Are We Practicing Law Or Selling Used Cars?
Practicing Law is a privilege that requires setting proper expectations with each and every client.
As the Practicing Law Profession becomes more saturated with new lawyers and our homes become more fractured with emotional upheaval, I have begun to notice a trend in the legal profession – it’s becoming less of a profession. Attorneys are making promises they shouldn’t make to retain clients. Is your attorney Practicing Law or selling used cars?
There’s a real problem for the legal consumer as they search for the person they are going to trust to navigate them through the most painful and significant moments of their life.
If You Can’t Trust Your Attorney, Who Can You Trust?
Practicing Law is still a privilege to me. But what’s happening with the legal community?
We all know what it’s like going to the car dealership and waiting for hours while we listen to promises and more promises. We’ve all regretted our purchase and realized that much of what the salesperson said wasn’t really true. When our used vehicle falls apart and we’re left holding those parts, the damage is minimal. When lawyers take this approach, the damage is devastating.
More and more often, I deal with clients and/or potential clients who relay to me what they’ve been promised or what they hear from other lawyers through their soon-to-be ex-spouses. And, more and more, I hear manipulations and sales pitches.
Often, they make derogatory statements about other attorneys personally and professionally, making accusations about why matters are proceeding the way they are, claiming nothing is ever their fault. They blame other offices for their ineptitude and misrepresent the true process and status of the matter. More disturbingly, they sell themselves by deriding other attorneys that are Practicing Law the right way!
Here’s my advice when you seek to hire an attorney. Beware of sales pitches that slander another attorney. This says a lot about professional and personal character. A good attorney will stand by his or her record and professionalism. A good attorney will also have a steady caseload. He or she won’t need to compare themselves to or deride fellow lawyers. We charge flat fees and offer free consults to potential clients, this system does not work for every Law Firm, and that is ok, but our clients love knowing how much they can expect to pay for their divorce, custody case, adoption etc.
We charge flat fees and offer free consults to potential clients, this system does not work for every Law Firm, and that is ok, but our clients love knowing how much they can expect to pay for their divorce, custody case, adoption etc.,
In specialty cases like Family Law, we see Attorneys daily and litigate with them often. We know their strengths and weaknesses. Still, an attorney that needs to point out weak spots to “close the deal” is showing a level of unprofessionalism and immaturity that you will continue to see while your case is litigated. Practicing Law is a privilege. Our commitment should be first to the Law and the People – not to our bottom line.
Sales Pitches from Attorneys include Guarantees and Promises that can’t be kept! Practicing Law means setting proper expectations, whether they sound good or not.
If a potential attorney makes promises or guarantees, this is unethical, improper, and unfounded. All attorneys with experience have significant knowledge and educated opinions about the potential outcome or your case, but no attorney can be certain! When they began about connections and personal relationships, when they talk about their win/loss record, when they tell you what’s going to happen for-sure, walk away.
Clients need assurance and objective advice, not false promises.
Often, I have people come to my office and share how viciously other attorneys attack those who work on flat-fees or have other fee-payment models. My office works on flat-fees, a system that places the burden of results and focused legal work on the attorney. I find this system both transparent and beneficial to my clients.
Others do not agree with this approach, and that’s fine. However, when an attorney begins to attack the method of payment or individuals who use it, that should send up a red flag. Once again, a sales pitch has started. I have serious objections to billing practices and the exuberant amount of fees I see billed based no the work actually done; still, attorneys who use this billing method should never be attacked personally.
If an attorney chooses to charge $350 an hour and there’s no limit on the hours, he or she should stand by their reputation, position, and abilities. If an attorney focuses on high-pressure sales and attacks other professionals, there’s a level of desperation that concern you – the client.
Practicing Law is an Honor. If your Attorney is a good one, he or she won’t sound like a Used Car Salesman.
In the end, remember what you’re seeking when you ask for legal help. You’re asking for exactly that – legal help. This is a serious decision. Thousands of dollars are at stake. More importantly, your personal like and personal problems are being discussed. You’re not shopping for a car. You’re shopping for a person who can help you navigate your legal crisis. Find a respectful professional and beware Used Car Sales Pitches.
If you or someone you know needs a Family Law Office that does not sell nor charges by the hour, feel free to contact our team for a complimentary consultation. We’ll guide you through the process of your Family Law Matters and offer Flat Fees for all of our services. Practicing Law is what we do! Call (770)-490-0921 to meet with one of the members of our legal time. Want to link up with us on Social Media? Click Here to follow us on FB.