Representing Yourself

I am reminded, by a call from a "prospective client" today, of the old maxim -- He who represents himself has a fool for a client AND a lawyer.

This is not to say that non-lawyers cannot "understand the law". It is only to remind you that a lawyer has education, training and experience, which gives rise to knowledge, that you cannot replicate even by reading and "understanding" the law.

As I told this caller, "Would you give yourself an appendectomy?"

I realize the practice of law comes at a substantial cost compared with the earnings of many persons. I try to make my rates both reasonable and competitive. The practice of law holds costs for lawyers, too: overhead, insurance, continuing legal education. I am not rich. I make a fair income but not excessive, because that is what I choose to do. I hope everyone finds attorneys who set rates at a reasonable level.

Whatever you do, understand that the law is like the iceberg that sank the Titanic. You can only see a small piece of it. Below the surface, there is so much more. Hit with your peril. Have a life jacket. Have a life boat and sturdy rain gear.

That's all. It's to your advantage to hire an attorney. Make them earn their fee, and don't let them take advantage of you. Find a good one, and ask questions. Ask them to do reasonable work for a reasonable fee, and don't expect them to "wait" for payment -- you would not "wait" for your paycheck, would you?

The practice of law is hard. It wears me out at times. Whether I "win", "lose", or "settle", I give this 110% effort. I will work hard for my clients, as will most lawyers. You are well-served by having competent counsel and by not trying to "do-it-yourself", as you are with most things in which you are neither trained nor educated -- like plumbing, surgery, and cutting hair.