Explaining Complex Legal Concepts to Clients: 6 Strategies for Clarity
Navigating the intricate world of legal concepts can be challenging for clients unfamiliar with legal jargon. This article presents effective strategies for lawyers to clearly communicate complex legal ideas, drawing on insights from experts in the field. From focusing on business impact to using relatable scenarios, these approaches aim to bridge the gap between legal professionals and their clients, ensuring better understanding and collaboration.
- Focus on Business Impact
- Break Down Complex Terms
- Use Videos to Explain Procedures
- Translate Concepts into Relatable Scenarios
- Simplify with Short Stories
- Employ Teach-Back Method for Clarity
Focus on Business Impact
As outside general counsel to businesses, I always start with concrete business impact because that's what really matters to my clients. They don't want me to recite legal statutes; they want to understand how a missed compliance step or contract issue will affect their operations.
For example, when a client gets sued, I don't start by explaining civil procedure. I'll say: "This is the opening play. Their goal is to create pressure. Here's what we're actually responding to, and here's what it will cost you if it drags on."
Prioritizing what my clients need to know is particularly helpful for my clients who are generally very busy. It allows them to make intelligent decisions quickly and keep their business moving forward.
Break Down Complex Terms
Clear client communication is the bedrock of a good working relationship. It helps us manage expectations. It facilitates the proper development and understanding of the facts of the case. Unfortunately, many of us are true wordsmiths, taking joy in using obscure or esoteric terms. Even worse, we use Latin.
The best strategy for explaining complex legal concepts to clients is to break them down into everyday vocabulary. Take negligence as an example. Rather than reciting the legal definition, it is better to simply say "what the defendant did wrong." Instead of saying we must prove our case by the preponderance of the evidence, say "we need to convince the jury." I can't tell you how many clients have expressed their appreciation for these simple explanations.
Using clear and understandable terms to explain complicated issues isn't just recommended; it is a must-do for any practitioner.
Use Videos to Explain Procedures
One strategy we have implemented recently to assist our clients in understanding complex legal concepts and procedures is to use videos. Often, clients don't understand legal jargon, and lawyers forget their audience, sometimes using words or legal terms clients may not comprehend. Clients are also usually very nervous, which makes understanding legal concepts even harder. We have found that recording videos about "welcome to the firm" and "what to expect now" allows clients to review them anytime they want and has significantly reduced client questions and calls.
Clear communication is the foundation of all legal work because the client looks to a lawyer as an expert, as the person who is going to help them and provide peace of mind. If strategy and next steps are not communicated properly, it could lead to client complaints and even Bar complaints. It is something that is often overlooked yet so crucial.
Translate Concepts into Relatable Scenarios
One strategy I use to explain complex legal concepts is translating them into real-world scenarios or analogies that relate directly to my client's day-to-day business. For example, if I'm discussing intellectual property protections, I might compare it to locking the doors to your office—just because you created something doesn't mean it's protected unless you take the legal steps to secure it.
I also avoid legal jargon unless it's absolutely necessary, and when I do need to use it, I follow up with a plain-language explanation and a visual or example to reinforce understanding. Tools like diagrams or simple timelines help make processes such as contract negotiations or compliance steps more digestible.
Clear communication is crucial because if clients don't truly understand the legal implications of their decisions, they can't make informed choices. Especially in a fast-paced tech environment, clarity builds trust, reduces risk, and ensures that legal strategy is aligned with business goals—not something that slows them down.
Simplify with Short Stories
To describe legal terms, I use short stories or everyday examples. What is a "contingency fee"? It's like a teacher who only gets paid if the team wins.
People remember stories better than legal terms, which is why this approach is practical. It eliminates fear and fosters trust, which is particularly essential when the legal process appears daunting.
Clear communication keeps clients calm and involved. When clients know what's going on, they feel valued and in charge, which helps them make better choices and achieve better results.
Employ Teach-Back Method for Clarity
We sometimes use a "teach-back" method to ensure clients truly understand what we've explained. I ask clients to explain things back in their own words, not as a test, but to make sure it makes sense.
This method reveals gaps immediately. If a client misunderstands a key point, I can reframe it using a simpler explanation or a different example. We'll continue until the client feels completely comfortable. That moment, when they understand, is powerful. It transforms legal technicalities into something practical and effective.
Clients deserve more than a superficial understanding. If clients don't understand, they can't make decisions, and that can cost them the case.
By taking the time to check for understanding, we serve the client's interests and their case. That's part of our firm's culture. We don't talk over clients. We talk with them, and we don't move forward until we're on the same page.
