Lawyer Finally Works up the Nerve to Break up with Client

Lillian Bittker, a thirty six year old junior partner at the Atlanta firm of Christopher, Bridges & Donk, met current client Olin Julow at a cocktail party almost one year ago. Julow, an independently wealthy businessman and friend of another firm client, was introduced to Bittker at the soiree and they immediately hit it off. From that moment on it seemed like an extremely happy attorney-client relationship had been born.

In fact, both parties agree that there was period of nearly four months when the pairing looked like it would last forever.

"From March, when I met Olin, to about July things were wonderful," remembered Bittker. "He would send me small tokens of appreciation whenever I assisted with one of his company's deals and spoke highly of me to many of his friends and colleagues. After a while, though, the Olin I knew changed for the worse. I realized then that the honeymoon phase of our relationship was over."

According to the junior partner, Julow became increasingly distant and cold. He often sent subordinates to attend meetings with Bittker and steered noticeably less business the firm's way. Despite the discernible change in their association, Bittker did not want to give up on something that had worked so well in the past.

"I am a little ashamed to say this but when Olin started acting strangely I assumed it was because of something I had done," admitted Bittker. "Therefore, I made a real attempt to act extra cheerful and constantly asked him if there was something I or the firm could do to make him happier. He never gave a clear response though so I eventually gave up."

After six more months of dealing with Julow's rapidly worsening behavior, the Christopher Bridges partner realized that decisive action was necessary. She decided that she had to break up with her client before things deteriorated any further.

"One day I woke up and thought to myself 'Lillian, you are a smart and successful lawyer at a prestigious firm," stated Bittker, recalling the exact moment at which she worked up the nerve to end it with Julow. "I then said out loud, 'Why are you taking Olin's crap when there are a million attractive clients just like him who would be dying to have you as a legal advisor.'"

Bittker claims that while there was a lot about her and Julow's arrangement that augured poorly for any lasting affiliation, there were a few specific aspects that convinced her to permanently separate from her client. She relates that Julow became progressively more abusive, asking her to work longer and longer hours, often forcing her to miss important events such as a child's birthday party or an anniversary dinner. Moreover, Bittker avers, her client suddenly never said 'thank you' for work well done and, as the relationship proceeded, took her out to incredibly cheap restaurants for closing dinners.

"Worst though was the fact that he never returned my calls," said Bittker with a sigh. "Towards the end it was hard if not impossible to get the man on the phone. I realized it just wasn't worth the effort."

When the time for the actual breakup came, Bittker attempted to act professionally despite the difficult nature of the conversation.

"I admit I was extremely nervous when I met Olin at ENO, this great Mediterranean-themed restaurant we always went to when we first started working together," remarked the junior partner. "Towards the end of lunch I steeled myself and told Olin nicely but firmly that this just wasn't working and that we had to break up."

Bittker continued: "Yes, I did actually say to him that, 'it's not you, it's me' and that he 'was a really great client who I am sure will find someone amazing to take on his business matters.' Of course that was total bullshit because I was really hoping that no other firm would ever represent him and that he would spend the rest of his life sad and lawyerless. After all, he put me through hell and I hope he suffers for it."