I once had an attorney – an attorney! – who came to consult with me about her own personal case. She was laying out the facts to me, but the case was full of holes. I was asking the obvious questions about the glaring problems with her case, when she stood up and ended the meeting, telling me that an attorney’s job is to listen to the client’s version of the facts, not to ask questions.
That was not the first time I have encountered a potential client who thought I should shut up and take their case, no questions asked. However, I think today’s email was by far the most extreme.
TO: morris@toplawfirm.com
FR: [Potential Client]
I’ve been defamed!
TO: [Potential Client]
FR: morris@toplawfirm.com
Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter.
You didn’t ask a question, but I’m going to assume you want to do something about being defamed. To give any kind of meaningful analysis, I’m going to need far more details. Please write or call at your convenience.
TO: morris@toplawfirm.com
FR: [Potential Client]
Well I didn’t realize I was on Jeopardy, Alex Trebek!
Nevermind. I’ll find an attorney who wants my case.