In my experience from having worked in a number of legal practices in NZ one of the most important tasks that a professional adviser must do right at the outset is to set proper expectations not only for the client but also for himself/herself for the completion of the task at hand.

You should consider not only what is the client looking for in seeking your advice but also what their time-frame expectations are. Both should be discussed fully with the client prior to taking on the job. One of the biggest sources of complaint in any professional advice industry is the failure to deliver what was expected and/or the failure to deliver within the required time constraints.

Lets be honest one of the professional adviser’s most important tasks in providing high level commercial advice is “Risk Management”. When significant amounts of money and reputations are at stake the potential risk for clients and advisers alike is high.

Much stress is caused to all involved if a full and frank discussion is not had about expectations. The temptation for many businesses particularly in challenging economic times is to say yes to any job that walks through the door. This is the worst thing you can do.

Even if a client’s expectations are that a job needs to be completed by a certain date you need to consider whether that expectation is realistic because if it is not then you are doing yourself and the client a disservice.

You should consider whether you have the expertese to do the job, whether you have the manpower to do the job and what other committments may prevent you from giving the job the priority it requires.

If you are in any doubt on any of these fronts you should discuss these fully with your client.

It is quite possible that while a client may have a deadline in mind that may well be based on an unrealistic view of what is involved. It is your role as adviser to educate your client about what is involved and to set realistic time-frames for completion.