The "Need to Meet A Lawyer In Person" Myth

 

Are you one of those people who think "seeing is believing" ? Read on...

In this global world where people are doing business from one country to the next, I am always surprised when potential clients with good small claims cases refuse legal advice because they wish to have a "face to face" or "in person" meeting. In this article, we explore the myth of the "need to meet a lawyer in person".

 

Myth # 1 - I need to meet the lawyer to know if I "have a case"

A competent small claims lawyer can assess your case within 5 minutes of the initial phone discussion.  Why drive all the way to a lawyer’s office to be told you “have a case” when you can find that out on the phone in minutes?

Myth # 2 - I can judge the lawyer's character better in person

Why?  If he is handsome or she is beautiful does that make the lawyer any more competent?  Is it because you are a good judge of character?  If you are really such a good judge of character, you should be able to judge someone by phone just as good as in person.  Meeting the lawyer to see his or her face is nonsense.

Myth # 3 - "You never know which 'weirdo' is on the other end of the phone line"

It's called the internet. These days you can pretty much look anyone up very simply on the internet.  Do some internet diligence and you will know who’s on the other end of the line.

Myth # 4 - how can I hand over money to a lawyer I never met?

And meeting the small claims lawyer is any more worthwhile?  Unfortunately, I have had had many clients defrauded even after personal meetings.  You simply have to look out for some common signs and ask for confirmations.  For instance, at MrSmallClaimsCourt, we always send a confirming email prior to receiving retainers so that clients have our agreement in writing.  These are the types of signs that indicate which lawyer is legitimate which is not. 

Myth # 5 - I need to "shake hands" with my new lawyer.

Again, sheer nonsense. Many of the world's largest internet deals have begun and concluded without even a face to face meeting or handshake. Many of the world's cultures even frown over personal contact, and, in fact, in many religions, personal contact, particularly between opposite sexes, is to be avoided. Moreover, in this day and age with harassment lawsuits abound, touching is becoming an increasingly bad idea.   The handshake may have been a popular concept in the old world, but in these times, it is becoming fast outdated, and certainly an unnecessary component to doing business.

In sum, we have to get away from the traditional, old school notion that the only worthwhile legal relationship is by way of a "handshake" or through personal meetings. We live in a global world, lead busy lives and rely on technology for instant gratification. We have to be prepared to move along with the times and embrace the ever changing technologically advanced business world, not to stick to old school ideas that bog down advancement and success.

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