RICKPHOTOIMG_0186 (U0129967)One finds difficult personalities more often in lawyers as a group than in the general population as a whole. But there is hope. For the last 10 years or so, a well-respected Delaware lawyer has made an annual presentation with a series of tips on how to deal with difficult lawyers, difficult colleagues, difficult judges, and the like. Richard DiLiberto, Jr., Esq., has graciously agreed to share his outlines in the “difficult person series” for the benefit of our readers. I have known Rick for over 30 years, and I can attest that he is the type of person who “can get along with anyone”, but the tips he provides in the outlines linked below are useful even for those who get along with everyone. We all will encounter, at least once in our careers, someone we cannot avoid and who is difficult to deal with.

The following introduction to Rick’s outline is presented in the context of a trial lawyer’s work, but the tips are equally applicable to interpersonal challenges both outside of the courtroom and outside of one’s job.

The “difficult” trial is one in which counsel is faced with challenges from one, or more of the following:

The Difficult Client;
The Difficult Case;
The Difficult Lawyer;
The Difficult Judge;
The Difficult Witness; and
The Difficult Colleague.

Each raises important practical, legal and professional responsibility issues. In the time allotted, it is impossible to discuss the matter in detail, but outlines regarding each “difficult” person or situation referenced above are attached [via this hyperlink.]

A separate outline devoted to the difficult lawyer is available at this link. I appreciate Rick’s kindness in sharing this valuable information with our friendly readers.