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What one piece of advice do you repeatedly give to your clients?

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Well, don’t leave your common sense on the doorstep. When you come in, have your antennae out, you know do you like this guy, is he talking your language? And I say if you don’t like me, don’t hire me because no matter how many people or how great the recommendation you got from your best friend or whoever it’s not going to work if you and I don’t work out together. I often say to my clients by the time I finish saying this we’re five minutes into the interview and you already know.

And they say well, what do we do next? I say well, the first thing is do you like me, do you want to work with me? Because no matter how good I am if you have reservations about that, we’re not a good fit. And what we’re selling really is comfort because there’s a lot of lawyers that can do estate plans, some good, some not so good, but really, you want a lawyer that’s going to make you feel comfortable and to make your spouse and your children comfortable when the time comes. So it’s a first impression, you only get one chance at a first impression.

Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney Mark A. Bregman talks about what clients should know when working with him or any estate planning attorney. He advises that prospective clients should rely on common sense when choosing an attorney. In his view, the decision often comes down to whether there is a natural rapport. He emphasizes that even the strongest recommendation cannot replace the importance of personal compatibility. By the first few minutes of an initial meeting, most clients already have a clear sense of whether he is the right fit for them.

When asked about next steps, he explains that the first and most important question is whether the client feels comfortable working with him. Regardless of his skill or experience, if a client has reservations, the relationship is unlikely to succeed. He underscores that what he and his colleagues provide is not just legal expertise but also a sense of comfort. Estate planning involves not only the client but also their spouse and children, and it is essential that all involved feel confident and at ease. He notes that first impressions matter greatly, as there is only one opportunity to establish that foundation of trust.

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