CBA Record May-June 2020

SUMMARY JUDGMENTS

REVIEWS, REVIEWS, REVIEWS!

The Art of Practicing Law: Talking To Clients, Colleagues andOthers

N umerous books have been written about the practice of law and about how lawyers can successfully navigate the profession to network and build a book of business. They usually outline a series of rules or insights and give some examples. Those books can have some value, but in many instances, they lack personality or actual situational insights. James M. Kramon takes a different approach in “The Art Of Practicing Law: Talking to Clients, Colleagues And Others.” Kramon, who has practiced law for over 50 years and published dozens of articles and several books, began his career as a clerk for 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Thomas E. Fairchild before settling in Baltimore, MD. In The Art, Kramon shares stories centered around his experience working with many different types of people in his capacity as a lawyer. The vignettes are generally just one or two pages. But rather than go blow by blow, Kramon focuses on moments that are not necessarily courtroom battles. He splits the book into four areas:- (1) clients, (2) others, (3) reflections, and (4) lessons. In many of the vignettes, he describes the initial encounter or the nature of the relationship with the clients and witnesses he has encountered. In doing so, he describes the not atypical challenges and rewards of the profession. He also pro- vides insights into the relationship between the client and the lawyer, how many people view our profession, and how many lawyers have limited insights into the full stories and lives of our clients. An example of the realistic insights that Kramon provides is in the chapter, “Effect of

Money.” He writes: “The worst thing about practicing law is money. Money warps every deci- sion lawyers make. Lawyers reject clients with worthy causes because they don’t have enough money to pay legal fees. Lawyers accept clients they would rather not accept because they have plenty of money. For a sufficiently affluent client, a lawyer can do everything conceivable to bring about a satisfactory result. For a client with limited funds, a lawyer must cut corners. Often victory in a lawsuit or commercial matter goes to the party with the deepest pockets. There are times when clients settle for an unsatisfactory result because they cannot afford to continue paying legal fees. Every lawyer struggles with these pressures.” Kramon effectively delivers on his goal to draw “attention to the intrinsic humanity of lawyers and the ways in which they can be emotionally affected by their clients and others.” The book is effective and useful for lawyers of all levels of experience. It might be especially instructive for lawyers who are early in their careers, because it provides real insights into the attorney-client dynamic and the nature of the relationship. The only critique, and it is minor, is that readers must read the first three sections and the numer- ous vignettes and for the most part develop their own conclusions, as the reflections section is not very long and overall does not summarize. But that is hardly a reason not to pick up this concise, quick read that is fun and entertaining. Lawyers of all experience levels will gain something from Kramon’s experience and wisdom.

By James M. Kramon Lulu Publishing Services (2019) Reviewed by Daniel A. Cotter

Daniel A. Cotter is Attorney and Counsel at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, a member of the CBA Editorial Board, and Past President of the CBA.

CBA RECORD 49