Be a Client Whisperer: Effective Tools for Persuading Clients
The program tackled an often-overlooked but mission-critical topic: how lawyers ethically persuade their own clients, especially when clients are anxious, angry, budget-conscious, embarrassed, or determined to make a risky decision. Rather than treating “client persuasion” as salesmanship or manipulation, the program framed it as the lawyer’s core role as counselor, helping clients move from an initial story (“I’m right; I want it all”) to a workable plan (“Here are
the risks, costs, and best options”). To maximize engagement and skill development, Pupillage Group 4 created an immersive law-firm retreat at a fictional firm, “Whisper & Heard LLP,” complete with an advance memo from the managing partner explaining the retreat, reception, five rotating poster sessions, a creative “office potluck buffet,” law firm name badges, and office-themed table décor. The CLE program emphasized five tools for persuading clients with professionalism, ethics, and civility: (1) anchoring expectations in reality; (2) setting ethical boundaries; (3) framing and reframing; (4) motivational interviewing; and (5) using data and visuals to reduce confusion and
build trust.
Presented By: The Southwestern Law School American Inn of Court (30513)
Presented: January, 2026
Topic Areas: Legal Practice, Client Relations Professionalism, Civility, and Ethics
Materials: Script, Fact Patter, Handouts, PowerPoint Presentation and Video
CLE Approval: Approved
State: California
Hours: 1.0
Quantity is required.
Quantity must be a positive whole number.