Just enough information to be annoying

[muck_a_luck]

Dang it. I don't like to be a snippy bitch, but I also don't like clients thinking I don't know how to do my job.

So. Client initially requested service by Sheriff, but became concerned that might take too long, so asked that we also get the Court to issue a Complaint for service by private process.

I generated the necessary Praecipe, Boss approved and signed it, and I sent the Praecipe to the Court with a copy of the Complaint.

I sent the Praecipe to the client via e-mail in .pdf format, to keep him in the loop.

I got this reply e-mail:

CK,

Thank you very much for keeping me posted. Some courts require you to provide a printed copy of the same document (Letter of Complaint) for them to generate the service copy. You may want to check if the Fairfax County Circuit Court also has that requirement.

Regards,

-Client

*headdesk*

Like I said, hate to be snippy, but that is a level of client involvement in the routine performance of my job that I really have to address. I replied:

Mr. Client,

Yes, sir! After six years as Boss' secretary, practicing almost exclusively in Fairfax County Circuit Court, I am fully aware of this requirement, and the appropriate copy of the Complaint went with the Praecipe. I apologize for not duplicating you on the copy of the document you already had. I did not intend to raise concerns for you or create confusion.

Kind regards,
CK


What do you think? Too much?

Comments

[charlietudor.livejournal.com]

You forgot to add "You stupid chucklehead." ;D

I think you got your message across without smacking him upside the head, yeah.

[muck-a-luck.livejournal.com]

That means a lot to me, coming from you! :D

[fearandloathing.livejournal.com]

This is how I see it:
Option 1: you send a more neutral/pleasant/reassuring letter, making it a positive-pleasant experience for him, and a slightly annoying-positive experience for you

Option 2:
send the snippy letter and have a positive/negative-satisfying experience for you, but a possibly negative/reactive experience for him


To me, even just straight up neutral/informative is how I would go (on a good day):

Dear Mr. Client,

Yes, the Fairfax County Circuit Court does have that requirement.
A printed copy of the Complaint was sent with the Praecipe.

Kind regards,
CK


Personally, I am a major control freak and don't trust anyone, and I check on things like this (like the client did) ALL the time, since many times, little things that people sometimes neglect have left snags for me to deal with that were annoying.

If you knew you better, this guy would know that you pay attention to detail, and know what you are doing, but since he doesn't, he's probably just playing it safe by making sure you know the info so there will not be a snag.

[muck-a-luck.livejournal.com]

I see your point. Completely. Though this man has worked with me a lot in this matter and every step of the way I have wanted to ask him, why did you hire us, if you want to handle the case yourself? Every little itty bitty interaction has been like this. If he really thinks I'm this incompetent... *sigh* But I do see your point.

[fearandloathing.livejournal.com]

Well.... it's one of those things, you know? If you only have to deal w/him like, once, or just every once in a while...

He's just a nincompoop and he probably questions many people in his daily doings.. you just happen to be in his path of dealings, right?

Heh.. that last line was supposed to be "If he knew you better" not "If you knew you better"
Sheesh!! *smacks self around*

[zats-clear.livejournal.com]

for what it's worth, I am someone who has to presume that others are not going to do their job correctly. sadly, when I have failed to do that, I have typically been burned on it and always have to be the one to jump thru my ass to fix something that, had Person A been doing their job, I would have have nothing to do with. once I establish they are proficient? I let them be.

soooo, when someone states something I already know and do, I simply try to allay their concerns and let it be.

[muck-a-luck.livejournal.com]

Yeah. But I have done A LOT with this guy and should have already established my competence dealing with his 500 other nitpicky questions...

[emeraldsword.livejournal.com]

Well, I'd be very tempted to send your letter (I am SO FED UP of dealing with idiots as my day job that I have no manners/patience at all for anyone else) but from the diplomatic perspective, I have to support fearandloathing's version.

Don't know if you have Lynx as the deoderant of choice for teenage boys - I sent them a very irritated email through their 'customer care' box on the website. The topic? The label on the bottle has the incorrect chemical formula for magnesium oxide. It's not even my bottle. Needless to say, after informing them that they may consider their customers stupid but there is no need to deliberately misinform them, I have had no response.

I think 'patience' should be on my goal list.