Before you respond to someone close to you who asks for help, think about the pros and cons of a free consultation, as well as the resources you can safely send to family and friends in need. I believe that the direct approach is by far the best. I believe you need to sit down and explain what you`re doing for a business and point out the fact that you`re making money selling advice you`ve acquired over years and a lot of money. Then, tell him that you would like to put him in advance so that you can continue to advise him on an ongoing basis. You can even give them a special price if you want, but make sure you set them up as customers. Otherwise, you will continue to give “spontaneous” advice and will not give his questions the serious reflection necessary to give the best possible legal advice. Remember, if something bad happens to your friend and he thinks you`ve given him bad advice, they can sue you. You can still be friends, but you also need to establish a business relationship. If a family member or friend has a lawyer, resist the urge to give a second opinion. The fact is that the other lawyer has spent a lot more time on the case than you and knows many facts that the person you are talking to may not have disclosed.
Consider this before telling someone that you would handle a situation differently than that person`s lawyer. Then my go-to is an offer of a family/friends discount because I`m with you and want to help everyone, but not at the expense of my own bills! Then I say something like, “Because you`re a dear friend, I`m happy to offer you my consultation, which typically costs $250 to $150/hour, if you want to make an appointment to keep talking about your retail business.” Another tip is to always tell your close family and friends how you calculate clients or your consulting fees. That way, if mom and dad send you referrals, for example, they can break the ice for you in advance by mentioning your expenses so it doesn`t come as a shock to anyone. Finally, avoid the temptation to give legal advice to your friend or family member. It`s easy to feel like a legal expert in the internet age where many of us have access to unparalleled legal information and advice. But being able to search for something on the internet doesn`t make you a true expert on the specifics of litigation. Eventually, your friends and family will understand that you usually can`t meet all legal needs. In the meantime, however, these are some good strategies to remove them from your back. Behind this old chestnut tree lies a kernel of truth, as most lawyers recognize the dangers of informal legal advice. For new lawyers, it may seem polite to give a few minutes of advice to a friend or family member or to discuss an unrelated matter with a current client, but such informal exchanges are dangerous, and lawyers should be aware of the risks.
The most commonly cited risk is that a lawyer at a law firm will unknowingly provoke a conflict. The classic example is the young employee whose friend seeks advice in a dispute with a third party, such as a landlord, employer or service provider. The employee who strives to be helpful does not perform conflict checks, but indicates the relevant law to the friend and explains its meaning. Luckily, the friend turns out to be hostile to a current customer of the company. This scenario is sure to end badly for the employee, and it can also harm an existing customer relationship in the company or destroy a planned replacement. Friends who seek free and spontaneous legal advice are likely to get their money`s worth. Well-meaning lawyers can do their best to qualify informal advice with statements such as “You should ask a specialist, but.” or “without the benefit of research, I think that”; However, even discerning laymen are unlikely to fully understand such reservations. A lawyer who advises a friend or family member may also lack the objectivity necessary to provide good advice. Even if a lawyer manages to give correct and complete advice at the moment without further involvement, that advice can become bad advice as the situation evolves or new facts come to light. Depending on the situation, legal advice and information may be helpful. While some situations require the advice of a lawyer – such as filing a lawsuit or defending criminal charges – other situations may simply warrant obtaining legal information.
Read the definitions of areas of practice for legal information on a specific topic or look for a lawyer in your area for legal advice on a specific legal issue. It is an ongoing problem. I think it`s important to set your limits. Tell your friend that you would like to work in retail (if you are) or with a discount (if you are). Your friend certainly won`t let you come to the store and take things for free. You need to have an open conversation with your friend and make an appointment for them. In your office. During normal business hours.
Let him fill out your admission papers. Your friend needs to know that you are a business. Why people think we work for free never ceases to amaze me. I just spoke on the phone with someone looking for a gift, and I said I don`t usually give advice on the phone with people who aren`t my clients. This immediately shortened the conversation. But when we deal with our friends and family, we feel obligated. I once sent an invoice to a family member and put “Family and Friends Discount” where I copied it. Family and friends need to see what your time is worth! Specific legal information questions may include: Practice listening and listening rather than expressing your own concerns or ideas.
This is especially true if your friend or family member already has legal experts by their side. The best thing you can do is let them express themselves to you from time to time so that they can conduct their dispute with lucidity. Do you ask your friend, the geek, for help with your computer? Do you ask your cousin a mechanic about your car? Does your circle of friends and relatives help each other or do you feel like you`re the only one with something to offer? This is a difficult excuse that many people understand.