My mother has a saying that goes like this: “Let the baker bake the bread.” She usually recites it when pointing out that someone has delved into an area of expertise reserved for someone more capable of performing the task. Today, I call on the saying because I feel it an appropriate backdrop for the following discussion:
I never advise my clients on their technology matters or remodeling their offices, nor do I cure their ailments – I direct them to the appropriate professionals. So, why do other professionals always try to give their clients legal advice? Why do they feel the need to do my job?
These “wanna be” lawyers annoy me because they have this incessant need to dish out legal advice to their clients even though they lack the proper education and license. Do they realize that they only make matters worse?
Albeit the irritation, I am not only harping on this issue purely for personal reasons. More importantly, they’re doing a grave injustice to their clients (especially the ones who detrimentally rely on their advice). A case in point was while attending an entrepreneurial event, a non-lawyer in my small group (a graphic designer) advised other entrepreneurs about their intellectual property legal matters. They were writing furiously as he offered them “effective” (as he liked o call it!) legal tips.
It would be one thing, if he actually knew what he was talking about. But, he didn’t – almost everything he said was either wrong or inaccurate. Had I not interjected multiple times to correct him, the impressionable minds in that small group were going to absorb the wrong information. As I reflect back on this experience, I encourage you to be wary of this “wanna be” charlatan – he/she always enjoys morphing into a legal professional.
Remember that your legal matters have an enormous impact on your business operations. Don’t rely on information passed on to you by a non-attorney. Most of the time it is inaccurate and may send you down a road that is laden with legal pit falls! Do yourself a favor and seek out an attorney!
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