5 ms·

No, I think that most Americans don't have a lawyer on call. The typical advice I have heard is to do a little research on lawyers in your city, and have a pho

No, I think that most Americans don't have a lawyer on call. The typical advice I have heard is to do a little research on lawyers in your city, and have a phone number of a reputable lawyer (or a few) in your wallet in case of a potentially severe legal situation. When you call them and establish a relationship where you are paying for their services they become "your lawyer". (this is not advice, I'm not a lawyer, etc)

skrebbel 12y ago
> (this is not advice, I'm not a lawyer, etc) Related: will people sue you if you don't include that disclaimer?
- jessaustin 12y ago
  IANAL, but I believe that in this case the disclaimer is just a courtesy. That is, before one makes a life-altering decision, one should consult a real attorney, not just us morons on HN.
  - cookiecaper 12y ago
    If you don't include it when discussing any vaguely law-related matter, Internet Tough Guys will be quick to call you out for "practicing law without a license". [1] [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9088475 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9088475
- pluma 12y ago
  If you are a lawyer, you need to make clear that something you say isn't "legal advice" because you can otherwise be held accountable for it. I think the "IANAL" disclaimer is just a step beyond that so non-lawyers can't be mistaken for acting as lawyers giving out legal advice (not sure what liabilities that would entail).
- DanBC 12y ago
  The disclaimer is just a way to say "this is a complex subject; things might be different in your situation; get real legal advice". A lawyer would use something "I am not your lawyer" or "I am not a lawyer in your jurisdiction".
- lmm 12y ago
  If you give legal advice while not qualified then yes. Same as if you e.g. sell food without having the relevant hygiene certification. Would anyone treat a random internet comment as legal advice? Hopefully not.

skrebbel 12y ago

> (this is not advice, I'm not a lawyer, etc) Related: will people sue you if you don't include that disclaimer?

jessaustin 12y ago
IANAL, but I believe that in this case the disclaimer is just a courtesy. That is, before one makes a life-altering decision, one should consult a real attorney, not just us morons on HN.
- cookiecaper 12y ago
  If you don't include it when discussing any vaguely law-related matter, Internet Tough Guys will be quick to call you out for "practicing law without a license". [1] [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9088475 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9088475
pluma 12y ago
If you are a lawyer, you need to make clear that something you say isn't "legal advice" because you can otherwise be held accountable for it. I think the "IANAL" disclaimer is just a step beyond that so non-lawyers can't be mistaken for acting as lawyers giving out legal advice (not sure what liabilities that would entail).
DanBC 12y ago
The disclaimer is just a way to say "this is a complex subject; things might be different in your situation; get real legal advice". A lawyer would use something "I am not your lawyer" or "I am not a lawyer in your jurisdiction".
lmm 12y ago
If you give legal advice while not qualified then yes. Same as if you e.g. sell food without having the relevant hygiene certification. Would anyone treat a random internet comment as legal advice? Hopefully not.