The phone rings … intelligent sounding idjit just wants to ask me a quick question. Ugh!! I give my standard response – ‘… we only work with attorneys …’.
Idjit replies, ‘ … but it’s just a question. Is there someone there that can answer a question for me? I don’t want to have to have to pay anyone for a consultation or anything …”
ARE YOU FARKING KIDDING ME??!!
‘Sir, that’s how we make our living’ <he cuts me off> “No. You make your living in court.’
I repeat, ARE YOU FARKING KIDDING ME??!!
“I don’t make my living in court. I make my living by providing paralegal support TO ATTORNEYS, not the public. I answer questions from attorneys. I’m a PARALEGAL. I don’t answer questions from the public because they are usually questions of law and I’M NOT LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW.”
Idjit: “Well, I know laws are different for paralegals in different states …”
I visualize a thought bubble over my head:
1. You’re calling from Georgia.
2. I’m in Georgia.
3. Georgia limits the services paralegals provide to the public.
4. IDJIT!
“Sir, paralegals are NEVER licensed to practice law. Attorneys go to law school and pass the bar so they can answer legal questions and give legal advice. I didn’t go to law school or take the bar and I choose to provide my services to attorneys that PAY ME for my time and expertise.”
Idjit: ‘Oh, uh, but …’
“Now you want me to violate my principles and possibly break the law AND you want me to do it for free?!?!? Would you call a random doctor or nurse to ask a medical question and not expect pay for their services?”
Idjit: ‘Yeah, because the hospital and insurance companies pay them …’
Oy! For the love of …
<I’ve now successfully burned 1000 calories>
The rest of the conversation is a blur … I think he broke my brain.
Oh. Em. Gee.
I am laughing so hard. I came here to read other horror stories of PLs to make myself feel better. 🙂
Here is what I’ve learned….DO NOT WORK AT A LAW FIRM. Work in the legal department of a corporation. It is 8 million percent less stressful!!!
I don’t know … at least when it gets too crazy, I just grab my laptop and curl up on my couch with my cats and keep working 🙂
Oh. Em. Gee.
I am laughing so hard. I came here to read other horror stories of PLs to make myself feel better. 🙂
Here is what I’ve learned….DO NOT WORK AT A LAW FIRM. Work in the legal department of a corporation. It is 8 million percent less stressful!!!
I don’t know … at least when it gets too crazy, I just grab my laptop and curl up on my couch with my cats and keep working 🙂