Buy a Dog – is the advice from American lawyers

Your lawyer is not your friend.  The American lawyers say, ‘If you want a friend buy a dog’ which is slightly harsh, but the point should be taken.

It may be “Dear Rodney” and “Dear Peter or Jane”, but he is your lawyer not your friend.

He can do more than your friends can to help you in tricky legal situations.

A good lawyer will always give support, not by hand holding.  It is done by clearly explaining the problems and the process and the proposed solutions in clear English.  A good lawyer will explain costs, strategies and risks.

That way the client is informed and knows where they stand.  A lawyer cannot take away stress, but can change the final result.

Do not think of your lawyer as a sounding board.

Use him as a valued professional.  If he asks you to email details or information do so.

A lawyer is not there to write out what you say.  He is not your secretary.

Remember he is like a telephone.  The more you use him the more it costs.  If as at Hylton-Potts fixed fees are offered, help him to give you the best value within that fixed fee.

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