# 120. Get Curious Before You Get Defensive: Clean Language Questions for Lawyers

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-agile-attorney-podcast-6878760/120-get-curious-before-you-get-defensive-clean-language-questions-for-lawyers
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-agile-attorney-podcast-6878760/120-get-curious-before-you-get-defensive-clean-language-questions-for-lawyers.md
Podcast: [The Agile Attorney Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-agile-attorney-podcast-6878760)
Published: 2026-05-19T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://community.agileattorney.com/clean-language-questions-for-lawyers
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4b8f0c88-6d0e-4539-9eb4-6298c349a6f8.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1463

## Resource

As a lawyer, it’s easy to fall into defensive mode when a client expresses frustration with your work or challenges your bill. But instead of getting defensive, what the client really needs is your curiosity. In this episode, I introduce a tool I’ve been using for over a year called Clean Language questions. This technique, originally from psychotherapy, helps clients open up and explore their own thoughts without leading them. When clients express dissatisfaction, instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, Clean Language questions allow you to get to the root of their concerns, strengthening the relationship and improving understanding. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: agileattorney.com/120 Take your law practice from overwhelmed to optimized with GreenLine Legal Follow along on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnegrant

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## Transcript

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