[Miss Scarlett]

Just when I think the stress levels are dropping...

I work in family law. Sometimes we have a person call for an appointment and when I do the conflict check it pops up immediately. Sometimes it doesn't. It all hinges on the information provided by the client or prospective client and I don't read minds.

When I have to tell someone there is a conflict and we cannot meet with them I walk a very fine line because what I say cannot reveal confidential client information. I cannot tell someone "I'm sorry but Ms Attorney cannot meet with you. We have a conflict of interest because we have already met with your spouse." Being able to say that certainly would make my job easier. But no can do. When I do find a conflict I have to tell the prospective client "I'm sorry Ms. Attorney is unable to meet with you" and leave it at that. They ask me for more information and all I can tell them is that my attorney cannot meet with them.

Yesterday I discovered a conflict before a potential client came into the office. After discussing it with my attorney the appointment was cancelled giving the usual cryptic explanation. The stress came to roost when a family member called demanding an explanation then called back screaming and I do mean SCREAMING at me about the situation and demanding an explanation.

I gave the message to my boss and she will deal with it. I dread the phone and my office email today. Not looking forward to another tirade. Taking this personally is not something I do, but it is still an extremely unpleasant experience.

I keep repeating to myself something my Mom said when I worked for her:
"An attorney is not a bus. She doesn't have to stop and pick up every stray on the street."

Looking forward to 9/12 when this retrograde ends.