- The prospect has had too many lawyers before you, and may even refuse to name them—a real alarm bell regarding a client who does not pay or is a real problem to deal with.
- The prospect thinks all previous lawyers were “idiots”, or makes otherwise derogatory statements about lawyers in general.
- The prospect cannot demonstrate he/she can pay for the cost of your services, balks at paying a retainer, and/or asks for a special reduced rate or payment terms up front.
- The prospect is too demanding and expects their work will be handled before all other client work—usually recognized by a demand that the suit or action happen TODAY when there is no justification for the rush.
- You really dislike the prospect personally.
- You do not agree with the prospect’s legal position.
- You do not believe the prospect is being truthful.
- The prospect is a family member.
- The matter is outside your normal area(s) of expertise.
- The prospect indicates they know the law and what they want to do, and just wants the attorney to do the front end work for them.
