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What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by In the dark on 3/8/2023, 9:01 pm

Hypothetically speaking, say someone makes a false accusation that could be harmful to one's career. How does one "talk to a lawyer"? How to people find a lawyer? I know the yellowboard is not the place for advice specific to a situation, but who would one go to in order to get proper advice?

Re: What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by retireder on 3/9/2023, 7:27 pm, in reply to "What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?"

As mentioned, I hope that you are a member of ATPE or the like. This is honestly the only reason I ever joined was for the legal protection. Only had to use them a few times, but believe me - a cease and desist letter from a lawyer goes a long way toward shutting that crap down. You will probably never hear from them again.

Since you are asking here, I am guessing you are not set up with one of the organizations. As someone else mentioned, you can't get retroactive help. Find a firm that will have a free initial consult and find out what it will cost to do a cease and desist. And next year, join ATPE or one of the others!

Re: What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by Si Millican - yes he's still a on 3/9/2023, 1:27 pm, in reply to "What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?"

You can also check your local bar association. Most have "find a lawyer" searches online. The State of Texas Bar has one on their website.

Most reputable firms will allow for a free consultation before you commit to using their services.

Good luck... It must be a (hypothetically) stressful time.

Re: What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by Question on 3/9/2023, 12:51 pm, in reply to "What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?"

How was the accusation made? Who was it made to? Has anything formal come out of it, (under investigation, sent home, outright fired)?

If someone says, "I'm gonna tell" I would laugh and move on. If they make an accusation of inappropriate behavior and a formal investigation starts then I would immediately lawyer up but know it's coming out of your pocket, (hope you have the TMEA insurance). Also know that the it is really hard to counter-sue so get that TV drama out of your mind. Best case it's bluff and ends as quickly as it started. Worst case it's a false accusation and truth be told, sometimes the accusation is all it takes because people like to read the headlines but don't often remember to follow up. But getting anything in retribution has zero chance of happening unless you are fired and a suit gets your certification back.

Re: What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by done it on 3/9/2023, 7:07 am, in reply to "What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?"

As a member of ATPE, I have utilized their legal department when I have needed services. If and when it has been needed they pass it along to a specialist attorney outside of their office. I also have a pre-paid legal service in the even I need services.

TMEA offers legal services if purchased yearly, but I am unsure how it works. I know ATPE has staff lawyers when needed.

Re: What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?

Posted by Suggestions on 3/9/2023, 6:23 am, in reply to "What do people do when they "talk to a lawyer"?"

1) If you belong to TCTA or ATPE or something call the lawyer helpline they provide.

2) If you belong to the TMEA program that's there for this type of insurance, that's another route to at least get a start.

3) Look up educational law companies in the state, or for pure defamation here a local law firm might be an okay bet. Keep in mind this option WILL cost! The value of having a membership in TCTA or something cannot be overstated!

Unfortunately if you have not already joined one of those organizations they can't help you with an existing issue like this.

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