Los Angeles Lawyer October 2008 - Gray Plant Mooty

Got Clients?
Thinking of retiring, but don’t know how
your clients’ legal needs will be met?
Successful, results-oriented, AV-rated Westside law firm, specializing in
litigation and transactional matters—business, corporate, partnership, real
estate, trademark and copyright would like to acquire your practice or clients
in return for your receiving a future income stream.
To discuss confidentially, please call 310.826.2627, ask for Ken Linzer, or fax your
interest to 310.820.3687, or email to youcanretirefromlaw@gmail.com.
All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.
if the attorney takes a few precautions. The
attorney may want to trim facial hair around
the mouth, bring paper and pen, ensure
proper lighting, and monitor that only one
person speaks at a time.
Hidden Disabilities
Sometimes, a client may not even know he
or she has a disability, such as a learning
disorder or mental disability. Regardless of
whether the individual is aware of the disability
or whether the disability is covered by
the ADA, hidden disabilities can influence an
attorney’s representation if steps are not
taken. Learning disorders affect the way a
person processes information. Some types
of learning disorders affect a person’s memory,
organizational skills, written language,
and listening skills. Although learning disabilities
are usually permanent, many adults
have acquired techniques to compensate for
areas where they have more difficulty. However,
not everyone with a learning disability
has developed such skills.
Because learning disorders can affect the
way a person understands and organizes
information, knowledge of the existence of a
learning disability can help facilitate a better
attorney-client relationship. For example, if
a client discloses that he or she has a processing
disorder that affects understanding of
written text, communication should be oral.
If a client discloses that he or she has difficulty
with organization, and as a result his or her
storytelling ability is compromised, this will
be important when preparing for a deposition
or testimony.
Not all clients will reveal a learning disability.
Additionally, asking a person if he or
she has a learning disability can be offensive.
Moreover, a person may not be aware
that he or she has a learning disorder. If the
relationship between a client and the attorney
becomes strained, and communication
appears to be breaking down, it is possible
that a hidden disability exists and is barring
effective communication.
If a client forgets about appointments or
requests, or perhaps does not pay close attention
to conversation, it is possible that a
learning disability is at fault. Simply ask if the
client prefers to receive communications in
writing, orally, or both. Additionally, one
may try to schedule short meetings or include
breaks. Create an environment that fosters
communication and allows a client to reveal
any preferred methods of learning. Some people
benefit from illustrations and charts to
demonstrate a particular matter. It may be
necessary to have additional face-to-face
meetings rather than telephone conversations
in order to draw charts and underline particular
points.
Mental health disabilities are covered by
12 Los Angeles Lawyer October 2008