Law Stack Exchange
Law Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [lawyer]

For questions about lawyers and the licensed practice of the legal profession.

Lawyer refers to a qualified legal practitioner, generally admitted to the Bar in the relevant jurisdiction, but in some cases listed on a roll of practitioners.

The study required to become qualified vary from place to place, however some knowledge of jurisprudence, ethics, real property law, and statutory interpretation are common subject areas.

Some jurisdictions use a split legal profession system, whereby solicitors and barristers undertake separate duties in legal representation. In these jurisdictions, the term lawyer can refer to either a barrister or solicitor.

Canonical Answers:

211 questions
15
votes
3 answers

Both parties have retained a lawyer, what if the other party still communicates to me directly?

The other party started to use a lawyer, and then I retained a lawyer and responded to their letter. But what if they still contact me directly about the matters lawyers are dealing with? What type of wording should I use to write back to them?
Tom
  • 159
  • 1
  • 6
7
votes
1 answer

Why can't lawyers lower their fees to match unmet demand, rather than leaving legal practice?

Benjamin Barton JD magna magna cum laude, 1996, University of Michigan. Glass Half Full: The Decline and Rebirth of the Legal Profession (2015). p. 49 Middle. Please see the last two sentences pinpointed by the red arrow. Why can't fees be…
user89
6
votes
4 answers

How closely must a lawyer follow a client's directives?

A plaintiff launches a lawsuit with a very complicated set of facts and law. The client says, "I want you to focus on issues X, Y, and Z, because those are the ones that I am most comfortable and familiar with, and forget about, or at least downplay…
Libra
  • 6,448
  • 4
  • 26
  • 49
6
votes
2 answers

Why don't lawyers keep a queue of contingency cases?

I frequently encounter situations in which there is likely civil liability between two parties but where the aggrieved party does not pursue legal action because they lack money and/or expertise. Occasionally I have approached lawyers when I see…
feetwet
  • 21,795
  • 12
  • 80
  • 175
4
votes
3 answers

How to find a lawyer to hire

The site linked here gives far to little information to choose. How should one deal with such a situation? Why does such a site give so little information?
Michael Hardy
  • 3,256
  • 14
  • 36
4
votes
3 answers

Is it "unethical" for a lawyer to argue both sides of a point of law?

In other words, is hypocrisy a frowned upon or even a disciplinary matter? Suppose a lawyer has two clients and the circumstances don't warrant a "conflict of interest" problem under the rules of professional conduct. The two clients aren't doing…
Mr. A
  • 1,696
  • 1
  • 16
  • 30
4
votes
2 answers

How are US state laws that regard who can practice law constitutional?

I'm aware of a couple states that have alternative methods to become a lawyer but most states stipulate that all practicing attorneys must A. complete courses from a recognized college and B. stay in good standing with the state bar. What laws give…
irth
  • 403
  • 4
  • 13
4
votes
1 answer

Should I keep calling my court appointed attorney?

I had a medical issue, and there was a very slim chance that I could have ended up as a ward of the state. As a result, I was given a court appointed attorney. However, I have not heard from the attorney at all, and I've tried contacting them since…
user441767
  • 141
  • 2
2
votes
2 answers

Is it unlawful and or against the rules for a lawyer to criticize a judge and or a judge's decision?

I've heard of a sentiment that a licensed lawyer should remain respectful of the court in order to promote faith in the justice system. Is there a law or a rule against criticizing judges in and or outside of the court room? Could you explain how…
Mr. A
  • 1,696
  • 1
  • 16
  • 30
1
vote
1 answer

What does Google Scholar lack which your typical law firm does not in terms of case data?

I hope this isn't a subjective question. I want to know what Google Scholar lacks compared to paid services that lawyers use so I know what I am missing before I go and try to have an argument with a lawyer.
Mr. A
  • 1,696
  • 1
  • 16
  • 30
1
vote
1 answer

Are the attorney ratings on the website avvo.com reliable?

I am relying on the ratings on Avvo to determine who I should choose. Is it reliable?
Bear Bile Farming is Torture
  • 519
  • 1
  • 12
1
vote
5 answers

The nature of honesty

Lawyers seem to be accustomed to the phrase "reasonably ought to have known." Lawyers also sometimes have occasion to be concerned with the concepts of honesty and dishonesty. If you reasonably ought to have known that the sky is blue, but didn't…
Michael Hardy
  • 3,256
  • 14
  • 36
1
vote
3 answers

Tell me about Lawyers' thoughts on defending clients that they know are guilty

There are other questions that address the role that lawyers play in defending clients and the difference between knowledge and proof. I am instead asking about the human element and the impact on lawyers themselves when defending people that are…
Brian R
  • 478
  • 3
  • 9
1
vote
1 answer

Can a lawyer ethiclly have a person in a 3 way call attempt to gain bank account information?

A lawyer in a 3 way call used my sister-in-law to gain information from my bank accounts. The lawyer kept quiet and had my sister-in-law ask questions. My bank told her that they could not help her. Can a lawyer do this? Ethically?
Kurt Zen-Ruffinen
  • 11
  • 3
1
vote
1 answer

Do lawyers have intentions to establish precedent?

I'm curious about the motivations of lawyers. It's often thought that lawyers are a service, like doctors, and will take any case presented to them, regardless of subject (within their area of expertise). Are there also communities of lawyers who…
Brian R
  • 478
  • 3
  • 9
1
2