These are contentious, political times, with so many divisive issues: COVID-19, the economy, foreign policy, the environment, schools, sexuality, sports, etc. These divisions are taking a toll on families and friendships. They are also affecting the judicial workplace. When feelings and opinions on these issues approach extreme levels, and the people in the justice system espousing them insist on sharing their doomsday feelings with you — an attorney — what is an appropriate response? More specifically, what do you say so you don’t jeopardize your client’s case?

The answer: Practice saying different iterations of, “I can see that this is a subject you feel strongly about.” Or, “Your ideas regarding this issue are very interesting. Let’s finish our legal business first, and talk about these other issues later.”