I have a personal problem here and don't know any lawyers in my town. I see lots of answers in this section, but some of them seem wrong. Can you trust lawyers on yahoo answers?
2007-08-08 09:26:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I just joined this site, and I am an attorney. I've answered questions on other websites as well.
Generally, anytime I answer any type of legal question online I will tell the person that they should have a consultation with an attorney in their area.
Online legal consulting is much like it is in "real life." For example, when I have an initial consultation with a client I will not tell them what is going to happen with their case. I can give them my general ideas, but I will not back myself into a corner and promise them anything - I can't. I don't know all of the information yet, I haven't done any discovery, I don't know what a judge or jury will think about the case, there are so many issues. Often, clients don't even know what information is important for their attorney to know, so you might not find out about factors that could impact the outcome until later on.
I don't know how you define a "good" attorney. In my opinion, a good attorney is 1) honest with their client, 2) works efficiently and doesn't pad their bill, 3) meets deadlines, 4) keeps their client informed, 5) maintains a professional demeanor with adverse counsel and judges (following Best Practices), and 6) works WITH the client to come to any alternative resolutions that would be in the client's best interests.
What I don't think makes you a "good" attorney? Winning every case and a lot of money for their clients. Sure, that is great when it happens, but there are other qualities that I believe are very important.
Any attorney you speak to online will at best be able to tell you what the law on the subject is, or the procedure you may go through. This can give you some education on the subject and help you to see if you do in fact have a cause of action. It can also help you to come up with informed questions you may want to ask an attorney during a consultation, or advise you of documents you might want to bring with you.
Be wary of lawyers that give definite answers to a limited amount of facts.
As for how many of them are "real," I don't know. I'm new here. Saying you are a lawyer and giving legal advice when you are not is a pretty bad idea though.
In addition, to the poster that thinks all lawyers are corrupt, I can tell you for a fact that they are incorrect. You cannot judge a profession (or a race, religion, etc.) as a group with stereotypes like that. It is ignorant. Lawyers have a variety of personalities just like people in every other profession.
2007-08-08 10:37:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This isn't a lawyer only forum. There are some complete idiots all over this forum(both lawyers and not). Just because someone read a book after High School doesn't mean he's smarter than you. If you have access to the net you can research almost everything. Check your state's legal resources, universities, and bar ***'n. These sites can answer most questions you may have!!
2007-08-08 17:59:00 · answer #2 · answered by pappyld04 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an attorney. I've found that if the answers given are all, or almost all, basically the same, it's probably good advice. Look at the answer itself: does the person sound intelligent? Spell correctly? Use proper grammar and syntax? These things do make a difference concerning the credibility of the answerer.
2007-08-08 16:32:17 · answer #3 · answered by Stephen L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with david, but you can get some good answers in here, but I think that it may hard to determine if the answer is correct or not. Laws vary from state to state and sometimes city to city. In the long run if it is a big problem it is probably best to consult an attorney where you live.
2007-08-08 16:31:55 · answer #4 · answered by Lori B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For serious stuff like legal help, medical help, financial stuff, don't use the answers you find on the internet. Go to the professional of choice.
Your town has one (at least) of each so check the yellow pages under attorneys and/or lawyers for legal assistance.
2007-08-08 16:34:49 · answer #5 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ooo they are real & good @: many things like druming up lawsuits [ if the money is right] They are constantly on the hunt for a big one and the take is mostly thiers. They are as good at twisting the truth as any politician. They are good con artists, they conned the public into voting ; that you have to be a lawer to be a judge. they are real good @ selling you out to the highest bidder. O boy they are real good.Sometimes you can find an honest one.
2007-08-08 16:47:01 · answer #6 · answered by woody 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I strongly suggest you read the Yahoo Disclaimer before you follow any advice given here.
Some people here are full of B.S.
Some people give honest well informed answers.
Some people, although well intentioned, give bad answers.
It is very important to understand this when seeking advice here.
I suggest reading and understanding the information given in the link below.
2007-08-08 16:37:17 · answer #7 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would trust people like crazylove....with that grammar, spelling and clear intelligence what have you got to fear...most people here are not lawyers, very few are judging from the responses...most seem to be just well versed people
2007-08-08 16:33:17 · answer #8 · answered by JS 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is probably better to not assume they are lawyers. Y!A is not a free law service.
2007-08-08 16:28:42 · answer #9 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you can trust lawyers anywhere - especially on Answers!!
2007-08-08 16:29:50 · answer #10 · answered by cherylincanada 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋