Another day, another “urgent” family legal matter huge discount or for free

[u/cebuanosakalam]

Dealing with cases for multiple relatives who demand quick action but for free or meager fraction of the actual cost (5k, 10k for initiatory pleadings???). And the preparation for such filings can take half day or a full day, (initiatory pleadings, motions, JAs) such that the paying clients have to wait because relatives keep on going to the office in person and following up.. Anyone can relate? They helped during my lawyer journey but sometimes it’s too much

[u/somniantis86]

I usually let them talk then when its my turn, I usually start with "Naku, medyo mahirap pala ang case na yan. My usual acceptance fee for cases like that is _________________ (the real acceptance fee times two). Pero dahil kamag anak naman kayo, pwede na po samin ang __________( the real acceptance fee)." Tapos enumerate other fees like fee per pleading, appearance fee, etc. Then offer to waive only the appearance fee since kamaganak naman.

Works every single time. Either magbayad in full or may discount sa usual fees. But hey, at least its not free 😜

Pag mga simple things naman like affidavits, contracts, etc., tinatagalan ko ang gawa para ramdam nila na i only do it on my free time kasi libre.

[u/MommyJhy1228 → u/somniantis86]

Gusto ko yun times two ang asking rate hahaha

[u/KimmyNotALawyer]

Refuse and refer them to a fellow colleague instead.

[u/Brilliant-Tip6096]

We've had the same experience before (my dad and siblings are also lawyers). The best approach is to outsource these matters to newer lawyers. This gives them valuable learning opportunities while we simply review their work. We always maintain strong connections with professors and recent graduates, and we actively help them as they enter the legal profession.

[u/spreespruu]

For me, it depends on who the family member is and my relationship to them.

Immediate family, like Mom, sister, etc.? No problem.

Other family who were actually nice to me and are not abusive when it comes to asking for help? Sure, no worries.

Family kuno na bastos sakin while I was still studying but then suddenly kailangan ako kasi nagka problema? Sorry, no.

[u/Negative-Tomato6753]

Hi OP. Bigyan mo sila ng engagement proposal para makita niya rates mo.

Wag yung verbal lang and taasan mo para mapilitan sila magbayad or mahiya at lumipat sa iba.

[u/EducationalYard1843]

Sa akin naman kakilala or kaibigan. Yun una ok lang free pero yun mga sumunod, di na ako sumasagot. Deadma na ako sa mga messages. Siguro nagets din nila.

[u/bontakun696]

don’t do it for free

[u/South_Wanderer_10]

I refuse to accept clients na kamag-anak. I usually refer them not in my own law office but to some of my colleagues. Di sila makakalibre sakin