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4 Reasons I Hate Lawyers...
Author: 
Philippe Richer
February 18, 2020
Members of the TLR Law team - two women and a man stand together in business clothes.

Okay, I don't actually "hate" lawyers. My spouse is one, or as I like to refer to her at parties: my common-law spouse, as defined by s. 1(1) of Manitoba's Family Property Act. But, while I don't hate lawyers, they can be very frustrating at times.

First, let's list the most common complaints against lawyers:

  • Unclear and Infrequent Communication
  • Speed of Service
  • Huge Bills and Unexplained Costs
  • Lack of People Skills
  • Lack of Ethics and Good Old-fashioned Manners

Unclear and Infrequent Communication

This fault is a particular pet peeve of mine. Lawyers are incredibly well educated. First, most law students already have a bachelor's degree prior to attending law school. Secondly, only a small percentage of applicants are accepted in law school, which means that those accepted received high marks in their undergraduate degree. In law school, we write 30-page essays. We present to judges, professors and fellow law students in mock trials and moot courts. Communication is an essential skill to law students and their profession. So why can't lawyers communicate effectively with their clients? While law school doesn't teach time management, these concepts are not difficult to understand. Lawyers need to make time to communicate regularly with their clients. In terms of clarity, as a profession, I believe we spend more time trying to sound "lawyerly" rather than cutting to the chase and explaining legal concepts in layman's terms. There is no excuse for this, and as I write this, my level of frustration increases. I hate lawyers!

Speed of Service

I am more forgiving on this issue. Legal problems have a way of spinning out of control. When we accept a file, we may believe it is straightforward, only to find out later that it is significantly more complicated. It would be like someone going to their family doctor with what they believe is a cold only to find out their cough is a cancer symptom. We don't control the facts. We must contend with whatever occurs and assist the client appropriately. However, these files tend to take up considerably more time than anticipated. If several of these occur at once, we can rapidly go from a busy practice to an overloaded practice. That being said, communication becomes even more important. I find clients sometimes understand even the best-laid plans don't pan out. But we must make sure they know that.

However, back to my previous point, time management is a skill that any lawyer can learn. Those who don't manage their time will have no excuse.

Huge Bills and Unexplained Costs

My personal belief is that this is a communication problem rather than a fee problem. Legal matters can be complicated and difficult to navigate. We spend countless hours meeting in my office or the hallway discussing difficult scenarios and the best way to advise our clients. Solutions are rarely black and white. If we give the wrong advice, we can be held liable. So legal matters can take time to figure out. Lawyers don't build or sell widgets. We sell time - our time. It's all we have. We must communicate the time and effort applied or required for a matter. Otherwise, our fees can come as a surprise. However, if we stay in touch with our clients and advise appropriately, I find that clients usually understand.

That being said, I won't go as far as to say that some lawyers do not overcharge. It happens. It happens with everyone, including doctors, contractors, therapists, and retailers. It's human nature, unfortunately.

Lack of People Skills and Good Old-Fashioned Manners

While communication is a pet peeve, the above complaint is what underlies my frequent outbursts at the office of: "I hate lawyers!". I'm not sure if it's personality-driven or culture-driven, but clumsy interpersonal skills drive me nuts. Lawyers who run over clients or other lawyers impatiently, disdainfully, or insensitively drive me insane. Why? What's the purpose? Does it make them feel important?

Sometimes, especially in contentious matters, lawyers must present in a way that says: "don't mess with me, you'll regret it." However, this does not mean that we have to belittle, insult, condescend or mistreat others. When I practiced criminal defence, we were able to remain civil (in most cases) in murder and child abuse trials. Whether it be mom's estate or a horrible event such as murder, the subject matter of the dispute cannot and should not affect the discourse between the parties. It's difficult enough to resolve these matters without lawyers becoming part of the problem. I believe that lawyers can at times impede a resolution. Ack! I hate lawyers!

For those distinguishing minds out there, you'll note that I merged the last two points under the previous heading. You'll also note that I did not address the lack of ethics. While unscrupulous lawyers exist (as unscrupulous people exist everywhere), I can't say that I often run into this. If we behave unethically towards clients or other lawyers, the law society gets involved. As a whole, I don't believe this is an issue.

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Disclaimer - Legalese

This article is presented for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice or solicitation and does not create a solicitor-client relationship (this means that I am not your lawyer until we both agree that I am). If you are seeking advice on specific matters, please contact Philippe Richer TLR law at 204.925.1900. We cannot consider any unsolicited information sent to the author as solicitor-client privileged (this means confidential).