Swore to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New York, in that order, signed my name to the Official Roll Book of Lawyers and got a fancy piece of paper. Done! Boo-yah!
I guess I can’t brush off people’s requests for free legal advice with, “sorry, I can’t give legal advice because I’m not a lawyer” anymore.
You can always adhere to the two-question rule, with the first question being “Can I ask you a question?” That way, after the second question, you can tell them to make an appointment. Instant client!
Well, congratulations! But you certainly can tell people you can’t give them legal advice. Yes, you’re a lawyer, but you’re not their lawyer!
Related side story: I have a niece who is a beautician. She owns her own salon now, after busting her ass for other people for many years. She’s doing well for herself. Problem? When there are family gatherings, her mother (my SIL) or her sister will call her ahead of time and say “Oh, and could you bring your shears? I’m overdue for a trim”. Ugh. So one day, Thanksgiving morning, her mom (who is a dental hygienist) called and said “Can you bring your shears?” and niece said “Sure! Can you bring your kit? I’m overdue for a cleaning!” Her point was made. People no longer ask her for free cuts on her ‘days off’.