Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Never Burn a Bridge

April 08, 2009

Last week I met with a friend of a friend, who happens to be an extremely successful partner in a NYC law firm, and a law firm that is still hiring, despite the awful economy. He shared a story that is worth repeating.

Apparently several years ago, the lawyer, with whom I met, sued someone on behalf of his client. The litigation had required a significant amount of time and effort. After winning the lawsuit, the client refused to pay the entirety of the lawyer’s fee. Eventually, the lawyer sued the client for payment. That case was appealed all the way up to the highest court in New York, which ruled in favor of the lawyer. When the client still balked at making payment, the lawyer prepared to summon local law enforcement to take property equivalent to the fee. Eventually, full payment was made.

Now here’s what makes this story fascinating: That very day the former client had called the lawyer and asked the lawyer to represent him in another suit! It seems the client had realized just how good this particular lawyer is and wanted only the best handling his matters in court.

I asked the lawyer whether he would take the case, and he indicated “probably not.” But he added, “I never burn a bridge.” The lawyer noted that this same client has in the past—and probably will in the future—send other business his way. So he’ll gladly meet with the same former client who he once sued.

In my seminars, I often like to remind people who are just entering the workforce that they will never know when they will meet someone who may transform their careers. My meeting with the NYC litigator is a reminder that we never know when someone, who once “done us wrong,” might turn around and help us out. So never burn a bridge.