how to not be a rules lawyer

by Weldon Cartwright 9 min read

Why do they call it a rules lawyer?

The term is commonly used in wargaming and role-playing game communities, often pejoratively, as the "rules lawyer" is seen as an impediment to moving the game forward. The habit of players to argue in a legal fashion over rule implementation was noted early on in the history of Dungeons & Dragons.

What are the rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers?

When you hire a lawyer, you are trusting him or her to represent your interests in the best manner possible. To protect the public—and the integrity of the legal profession—each state has its own code of ethics that lawyers must follow. These are usually called the “rules of professional conduct.”

What should I avoid when choosing a law firm?

This includes avoiding situations that would create a conflict of interest—such as representing two clients on opposite sides of the same case or taking on a new client who wants to sue an existing client. Financial matters.

Should attorneys be able to handle their problems?

Attorneys who are typically more comfortable having the answers and giving the help, tell themselves that they should be able to handle their own problems. However, lawyers are no less subject to the human condition than anyone else. It takes courage and humility to acknowledge a need for help, and can prevent a lot of damage in the long run.

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Can a DM be a rules lawyer?

5:559:17A good rules lawyer is passive. Even if another player looks up from their character sheet and asks.MoreA good rules lawyer is passive. Even if another player looks up from their character sheet and asks. Hey how does this work you gotta give the dm a chance to answer first it's their rules that.

What are DND lawyer rules?

A rules lawyer is a type of player who insists on adherence to the rules (often specifically the rules as written) at the expense of the enjoyment of other players in their group.

What are the rules of lawyer?

It shall be the duty of an advocate fearlessly to uphold the interests of his client by all fair and honourable means. An advocate shall do so without regard to any unpleasant consequences to himself or any other.

What is an attorney called?

In the United States, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. For this reason, people in and out of the legal field often ask, “is an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?”. In colloquial speech, the specific requirements necessary to be considered a lawyer vs attorney aren't always considered.

How to remove rules lawyer?

It can be removed by dealing lethal damage to it or by reducing its toughness to 0.

How to beat the opponent in a card game?

As for beating the opponent you can lower their life points until they have 0 and then murder card the rules lawyer. Or mill their deck and then kill the rules lawyer. Also if you have an Instant Win card you could use that. Its a very formidable card, but nowhere close to invincible.

Can you win the Rules Lawyer game?

Regarding winning the game, even if you can't do so via state-based actions, you can still win the game with an effect that specifically wins the game, such as Laboratory Maniac, or Biovisionary, or Azor's Elocutors, or any of over a dozen similar effects. You an also make the controller of Rules Lawyer directly lose the game with cards like Door to Nothingnessor Phage the Untouchableor even the Unstable card Baron Von Count, and there are also several other cards this kind of effect too.

Do state based actions apply to permanents?

State-based actions don't apply to you or other permanents you control.

Why do lawyers ask for help?

Asking for help before a situation gets out of hand is key to minimizing damage and accelerating a successful resolution. Calls to our Free & Confidential helpline are numerous, frequently complex, and reflect the highly competitive and often overwhelming nature of today’s legal profession. Roughly half the lawyers seeking assistance are solo practitioners. From our experience, the following risks seem to be the most common, and ultimately, the most destructive if unaddressed.

What does it mean to avoid procrastination?

AVOIDANCE: Procrastination and avoidance behavior may reflect any number of underlying issues. It may, for example, indicate an anxiety or phobic problem. Or it may be a covert expression of anger. It may suggest a sense of meaninglessness or poor fit with the work at hand.

What are the behaviors that are hard to identify?

1. ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS : Addictive behaviors can be hard to identify by yourself and are often more noticeable to others. Behaviors such as drinking or use of other mood-changing substances usually develop incrementally and begin to create problems that may seem unrelated to the alcohol or drug use.

How to react when someone tells you something?

When others, especially those closest to you – spouse, partner, sibling or friend, tell you things and you find yourself reacting defensively, e.g., refusing to listen, arguing/blaming, rationalizing or avoiding them, they may be seeing something important. When we react defensively, it’s always worth leaning into the feedback to explore more deeply why it’s triggering such strong emotion. Take a deep breath, and listen until you clearly understand what they are saying. Take time to think about it and follow up at an agreed-upon time. If you find yourself unable to do this, it is time to seek professional help — find more on scheduling here. You can also find a full list of our Free & Confidential groups here, including Solo | Stress Connection, SuperMom, Immigration Lawyers, and plenty more.

Is a lawyer a workaholic?

WORKAHOLISM: Lawyering can be workaholic heaven. The new lawyer working to establish a thriving solo practice, or the new associate’s pressure to move up the ladder of a large firm can work mightily against prioritizing personal, family and spiritual needs.

Is practicing law the most isolating profession?

Practicing law is the most isolating of all professions, which can make it difficult to recognize problems and find help to resolve them early on. In recent years following two 2016 studies on lawyer and law student well-being, the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (COLAP) worked with other stakeholders in the legal profession, forming a National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and issuing The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change. Similar to our organization, Lawyer Assistance Programs in other states across the country provide Free & Confidential services to help lawyers, law students, and judges to overcome isolation and seek help when needed.

Do lawyers need help?

Attorneys who are typically more comfortable having the answers and giving the help, tell themselves that they should be able to handle their own problems. However, lawyers are no less subject to the human condition than anyone else. It takes courage and humility to acknowledge a need for help, and can prevent a lot of damage in the long run. Massachusetts lawyers, law students, and judges and law students can find more here on scheduling a free and confidential consultation with a licensed clinician, law practice advisor, or both. And it’s never too late to ask for help — our Professional Conduct Group is designed to support lawyers facing bar discipline.

Why do you want rules lawyers?

You want rules lawyers because, hey, they know the rules. Let them help you.

What does it mean when you say rules exist only?

It simply means that the rules exist only as a GUIDELINE to play in your world, and you set the exact parameters. With this in hand, rules lawyering stops cold.

How to fix a monster that doesn't know anything about?

The easiest solution is to re-skin or tweak monster stats. Give it a name that's not in any manual, borrow another monster's stats, and change up the weapon and description of the attacks. Now it's a monster they don't know anything about!

How to deal with a difficult player in a game?

The other kind will only cite rule knowledge when it is to their advantage. There are many ways to deal with this kind of player but in my experience it is best to discuss the matter with them outside of the game, away from other players. Find out why they are so concerned with getting their way. If they are being disruptive to the group or flow of the game with their behavior, be sure to express that. In my experience this usually results in asking the difficult player to leave the game. Don't give them the chance to rant in front of the group if you can.

What to do if you're taking fun away from D&D?

Basically, if the players taking fun away from the game, talk to the player out of game, and away from the other players. Just be polite and open. If the player is reasonable they will understand.

Do rules have to be used at DM discrection?

Oh yeah, Rules are used and not used at the DM's discrection.

Should a DM respect the rules?

Ideally, the DM should himself respect the rules well enough at least to know if the rules laywer's position even has merit to begin with.

What to do when practicing law is not for you?

We are only required to do the best we can and that is always enough. If practicing law is not for you, you can do something else. If you are good at it but aren’t having fun, you need to get your mind in proper working order. When practicing law gets dicey, that is the time you need to be grateful.

Why are lawyers admired?

5. Lawyers are admired more for their honesty (and/or humanity) than winning. We all know those lawyers who are aggressive, confrontational, disagreeable and just plain unlikeable. People may dislike dealing with them or fear them, but they are rarely admired. Think carefully when you choose how to deal with your colleagues, clients and the court. Would you rather be admired for your honesty and integrity or feared because you are a jerk?

What happens if you don't control your emotions?

9. If you don’t control your emotions, they will control you. Many people don’t understand how powerful their minds are and what they can do with them. When we don’t focus on positive events and thoughts, chances are we will focus on negative events and thoughts. That is what lawyers do because we focus on worst-case scenarios. It may come as a surprise, but most successful people do not focus on worst-case scenarios, they focus on the best thing that can happen.

How to not be a prisoner of your past?

1. Do not be a prisoner of your past. What happened in your life is a lesson, not a life sentence. We are our own jailors, and our minds are the key. You do not have to obsess over events that were painful or not what you wanted. You are not a victim, so don’t act like one.

Do you focus on the worst case scenario?

It may come as a surprise, but most successful people do not focus on worst-case scenarios, they focus on the best thing that can happen. Admittedly, if you are stressed, angry or depressed, it is difficult to focus on positive thoughts.

What is a rules lawyer?

A rules lawyer is a participant in a rules-based environment who attempts to use the letter of the law without reference to the spirit, usually in order to gain an advantage within that environment.

What is a language lawyer?

The term "language lawyer" is used to describe those who are excessively familiar with the details of programming language syntax and semantics. On English Wikipedia, a "wikilawyer" is a contributor who attempts to use the wording of policies to win disputes rather than reaching the goal of the policy.

Flying races can be very unfun for the DM to "maintain"

This is coming up again as a topic with the two new flying races in the UA.

My DM has the art I made for our campaign as a wallpaper

I... I really don't know how to feel. It was the best campaign I've ever been, the character I played in it was and still is my favorite character, to which I put so much effort on his design, personality and backstory, and the other four players were even better with their characters.

I would like to thank Stranger Things for getting my students interested in D&D

I tried to introduce my students to D&D for a long time. Recently, they caught up with Stranger Things, and my after school activity got a lot of new interested players (and even potential DMs).

The Nightmare Assassin: How a 9th-level warlock can kill almost anyone with a week of time

Dream is a really, really powerful spell—especially for Warlock. Here’s why:

Custom Lineage convinces me that "free feat at level 1" should be the gold standard homebrew rule

Variant human made me feel the same, but now that custom lineage exists I'm entirely sold on the idea that these options shouldn't exist and everyone should just get a free feat at 1st level instead.

Lukewarm UA Take: Wotc should really just provide clear rules and options for playing Tiny sized characters

Now with Fairies being a UA thing and being considered small... Yes I know, there's a few arguments to be made why Wotc hasn't made tiny sized races an option in 5e. But the fact of the matter is, people want to play as tiny sized characters, and if Wotc doesn't provide then they will turn to homebrew.

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

In most states, you can file your complaint by mailing in a state-issued complaint form or a letter with the lawyer's name and contact information, your contact information, a description of the problem, and copies of relevant documents. In some states, you may be able to lodge your complaint over the phone or online.

What is the role of a lawyer?

Lawyers are given a lot of responsibility and often deal with serious matters, from criminal charges to child custody to tax and other financial matters. When you hire a lawyer, you are trusting him or her to represent your interests in the best manner possible. To protect the public—and the integrity of the legal profession—each state has its own code of ethics that lawyers must follow. These are usually called the “rules of professional conduct.”

What happens if a client fires a lawyer?

When a client fires a lawyer and asks for the file, the lawyer must promptly return it. In some states, such as California, the lawyer must return the file even if attorneys’ fees haven’t been paid in full. Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on.

What is the role of a disciplinary board in a state?

State Disciplinary Boards. Each state has a disciplinary board that enforces state ethics rules for lawyers. The board is usually an arm of the state’s supreme court and has authority to interpret ethics rules, investigate potential violations, conduct evidentiary hearings, and administer attorney discipline.

What is a conflict of interest in law?

Conflicts of interest. Lawyers owe a duty of loyalty to their clients, which means they must act with the client’s best interests in mind. This includes avoiding situations that would create a conflict of interest—such as representing two clients on opposite sides of the same case or taking on a new client who wants to sue an existing client.

What is incompetence in a lawyer?

Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on. They must also be sufficiently prepared to handle matters that come up in your case, from settlement negotiations to trial. Conflicts of interest.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

The American Bar Association publishes the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which lists standard ethical violations and best practices for lawyers. Some states have adopted the model rules as their own ethical rules, while others use it as a guide and modify or add rules.

What can't you do?

What you can’t do is tool up and go on a mission to clear the streets of crime. There’s a good chance the law will be re-imposed at some point and people will be called to account for what they’ve done – and, as a law-abiding citizen, you’re more likely to get caught up in that net than someone from a gang or a far-left group.

When rule of law has gone carry a firearm everywhere?

When rule of law has gone carry a firearm everywhere – even if you’re just going to the restroom. If a mob breaks down the front door you don’t have time to go pick up the handgun you left in the kitchen, so it needs to stay on your belt. If you need to go outside, carry at all times – but not openly. That will just mark you out as a target. Have a concealed handgun on you, and a long gun hidden but easily accessible in your car – under a jacket on the floor works.

What do you need to do to protect yourself?

What you need to do is take steps to protect yourself and everything that matters to you, but make sure that you can justify them later. That means your aim is to avoid confronting the lawless elements, but be ready to defend yourself if a confrontation is forced on you.

How to avoid confrontations?

Another good way to avoid confrontations is to just stay at home as much as possible while the crisis is going on. This is one of the best arguments for being a prepper – you should already have the food supplies and other resources you need for this. If you don’t, now is a good time to start. There’s no point leaving it until a crisis is developing, because the stores will be full of people panic buying. Joining the last-minute shopping frenzy is actually a good way to get into trouble, because tempers will be flaring and you can expect outbreaks of violence as people fight over the last stocks of food. You’re much better off sitting that out in a well-stocked home.

How to defend yourself from a riot?

Firstly, plan things out. Decide on a safe room for your family in the event of a home invasion or a riot outside. The best option for this is a room with solid walls and only one way in – a room at the end of a corridor is ideal, because you can cover the approaches. Clear the corridor of any heavy furniture that attackers can use as cover. Also try to choose a room that has one way in but an extra way out – for example a second-floor room with a rope ladder fixed below the window. If attackers set fire to your home that gives you a quick escape route.

How to avoid being attacked by leftists?

The first thing is try to blend in. If you and your home don’t stand out you’ll attract a lot less attention, and that can be all it takes to avoid being attacked. If there are leftist mobs rioting in the streets they’re going to focus on any home that looks like conservatives live there, so at the first hints of trouble you should do an outside check to make sure you aren’t being conspicuous. It might be tempting to make a visible show of support for the cops, president or whatever, but is that worth the risk of attracting attacks?

Was the rule of law restored in New Orleans?

Of course, that didn’t last; New Orleans is one city in a big, advanced country and the rule of law was quickly restored. But what if the government was weaker, or society was less stable to begin with? Or what if it isn’t one single event that causes the collapse, but years of neglect? Many countries are a disputed election or an economic crisis away from collapse – and there are even parts of the USA where the rule of law is too fragile to be taken for granted.

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