First coaches for lawyers, now coaches for the clients of the lawyers

Most of us are familiar with the idea of lawyers hiring coaches to help them with goals in business development or time management or career navigation. But how about clients hiring coaches to help them through the legal process? Clients are hiring coaches in Memphis: Attorneys refer clients to divorce coaches for guidance on smooth ending to marriage (subscription may be required).

[A] new trend in divorce law borrows from the emerging practice of executive coaching to help guide both parties through the process, if not more amicably, then more efficiently.

For four years, family lawyer Miles Mason of Crone & Mason has recommended coaches to his clients. Divorce coaches are typically mental health professionals but they do not act as therapists nor, of course, do they give legal advice.

"The word coach (is used), in terms of going to a professional that has expertise in a particular area of life, is a trend," Mason says. "These days people have more money, they recognize weakness more, value good advice and are generally more self-aware. People understand if you pay a little more for some good advice, you can avoid some common pitfalls."

Why stop at divorce? Can't you think of a number of other areas of the law where client coaches could be in the best of interest of not only the parties but the lawyers?  I think I like this idea. Do you?

Comments

[Julie Fleming Brown]

Stephanie, I think this is an interesting trend. I've wondered about providing coaching to clients in litigation, for instance, to work in conjunction with lawyers on helping clients sort out their real goals in an effort to facilitate settlement. And then, I switch hats and question whether I'd want my clients working with a coach, perhaps sharing legal strategy or getting some input from the coach... And I'd be quite skeptical.

I suspect it's a useful endeavor (for instance, in helping a client present himself/herself well, stress and energy management around a long legal process, etc.) but a tricky one. I'll be curious to see how this proceeds.

[Kevin Hickey]

Interesting concept that I too will be watching. I think it could be helpful in managing client expectations about the litigation process - and understanding that the process may take awhile.