Category Archives: Opinion

General Legal, Opinion

10 Annoying Client Traits

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I recently wrote of 10 Annoying Attorney Traits.  I only listed 10 of them, though there could have easily been 100+.  A colleague suggested I write about Annoying Client Traits. I agreed to do it.  Disclaimer:  This applies to none of my past, present and/or future clients.  Any resemblance to you is purely coincidental.

  • 10.  Calling at the Last Minute.  You have a trial tomorrow?!  You have had the papers for  months, were served and ignored the other attorney’s calls and letters for weeks.  Then you are upset with the attorney because we cannot get involved…
  • 9.  Petty Cases.  You want to sue your neighbor because some leaves blew on your side of the fence, or in the family arena, because he was 5 minutes late for visitation drop-off.  The Court does not want to hear it unless it matters.  
  • 8.  Expecting Something for Nothing.  I get multiple calls a month where the potential clients say they “don’t got no money, but…don’t you attorneys have to take some cases Pro Bono…”  All Mississippi attorneys donate at least 20 hours per year on Pro Bono cases, or pay $200 dollars to the Mississippi Bar.  Just because you don’t want to pay doesn’t mean your case is Pro Bono.  
  • 7.  Declaring War.  Okay, so you have a serious case.  It does not mean that the right move is to put on your helmet, arm yourself  and put on war paint.  Listen to your attorney.  Sometimes resolving your differences or settling your case is a better long-term outcome.
  • 6.  Suing for the Principal.  Your case just got 3 times more expensive.  Moral victories do not taste sweet.  Suing on principal costs you lots of money, gets you in a quagmire and it may not end up the way you were hoping.
  • 5.  Not Taking Our Advice.  You paid us to tell you what to do.  Don’t follow at your own peril.
  • 4.  Weekend Calls About Non-Emergencies.  Emergencies happen.  We are paid to deal with them. However, it is not an emergency because your friend’s cousin in Toledo just settled their case without an attorney and you were wondering why we did not tell you about the Toledo case.  What?  Are you okay? Yes.  Call me Monday.
  • 3.  Not Responding to Your Attorney.  Attorneys get a bad rap for not returning calls.  Well, clients don’t return calls either.  We cannot effectively represent you if we cannot speak to you when needed.  Please do not avoid calls.
  • 2.  Not Paying.  You hired a lawyer.  In most instances you caused the mess you are in or at least contributed to it.  You agreed to the fees.  Pay your bills. Not all lawyers are stinking rich.
  • 1.  Lying.  Why on Earth would you lie to your attorney?  We are so immune to judging you based on whatever it is that you did due to the fact that everyone else did it too. They just did not get caught.  Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…to your attorney.

Matthew is a family law attorney and when he gets calls on the weekends, for non-emergency “emergencies” it goes something like this…

Client:  Matthew, I hate to call on the weekend, but…

Attorney:  Are you safe, are your kids safe, are you in jail, are your kids in jail…? 

Client:  What? No, we’re all fine. My Cousin’s friend in Toledo…

Attorney:  Call me on Monday.

 

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer    Visit the website: Thompson Law Firm

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at(601) 850-8000 or Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com.

General Legal, Opinion

10 Annoying Attorney Traits

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My inspiration was a recent blog with a similar topic of the 10 most annoying type of persons.  It had some salty language so I did not re-post, but it got me thinking about things that lawyers do that are annoying.  Here are just 10 of them.

10.   Use Legalese.  Sometimes there is not a plain English equivalent term, but come on.  Please don’t constantly say whereby, wherefore, use Latin terms, or over use allegedly.

9.   Always Angry.  Yes, you have a law degree, but that doesn’t give you a license to be jerk.  Perhaps there is a time and place for being a jerk, but it’s not often.

8.   Don’t Return Calls.  Your time is valuable, we know.  If you get a call return it in a timely manner.  Things happen, you forget, you get busy, you’re writing a new blog post…Return the call.

7.   Blaming the Paralegal.  So every mistake or miscue at your office is someone else’s fault?  Well, you hired them.  Take responsibility for your action or inaction.

6.   Cause Delay.  Attorneys have a unique and uncanny ability to make things take immensely longer than they should.  Is it because they are paid more if it takes longer? Billable hours, Hmmmm.

5.   Take on too Much.  This attorney is always on the go, juggling balls in the air, having 2 court appearance in the same day and it makes you exhausted just to speak to them…if they call you back.

4.   Take on Things They Should Not.  This attorney tries to be a jack of all trades and master of none.  If you can do it great.  If you don’t know what to do, pass on taking the representation.

3.    Always Late.  This attorney is always rushing, but not getting anywhere on time.  There is always an excuse and they figure the judge will be late anyway.

2.    Constantly Curse.  This one is dropping curse words in every conversation.  Most are inappropriate and crude , but hell…

1.    Know it All.  They have an answer for everything. Why you are wrong, why they are right.  There is no compromise unless it’s on their terms.  They are exhausting to speak to.

What do attorneys do that annoys you?  Leave a comment, but don’t say “wear a bow tie.”

Matthew is a family law attorney and native Mississippian who tries NOT to be an annoying attorney, though he has on occasion exhibited some of the traits above.  (3 this week!)  

Follow his blog: BowTieLawyer    Visit his website: Thompson Law Firm, pllc

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com.

Divorce, General Legal, Opinion

Holiday Burnout; 3 Tips to Cope and Keep Moving Forward.

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Now that the Holiday’s hustle and bustle are behind us it is common for an emotional lull or brief bout of depression to set in.  These are the Christmas Blues and are real.  These are especially common in those persons dealing with the stress of family law litigation.

Christmas Blues happen for a number of reasons; all of the excitement and anticipation of the holidays have passed, financial problems that were ignored can no longer be (your personal financial cliff), the relatives you actually enjoy seeing have gone back home, and the “doldrums” of work and real life are back, in full force. There is even a medical term that can be applied; seasonal affective disorder.

There are a few mechanisms to cope with these Christmas Blues. I have previously blogged on dealing with stress by keeping a routine, adding some form of physical fitness and making your bed everyday, these continue to be applicable.  However, the Christmas Blues can be counteracted with a few other techniques, which also happen to be appropriate if you are dealing with or anticipate dealing with family law issues.

  • Get a financial check-up.  Meet with your financial advisor or CPA.  Hire one if you don’t have one.  You may think you don’t have a need or do not have enough assets to warrant it, however knowing what you have, where it goes and what to do with it helps regardless of your situation.
  • Get a medical check-up.  This is almost as unpopular as going to the dentist, but do it anyway.  Knowing what’s going on with your health is important and can head off future issues. I know you’re busy and feel fine.  Do it anyway.
  • Get a spiritual check-up.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why is their so much illness and tragedy in the world?  I do not have all of the answers, but these are common questions.  Being centered, be it through your church, other place of worship or out in the woods, helps you cope with life’s unanswered questions.

These are not earth shattering, though may be annoying or hard to schedule.  Do it anyway.  You will not regret it.

Matthew is a divorce attorney, food blogger, and Mississippian, none of which he apologizes for.  Follow the @ http://www.BowTieLawyer.ms.

You may contact the Firm at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.

Bow Tie, Crime, Divorce, General Legal, Opinion, Pets

BowTieLawyer’s Top Rated Posts of 2012 (and a few of my favorites)

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Below are the Top Rated posts for BowTieLawyer for 2012 and a few of my favorites.  Thank you for viewing this blog, posting comments and sharing.  I think this is a worthwhile blog and I enjoy doing it.

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I began on August 14, 2012, blogging about Family Law issues and whatever else I felt like.

TOP 5 POSTS FOR 2012

And a few of my Favorites;

Thompson Law Firm, pllc        (601) 850-8000

General Legal, Opinion

Even Jedi Need Training! (Family Law Jedi)

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I recently had the opportunity to watch my children, and many others, participate in Jedi training. Jedi training included being introduced to the light saber, having the proper attire and practicing offensive and defensive maneuvers with the light saber. The instructor, Lady Skywalker, also spoke of how Luke had continued training by Master Yoda even after becoming a Jedi.

Similarly, attorneys are required to continue their training.  Each year lawyers are required to have 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE), including at least one hour of Ethics.  Typically lawyers attend a seminar or two, per year to receive their credit.

I frequently present at these seminars. I routinely speak on Family Law and have presented to the general public, lawyers and judges. I have conducted seminars aimed directly at other lawyers, training them on how to handle divorces, custody actions, and contempts in Mississippi.  I have presented at “Know Your Rights” seminars on behalf of the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and the Mission First Legal Aid Office.  I have presented at Guardian Ad Litem (GAL, appointed attorney to represent children) training sessions on how to perform Child Custody Evaluations and how to prepare a GAL Report.

To excel at what you do you have to not only be competent, but to continue to get better. I am committed to this by frequently and routinely speaking and presenting at seminars and training sessions throughout the state on Family Law. I am aiming towards being a Family Law Jedi.

Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney that is not afraid to say “I don’t know,” but he will also find out the Answer!  If your case needs a family lawyer that keeps up with the law and current changes in the law please contact Thompson Law Firm.

Follow the blog: BowTieLawyer    

You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@BowTieLawyer.MS

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Divorce, Opinion, Visitation

Top 3 Lawyer Jokes (Some of my favorites)

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I think we can admit we all enjoy a good lawyer Joke every now and again.  We’re an affable bunch, generally, and easy targets.  We do so much that can be made fun of.  Here are a few of my favorites.

  • 3.  What do you call 10,000 Lawyers in the ocean?

A good start.

  • 2.  A Doctor, an Engineer and a Lawyer were discussing who represented the oldest of their three professions. The doctor said, “On the sixth day God took a rib from Adam and made Eve, making him the first surgeon. So medicine is the oldest profession.”  The Engineer said, “Before that, God created the heavens and earth from chaos and confusion, making Him the first Engineer. So engineering is older than medicine.”  The Lawyer spoke up, “True, but who do you think created all of the chaos and confusion?”
  • 1.    A man in Arizona calls his  adult son in New York a few days before Christmas and says, “I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing.  Forty-five years of misery is enough.”  “What are you talking about?,” the son asks.  “We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,” the father says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m tired of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her.”  Frantic, the son calls his sister, who becomes very upset on the phone. “They are not getting divorced,” she shouts, “I’ll take care of this!”She calls home to Arizona immediately and screams at her father, “You are NOT getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. “Okay” he says, “they will be here for Christmas and they’re paying their own way.”
  • What’s your favorite lawyer joke?  Send an email or leave a comment.  You may see it here!

Thompson Law Firm, pllc     Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com     (601) 850-8000

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Child Custody, Child Support, Crime, Divorce, General Legal, Opinion

Know Your Rights! Get a diagnosis.

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This blog is inspired by the many, many folks I encounter on a weekly basis who have “no clue” what their rights are.

  • If you’re ill, you go to the doctor to get a check-up.

  • If your car is squeaking, you go to the mechanic.

  • If your roof is leaking, you call the repair man.

But if you think you are in a legal situation, what do you do?  YOU IGNORE IT!

Do NOT ignore it.  Go see an attorney.  They don’t bite.  We’ve already discussed how to determine if you need one (here) and how to find one (here).  This is just aimed at the folks on the fence and those choosing to be blissfully ignorant.  Not knowing your rights, not knowing the law, and not knowing your options is a bad thing.

There are deadlines, timelines, and statutes of limitation.  Memories fail, people forget or misremember, documents get lost, people get lost, and “witnesses” die.  Records get erased, deleted and shredded.  Bruises and wounds heal, scars fade, and most persons recall times past more fondly (or at least not as bad) than they were.

Get off the fence.  Get informed and know your rights.

Thompson Law Firm, pllc    Matthew@BowTieLawyer.ms    (601) 850-8000

Crime, General Legal, Opinion

Don’t Curse in Public! (Public Service Announcement)

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In my profession as a “wicked” divorce attorney I hear lots of cursing and sordid tales. I see pictures, movies, texts, emails, and love letters that would make you blush. Plus I get paid to review this “evidence.” (All fodder for future blogs!). I am saying this just so you know I am not a “prude.” However, I have recently visited the most magical place on Earth and was astounded with what I heard. (**I do not attribute the amount of the cursing to the magical location. I think I was more acutely aware of the cursing due to the circumstances. Don’t sue me, Mickey!**)

stockimage/ freedigitalphotos.net

With that disclaimer, the following is a snippet of what I personally heard/observed;

  • “He’s an a**h****! See his badge. All the guys with badges are a**h***s.” (Said by a an early fifties male guest to his early fifties wife, about a park employee bus driver, as the wife nodded in agreement).
  • “More like Barbie B*tch.” (One mom said to another mom when the child was describing Tinkerbell Barbie to another child).
  • “That’s some bu**$***.” (Not sure of the context, but overheard a forty-something male saying to his friend).
  • Various “F-bombs.” (Mainly regarding waiting in lines; lines for the bus, for the rides, for the restaurants…there are a lot of lines).
  • AND overheard kids saying;
  • “$h**, mom! We missed Tinkerbell!” (I really heard a 12-year-old say this to his mother, mom responded that Tinkerbell will probably be back soon).
  • “Don’t be a ‘Whiny B#tt'” (Said by a 5-year-old to her 4-year-old sister).
Theatrical release poster/wikipedia

Okay, so you heard someone cussin’. What’s the big deal?

The big deal is that there were numerous children all within earshot of every instance, from babies to teenagers. I don’t use curse words, except professionally. I would especially prefer you to not curse around children. Also, it could get you cited for obscenity or disturbing the peace.

And kids cursing? Come on. Back in the day; b#tt, d@mn, cr@p and s#cks were bad words. Not to mention the unmentionables (four-letter words). Let’s keep those words taboo.

Want to cuss at your house? Have at it. Go to a public location attended by 1,000s of kids, try not to be the cast from The Usual Suspects. Want your child to gain friends and win influence? Teach them how to speak by setting the right example.

Don’t like my opinion? Cuss me out, but do it via email at Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com or the next time we are having a private conversation.

Thompson Law Firm, pllc Matthew@wmtlawfirm.com (601) 850-8000