But certainly clear written fee agreements outlining responsibility are key for preventing these types of claims. It is not my position to tell your law firm how it should answer the phone. It is my position that you should think about it, have a meeting if necessary and determine how your phone will be answered. Then put it in writing, just in case you find yourself training a new receptionist next month. As the heading suggests, it is important to speak slowly and clearly when answering the phone, or when making an outgoing call for that matter.
Law offices are busy places.
Often the person answering the phone may be trying to complete copying a brief or some other task on a tight deadline. It is very easy to translate that frantic breathlessness into a breathless phone voice. The entire point of a telephone call is communication. Speaking too quickly will usually hamper rather than expedite that process. Take a deep breath when you answer the phone and smile.