3 minute read
Some of What I Have Learned
PRACTICE POINTERS
Tips for Becoming Better Attorneys
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BY TOM O’MEARA
ON TIME IS TWENTY MINUTES LATE!
Having been a military officer and then a trial lawyer, I have learned to make plans to be on time. I once had a hearing in Llano, had a flat tire on the way, and still made it in time for the hearing.
IMPORTANT TO TURN DOWN THAT CASE
I would prefer to handle fewer cases well, rather than many badly. I recall in my early days I was assigned to do a large quantity of collection cases for a furniture store for a very small fee per case, using an IBM Magcard typewriter to produce scores of letters, petitions, and judgments at a time. I had truly become a hack. But I learned that with a little thought I could learn more about the debtor and customize the approach and collect more money for the client. Having done that, the client was eager to raise the fee.
PUT COWORKERS FIRST
I recall an associate in a firm that I managed being on “an important call with a client” every time we had a firm meeting. Keeping obligations to my partners, associates, and support staff always achieved the best results for the client. If there is a short fuse to produce a work product, I give at least half of the allotted time to the support staff. Blaming support staff for our own errors is poison. Of course, all correction is private and targeted to the error.
UNDER PROMISE AND OVERDELIVER
I might ask a client, “What if I came to you after we hear a response from the other side and I recommend that you decrease your settlement demand by half because of something I have learned? Would you be open to consider that?”
Clients should leave knowing when they will hear form you next. I might promise a draft in two weeks and deliver it in one week.
DESIGNATE A CUSTODIAN ATTORNEY AND OTHER SUCCESSION PLANNING
Way back, my sister told me about a plan that many dentists had, to make agreements to support one another in the event of illness or disability. I got a copy of the form contract that Maryland dentists were using and adapted it for my own use. I entered such an arrangement with our colleague, Bill Ley. Many years later, when I was solo and had a heart attack, Bill came by or called my staff members daily to check on deadlines and just offer reassurance until I was able to return.
SHARPEN YOUR SKILL BY HELPING OTHERS
We have been practicing law for many years. Still, there’s work to be done. Put your law expertise and problem-solving skills to good use. There are many opportunities to do pro bono legal work and all types of community service in our area. Whether it’s abused women and children, people who can’t afford legal services, or asylum seekers, there is work to be done. Let’s strive together to continue building our great community. We’ll all be better for it.
These folks can use our expertise and attention:
• Abused women and children: vlsoct.org/volunteer/volunteeropportunities/
• Many local folks who cannot afford legal services: probonotexas.org/get-involved/
• Asylum seekers: americangateways.org/getinvolved/ AL
Tom O’Meara has practiced law in Austin since 1977. He has litigated demanding cases, including issues limiting the power of cities. O’Meara has worked as a solo, small-firm partner and as managing attorney at the Fowler Law Firm. In 2021, he was selected by the Austin Bar Foundation to receive the David Walter Community Service Award.
