Second-Guessing Your Lawyer

The caller tells me he wants my professional opinion.  What he really wants is some free legal advice so that he can second-guess the lawyer he has already hired.

But the caller has three problems.  His first problem is that I remember him.  I remember speaking with him not once but twice on the phone before he decided to hire someone else.  I have no intention of spending any more time on his case.

His second problem is that I am friends with the lawyer he decided to go with.  I will not sabotage my relationship with a colleague for a waffling, second-guessing client with a now proven history of going behind his lawyer’s back.

Finally, because I have a lot of respect for my colleague, I will not take over the representation. I feel the same way with respect to virtually any lawyer from the Public Defender Service.  How could I accept money from someone when that person is already receiving top quality legal representation?

“You are in very good hands with Mr. Smith, “I tell the caller.  “He is a very good lawyer.  You should be asking him these questions.”

“Mr. Smith speaks highly of you too,“ the caller tells me.

“Thank you,” I say.  “That is good to hear.”

As for the caller’s complaint that Mr. Smith has not been returning phone calls, I point out that Mr. Smith is currently in trial.  “He will be back in touch with you soon enough,” I tell him.

The caller sounds unsure.  He also persists, ignoring my “I am wrapping this up so that I can get off the phone” tone of voice.  Could I just get your professional opinion on one question, he asks me?

I am polite with him.  But I am done with the call.