If the real reason is that you think he's nuts, but you dont want to say that, obviously. And it would normally be the type of case that you would handle, but the client is not worth the trouble. And you dont want to say you're too busy because that may hurt your chances for referral later down the line.
2006-11-16 02:00:02 · 8 answers · asked by Chrissy 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am not an attorney.
2006-11-16 02:10:57 · update #1
It's a personal injury case, not criminal
2006-11-16 02:54:40 · update #2
Although I don't practice in personal injury law, if I had a client who wanted to retain me to represent him, and I don't want the case because I "think he's nuts", then I would just indicate, IN WRITING, that I am declining to represent him. With the exception of attorneys who accept court appointments in criminal matters (and certain civil matters) an attorney is not required to take a case, and is not required to give a reason for taking the case.
I would also indicate in my letter declining representation that I am not declining representation based on an evaluation of his case, and have not made a determination nor am I advising him on the merits of his case. I will then suggest he consult other counsel, but if I truly think that he's nuts, I won't refer him to another attorney. If he asks, I would suggest he contact the bar association for a referral.
2006-11-16 05:10:32 · answer #1 · answered by Phil R 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A- The purpose of a lawyer is not to determine the credibility, guilt or sanity of their client in criminal cases. We do get a lot of nuts who want to sue for the stupidest reasons, though, but then it is easy, you just tell them there is no legal precedent for your case.
B- A lawyer doesn't tell them anything...the assistant will....a lawyer won't waste a minute of his $200.00+ per hour time talking to a client when he is not going to take the case and hence, not get paid.
C- If a lawyer can pick and choose who he wants to take as clients, then he probably isn't in need of refferrals.
C- Reasons we use:
- not the specialty of the lawyer, would you like a referral to another lawyer?
- too busy of a case load...this when coupled with something to the effect that he would be unable to effectively represent them works well.
- if that doesn't work we ask for a HUGE retainer....lol..if they come up with it...then heck...who cares. Everyone deserves their day in court and adequate representation...even the nuts...actually, especially the nuts.
2006-11-16 02:14:43 · answer #2 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This not a good Attorney, but, most are not that why many only want Divorce cases and Accident cases that will settle out of court. If, the person is considered a "Nut" then a good Lawyer can use this in the presentation of the case. But, to answer your question you tell the person there is a conflict of interest and you would not be able to take the case. Then refer them to some really good lawyers.
A good lawyer will defend a person innocent or not. If, the person is guilty, a good lawyer tries to get the person a lesser sentence/fine.
2006-11-16 02:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Try saying you are scheduled for a long vacation, and your case load is full until time to go - then recommend someone else (pass the buck). Or, say you are going to be taking time off for a medical problem in your family, and are not sure when you'll be able to take on a bigger case load than you have now. Better yet, give him an outrageously high estimate of cost - and if he still wants you, it will be worth the trouble.
2006-11-16 02:13:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If, as an attorney, you worry about all those things then you are not cut out to be an attorney. And why would you want a referral from someone you considered "nuts" anyway??
2006-11-16 02:03:43 · answer #5 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
why would you want a referral by said nutcase in the future anyways ?
Tell that nut that you've recently taken on a case that will be very time-consuming and that you cannot devote the time/consideration to his case that you would like to.
2006-11-16 02:08:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just say you have another client with a more "serious" case that you need to attend to.
2006-11-16 02:05:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anthony 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you hust tell them that they really don't have a case but is welcome to ask another attorney about thier case
2006-11-16 02:02:22 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋