As a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience across diverse legal fields, Jeffrey A. Cancilla has honed his skills not only in litigation but also in crafting solutions that help clients navigate complex legal issues. For Cancilla, the ability to approach legal challenges with a problem-solving mindset is one of the most valuable skills a lawyer can possess. His advice to legal professionals centers around the idea that lawyers should see themselves as problem solvers first, helping clients find practical and effective solutions to their legal concerns.
1. Understand the Client’s Goals
Before diving into legal strategy, Cancilla emphasizes the importance of understanding the client’s goals and desired outcomes. For him, it’s not enough to focus solely on the legal aspects of a case; lawyers must also be aware of the practical and personal implications for their clients.
“Every case is unique because every client has different goals,” says Cancilla. “It’s essential to ask the right questions and really listen to what the client hopes to achieve. That should always guide your approach to problem-solving.”
Jeffrey A. Cancilla advises attorneys to take the time to have in-depth conversations with their clients, asking not only about their legal issues but also about their long-term goals and personal preferences. This helps attorneys craft tailored solutions that align with the client’s overall objectives.
2. Think Beyond the Courtroom
For Jeffrey A Cancilla, solving legal problems often means thinking beyond litigation and the courtroom. While litigation may be necessary in some cases, he believes that the best solutions are often those that avoid lengthy, expensive legal battles. Cancilla encourages lawyers to explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or negotiation, to find solutions that save time, money, and stress for their clients.
“Litigation isn’t always the best path,” Cancilla explains. “Sometimes, the best solution is one that avoids court altogether. Explore every option available, whether it’s negotiation, settlement, or mediation. A good lawyer finds the most effective solution, not necessarily the most dramatic one.”
His approach is particularly relevant in areas like real estate and business disputes, where long court battles can be financially draining for all parties involved. Cancilla’s problem-solving mindset helps clients resolve disputes efficiently while minimizing conflict and maximizing outcomes.
3. Stay Creative and Open-Minded
Problem-solving in the legal field requires creativity and flexibility, especially when dealing with complex or unusual cases. Jeffrey A. Cancilla encourages legal professionals to think outside the box and remain open to innovative solutions that may not follow traditional legal paths.
“Not every problem has a clear-cut answer,” Cancilla says. “Sometimes, you need to get creative to find the right solution. Don’t be afraid to explore new angles or approaches, especially in situations where the obvious path isn’t working.”
The expert advises attorneys to remain open-minded and adaptable, recognizing that each case presents unique challenges. Whether it’s finding a loophole in a contract, leveraging emerging laws, or crafting a novel settlement strategy, creativity is essential for effective problem-solving.
4. Anticipate Challenges and Risks
Another key aspect of effective problem-solving, according to Jeffrey A. Cancilla, is anticipating potential challenges and risks early in the legal process. He believes that identifying possible roadblocks ahead of time allows attorneys to develop proactive strategies and minimize the impact of unforeseen issues.
“Part of solving a problem is knowing what challenges might arise,” Cancilla explains. “If you can anticipate risks, you can prepare for them and mitigate their effects. That not only protects your client’s interests but also helps avoid costly surprises down the road.”
Cancilla’s approach involves conducting thorough risk assessments, considering both legal and non-legal factors that could influence the case’s outcome. He advises lawyers to be proactive in spotting potential issues and to develop contingency plans to ensure their clients are prepared for whatever may come.
5. Focus on Efficiency
Jeffrey Cancilla also highlights the importance of efficiency in legal problem-solving. While thoroughness is critical, he believes that legal professionals should aim to resolve issues as efficiently as possible to minimize costs and time for their clients. By streamlining processes, simplifying legal strategies, and cutting down on unnecessary delays, lawyers can better serve their clients’ interests.
“Efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners,” Cancilla clarifies. “It means being mindful of your client’s time and resources. The goal is to solve the problem quickly and effectively, without dragging things out longer than necessary.”
His advice to legal professionals is to prioritize efficiency by focusing on what matters most to the case and eliminating unnecessary complexities. He encourages attorneys to develop streamlined workflows, use technology to their advantage, and communicate clearly with clients to keep cases moving forward.
In Conclusion: Lawyers as Problem-Solvers
Jeffrey Cancilla’s advice underscores the idea that lawyers are more than just litigators—they are problem solvers who help clients navigate challenging legal situations with thoughtful, strategic solutions. Whether it’s understanding the client’s goals, thinking creatively, anticipating risks, or focusing on efficiency, Cancilla believes that a problem-solving mindset is essential for success in legal practice.
As he puts it, “At the end of the day, our job is to solve problems. The best lawyers don’t just know the law—they know how to find the best solutions for their clients. That’s what sets great legal professionals apart.”