By Mark Baumann, an attorney in Washington State, and director of ICCI What is the difference between the words lawyer and attorney? Defining those in practical and ethical terms gives lawyers the ability to clarify flexible services they offer. Most […]
By Mark Baumann, 2026 Pay-as-You-Go is an ethical and client-centered billing method which can reduce uncollected fees. It allows lawyers to rely less on the advance fee (“retainer”) and trust accounting system, or even to eliminate it. PAYG naturally helps
The Polyvagal Theory (PVT) offers useful insight into what drives conflict. Based on hard neurobiology science, PVT describes behavior governed by the autonomic nervous system such as the fight/flight/freeze system (FFF) and Social Engagement System (SES). Simply put, PVT posits
This important meta study & responsive comment confirm childhood neglect/abuse impacts brain shape and function, and that attachment is the primary issue. Lead authors Teicher and van der Kolk are both heavyweights in the science fields. Teicher and Samson reviewed
Equipoise describes the lawyer’s art of balancing opposing interests and states while remaining poised for action. It’s also useful for judges and mediators. It is often necessary to take time to consider two positions, and the pressure to jump into
Integration within the context of the Integrative Client-Centered Model (ICCM) has multiple meanings. Primarily, it’s hard to optimize information processing and decision making when various personal and interpersonal factors are unbalanced. Body, mind, relationships Integration refers to the integration of
The ICCM is a client counseling and conflict management model for lawyers, professionals, and assistants involved in managing conflict. It is an updated client-centered model built on foundations of neurobiological, relational, and attachment science which offer explanations and solutions regarding
Listening is a key skill Listening is a is a core skill in all counseling and communication models and is a learned skill which can be enhanced (even for those with some natural skill). There are many excellent listening models,
An introductory definition of attachment from the DMM perspective, and why it is relevant to legal (and other relational) professionals. An ICCI whitepaper. Mark Baumann, © 2017-2025 Attachment is often described as simply involving a child who seeks safety from a
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) is primarily a theory and framework which describes human development and functioning as a product of the relationship between the body, mind and relationships. Another term for it is relational neuroscience, and it is a biopsychosocial model. IPNB
Client-centered refers to a counseling perspective where the client is supported to make choices which affect their lives. Under the rules of professional conduct for lawyers, clients must make decisions about the goals of the litigation. Thus, a goal for
CI works with lawyers representing lawyers/professionals facing disciplinary problems*. Many ethical problems are a result of an improper understanding of the lawyer’s (and other professional’s) role in client counseling. For lawyers/professionals facing ethical complaints, education and mentoring about proper and
