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“The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”
SHAKESPEARE, Henry VI, part II: IV, ii
The Birman & Ride Good and Bad Lawyer Guide
Good lawyers usually achieve the best results with logic, persuasion and charm rather than bullying and bluster. Oddly, the latter approach rarely works in a courtroom. Of course, at times a firm stand is called for. But an empty vessel makes the most noise.
Good lawyers get the facts right and research the law before expressing their opinions or bursting into print. Bad lawyers shoot from the hip. In their haste to impress their clients they will issue ultimatums or even writs before getting the facts straight – often to the ultimate disadvantage of those whom they represent.
Good lawyers are objective and dispassionate about your case. Bad lawyers will make it their mission in life. A lawyer we knew was so zealous about his client’s cause he laid in front of a bulldozer to stop a demolition. He got run over!
Avoid lawyers who talk in tongues. If you can’t understand what they say or write, chances are no one else will either. Tell-tale signs:
- archaic Latin expressions
- long words, long sentences and long paragraphs
- pompous or condescending language
- words in inverted commas or excessive capitalisation
- adverbs.
Good lawyers tell you what you need to hear; bad lawyers tell you what you want to hear. Good lawyers express your options to you in dollar terms; bad lawyers talk in terms of matters of principle. You won’t thank your lawyer for promising you the earth and delivering only a fat bill.
Good lawyers are upfront about their fees and render regular itemised bills.
Bad lawyers obfuscate – or even make you feel embarrassed about asking.
Good lawyers will consider all available strategies and review them with you.