As legal professionals, we are constantly interacting with others. In the fast-paced environment in which we practice, we are faced with deadlines, budgets, meetings, court appearances, multitasking and so forth. We can allow these competing tasks to frustrate us, or we can find balance that will allow us to be the professionals we are without sacrificing our competitive edge. Below are some simple etiquette guidelines that will assist not only in obtaining balance, but also in developing and advertising your personal “brand.”

Subscribe to the “24-Hour Rule”

This is a simple, but often overlooked, guideline. In short, return phone calls and e-mails within 24 hours. With an abundance of technology at our fingertips, it is certainly feasible to do so. If you do not, chances are, your contacts will feel undervalued and underappreciated. If you find yourself in a bind and will be unable to return a phone call or e-mail within 24 hours, then simply respond in a limited fashion (or have your assistant do so). You can convey to your contact that you have received the message and will respond at length as quickly as possible and give a time frame if the circumstances permit. In doing so, your contact knows that their call (or e-mail) is important to you and that you will give it the attention it deserves as soon as possible.

Be Honest

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