Negotiating with Belligerent Opposing Counsel
Initially, I tried letting him vent. When he wound down and I responded, however, he launched into another ear-splitting tirade. In a very calm voice, I said, “I’m going to hang up the phone now. Call me back when you have calmed down, and we can discuss it further.” I pushed the disconnect button.
The phone rang immediately, and the screaming began again. I responded calmly, even gently, “I’m going to hang up again. Call me back when you calm down.”
The third call began with him yelling, “Stop treating me like a child!”
“I will,” I reassured him, “when you stop acting like one.” I quietly hung up again. […] «Negotiating with Belligerent Opposing Counsel»