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No - I just got comfortable with saying “that’s not my area of law” or “that really depends, and may require additional research - probably best to retain a lawyer.”
Sorry, I take a different approach. I don’t hide it and I also don’t shy away from it. 9/10 they have an issue in an area of law you don’t practice, but I let them know I’m a lawyer and sometimes I help them think through their issues. You never know who knows who and who can recommend someone. I’ve literally talked to a random stranger for 45 mins about an issue that was kinda in my area and he was a solo in a different state. I also go to almost any speaking events I’m invited to as well.
At the end of the day, if you want to make money in this game, you’ve got to be known as a lawyer. Not a patent lawyer, a deal lawyer, a litigator, but someone your clients come to no matter the area of the law and the only way you get to know the issues in different areas of the law is to talk to people about them.
Take it or leave it, but just the way I do life.
Out it all the responses yours is spectacular. You’re going to be great. 😊
I mean I just say I don’t know 🤷🏾♀️ because I usually do not know.
I don't tell anyone I'm an attorney but my mother sure does. Can't go to my old neighborhood without someone asking about dui this or divorce that. You'd think my momma had been the one lugging those barbri books 😂.
Constantly!! When I meet new people I don’t say I am an attorney I just say I work at a law firm.
I do this too lol
Yes, but I also add, “I’m actually here to hang with family,” or “I’m off duty right now,” to let folks know that we are not in the proper environment for me to be giving out advice. It may seem rude, but it took a long time for me to learn to set those boundaries & keep people from backing me into corners, holding me hostage with their legal hypos and keeping me from participating in whatever event I came to attend.
Rising Star
Or you can just not give free advice?
Nah, I just patiently explain what patent law is and they normally lose the will to ask me anything else after that
I tell people I do construction litigation and you can always see their eyes glaze over when I talk about rock boring samples.
100%✔️
I just tell them it’s not my practice area and that they should look into retaining a lawyer or use Google for guidance.
No, but that’s a good idea. Unfortunately, I can’t hide it from people who already know and feels entitled to advice and even actual work at all hours.
I don’t tell people I’m a lawyer because I don’t want people to think I have money 😁I also like to wait to see the shock on their face when they find out
But a GREAT usage of this is, when random guys approach you at the bar and you are not interested, “I’m a litigation lawyer” to the “what do you do” question kills the convo completely 99 percent of the time and they suddenly need to go. Soooo effective 🤣🤣🤣🤣
100% yes. I used to say “o that’s not my area of expertise” but people have started asking immediately what kind of law I practice. Smh. It’s super annoying and I hate it.
I usually tell them I am a healthcare attorney and that makes the conversation pivot. They don't ask for legal, just ask where I work, etc.
All the time!
Omg this!!! I have zero issues giving the short rejection for people I don’t know. But somehow, asian families feel the need to offer your advice to their random families and friends as if it’s some weird way of them saying they are proud of you, when they actually never verbalise ‘I love you’. That’s awkward. I’ll usually say something obvious and generic. Like if an IP issue that I have no expertise in, “oh yeah you should protect your IP before disclosing it.”
NEXT!!!
I tell ppl my rate and that I will be happy to provide a courtesy 5% family and friends discount.