The opportunity to feel stress at work and try to make things even more complex is everywhere. I’m sure it happens to you. At the moment I’m drafting a software sales contract. My client is selling a product that is complex. My “secret” is to keep it simple. I work to narrow issues to its core to avoid problems such as lack of clarity.
As Chris Brogan, author, journalist, marketing consultant, and frequent speaker about social media marketing has said (amazing that a social media marketer has become a thought leader) simple has become a choice, and something you have to select over and over again. I consciously make that choice. I also temper that advice by thinking about what Johnny Ive of Apple once said, “simplicity is not simple.”
Too many lawyers try to make things more complex. You know who pays for this bad practice? You do.
Yesterday I was at a deposition on an extremely simple case. Cliff the mailman (not really, but he reminded me of him) was suing my client due to an accident that occurred on his neighbors driveway. My client unfortunately let his home insurance lapse.
Word of warning, make sure all of your insurance policies are up to date. Call me if you need an insurance broker referral. I digress but I view you as part of my community and I’m here to refer you business as well. Drop me line to see how I can help.
My client owns the house so he has assets that the mailman can potentially collect. The issue: who maintains and controls the driveway. The neighbor already admitted at a prior deposition that they were responsible for maintaining the driveway. My client is clearly not responsible and I will be filing my motion for summary judgment dismissing the case shortly.
Opposing counsel, though seasoned in years, questioned like a first year associate. I’ve opposed him before and he has a talent for making the simple more complex. Opposing counsel wasted over two hours questioning my client. My favorite, “do you have any records that would indicate often you change light bulbs outside your home?” Mind you, the accident occurred on a sunny day.
I’ve been on depositions with this lawyer in the past and he hasn’t changed. You know who pays for his poor legal skills? You do with an increased bill and poor legal work.
What tricks do you do to keep your work simple? I would love to hear from you.
