A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. This proverb is based on the opinion, probably first expressed by a lawyer, that self-representation in court is likely to end badly. As with many proverbs, it is difficult to determine a precise origin but this expression first began appearing in print in the early 19th century.
The adage that "a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client" is the product of years of experience by seasoned litigators, the Supreme Court has remarked. See, Kay v. Ehrler, 499 U.S. 432, 438 (1991). Google "fool for a client" and you can read many discussions of why that is so. Page on lacba.org
Jul 30, 2019 · It is an old law adage, copied from the Italian proverb of Che s’insegna, &c. that the man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client. If he undertakes, of choice, to become so in making his will, he seems to us to verify the proverb in the most obvious and striking instance.
USA March 13 2017. The South Carolina Court of Appeals recently clarified the circumstances under which a lawyer can represent himself and when a …
an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client (redirected from attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client ) Choosing to represent yourself in court rather than hiring a lawyer is usually very unwise.
They might represent themselves in negotiations, but if they do so in a trial they have allowed hubris to take over their better judgment. The adage that "a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client" is the product of years of experience by seasoned litigators, the Supreme Court has remarked. See, Kay v.
Sure. Anyone can represent himself. We don't tend to represent ourselves though. This is for several reasons. One, when you represent yourself you lack perspective on your case. You have trouble seeing the strengths and weaknesses. Two, you are emotionally involved and that can make you unreasonable. Three, you may not know the practice area very well.
Many non attorneys represent themselves in small claims court without any specific training. Attorneys can certainly represent themselves in basic civil matters particularly in areas in which they practice. It would be unwise, however, to attempt to represent one's self in a criminal matter even if one is a criminal defense attorney.
Attorneys can certainly represent themselves in basic civil matters particularly in areas in which they practice. It would be unwise, however, to attempt to represent one's self in a criminal matter even if one is a criminal defense attorney. 514 views. ·.
A lawyer can represent himself in a litigation, there is absolutely no restriction on that. However, many lawyers would say that it is best to have another lawyer oversee a personal matter, as objectivity is important when it comes to litigation, and you can never be objective when you are dealing with your own case.
But in most countries an attorney can't represent himself in any personal civil matter like land, money matters etc. Not only personal matters, an attorney is always prohibited from appearing in matters belongs to his close relatives too. Such an appearance is strictly prohibited.
He certainly can. He can deduct expenses for representing himself OR paying for his own defence. OR and NOT and. So not only can be defend himself as a lawyer in court, but can an as well deduct expenses for the purposes of taxes.
Abraham Lincoln reportedly employed the following adage. Here are two versions: If you are your own lawyer you have a fool for a client. He who represents himself has a fool for a client.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID: A man who represents himself, has a fool for a client.
It is an old law adage, copied from the Italian proverb of Che s’insegna, &c. that the man who is his own lawyer has a fool for his client. If he undertakes, of choice, to become so in making his will, he seems to us to verify the proverb in the most obvious and striking instance. For the ill consequences of his ignorance fall upon those whom he loves best, and wishes to benefit most.
Before you act, it’s Prudence soberly to consider; for after Action you cannot recede without dishonour: Take the Advice of some Prudent Friend; for he who will be his own Counsellour, shall be sure to have a Fool for his Client.
Benjamin Franklin (Fredd Wayne): No, that might be unwise, Sir. The man who defends himself in court has a fool for a lawyer and a jackass for a client.
fantasy-comedy television series “Bewitched” broadcast an episode titled “Samantha for the Defense” which included a character depicting Benjamin Franklin who had magically been transported from the past. 7 The Franklin character employed the adage, and another character credited the line to Abraham Lincoln: 8
Whoever, he stole it from me. In 1976 the famous statesman, lawyer, and quotation magnet Abraham Lincoln received credit for the saying in a Spokane, Washington newspaper. Lincoln died in 1865, so this attribution is very late, and it is not substantive: 9.
However, in the event that some further action is necessary, then the smartest decision a person can make is to allow an experienced trained professional to assist them in the resolution of the matter ; especially when the entire “weight" of the legal system is brought into play.
In many cases, because of the issues and often the “twists", or even simply because the extent of the damages and the possible exposure of the insurance company, the filing of a lawsuit will be required! In fact, statistics show that if a case potentially involves a settlement in excess of $100,000.00; that litigation will more likely than not be required! Simply, because any case with that amount of exposure will cause ALL parties (including the insurance company) to exercise as much “due diligence" as possible to determine whether the claim has merit.
Plus, the best means of performing “due diligence" regarding any claim is through the process of litigation. Why? Because, the process of litigation allows for: (1) The “discovery" of all relevant documents; (2) The taking of “depositions" of parties and witnesses under penalty of perjury; (3) The filing of Court “Motions"; and MOST IMPORTANT, (4) The various legal “strategies" and legal “theories" that the opposing parties attorneys will use to best develop THEIR defense. ALL for the dual purposes of determining BOTH the “true value" of your case, as well as how to REDUCE the amount of exposure (i.e.: the amount of money) that the opposing side will need to pay you to end the litigation.
All professionals, including but not limited to attorneys, physicians, accountants, dentists, but also “specialists" of all areas - all have one key factor in common: Years of education and Training! Training and education that if used in an “objective" and “meaningful" way, can and often does make the difference between winning and losing, and in extreme cases – “financial" demise, and loss of “freedom and liberty".
Next, when a “personally vested" emotional state is combined with all the complexities and nuances that every single legal matter involves, the answer becomes obvious: “He [and even a lawyer] who represents himself [TRULY] has a fool of a client!
President Lincoln was also an attorney, and yet – he felt compelled to make that statement? Why? Speaking from the perspective of an attorney that has been practicing law for over 20 years, the answer to me is actually as much “psychological" as it is “practical". In fact, as much of my practice consists of representing attorneys and other professionals in criminal matters, civil litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, and sales of structured settlements, and annuities, I have had the “unique" opportunity to see first-hand – just how true that statement actually is!
The Law Offices of Eugene Ahtirski is a California “State-Wide" boutique Law Firm with Nationwide Associates. Since, 1989, Mr. Ahtirski and his associates have handled thousands of matters, and have always focused on representing clients in certain specific areas of law; one key area of which is personal injury.