It seems that the ink is barely dry on your law school diploma when friends and family start asking for legal help. As lawyers, we want to help, and as family members we often feel like we can’t say no. Unfortunately, what the lawyer may see as a quick favor to a loved one, can result in the lawyer being faced with a costly malpractice or disciplinary action. This issue often happens when the family member’s expectation of what the lawyer agreed to do does not match what the lawyer thought was obvious and understood or when the lawyer takes on something they do not have experience with and should not handle. While a lawyer might think their family member would never sue them, the family member may end up facing a significant loss for which they blame the lawyer.
This program discusses many of the pitfalls lawyers face when giving legal help to friends and family. It is intended to help you make considered decisions about whether to assist your family and friends with their legal matters, and if you do represent them, to do so without putting yourself in jeopardy.
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