How to Gracefully Fire a Client

Practice Management Solutions Magazine recently published an article detailing how to fire a client gracefully and with dignity. The tips provided in the article on how to fire a client respectfully are below:

• Set a minimum fee for the client and give him or her the option to either pay the minimum or find another firm.
• Fire the client respectfully by telling her, “I appreciate that you want to continue working together but I think we cannot meet your needs.”
• Do not blame the client when you fire him. Instead, allude to the fact that the relationship must end for reasons that lie with the firm.
• Speak with the client face-to-face and have a witness be involved with the meeting.
• Do not let animosity build between the firm and the client that could lead to litigation. Take as much time as needed to ensure that the client does not leave with thoughts of filing suit.
• If you fire a client because of her attitude, do not provide a referral.

See Alan S. Horowitz, How to Fire a Client with Grace and Dignity, Practice Management Solutions Magazine (Nov./Dec. 2011).

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (WealthCounsel) for bringing this article to my attention.