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Is anyone facing same situation?
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“Sorry, that’s not my area of law, but I can refer you to someone if you would like.”
send them an invoice
"I really can't give cogent legal information without thoroughly investigating the facts at issue. Here's my card; please call the office for an appointment."
I have ADHD, too, and I like this method because it puts the ball in their court, AND future interactions regarding the matter will occur in the professional setting.
Rising Star
I usually do similar, but add that my standard retainer is $10k, but I can give them the friends/family discount of $5k. It’s worked all but a handful of times (and when it didn’t deter them, I referred it out and got a referral fee, so it still worked)…
“Sorry my firms insurance does not cover providing advice outside of a formal engagement. I’m happy to refer you to some people or resources if you’d like.”
Idk to each their own but I give a lot candid advice to close friends and relatives while giving the disclaimers where necessary about me not being their lawyer and my limitations in knowledge. I just hope it comes back around to me.
What’s annoying is people you haven’t talked to in years who just ping you out of the blue and don’t even ask how you’re doing and just throw their question at you. The audacity and shamelessness of some people truly is incredible.
I do not give free legal advice except to a very limited pool of people. And even then, I’d be quick to refer them to attorneys I know if it was more involved. I’m in house in a niche specialty now anyway so I can use that as an excuse.
For instance, I recently reviewed a residential lease for my wife’s best friend. I didn’t mark it up, just highlighted the important things she needed to know.
My best friend is a real estate investor (broker/developer). I reviewed his Operating Agreement for a real estate deal to explain legal terms to him and highlight the risks. I did not mark it up.
I got a call the other day from a college friend. He wanted me to review his partnership agreement with these Russian investors for a shady business deal in South America. I wanted nothing to do with it but gave him the names of two different attorneys at firms I used to work at that he could retain (for money) to review it.
I’m on the board of a non-profit. I will periodically do legal work for them as a donation (regulatory advice on certain deals they are considering; mark up and negotiation of office space lease; simple contract review like NDAs). I am very quick to say “this needs outside counsel.” And I have them send the issue to a firm I used to work for.
Tell them to look at AI for their answers and solutions
I use the wedding system. If they’re married but didn’t invite me to their wedding, they aren’t close enough for free advice. If it’s a lot of free advice, then only if I was in the wedding party.
“Im happy to talk to you, but the advice is worth exactly what you’re paying for it.”
Depends on who's asking and what they're asking for. The parents and in-law's get free consultative services and occasional letters/appearances, usually for HOA issues, lol.
My close friends get free consultative advice if it can be done over a call. In one case, I made a Court appearance on behalf of a close friend who was being threatened with eviction.
I remember when he moved out of town, I asked him for his Herman Miller Aeron chair and pointed out that he hardly ever used it and that I'd done favors for him, which would normally have a value in the thousands of dollars. He protested for a good 10 minutes, but ultimately gave it to me, which was on brand for him.
Less close friends and acquaintances are gently reminded of my hourly rates, and that it wouldn't make financial sense for them to hire me.
There's also usually a carve out for family. The firm doesn't care about that, usually.
I just tell them that my firm prohibits me from doing anything outside the firm. It’s not entirely true, but it practically is, and people can accept it.
“I work in finance so I have no useful expertise in this area of law. I’d recommend reaching out to a specialist with relevant experience.”
“Here’s my office number, you can call and schedule a consultation. Unfortunately I can’t give you legal advice without running a conflict check.”
How about loose friends, acquaintances, family members, friends and friends of friends needing free legal advice? Not kidding!
You can barter with them- hey it’s free but I want x or I need this. Bartering has worked for me tbh
“hey NAME - I’m so sorry, but I’m swamped and not able to look into your question. As you know I work in FIELDofLAW and don’t know much about your question. That said, I think a lawyer that works in the area you’re looking to learn about could be really helpful. I recommend that you reach out to someone with that expertise. All the best!”
That's a problem. I'm am sorry your "friends" try to take advantage of you this way!