Choosing the Right Lawyer
I recently met my Aunt’s new boyfriend. Let’s call him Bob. He is a very nice man. Except he hates lawyers. Hates ’em.
Of course, Bob didn’t tell me that directly. He didn’t say that he hates lawyers. It started with religion. Bob is against organized religion because it’s hypocritical. Well, I’ve heard that line millions of times before, but it’s always a great ice breaker, right? NO! But, I couldn’t resist. “Why do you think people who go to church are hypocritical?” I asked.
He answered, “Take lawyers, for example. They go to religious services and donate their money to a religion that teaches them to be moral and ethical – do unto others as others do unto you. And then, on Monday morning, they’re right back at it, taking advantage of people in order to make a buck”.
How are lawyers taking advantage of people?
OK, now I was hooked. How are lawyers taking advantage of people? Why do you think they are unethical and hypocritical?
Well, turns out he owns property. Lots of it. Tenants aren’t paying, and he can’t get them out. The lawyers know the loopholes and even though the lawyers know their clients are wrong in not paying their rent, they know how to delay through the legal process.
Well, ok, don’t we pay our lawyers, accountants, etc. to take advantage of the loopholes? I said, “Hold on. If your CPA told you that you can save a ton of money in taxes by using a tax loophole, would you tell him or her, No thank you. I’ll pay more than I should!”
That’s different, he said. Well, of course. But, it got me wondering. Aren’t all lawyers bound to zeaolously represent their clients within the bounds of the law? Even if we don’t like the way the law is being applied? We can always refuse the case, right?
Take my practice, for example. Maybe my new client is thinking about Bankruptcy or Foreclosure Defense, or maybe it’s someone who consults me for Elder Law or Medicaid asset protection planning because he or she wants to pass on their life savings to their children and not spend it all on nursing home care. It’s my job to help them, not judge them, right?
I know there a lot of people out there, like Bob, who think lawyers are unethical and will do anything to make a buck. Happily, most of the lawyers I know, are conscientious professionals who care about doing the right thing. And doing the right thing, as a lawyer, means we represent our clients zealously, WITHIN the bounds of the law.
The Law Office of Debra G. Simms. Planning today for tomorrow. It’s the law. Write me at simmslawfirm.com or call me at 1-877-447-4667.
