I received a Facebook note earlier today from a fraternity pledge brother of mine, from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Missouri. He was writing to me in frustration of the fact his lawyer never returns phone calls, shows up unprepared to meetings, and lacks a sense of purpose in his work. "Why," he asked, "are lawyers such horrible business people?"
My answer to this question will require two blog posts.
I've trained about 30 lawyers since I have been practicing law, with most of these in areas where there is a particular need for aptitude in the sciences (sinkholes, fire cause and origin, and personal injuries), in addition to good legal prowess. In interviewing lawyers, hiring them, and then watching them succeed (or not), I've learned all of these things matter little if the lawyer lacks one, essential skill:
Time management. It's that simple.