Should You Trust Your Lawyer?

Imagine the following. You’re driving and come to a red light. Across the intersection is a pile of $1,000,000 cash. The intersection is clear, and no cars are approaching from your right or left. In the distance coming towards you is another car. The first person to reach the $1,000,000 keeps it.

There is a red-light camera on the intersection. If you run the red light, you will get the million dollars, but you are also certain to receive a fine.

Let's up the stakes. You've maxed out the points on your licence, and if you run this red light, you’re licence will be suspended for six months.

Let’s up the stakes. It’s five million dollars. You’ve been drinking. If you run the red light, police will catch you after you get the five million dollars. They will breath test you, and you’ll lose your license for a year.

What do you do?

Imagine if you asked your lawyer in the presence of a witness, “Should I run the red light and get the $1,000,000?” or, “I am driving a bit tipsy. Should I run a red light and get five million dollars?”

 Would your lawyer suggest you break the law?

Let's up it a bit more. You are not under the influence of alcohol. The event is being broadcast on public television. Everyone will know you ran the red light, that you received a fine, and kept the $1,000,000. Anything your lawyer tells you to do will be known to the public.

What would your lawyer tell you to do?

Your lawyer cannot tell you to break the law certainly not in the presence of witnesses or on public television.

I know what I would do.

I believe that sometimes your best approach may not be asking a lawyer. Sometimes you are best not listening to your lawyer.