--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Never shake hands with colleagues in…" description: "\"Never shake hands with colleagues in court; the customers think you're making deals.\" — John Mortimer" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac9/john-mortimer-7362_colleagues_never-shake-hands-with-colleagues-in-cou_1227606.jpg" --- # Never shake hands with colleagues in court; the customers… ![“Never shake hands with colleagues in court; the customers think you're making deals.” quote by John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac9/john-mortimer-7362_colleagues_never-shake-hands-with-colleagues-in-cou_1227606.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac9/john-mortimer-7362_colleagues_never-shake-hands-with-colleagues-in-cou_1227606.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ac9/john-mortimer-7362_colleagues_never-shake-hands-with-colleagues-in-cou_1227606.jpg) > “Never shake hands with colleagues in court; the customers think you're making deals.” [John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mortimer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. In legal settings, physical gestures like handshakes can be misinterpreted as informal deals, so avoid them. **In simple terms:** Don’t shake hands in court to keep professionalism. Key Takeaway Maintain clear professional boundaries. Themes professionalism court etiquette perception trust communication Mood cautious formal Type ethical practical When to use this quote - courtroom interactions - client meetings - law firm culture Key Concepts Legal ethics client relations boundary setting Questions to Reflect On - How do you convey respect without handshakes? - What alternatives can you use? 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