The Care and Feeding of Attorneys

By Jerry Kessler, Esq.

The following comments are general in nature, but if you consider them carefully, some of these suggestions could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars during your business careers.

Why bother with attorneys?  (This is not just a lawyer-bashing joke.)

If you wanted to take an oil tanker through Prince William Sound, you'd probably engage the services of a pilot. If you had a tax problem, rather than wade through the maze of the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations yourself, you would more likely consult a CPA. The point is, there are many things in this world you can do alone, but probably shouldn't.  Even when you go into a club, you may be able to get seated & served, but you tend to get a better table and a better drink if you go in with a member.

There is a saying in the legal profession: "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client."

Where to find an attorney? (Most attorneys don't get lost.)

We live in an age of increasing specialization. Every day, new cases are being decided by state and federal courts. Every day, new laws are being passed by Congress and by state legislatures and new administrative rules and regulations are being promulgated. No one attorney can keep up with the entire body of law. None can be an expert in everything.

How can you find the attorney who is best qualified to help you with your particular problem? First, ask your family attorney, if you have one. Many general practitioners have several areas of expertise and are qualified to assist you at least in analyzing a prospective case. If the matter is beyond the scope of your attorney's field of practice, ask for a recommendation.
If you don't know an attorney, there are other sources of assistance: Try asking another professional, such as your CPA or a real estate or insurance agent, or call the Referral Service of the County Bar Association. Or, you might even request a recommendation from someone you know who has had a similar problem.