The Difference between Legal Information and Legal Advice
Protecting Your Interests, Business, Property & Rights
Legal information pertains to general knowledge of the law or legal principles. Anyone with expertise in the subject matter or adept research skills can offer legal information, which may be applicable to a wide audience. Providing legal information does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
On the other hand, legal advice involves a thorough analysis of how the law applies to a specific situation, taking into account relevant facts. This requires a deep understanding of the law and the ability to apply it to a particular case or individual. Only licensed attorneys are authorized to give legal advice, and doing so creates an attorney-client relationship tailored to the individual and their unique circumstances.
Please be aware that the content on the Ernest Goodman Law Firm website constitutes legal information rather than legal advice
An attorney-client relationship is a legally recognized professional connection between a lawyer and a client. This relationship is established when a client seeks legal advice or representation from an attorney, and the attorney agrees to provide those services. The attorney-client relationship is governed by a set of ethical rules and professional responsibilities that ensure the protection of the client’s interests, including confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.
Attorney-client privilege is a crucial component of this relationship, as it allows clients to communicate freely and honestly with their lawyers, knowing that the information they share will remain confidential. This privilege encourages open dialogue and helps the attorney provide accurate and effective legal advice. However, the privilege can be waived by the client or lost under certain circumstances, such as when the client engages in criminal activity or fraud.
The attorney-client relationship also involves a fiduciary duty on the part of the lawyer, who must act in the best interest of the client, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain professional competence. Additionally, the attorney is required to keep the client informed about the progress of their legal matter and promptly respond to the client’s inquiries.
Different Consequences
In conclusion, attorneys are cautious about providing free legal advice because if the advice or forms filled out are incorrect and harm is caused, the attorney may face a malpractice suit. Without having received a fee, the attorney may not have the resources to settle the suit. It is recommended to utilize free legal information to learn about a particular area of law, but seek legal advice from a licensed attorney when ready to take action in a case.