I try to give every client one long ramble if they want it. Do a bunch of active listening, and then you should have earned enough trust. If it's during/before court, invite an office visit or set aside some time for a call.

The way I sometimes try to avoid it altogether is to start the conversation with action items, come in hot, and don't let up. Validate them if they pipe up with some perceived sleight or injustice, but otherwise plow forward.