Reflecting on Universal Truths: Jeff’s Advice to His Younger Self

The Red Wagon Estate Planning & Elder Law Show

Jeff reflects on his many years as an attorney and shares the advice he would give himself as a young lawyer. As it turns out, his advice consists of universal truths: think differently; keep learning and growing; be clear, consistent, and honest in your communications; accept that people need to make their own decisions in their own time; nurture and value your relationships; and, most of all, cherish your loved ones and tell them how you feel.

What You Need to Know

(02:22) Traditional client management and billing practices leave a lot to be desired. Education, transparency, competence, and fairness are integral to a better approach.

(04:01) One-on-one consultations with attorneys can be overwhelming for clients. Create a learning environment that allows them to breathe and think without feeling pressured.

(09:33) Don’t impose what you believe on other people. Listen to what people are telling you.

(11:04) It's okay when people say “no.” You are not failing your client if you have communicated clearly, consistently, and honestly. Let people know the pros, the cons, the good, the bad, and the ugly. From there, the decision is out of your hands.

(13:53) The work you’re putting in to educate people is worth it. Keep fighting the good fight.

(15:12) Be transparent about pricing, and not just front-end pricing. Explain what the process looks like from start to finish.

(15:29) The Red Wagon Club is not only about the maintenance features it offers. People love the relationships that develop from it. It's okay that it’s not a revenue generator.

(16:19) Spend the money on legal software that will keep you—and your clients—current. Case law, Social Security plans, Medicaid regulations, tax law, and other crucial elements of your work are constantly changing. Clients’ documents should be up-to-date and effective whether they are needed today, tomorrow, or decades from now. You can’t put a price tag on a client’s peace of mind.

(21:05) There is no crystal ball. Do everything you can to make sure that your clients are prepared. You’ll sleep better at night.

(22:35) Tell the people in your life that you love them.

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED

Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/

• Life Care Planning
• The Three Secrets of Estate Planning
• Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid

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WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO

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