From time to time, we are all confronted with a colleague whose approach may be difficult and/or confrontational.

1. Pause before you respond to a provocative verbal comment or written communication. A response delivered in haste may be regretted later.
2. When sending a written communication, remember to ask yourself how you would feel if the letter was read out in an open court.
3. Avoid engaging the personality – stick to the issues.
4. If the view you have is genuine and honest, then don’t be put off if your colleague attempts to belittle you. Stand up for yourself, and most importantly, your client.
5. If you find it difficult to have conversations with your colleague, then stick to written communication as much as possible.
6. If the relationship with a colleague becomes stressful, consider asking another solicitor in the office (if there is one) to help you or take over conduct of the file.
7. If the conflict continues, it might be worth asking a trusted colleague to intervene to assist in a mediation capacity.
8. If you form the view that your colleague has done something dishonest, then you must give consideration to reporting the matter to the Law Society.
9. Remember, your overriding duty is to represent your client’s best interests. Having a difficult relationship with a colleague may not serve your client’s interests. If this is the case, you must consider how you can mend the relationship.
10. If the problem continues to trouble you, contact the Guidance and Ethics Helpline (call 01 6724800 and ask for the helpline).