KNOWING A LAWYER IS A BARGAIN: Attorneys Typically Offer $5,000 Worth of Free Advice, Robert Half Legal Survey Reveals
MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Being the friend or relative of a lawyer often has its benefits – among them, free legal advice. More than two-thirds (68 percent) of attorneys surveyed by Robert Half Legal said family and friends frequently ask them for advice. While the majority of respondents reported they are pleased to offer such guidance, nearly one-quarter (23 percent) find these requests burdensome or irritating. When lawyers were asked to place a dollar value on the guidance they have given in the last 12 months, the median response was $5,000.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal, a premier legal staffing firm specializing in lawyers, paralegals and other highly skilled legal professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and included responses from 300 lawyers at the largest law firms and corporations in the United States and Canada.
Lawyers were asked, "How frequently are you asked by friends and family members to provide free legal advice and assistance?" Their responses:
Very frequently |
24% |
|
Somewhat frequently |
44% |
|
Not very frequently |
29% |
|
Never/no answer |
3% |
|
100% |
||
Lawyers also were asked, "How do you feel when friends and family members tap you for free legal advice?" Their responses:
Pleased |
65% |
|
Burdened |
21% |
|
Irritated |
2% |
|
Don't want to get involved |
1% |
|
Ambivalent/indifferent |
1% |
|
Doesn't apply |
1% |
|
Other/don't know/no answer |
9% |
|
100% |
||
"Nearly everyone with expertise in a specific area is approached by a friend or family member for informal advice from time to time, and lawyers are no exception," said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal. "Although most in the legal field take these requests in stride, when someone is approached too often, and by too many people, it can feel like a burden. In these situations, it may be best to make a referral and then move on."
About Robert Half Legal
Robert Half Legal is the legal staffing division of Robert Half International. The company provides law firms and corporate legal departments with highly skilled professionals, including lawyers, paralegals and legal support personnel, on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Legal offers online job search services at www.roberthalflegal.com.
SOURCE Robert Half Legal
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