Law-speak is like perfume: light spritz, heavy impact. Below are the biggest “tells” that pop up in attorney inboxes, what they probably mean, and how you can nudge the conversation back to honesty.
1. “We’re working on it.” 😤
Real translation: Your file is marinating in a paralegal’s inbox, untouched.
Your move: “Ok, what has been done since our last update and what’s the next dated milestone?”
No compliments, no fluff, just a timestamp demand.
2. “Per our last discussion…” 😐
Real translation: I’m about to gaslight you with a conversation that either never happened or happened only in my head.
Your move: “I don’t have a written record of that chat, please forward the note or summarize it here.”
This forces them to produce receipts or admit none exist.
3. “As discussed previously…” 🙄
Real translation: You’re annoying me, stop asking.
Your move: “Is the issue resolved, yes or no?”
This cuts their eye-rolling to a binary answer.
4. “Please be advised…” 🙃
Real translation: I’m lawyering up on you because I sense a complaint brewing.
Your move: “I’m advised. Now, what specifically am I supposed to do with this information?”
This makes them translate scare-language into actionable steps.
5. “For your convenience, attached is…” 🤓
Real translation: Dumping paperwork on you late Friday so I can clear my desk.
Your move: “Received. Reviewing Monday and if a sooner response is required, flag it.”
You just flipped the urgency back on them.
6. “We will keep you updated.” 😑
Real translation: You won’t hear from us unless you nag.
Your move: “Let’s set up a bi-weekly status meeting.”
This automates the “nagging” and saves your sanity.
7. “Let me circle back with the team.” 🫤
Real translation: I have no clue, need rescue from a colleague.
Your move: “Sounds good. Who owns the answer and when should I expect it?”
This names a human, and nails a date.
Pro Tip:
Put as much as possible in writing, even if it’s a one-sentence follow-up text. Never apologize for asking basic questions; this is your case and your life, not the attorney’s. Set default deadlines so “soon” has a timestamp and “working on it” lists the next checkpoint.