Some clients want to hire lawyers who will zealously defend or pursue the clients' legal interests. Clients may even seek out lawyers who have an aggressive personality, wanting a tough lawyer to diligently and passionately litigate on their behalf. Some lawyers chalk some of these characteristics up to an individual practitioner's style, but there are lines that can be crossed.

Indeed, lawyers who engage in frivolous litigation can face severe consequences. In recent months, the legal headlines have shown that courts are becoming more willing to hold lawyers and their clients jointly and severally liable for attorney's fees as a result of frivolous litigation.