Many attorneys find it to be a quaint concept, or pretend not to understand, but at Morris & Stone we will only represent a client if we are on the right side, which we define as the party who should win if justice is done.
We learned long ago that the practice of law is far more enjoyable if you are fighting for justice, as opposed to being a partner in crime with a client who is attempting to avoid paying a valid debt, trying to prevent competition, or whatever.
So with that policy in mind, here is how the best client call of the week went:
“Ring ring.”
“Morris and Stone, this is Aaron Morris, how can I help you?”
(It’s a funny thing, but about half the time, if the person is calling to speak to me, they’ll respond, “is Aaron Morris available?” Many people just can’t engage their brains that quickly. But I digress.)
“Are you the defamation attorneys?”
“Yes, we handle defamation cases. What’s going on?”
“Well, do you represent plaintiffs or defendants?”
“We represent whoever is in the right; whoever deserves to win.”
“Oh, you won’t be able to help me then.”
“Click.”
It’s good to have a realistic sense of your case.
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Whoever vs. Whomever
OK, I had to check. Here is how GrammarBook.com explains it:
To determine whether to use whoever or whomever, the he/him rule applies:
he = whoever
him = whomever
Rule 1. The presence of whoever or whomever indicates a dependent clause. Use whoever or whomever to agree with the verb in that dependent clause, regardless of the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
Give it to whoever/whomever asks for it first.
He asks for it first. Therefore, whoever is correct.
We will hire whoever/whomever you recommend.
You recommend him. Therefore, whomever is correct.
We will hire whoever/whomever is most qualified.
He is most qualified. Therefore, whoever is correct.
Rule 2. When the entire whoever/whomever clause is the subject of the verb that follows the clause, look inside the clause to determine whether to use whoever or whomever.
Examples:
Whoever is elected will serve a four-year term.
Whoever is the subject of is elected. The clause whoever is elected is the subject of will serve.
Whomever you elect will serve a four-year term.
Whomever is the object of elect. Whomever you elect is the subject of will serve.
A word to the wise: Whomever is even more of a vogue word than whom. Many use it indiscriminately to sound cultured, figuring that no one will know any better.
Did I get it right?
This really a great blog for practicing law. I’ve learned a lot through this blog. I recommend this to every new lawyer. And Thanks for the post. I’m really glad to learn something effective.
Do you come from a land down under
Where women glow and men plunder?
(The comment came from an Australian attorney, in case you are missing my weak joke.)
By the way Brisbane Lawyer, great website and URL.