How should lawyers deal with the preparation of a client's documents?

As tempting as it may be to take over the task of document preparation for a struggling client, we encourage lawyers to protect their boundaries and not take on more than necessary unless it is easily manageable.

Alternative methods of dealing with the drawing of documents are:

	Encourage the client to hand write the document with the benefit of your advice. If necessary dictate the draft.
	If the client has difficulty in writing, suggest he/she bring in a friend at the next meeting to help.
	Ask the client if he/she can find or hire a typist. Some typists charge little more than the minimum wage. Sometimes your pro bono coordinator can provide the name of a volunteer.
	In exceptional circumstances, write a draft in long hand.

It is advisable to copy for your file everything you give the client in case of rare instance of a complaint or claim later.

How should lawyers deal with wills?

We consider wills an important part of pro bono work. The client should be encouraged to prepare his/her own will, with guidance. We strongly suggest the client bring back a finished draft to be corrected and/or executed before the lawyer at the next meeting. The same standards of practice (though perhaps not of neatness) apply to the pro bono will as to those prepared for office clients.

What if the client's problem is outside your specialty?

If the lawyer encounters a major problem outside his or her field, the coordinator should be notified and an appointment arranged with a more appropriate lawyer if possible.

What if the client abuses our service?

We make every attempt to screen clients before the session. However sometimes those who can afford a lawyer slip through. Furthermore, Some clients may try "shopping around" with our lawyers until they find one that gives them the answers they seek. Please advise the Intake Coordinator if any such abuses come to your attention.

How should lawyers handle a difficult client?

A small but significant minority of clients, usually with mental problems, will demand almost limitless help. Clearly defined lawyer-client boundaries can help in managing difficult clients, as can the realization that clients may simply have needs that are more important than some financial remedy. Many of our volunteer lawyers have that ability to put their finger not just on the "bottom line" of the legal issue (as is the want of every lawyer), but to touch and reach the client in such a way as to meet his or her real needs. The client often is not happy with the advice given: that is not the point. Whether the client adopts the advice to meet his or her needs is the point.

How should lawyers advise people with disabilities?

Some pro bono clients are people with disabilities. The lawyer should not forget that he/she has a unique opportunity to steer the client to professional assistance and/or provide the client with some measure of insight. In some instances, the client is his/her own worst enemy and continually sees others as the sole authors of his/her misfortune. In such cases, the client should be referred to counseling in addition to legal help.