenge, however, especially for receptionists who answer a high volume ...

Why is it important to listen closely to a caller?

It is very important for you to listen closely to a caller and identify her needs and to provide the requested information to her in a clear and concise way. Each caller is seeking assistance in obtaining needed information or finding the right person with whom to speak.

How to communicate with a lawyer?

1. Ask your lawyer how he or she communicates. Each lawyer is different. Some might prefer to communicate by email. Others may communicate by telephone. At your first meeting with the lawyer, you should discuss how you will communicate. Try not to demand that the lawyer use your preferred method of communication.

Is a lawyer a therapist?

Your lawyer certainly understands that you have feelings and that this is a stressful time for you. At the same time, however, your lawyer is not a therapist and is not trained to handle emotional breakdowns or excessive venting. These types of outbursts hinder effective communication.

What to do if communication has broken down?

If you feel communication has broken down, address your own shortcomings. For example, you might not get requested information to your lawyer until right before a deadline. This makes it very difficult for a lawyer to represent you. Think about why you are struggling to communicate with your lawyer.

What is the proper format for a letter to an attorney?

A letter to an attorney should be written in a formal letter format with the attorney's name, law firm and address at the top near the date, addressed using a salutation and signed off with a closing such as "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely."

Why do people write to their lawyers?

One of the most commons reasons clients write to their attorneys is in response to requests for information. At the beginning of a civil or criminal case, a lawyer may ask you to prepare a written summary of events chronicling actions leading up to a incident.

Who is William McCoy?

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.