Are we really listening?

No matter how you try and categorize them; client complaints are all about lawyer's failing to listen. Why is that? Part of the problem has to do with lawyers and their role. On the one hand, we all want to be sensitive to our clients needs, on the otherhand it is important to be somewhat detatched to be an effective advocate for their cause. The essence of good advocacy is found in reaching the proper balance between passion for the case and compassion for the client. While we all guage are performance by the win/loss test, it is important to remember at the end of every journey the case is about the client not the lawyer.